5 Things to Consider Before Installing an Outdoor Kitchen
/It’s that time of the year where all we want to do is spend these warmer days filled with friends, sunshine, and delicious BBQs! Here at Appliance Educator, we believe there is no better way to spend these warmer seasons than in the comfort of our own home.
outdoor kitchens allow you to conveniently entertain guests and show off your bbq skills.
If you’re like us and enjoy entertaining your friends and family by hosting parties and events—or if you just love showing off your grilling skills—an outdoor kitchen is a great opportunity to do so. This Outdoor Kitchen Blog Series will give you all of the ins and outs of planning and installing an outdoor kitchen easy like a summer breeze. From preparation tips to our recommendations on outdoor appliances, this series should help you become an expert on all things outdoor kitchens!
1. Home Environment
Keep in mind what kind of weather conditions you live in and how it may affect your outdoor kitchen. If it rains or snows often throughout the year, placing your grill under a covered area is a great idea. You can expand the time you can spend in your outdoor kitchen to other seasons by purchasing the necessary products that will combat adverse weather conditions. For chilly days, outdoor heaters are a great choice to keep warm. There is also the option of installing a fireplace if you would like to give your space a modern upgrade. For those extra sizzling days, shaded furniture such as a large umbrella or a canopy is a great addition to keep you comfortable while you relax by the pool.
2. What's your Budget?
This u-shaped outdoor kitchen layout perfectly groups the essential outdoor appliances, while allowing family and friends to socialize and enjoy their delicious bbq sitting at the stools.
Outdoor kitchens are a much cheaper option for expanding the entertainment aspect of the home rather than renovating the house itself. Before any major purchases or installation, it is necessary to map out the total costs. The cost of an outdoor kitchen installation can range anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000. Every outdoor home kitchen is unique – depending on your available space and your wants and needs are. These costs include outdoor appliances, materials, construction/installation, utilities (power, water, gas), maintenance, furniture, and entertainment additions.
3. Design
The design of an outdoor kitchen is a key factor for planning the installation - and there are plenty of layout options that can accommodate your space, no matter how big or small. Consider the size of your outdoor kitchen space, as well as the appliances and needed food preparation space. The most popular design is a kitchen island, as it nicely groups the appliances together and gives you the opportunity to add a socialization aspect with stools and standing space where you can entertain your guests while you grill. Other kitchen layout options include; G-shape, U-shape, and a straight-run.
4. Features
outdoor kitchens are unique per each space available - it gives the opportunity for homeowners to be creative with their design and material used.
When thinking of an outdoor kitchen, the first thing that comes to mind is the appliances. What’s an outdoor kitchen without a BBQ grill? You will need reliable, powerful, and weather-resistant appliances to keep up with all of the family gatherings and Summer pool days. The most pertinent appliances for an outdoor kitchen are the grill, the fridge, and the sink. There are endless amounts of options for additional appliances that depend on what you will utilize the most while you’re outdoors. For the ultimate cooking experience, we recommend an oven, an outdoor-approved range hood, a side burner, a smoker, and a pizza oven.
5. Permits
It is important to keep track of the intangible things that come along with planning an outdoor kitchen. Once you have established the features that you are going to install, check with a professional to see if you are meeting your house and city code requirements for your electrical and gas connections. It is better to know these things ahead of time so they will not catch you by surprise when it is too late!
Outdoor kitchens are a beautiful addition to any home and give you the freedom to relax outside and enjoy the sunshine. If you follow these tips and recommendations, you are sure to entertain and wow your guests this summertime season. After all, the kitchen is the heart of the home and there’s no reason it should be limited to the indoors!
