They haven’t quite hit the mainstream, but outdoor kitchens truly do offer something special to the entertaining homeowner. Even if you’re not hosting guests, there’s nothing like cooking breakfast outside during a beautiful morning or mixing drinks at your backyard bar on a warm summer night.

That said, your outdoor kitchen has the potential to be a real headache if improperly installed. All the standard electrical and plumbing issues of an indoor kitchen can be exasperated by your set up’s exposure to the elements, so you want to make sure you use the right equipment and materials from the get go instead of paying for expensive repairs and replacements down the line. Here’s a few helpful tips for getting started:

You’ve probably heard of Energy Star appliances, but what does that rating mean, and how does a washing machine, dish washer, refrigerator, etc. earn its status as an Energy Star appliance?