[Excerpted from Outdoor Kitchen Ideas That Work. ©2008 Taunton Books]

Cooking outdoors means different things to different people. For some, it's tossing burgers on the grill whlie the rest of the meal is prepared and served indoors. For others, it involves preparing, cooking and dining al fresco. Some cook outdoors almost daily, whereas others consider it a special activity reserved for weekends and holidays. Before you design an outdoor kitchen, decide what cooking outdoors means, or could mean, to you.

For starters, do you plan just to grill outdoors or might you also consider roasting a whole chicken, sauteing vegetables, smoking a rack of ribs, baking a pizza or even frying your morning eggs? Would you like to eat outdoors as well, or do you prefer the air-conditioned comfort of your dining room? What will you do after dinner--gather around an outdoor hearth, unwind beneath the stars, or head inside to the family entertainment room?

Next, imagine yourself in your outdoor kitchen. Are you washing vegetables, chopping onions, stirring a pot of soup, or grilling fish? Are you preparing a romantic dinner for two, feeding a family of four or hosting a dinner party for dozens? Which would work best for serving your beverages: a portable cooler, under-counter refrigerator, built-in beverage center, beer tap or bar with an ice maker? Your responses to these and other questions can help you determine your grill size, counter space, accessories and seating options.

Dream a little, then make notes, both about what you'd like to prepare in your outdoor kitchen and the kind of equipment and amenities you'll need to pull that off. Think about how much space you might need, what kind of layout would best suit your needs and how you like to entertain. Most important, think about the kind of space you would enjoy spending time in. Once you do this, you're well on your way to designing a personal outdoor kitchen based on the way you live.