STEWART REMODEL DESIGN & BUILD OUTDOOR KITCHENS WORTH THE HYPE?

By Tom Stewart, Owner

It is estimated that 80% of homeowners and 70% of households own at least one grill or smoker. Gas is still the most popular choice when buying a new grill (63%), followed by charcoal (49%).*

Most of these grills sit on a cart. They can be wheeled around the corner of the house so they’re less of an eyesore or tied down, so they don’t blow away. Either way, cart models aren’t a focal point and aside from a small shelf and/or a light, don’t add much to the cooking experience.

In the 1990s, outdoor kitchens hit the scene and now an estimated 10% of grills are part of an outdoor kitchen setup – and this trend is growing.

What does an outdoor kitchen entail? For starters, kitchen implies water, but with Colorado’s freeze-thaw cycles, water isn’t very realistic or cost effective. Thus, the term “built-in grill” is more applicable.

An “outdoor kitchen” can include a variety of amenities like a refrigerator, side burner, ice bin, television, trash bin (bears love these), speakers (neighbors love these), faucet/sink, seating, and more. They can be elaborate and often involve many trades – size and amenities usually dictate the cost.

The commonality with most outdoor kitchens is that they sit within a countertop, have storage for grillrelated items, won’t blow off your deck/patio, and are aesthetically appealing – so they can be a focal point. Seating is common too, especially for those who entertain.

Are outdoor kitchens worth the expense and the hype? For those who make grilling/smoking a regular part of their lives, the answer is a resounding yes.

Think of it this way: you have a cooktop but how effective would it be if that was all that was in your kitchen? Minimal storage and just a small chunk of a countertop next to it? Maybe a light, and that’s about it. We know one thing, the cook in your home wouldn’t be very happy.

At Stewart Remodel Design Build, we have been building outdoor kitchens for nearly two decades and are currently working on a more affordable “plug and play” outdoor kitchen, to be released this spring.

If you’d like to know more about outdoor kitchens, please contact us at www.stewartremodeling.com or www.stewartexteriors.net.