It is often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a gathering place among family and friends. Financially, remodeled kitchens have a huge return on investment. Likewise can be said for outdoor kitchens. When hosting an event in your backyard, your outdoor kitchen will become a central gathering place for all invited. The return on investment for outdoor kitchens can be up to 200%!
As you begin designing your outdoor kitchen, remember these five considerations:
- Space. Space is the first consideration for outdoor kitchens. Just like interior kitchens, you will need enough space to prepare food, cook it, serve it, and clean up. You will want plenty of counter space for food preparation, as well as counter seating. Don’t forget storage space as well.
- Materials. Materials used to create cabinets, islands, and countertops should be robust enough to withstand weather and temperature fluctuations. You may desire to have a covered outdoor kitchen, which would prevent direct sun exposure, but surfaces are still exposed to rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Depending on what material you choose, you will also need to maintain it.
- Water access. Add a sink with running water. This will make food preparation and cleanup much easier. You may also decide to add an outdoor dishwasher, further simplifying clean up.
- Cooking source. Your choice of cooking source can be an exciting decision. Of course there is a basic gas powered grill, but you can upgrade it to a built in, gas-plumbed grill with side burners and warmer trays. You can take your kitchen to the next level by including a pizza oven or smoker.
- Electricity. Make sure to include plenty of electric outlets in your design. This will simplify your food preparation, as small appliances like blenders or waffle irons can be used without having to go indoors. In addition, once the sun sets, you will need proper lighting to continue your festivities.