The bar setup in an outdoor kitchen is what separates a space that’s good for cooking from one that’s perfect for entertaining. In Broken Arrow and Tulsa, where outdoor living runs from March through November, a well-designed outdoor bar keeps the party outside and the refrigerator trips to a minimum.
Outdoor Bar Appliances Worth Building In
Outdoor Refrigerator
The baseline for any outdoor kitchen bar. A quality outdoor-rated refrigerator — brands like Perlick, True, or Coyote Outdoor — holds beverages, condiments, and pre-prepped food without the indoor trips that break the flow of outdoor entertaining. Size it for your actual usage: a 4.5 cu ft unit handles casual use; a 5.6+ cu ft unit works for serious entertainers.
Kegerator
An outdoor kegerator built into the kitchen structure handles a full-size commercial keg or two-tap setup with smaller kegs. For homeowners who entertain frequently, a built-in kegerator eliminates the need to haul ice and coolers. Brands like Perlick build units specifically rated for outdoor temperature extremes.
Ice Maker
An outdoor ice maker rated for outdoor use — Scotsman and True both make excellent outdoor-rated units — produces 25–80 lbs of ice per day depending on the model. For serious outdoor entertainers in Oklahoma summer, this is a game-changer. No more hauling bags of ice from the store.
Bar Sink
A bar sink with hot and cold water keeps hands clean, glasses rinsed, and eliminates the need to go inside for water during entertaining. Requires a cold water supply line and drain connection — planned during construction, not an afterthought.
Wine Cooler
An outdoor-rated wine cooler — either undercounter or built into the kitchen structure — maintains proper wine temperature even during Oklahoma summers. Note: standard indoor wine coolers are not rated for outdoor temperature extremes.
Bar Layout Tips for Oklahoma Outdoor Kitchens
- Face the bar toward the entertainment area — guests at bar stools should face the cooking zone, the yard, or the pool — not a wall or fence
- Plan 24 inches per seat — for comfortable bar seating spacing
- Overhang the counter 10–12 inches — for comfortable knee clearance for bar stool seating
- Add undercounter lighting — LED strip lighting under the bar overhang creates a polished evening look
Build Your Outdoor Bar in Broken Arrow
VistaScapes Design builds complete outdoor kitchen and bar setups for homeowners in Broken Arrow, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, and northeast Oklahoma. Call (918) 779-1317 or visit vistascapesdesign.com for your free consultation.
