Around 12% of homeowners renovating their homes add or upgrade an outdoor kitchen, as found in research by the platform Houzz. The appeal of outdoor kitchens is closely tied to Americans’ love of the great outdoors and the activities enjoyed there—including barbecues and garden parties. If you are thinking of building an outdoor kitchen, the good news is that your project will most likely yield a high cost recovery, according to a recent National Association of Realtors’ Remodeling Impact Report. Before you spend your first dollar on appliances or break ground, ensure you have a perfect checklist, so you complete your kitchen faster without incurring unnecessary costs.
Choosing the Perfect Spot
The location of your kitchen will help determine how it is used, so it helps to position it close enough to your indoor kitchen so you can carry food, equipment, and crockery to and from both kitchens with ease. Studying environmental factors such as the sun's position and wind direction at different times of the day will help you plan a comfortable kitchen that is close enough to your outdoor tables but does not direct smoke toward seating areas. If you’ve found a good spot that is a bit too sunny, that issue can easily be solved by investing in a good shade sail or electric awnings that can be retracted or extended with a remote control. Consider how to keep guests comfortable by providing features such as outdoor heaters, shade trees in summer, task lighting, and ceiling or portable fans. Make sure, too, that any construction you build does not obstruct views and complies with applicable local HOA or zoning restrictions.
Planning Utilities
Outdoor kitchens require an array of utilities, which is why seeking advice from aprofessional plumbing company and a reputable electrical contractor is key. Discuss and obtain a budget for necessary items and features such as gas lines, electrical circuits, GFCI outlets, lighting, and smart appliance connectivity. It is helpful to have outdoor sinks, water lines, and natural gas connections, so ensure that the professionals you deal with are qualified and well-versed in local building codes.
Considering Grill Options
As you look through outdoor kitchen catalogs, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of different grills, ovens, smokers, and other equipment that are in vogue. Talk with family members to decide how often you will use your outdoor kitchen and how you will use it. For instance, if you need a grill for everyday barbecues of foods like burgers, steak, and chicken, then a built-in gas grill may suffice. If, however, you are a barbecue connoisseur and willing to spend more time cooking, a charcoal grill may be more up your street. Many keen barbecue cooks also enjoy using pellet grills, which allow them to “set and forget” their grilling. One of the advantages of pellet grills is the variety of hardwood pellets available, each of which lends food a unique taste. These grills are good for smoking, roasting, and baking, in addition to grilling.
Opting for Pizza Ovens and Other Appliances that Delight
Outdoor pizza ovens are growing in popularity, owing in no small part to the influence of celebrities such as David Beckham, Heidi Klum, and Florence Pugh, all of whom have shown off the delicious homemade pizzas they’ve made from scratch. Pizza ovens are perfect for those wishing to cook authentic, high-temperature pizzas in just seconds. They can also be used to bake bread, roast vegetables, and cook meats, so they make a great standalone cooking appliance or a complement to grills for families who like the best of both worlds. Other appliances you might consider include smokers and side burners, which can expand the array of dishes you can prepare on the spot.
Prioritizing Storage and Easy Maintenance
When you have an outdoor kitchen, the last thing you probably want to do is keep running back indoors for tools, plates, and glasses. Ideally, you should also have weather-resistant cabinetry, easy-to-clean countertops, durable flooring, and other features that make storage and regular cleaning easier. Choose materials that withstand rain, UV exposure, and temperature changes, and place furniture on a patio if possible to avoid unnecessary exposure to the elements.
Putting Safety at the Forefront
Last but definitely not least, build safety into your design by ensuring your kitchen has non-slip flooring, optimal ventilation, and a fire extinguisher within reach. Keep your oven or grill at a safe distance from combustible materials, and have your gas, plumbing, and electrical connections inspected regularly. Finally, ensure that your cooking area is well-lit so you can keep a close eye on ingredients while preparing and cooking them.
The best outdoor kitchens strike a balance between aesthetics, comfort, and practicality. Create your own personalized checklist from the items listed above, ensuring safety comes first. Rely on trusted professionals for plumbing, electricity, and gas matters, and add your special touch through the design of your furniture, grill, and shade solutions.
