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Yes, you need a hood for an outdoor kitchen. A ventilation hood is required over each cooking appliance, including grills, griddles, and woks. If these cooking surfaces are all in the same area, you can consolidate the hood to one single ventilation unit above the grouping of cooking appliances. A single ventilation hood may require custom fabrication, which may increase the cost compared to mass-produced options.

If you plan to have a refrigerator or other appliances that require electricity, you will need an electrical outlet in your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to comply with all National Electrical Code® (NEC®) codes for electrical wiring and outlets in kitchens. If you do not plan to install a refrigerator or any other appliances that require electricity as part of your outdoor kitchen features, then you do not need to install electrical outlets. However, it is a good idea to install at least one electrical outlet should you decide to use any appliances that require electricity.

Deciding whether to buy a prebuilt fireplace kit or build one from scratch comes down to aesthetics, available space, and budget. Many homeowners like the convenience and lower cost of prebuilt options—around $1,500—versus the involved planning and construction of a larger fireplace. Another bonus: you can usually move prebuilt units. Custom projects are more common when homeowners have access to a larger budget and more area in the yard to place the fireplace.

It’s possible to build your own outdoor kitchen, with the exception of installing utility lines, but it’s usually better to leave the work to a construction professional. If you want to DIY it, opt for an outdoor kitchen kit. For permanent kitchens and more in-depth designs, hiring an expert will ensure every aspect is high-quality and professional, the proper permits are pulled, and everything works safely. Professionals can also help design your kitchen to make the most out of your space, so it’s well worth the investment.