(1) Make sure you choose an experienced and reputable company.

(2) Ask for referrals and follow up by speaking with the customers.

(3) Make sure good outdoor kitchen design principles are used to get maximum function from you kitchen.

(4) Consider the relationship between the indoor kitchen and outdoor kitchen. How self-sufficient do you want the outdoor kitchen to be? How could they be used together when cooking or entertaining? What is the traffic pattern between them?

(5) Select low-maintenance materials designed to withstand the rigors of an outdoor kitchen. High-quality stainless steel provides a sanitary surface, easily cleaned and corrosion-resistant in harsh environments and natural stone counters work well.

(6) The outdoor kitchen design should complement the architecture of the home and the landscape. Use compatible materials and incorporate subtle architectural details.

(7) Plan the entire outdoor entertaining space as part of a single functional plan. Dining areas, lounging areas, cooking areas and pool areas often coexist. Think of these as outdoor rooms and consider the flow of traffic between them as part of the design.

(8) The location of the outdoor kitchen and the equipment within the kitchen can greatly affect the installation or placement of the necessary gas, water and electrical supply.

(9) Extend the outdoor entertaining season with heaters, shade and rain shelter.

(10) Provide ample lighting. Providing adequate task lighting in an outdoor kitchen can be quite a challenge, but it is necessary to keep the kitchen working after dark.

(11) Most importantly, understand the user's needs and the equipment available. How does the user cook inside? Outside? Do they do their own cooking, at parties or hire a chef? How many people and how often do they entertain? Does the outdoor kitchen need to be as comfortable for a family of four to use as it is for a group of 40?