backyard
THE ULTIMATE OUTDOOR KITCHEN
FOR SUMMERTIME ENTERTAINING BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER Everyone wants an outdoor kitchen. In fact, outdoor kitchens are one of the fastest growing home improvement trends on the market. From formal to rustic, the options are endless, and if you plan to entertain outdoors having one will certainly make life easier. For the ultimate outdoor cooking space, consider top trends. A built-in pizza oven is one way home owners are getting fancy with their outdoor spaces. Because what screams summertime entertaining more than a built-in pizza oven? From affordable off market options to sophisticated imported Italian ovens, one thing is certain--you will have the backyard all your friends secretly envy. If you can afford putting in plumbing, we also recommend opting to add a sink for immediate rinsing and to wash up after slathering barbecue sauce on your grilled chicken. And if you really want to make your outdoor kitchen the coolest thing since sliced bread, install a dishwasher for ease of clean up when entertaining. In addition to fancy upgrades, some outdoor appliances are practically standard in a built-in kitchen. After all, what’s the point of building an outdoor oasis without a refrigerator to store your summertime sippers? Easy to find and a definite no-brainer, opt for a refrigerator that is suited for beverages to get the most bang for your buck. A grill is another must-have. This is likely the toughest choice to make when building an outdoor haven. There are hundreds of options out there that can be built in or added as an after-market item. If you are looking for a quality option that can be found 14
at home magazine | 2020
locally, check out Bull BBQ in Lodi. Another must? Seating. Whether it be barstools, couches, or an outdoor table to dine at, be sure to have somewhere comfortable to relax and sink your teeth into those mouth-watering ribs your hubby just smoked. Once you’ve made the big investment, you’ll want to keep that outdoor kitchen in tip-top shape. Whether it be a pergola, wood roof, or metal frame, the key is to make sure your outdoor
kitchen is covered all year long. After all, you don’t want to spend a fortune on a cozy outdoor kitchen only to be ruined by inclement weather. And what good is a kitchen if you can’t show it off? A little luminosity will go a long way in both mood lighting and practical usage. After all, it’s tough to make sure your burgers are cooked in the dark. You can have lighting installed in your framework or add after-market lighting for an ambient glow. Either way, you’ll be glad you did.
