Reading through the home building thread and seeing all the sound advice I figured this was the place to get a good wish list going for my upcoming project. Im looking to see what you all like and what you wish you had done differently.

Below are the few things that I have decided are an absolute must (in order).

• Built in shelf for my KamadoJoe
• Flattop grill (natural gas)
• Sink
• Built in natural gas burner (for wok cooking/crawfish)

I was thinking about tying it into the existing porch to make it seamless but that is looking pretty costly, another option is to have a separate structure with a detached covered kitchen.

Looking for any advice...

Are you planning on building yourself?

I want to do something as well with a different set of requirements once the job market opens back up.

When we do ours, an ice machine is a must. Our Samsung fridge doesnt make enough ice.

Mookie said:

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Are you planning on building yourself?

I want to do something as well with a different set of requirements once the job market opens back up.

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This is TBD... I am very handy and have don't a bunch of remodeling work under my belt but I learned to get quotes from the professionals before I decide to do anything myself. A lot of times its just cheaper to hire the professionals to knock it out.

For liability reasons I don't plan on running the natural gas extension. Due to the nature of my work I am way more than qualified at designing/installing tubing/piping for flammable gases/liquids under pressure but I am not certified outside of the petrochemical industry and don't want to give my homeowners insurance any ability to reject a claim.

bevokilla said:

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When we do ours, an ice machine is a must. Our Samsung fridge doesnt make enough ice.

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Thanks. This was a big question on my list... My current ice maker makes enough for me on a routine basis, but wouldn't be able to handle the party surge. If I added one I doubt it would be outside due to the energy waste in the Texas heat.

Thankfully I have a Buc-ees half a mile a way to account for surge demand.

Here's the one I built myself and it's similar to what you're wanting.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3000864

Don't do the ice maker outside unless you find one really cheap that you are willing to replace often. For parties they can't even really keep up. Better to get a cooler and fill it.

I really miss having a sink outside for prep, cleanup, and being able to wash my hands without going back inside.

36" griddle is key. Place for your smoker / charcoal grill. I hardly ever use my gas grill. Once my blackstone needs replacing I'm just going to pull the built in gas grill out and do the griddle.

We had a basic outdoor kitchen put in w the house in 2011. It has a sink, 36 inch gas grill, and slot for an under counter fridge About 3 feet wide free counter space for working, topping pizzas, etc. Two sets of SS access doors under the sink and grill for access and storage. Those are really nice. We are renovating it this summer to make a shelf for my new Primo (I love this thing), downsizing to a smaller gas grill w a griddle insert, and a single gas burner for boiling water or frying. My better half can't stand the oil smell when I fry indoors. Other thing I'd suggest is a SS slide out garbage can holder/rack. Coyote makes a nice one and that's what we will use.

Joe Exotic said:

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Here's the one I built myself and it's similar to what you're wanting.

https://texags.com/forums/34/topics/3000864

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Damn... Time flies, was this really in 2018. I was thinking of this set up when I posted but couldn't find it using the search function.

cclearman said:

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Don't do the ice maker outside unless you find one really cheap that you are willing to replace often. For parties they can't even really keep up. Better to get a cooler and fill it.

I really miss having a sink outside for prep, cleanup, and being able to wash my hands without going back inside.

36" griddle is key. Place for your smoker / charcoal grill. I hardly ever use my gas grill. Once my blackstone needs replacing I'm just going to pull the built in gas grill out and do the griddle.

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I was looking at the black stone but recently came across the EVO 30" flattop. Probably more expensive than I'm looking for but I like the made in the USA.

Delta makes a good Made in America grill.

Tx-Ag2010 said:

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bevokilla said:

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When we do ours, an ice machine is a must. Our Samsung fridge doesnt make enough ice.

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Thanks. This was a big question on my list... My current ice maker makes enough for me on a routine basis, but wouldn't be able to handle the party surge. If I added one I doubt it would be outside due to the energy waste in the Texas heat.

Thankfully I have a Buc-ees half a mile a way to account for surge demand.

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Put an ice maker outside. Buy one that is outdoor rated, I have a Scotsman. Turn it off when you are not going to use it for a decent amount of time and it's no big deal.

Add more drawers than you think you need and then add more than that. This is the best advice I can give you, and I have a pretty awesome outdoor kitchen/living area.

Skip the flat top grill and get a proper built in grill and a giant griddle pan to use when you want.

Cromagnum said:

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Skip the flat top grill and get a proper built in grill and a giant griddle pan to use when you want.

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A real griddle is better than a gas grill if he already has a kamado joe.

Biggest thing to do before is check to see how the air and wind blow through your area. I screwed up and did not know this when we built our house. I can't use my grill when the south wind blows. It blows the heat through the grill and melts the gaskets on the knobs causing gas leaks. I also can't use my burner for the same reason. It won't get the pan or pot hot enough or it blows it out. I do love on a hill top, but it's frustrating as all get out. I could have built a ledge to block some of the wind if I would have known or save money and not put the dang thing in.

Joe Exotic said:

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Cromagnum said:

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Skip the flat top grill and get a proper built in grill and a giant griddle pan to use when you want.

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A real griddle is better than a gas grill if he already has a kamado joe.

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This was my thinking. If I needed smoke or to sear some steaks I could just use my Kamado.

AgsMnn said:

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Biggest thing to do before is check to see how the air and wind blow through your area. I screwed up and did not know this when we built our house. I can't use my grill when the south wind blows. It blows the heat through the grill and melts the gaskets on the knobs causing gas leaks. I also can't use my burner for the same reason. It won't get the pan or pot hot enough or it blows it out. I do love on a hill top, but it's frustrating as all get out. I could have built a ledge to block some of the wind if I would have known or save money and not put the dang thing in.

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Didn't think of this. I don't think I get enough high speed wind but might be nice to not have the smoke blowing in my face.

Been considering this for years, finally might have the space to do it. Following.

Has anyone expanded an existing porch and if so did you attempt to tie it into the existing roofline or do a different style roof?

I did a new roof line on the back, stabbed into existing

Tx-Ag2010 said:

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AgsMnn said:

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Biggest thing to do before is check to see how the air and wind blow through your area. I screwed up and did not know this when we built our house. I can't use my grill when the south wind blows. It blows the heat through the grill and melts the gaskets on the knobs causing gas leaks. I also can't use my burner for the same reason. It won't get the pan or pot hot enough or it blows it out. I do love on a hill top, but it's frustrating as all get out. I could have built a ledge to block some of the wind if I would have known or save money and not put the dang thing in.

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Didn't think of this. I don't think I get enough high speed wind but might be nice to not have the smoke blowing in my face.

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or blowing smoke into the house every time you open the door.