Outdoor Kitchens – Optimizing Your Outdoor Space

Outdoor kitchens are becoming a rapid trend with the wide range of appliances and plans to suit every budget. Who doesn’t enjoy the aroma of barbeque? The best part is – your outdoor kitchen can be as simple or as elaborate as you want it, depending on how much you want to spend and also your imagination!

Setting up your kitchen outdoors can cost you just a few hundred dollars if you are happy with a quality barbecue and grill with a storage cabinet and countertop or several thousands for a full kitchen with a grill, a dining area, a fridge and a sink. In any case, you will never regret your decision to go for that kitchen out on your patio or deck where you can spend time with family or entertain friends.

Getting it all together

The type of kitchen you want will depend on your needs. Think about how frequently you intend to barbecue. How often do you want to eat outdoors? How much space have you got? Common materials used for the outdoor kitchen countertops are granite, stainless steel, brick, stone, stucco, tiled etc. If you enjoy a fairly dry climate, you might consider using wooden cabinetry.

You will have the option of choosing from the following components:

*Grills & Barbecues – gas or charcoal

*Eating area with seating

*Countertop space to prepare food

*Storage cabinets

*A wet bar

*A fire place

*Oven

*Barbecue tools – hooks, tongs, spatulas, forks, utensils

*Refrigerator

*Sinks

*Power requirements – electricity, water, gas

Your grill will probably be equipped with adequate burners, a warming shelf, smoker, and other accessories.

You would need to get the lighting in place so that the main areas are well lit for safety. Track lights are a good idea for a bright cooking area. Remember to plan for lighting the pathways leading to the kitchen.

Usually setting up the outdoor kitchen is done on an existing patio or deck or around the pool area since it is much easier to gain access to the house, as well as amenities like gas, electricity and plumbing. Durability of appliances is something you want to look at since it is for outdoor use.

The main thing about designing your kitchen outdoors is the placement of the grill. It should be positioned in such a way that while cooking, the smoke should not blow straight into the faces of your family or guests. The cook must have easy access to the sink, countertop and refrigerator and outdoor kitchen cabinets.

Of course, the color scheme must match the décor of the rest of your home.

If you already have a patio then it is easy to add the kitchen outdoors. Since it will be an extension of your living area it is only natural that you would look for the same kind of facilities.

You can get the entire kitchen, complete with the appliances, cabinetry, countertops, lighting and other things done by an architect. You also have the option of getting a prefabricated unit that will include your grill, storage and other essential accessories.

The grill island comes as a basic one, L-shaped and U-shaped. The U-shaped outdoor units with well marked preparation and dining areas are very convenient as they put everything within reach for the cook. It is important to ensure that all electrical appliances are UL approved.

Outdoor Kitchen Trends

Prefabricated units are quite popular as they can be customized to preferences. Some of these units feature an extra large gas grill of stainless steel. The unit includes a rotisserie, storage, refrigerator, wine coolers, ice makers, etc. Some even have a portable fire pit and a box to hold the fuel where wood chips are used.

Ultimately, what you put together in your outdoor unit depends on specific needs and it is up to you to pick the necessary components. Apart from having the choice of adding options like a refrigerator, sink, etc. stone baked pizza ovens are becoming a hot trend.

Some of the best brand names in outdoor kitchens have everything you would ever need to set up your own. Since the trend is more towards a casual living style, most people design their outdoor cooking area in a way that they can really enjoy it – whether for partying, or just relaxing with loved ones.

Outdoor Kitchen Manufactures

Some of the most popular manufacturers of outdoor kitchens appliances and parts are Brinkman, Vermont Castings, Weber, Char broil, Broil king, Charm glow Ducane – brands that have been around for decades. Recognizing the customer’s need for durability, these brands are coming up with a variety of appliances that can endure the elements. There is good quality equipment available for different budgets.

The main things to consider are your budget, your needs, your family size, frequency of use and portability – and with some shopping around, you are sure to find the best most affordable outdoor kitchen for you. Some research online will give you excellent information about what is available, along with valuable pointers that can help you choose the right items.

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