Outdoor Kitchens: Small Things People Forget

Picture this: You've selected the perfect stone for your outdoor kitchen countertops. Through countless stacks of paperwork and multiple conversations, you’ve chosen your ideal appliances. You even planned the perfect layout for entertaining. But as many Fort Worth families discover after their first gathering, it is often the smallest details that transform a beautiful outdoor kitchen into one that works for daily life.

Outdoor kitchen with stacked stone and granite countertops in Aledo built by The Collective Outdoors.

As you plan your outdoor kitchen, we urge you to not overlook these essential elements that can make the difference between an unlivable showpiece and an outdoor retreat where family memories are made.

The Missing Paper Towel Holder

It seems almost too simple to mention, yet it's among the most frequently forgotten elements in outdoor kitchen design. That first spilled drink or messy sauce moment quickly reveals the oversight.

Outdoor kitchen with stacked stone and Lueders countertops in The Collective Outdoors’ showroom.

"Seldom do our clients know exactly what they need before they step into our showroom,” said Tom, our sales educator. “They may have an idea, but rarely do they know about the small things like a trash can or paper towel holder.”

The ideal paper towel holder isn't just an afterthought; it should be:

• In a protected location 

• Placed near food prep or sinks

• Made from weather-resistant materials like stainless steel

For many families, installing two holders (one near the grill for cooking messes and another near the serving area for dining spills) creates the perfect balance of convenience.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind… Until It’s Trash Time 

Let’s imagine for a moment you're hosting your daughter's graduation celebration: plates are being cleared, plastic cups collected, and guests are looking for a place to discard their trash. Without proper waste management, your beautiful gathering quickly becomes awkward as guests wander with garbage in hand.

Thoughtful outdoor kitchen design incorporates discrete but accessible waste solutions:

Outdoor kitchen with built-in power burner and trash can drawer by The Collective Outdoors.

Built-In Trash Drawers

Integrated trash and recycling drawers keep bins hidden and smells controlled while providing convenient access. Look for:

• Fully enclosed designs that prevent pest access

• Soft close feature for track longevity

• Removable plastic bins

Outdoor Storage That Makes Sense

The joy of outdoor cooking diminishes quickly when you're constantly running inside for forgotten utensils, serving pieces, or seasonings. Strategic storage solutions transform the experience, making your outdoor kitchen not only functional but enjoyable.

Outdoor kitchen with built-in bar grill and storage solutions by The Collective Outdoors.

Utensil Solutions

Having a designated drawer or drawers for utensils is one great option, but think of the space surrounding your outdoor kitchen. Consider including:

• Hooks for larger grilling tools

• Shallow drawers for serving utensils

• Deep dry storage for bulkier items like pellets

Outdoor kitchen with privacy wall and shelves by The Collective Outdoors.

Our team works with you to design a space that fits your lifestyle. 

Combined Storage

It is nice when everything has its own space, but the reality is not all backyards are made equally. Sometimes, it becomes necessary to combine spaces. Here are a few ways you can design your outdoor kitchen with maximization in mind: 

• Use cabinet dividers inside your drawers to host different sized utensils

• Consider deep drawers for large grilling spices

• Use shallow bins to keep pellets and charcoal together but keep inside its original packaging

Our Weatherford client recalls “the construction, material, and appliances were excellent quality,” transforming the way they experience their outdoor space. 

One Outdoor Fridge Prevents Hundreds of Trips Inside 

While most outdoor kitchen plans include some type of refrigeration, many homeowners underestimate how dramatically the placement and type of fridge can transform everyone’s experience in your backyard.

Mobile bar manufactured by Dometic, “Mobar”, inside The Collective Outdoors’ showroom.

Beyond Beverages

Some outdoor refrigerators are sized only for drinks, overlooking the need to keep foods cold. Consider:

• Refrigerators with removable shelves to accommodate bigger items 

• Dual-zone units for controlled temperatures 

• Refrigerator drawers deep enough to hold wine bottles

Strategic Placement

Where you position your refrigeration matters as much, if not more, as the type you choose:

• Central to your space for your guests

• Away from direct heat sources like grills, smokers, and the west-facing sun

• Accessible to guests for self-service during gatherings- we recommend something like the Mobar, a mobile bar offered in 2 sizes, perfect for moving throughout the party

When the Layout Flows, so Does the Evening

To truly understand what works and what doesn’t, you have to have lived through it. Luckily, we have done that! Our expertise comes from having heard exactly what’s not working from our clients, living through our own patio complications, and constantly learning how to do better. This mindset is what has led us to be the leading patio builder in Fort Worth.

Our team understands a functional design needs an intuitive understanding of how spaces and its elements work together. This perspective we offer is unique to each of our families. Every project we build is different- from the design to the building process to the customization options. Working with our team means uncovering what you and your family would benefit most from.

Outdoor Kitchens are Built for Connection

The most beautiful outdoor kitchen will sit unused if it doesn't support the way your family actually lives and entertains. By incorporating these often overlooked elements, you can enjoy a fully-functioning outdoor living room without ever having to venture inside.

Outdoor kitchen with built-in fridge and smoker cut-out by The Collective Outdoors.

As one client from Aledo puts it, "I thought I wanted an outdoor kitchen to grill. What I actually wanted was to be with my grandkids while they play outside.”

Isn’t that what it is all about? A backyard should be a place to escape from the noise. It should feel like a cool breeze on a hot day; iced tea on a summer afternoon; a tranquil escape from routines and schedules.

Planning Your Perfect Outdoor Kitchen

As you plan your outdoor kitchen, look beyond the appliances and finishes to consider how you will actually use the space day to day. Imagine yourself preparing different kinds of meals, hosting various types of gatherings, and how the space feels in different seasons.

This visualization process, combined with our expert guidance, will help ensure your outdoor kitchen includes all the small elements that make a big difference in daily enjoyment.

Ultimately, the perfect outdoor kitchen isn’t the one that looks most impressive in photographs- it's the one that provides day in and day out. A place to be enjoyed no matter the season, a spot where guests naturally migrate, and the setting for milestone celebrations. And there is no perfect outdoor kitchen, but it should be perfect for you. 

If you’re ready to create an outdoor kitchen that truly works for your family's lifestyle, we invite you to visit our showroom to explore our built-in outdoor kitchen examples and discuss how we can help bring your vision to life.

621 South FWY Fort Worth, TX 76104

817-284-0038