Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas You have probably heard of outdoor kitchens.  For those who simply aren’t satisfied with a traditional stainless steel gas grill, an outdoor kitchen can be an attractive alternative.  Although they can require a little bit of work and capital up front, the value they add to your property makes them worth serious consideration when you are deciding what your next project will be.  Here are some ideas to consider when you’re thinking about putting in an outdoor kitchen. Start with an Island Using an island as the center of your outdoor kitchen is a great way to maximize space and utilize all of the various options that are now available.  Starting with a grill and a storage space—perhaps even a small refrigerator—in the middle allows you to build the rest of the kitchen around it.In addition, keep in mind the weather in your area, and plan accordingly.  For example, if the wind usually blows in the same direction, you would want to plan your island with the seating and storage upwind of the grill in order to minimize the chances of smoke being blown in your face on those occasions that you are cooking something especially conducive to smoking. Remember the Roof Just because you are putting in an outdoor kitchen does not mean that you are always going to want to be out in the elements.  Many experts recommend shading at least part of the kitchen area—if not the entire thing—through the use of strategically placed screens, lattices, and so on.  You can opt for a solid roof—to protect you from rain and precipitation—or one that is more open and yet still provides ample shade. Plus, keep in mind, while it may be sunny outside when you opt to use your outdoor kitchen, that does not mean that you won’t have issues with leaves falling while you are preparing food! Multiple Cooking Spaces Are a Must If you’re going to be entertaining, it will be helpful to have different cooking spaces to allow you to prepare multiple dishes at the same time, if necessary.  You may consider having one main grilling area for your main course and another adjacent area to prepare appetizers or desserts. Consider the Flooring Surface While it’s exciting to consider the fixtures you will include in your design, you don’t want to forget the floor.  After all, a poorly-constructed or designed floor can ruin the experience for you.  There are a number of different flooring materials and designs available, so consider your options carefully.When installing an outdoor kitchen make sure you consider all of the design options carefully.  Take your time, do your research, and you will have something that serves you for years to come.