Outdoor Kitchens
From Home Improvement
Outdoor kitchens are nothing new. People in the Mediterranean have used them for more than a thousand years. Today everyone is catching on to the benefits of cooking outdoors. Many people's dream homes now include outdoor kitchens. This growing trend in cooking and entertaining is taking over patios all around the world.
About Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor kitchens are fully functional, semi-portable cooking spaces that allow the chef in your family to cook all your meals outdoors without running back and forth to the kitchen. They usually include a grill island, cabinets, and eating space. Many outdoor kitchens also include a small refrigerator and sink, and some may include a bar for seating. Cost can run from $3,000 for a basic kitchen to $30,000 for a complete outdoor dream.
Your outdoor kitchen can be as simple as a fancy grill or more intricate, including multiple cooking areas, cabinets for storage and a complete living space with an outdoor bar and ice machine. Incorporating a fire pit or fire-powered stove can also be a great addition for people who like pizza and homemade bread.
Deciding on an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens are more expensive than just buying a regular grill. If you are considering turning your patio into an outdoor extension of your house, ask yourself:
- How often do I grill?
- What do I cook on my grill?
- Do I love to cook?
- Do I like to entertain?
- Do we spend a lot of time outdoors?
- Would I like to be able to cook more elaborate dishes and sides?
- What is my budget and how do I want to spend it?
After reviewing your answers, if you find you love to cook outdoors, this dream kitchen may be a great option for your home.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits to having an outdoor kitchen.
- Cooking outdoors in the summer can keep your air conditioning bill down. Cooking emits heat which warms the home.
- It keeps both the mess and clean-up outdoors.
- You can begin cooking gourmet meals with a grill flair!
- All your cooking is done in the same space.
Your New Kitchen
The next step is to design your kitchen. When choosing your location, keep in mind both the area above and below your grill. Make sure the smoke from the grill has room to blow away. The area underneath the equipment needs to be able to both support your equipment and withstand the heat.
Sketch out your complete kitchen before you begin making purchases. Include all the accessories you plan to buy like a mini-fridge, outdoor bar, and patio heater.
Mobile or Permanent
Some outdoor kitchens are very large and permanent. Other grills have wheels so they can be moved around from the patio to the driveway if needed. These can also be taken with you when you move from your current home.
If you decide on the built-in grill, you can include countertops and built-in cabinets. If you plan to move in the next few years, realize the kitchen will stay with your house.
Grill Size
Next decide on your grill size. Look at how many people you normally entertain. If it is just you and your (small) immediate family, you can save money on a smaller grill. If you host large parties, you want a grill that can accommodate more food.
Cooking Space
Look at how many levels of cooking space you want. If the foods you cook together often have different heat requirements, keep this in mind while comparing grills. Many larger units include side burners.
Adding to Your Kitchen
Accessories can add more benefits to your outdoor kitchen. Be sure to look at your lighting situation. If you need more lighting to entertain after dark, add softer lights to help the ambiance.
For a fully functioning kitchen, add a refrigerator and sink. Electrical outlets can also come in handy when cooking outdoors.
Wood Fired Ovens
Wood fired ovens are growing in popularity. These are designed to reproduce the same heating qualities of ancient ovens and can help provide a great tasting meal.
Other Accessories
Smaller outdoor and grill aides can help complete your setup. Other accessories to look at include:
- Griddle
- Baskets for grilling fish and vegetables
- Exhaust hood
- A meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Outdoor plates, cups and silverware
- Portable ice machine
- Insect control
- Patio heaters or burners
Flooring
Your outdoor kitchen is complete when you add special flooring. Concrete, brick and natural stone are good flooring options since they do not get slippery when wet.
Protecting Your Grill
Outdoor kitchens need to be protected against the weather. Rain and snow are not good for your new kitchen. Look for covers that are not only weather resistant, but that can be secured on a windy day.
Other Resources
There are many resources online to help you research your kitchen. Your local retail outlet can also be a valuable source of information.
This page has been accessed 1,152 times. This page was last modified 18:39, 19 March 2007.
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