Planning to do a backyard upgrade next spring. Going to replace our old awning with a permanent roof structure, and planning to do a built in grill with a dedicated gas line running to it. Beyond that we are just in the ideas phase. Anybody here done the outdoor kitchen thing? Anything you wish you had added or done differently?
In my mind, "Outdoor kitchen" includes at least the following: grill, refrigerator(freezer), sink and countertop.
You will probably want some refrigeration capability, unless your indoor fridge is really close by. For keeping stuff before you cook, soft drinks, wine, brewskis, sauces etc.
I would have at least two separate circuits of electricity. That will mean two new circuit breakers in your breaker box. One for the fridge. One for doing other stuff. Make one easy to reach. Charging phone. Plug in blender. Outdoor TV. Life requires electricity. GFI on each circuit. GFI plugs are cheaper and easier to change than GFI breakers when the go bad (and they will).
Consider making the easy to reach outside a quad - 4 outlets- with a cover that is rated for in-use wet location. That means you can have an outdoor rated cord plugged while it is raining or snowing. I don't know what you have or will have to plug in. But, you are posting here and most certainly have something(s) you will want to plug in.
Sink and running water are very useful. Need to manage drainage. Directly to yard? Connect to house drain? Need to drain water lines for winter? A touch faucet, instead of one with handles can be useful.
Your countertop will be wet much more than in the house. Also hotter and colder than if inside. Make sure your chosen countertop is suited for the more extreme conditions. Same for any outdoor storage cabinets. You will want some. How much will depend on your level of use of the outdoor kitchen and your tolerance for hauling stuff. If you store any food outside, go with order coated steel or stainless steel. Otherwise you will just be feeding critters.
The stuff above was developed under the Jay Leno philosophy, "I'm president of the more money than brains club. Send me that."