Planning to level up your outdoor kitchen?
The missing piece of the puzzle may just be a coffee brewing station. 45% of American adults consuming specialty coffee daily, so it's clear people are willing to put down their money for quality coffee experiences.
Outdoor kitchens are gaining serious momentum, too. In 2023, the outdoor kitchen market was worth approximately $21.8 billion, and projections show it could more than double, reaching around $45.5 billion by 2032. Homeowners are investing more in their outdoor spaces than ever before.
But here's the thing...
Most outdoor kitchens are overlooking 1 key thing that could make or break the whole experience.
What You'll Learn:
How Coffee Brewing Stations Elevate Outdoor Kitchens
Picture your average outdoor cookout or grill session. Most of the attention goes to the grill, the menu, and making the space guest-ready. But as soon as someone asks for coffee, it's a mad dash back to the kitchen.
That's where most people go wrong.
Building a functional coffee brewing station in your outdoor kitchen design changes the game. Instead of breaking up the outdoor experience every time someone needs coffee, you can handle that in one seamless location.
You've got options. Premium outdoor appliances, smart technology integration, and customization capabilities are the leading growth drivers in outdoor kitchens. With an expected CAGR of 7.87% by 2034, the outdoor kitchen appliances market size is predicted to grow to USD 15.4 billion by 2034.
The missing piece in most outdoor kitchen ideas is a quality coffee station that works for your specific setup. Whether you're exploring coffee of the month subscriptions to keep your station stocked with premium beans or investing in professional-grade equipment, proper integration is key.
Must-Have Equipment For Outdoor Coffee Success
Coffee maker equipment is only the starting point. To be serious about coffee, you have to account for storage, water, space, electrical needs, and more.
Here's what you need to execute like a pro.
Weather-Resistant Coffee Makers
Your average coffee maker is not designed to last outdoors. You need an outdoor-rated model built to handle temperature changes, humidity, and weather conditions. Stainless steel is usually your best bet for coffee equipment because it's rust and corrosion-resistant, and it holds its temperature best.
Bonus tip: Glass carafes are another no-go for outdoor use. Temperature changes can cause them to crack, and glass breaks more easily outdoors.
Proper Power Solutions
Most outdoor kitchens already include electrical access, but coffee equipment can place additional demand on your system and draw a lot of power. Make sure your setup can handle multiple appliances running simultaneously to avoid overloaded circuits, especially when you're hosting guests.
Storage That Makes Sense
Coffee beans, filters, and the like need storage that is protected from the elements and critters. Get yourself some airtight containers designed to hold up against the temperature changes you will see outdoors. Cedar and stainless steel work best for outdoor storage.
Water Quality
Waterlines outside can sometimes have different water quality than your indoor pipes. An additional filtration system for your outdoor kitchen coffee station makes all the difference in taste. Great coffee starts with great water.
Smart Design Integration That Actually Works
This is where most people go wrong.
They tack the coffee station on at the end instead of building it into their outdoor kitchen design from the start. Smart planning is the key to success.
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Location Strategy:
You'll want to put your coffee brewing station in a different area than your high-heat grilling. It's a bad idea to have super hot coffee brewing next to your hot grill. Coffee equipment runs more efficiently in cooler temperatures.
The best location in your outdoor kitchen space has convenient access to both power and water, but still works well in your overall workflow. Think about how you and your guests move around in the space.
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Counter Space Planning:
Coffee prep also needs counter space to stash your equipment and supplies, and to hold your cups as you serve. Set aside at least two feet of counter space or at least 24" specifically for coffee prep. 36" would be even better for big parties.
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Weather Protection:
Even weather-resistant equipment can use some cover when it's raining or in blazing sunlight. Build overhead coverage or side panels that can shield the coffee station from direct elements.
Coffee Brewing Station Technology Integration
Smart technology is a big deal in today's outdoor kitchens. Coffee stations can use a few of these as well.
Programmable Timers
Have your coffee brewing station set to kick on automatically while you start outdoor meal prep. Timing is key for having everything ready at once.
App-Controlled Equipment
Outdoor-rated coffee makers with smartphone control are starting to hit the market. Start your brew remotely from anywhere in your outdoor space.
Temperature Monitoring
Smart thermometers can help you maintain ideal coffee brewing temperatures. This is more important outdoors where the ambient temp shifts more.
Coffee Brewing Station Setup Cost
Leveling up your outdoor kitchen with coffee equipment can be done without breaking the bank.
‣ Phase One: Essentials
Start with a quality coffee maker that is rated for outdoor use, along with storage, and basic counter space. This will get you most of the way there while you figure out what you actually use and want to improve.
‣ Phase Two: Convenience Additions
Once you have the basics dialed in, then add some convenience upgrades like built-in grinders, multiple brewing methods, or additional storage.
‣ Phase Three: Luxury Features
Expensive add-ons like espresso machines, specialized water filtration, or smart control capabilities can wait until you've optimized the basics.
Maintenance Realities
Outdoor appliances and equipment need more maintenance than their indoor counterparts> Plan for the extra care.
Daily Maintenance
You want to rinse and dry everything as soon as you're done using it. Outdoor kitchens have more airborne particles and moisture in the air. All that junk will make your coffee taste bad.
Seasonal Prep
In colder climates with freezing temps, you need to winterize your coffee brewing station to protect from expanding water in your lines and equipment.
Deep Cleaning
Do a deep clean of your equipment at least monthly to remove the buildup that accumulates more quickly outdoors. Use cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer to avoid voiding your warranty.
Next Steps
In short:
Coffee brewing stations take your outdoor kitchen from good to legendary. They keep everything flowing and eliminate the need for indoor trips while adding real value to your outdoor investment.
Coffee consumers are home brewing more than ever these days. 83% of coffee consumers now brew at home. When people are in the mood to splurge, they are in the mood to splurge hard. They'll spend up to $60 on a single bag of coffee. The convenience of an outdoor brewing station combined with the customization and quality of freshly ground coffee is a no-brainer.
Start with the essentials, and plan for growth as you see how your needs change. Plan for the integration with your existing space. If your coffee setup is clunky or not user-friendly, people will quickly stop using it.
The payoff comes in both the functionality improvements and the added value of having professional-level coffee capabilities as an option.
