With a sink, storage shelves, an insulated ice bin and bottle opener, this beverage center by Lynx makes mixing cocktails outdoors a breeze.

GRILLING GROUNDWORK
Designer Mary Fisher Knott and barbecue appliance expert Wayne Bergin share the following tips for selecting a grill for an outdoor kitchen.
• Purchase a grill that fits your lifestyle, notes Bergin. Here are a few of his recommendations:
• A 30-inch-wide grill is an ideal size for a couple who occasionally host friends and family.
• For a family of four that throws a party every now and then, a three- or four-burner, 36- to 42-inch-wide grill should suffice.
• Large families and households that entertain frequently should look for a 48- to 54-inch-wide grill with four to five burners.
• Most grills top out around 54 inches wide, so consider a custom model if a larger cooking surface is desired.
• Knott suggests placing a sink close enough to the main grilling area to be able to access the water easily, without encumbering the space. Also, select a sink that is large enough to hold grill racks for cleaning.
• Bergin says that most quality mid-priced grills will emit 12,000 to 13,000 Btu per burner; higher-end grills should put out 25,000 to 30,000 Btu per burner. (A Btu, or British thermal unit, measures the amount of heat a device puts out.)
• Allow 18 to 24 inches of counter space between the grill and sink, advises Knott. Consider installing secondary burners on the other side of the grill, with 12 to 15 inches of counter space between the two appliances. This design works well if two or more cooks will be using the space, she says.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Preparing a game plan is one of the keys to creating a user-friendly outdoor kitchen, points out Mary Fisher Knott. Here are the designer’s five steps for success:
1. Identify how you will use the space, including how often you entertain and how many people are typically involved.
2. Begin researching and shopping for appliances. Take note of the types of cuisines you like to cook, and look for products that fit your needs.
3. Consider hiring a landscape architect to ensure that the kitchen complements the design of the landscape and will work in the allotted space.
4. When determining the kitchen’s layout, keep in mind the following factors: where and when the sun is most intense, to avoid glare and to ensure adequate lighting is installed; the direction that wind and rain usually hit the area; whether you want the cooking surfaces facing guests, so the chef can interact with them; and the proximity of the alfresco kitchen to its indoor counterpart, for easy access to and from each space.
5. Purchase appliances, plumbing fixtures, countertops and cabinetry once you know your dimensions.