Good Life
Cooking It Up Outdoors Expand Your Kitchen Space By Angella A. Arndt
As spring moves into summer, we start craving outdoor activities and social gatherings. Families are spending more time at home, and al fresco dining and entertaining are soaring in popularity. People are looking for ways to improve their outdoor space, and an outdoor kitchen can be a great choice. An outdoor kitchen increases your living space as an Keep in mind that an outdoor kitchen is much more extension of your home. Imagine sipping your morning coffee than just buying a grill and some patio chairs. Permits may or enjoying an evening cocktail in a private oasis in your be required for installing gas, electrical, and water lines, and backyard. Spending time outdoors promotes relaxation specific codes and regulations may come into play, depending and reduces stress, depression, and anxiety…and there’s upon the project’s scope. Professionals have experience in something enticing about the distinctive aroma and taste of planning, design, and construction, which means you’ll save grilled food. time and get the kitchen you want when you hire a pro. Location is an important consideration for an outdoor An outdoor kitchen can be a significant investment. To kitchen. Since you’ll be preparing and transporting food, choose a contractor, obtain referrals from friends or family locate the outdoor kitchen near the back entrance of your who have installed an outdoor kitchen. Have some queshome. If you need electricity or nattions prepared for each contractor. ural gas, choose an area accessible to How long has the company been in both. Select your location to maxibusiness? How much experience does mize both the view and your privacy. the contractor have with your type of Consider the usual wind direction, so project? Make sure the contractor is You can have fun and grill smoke blows away from the livwell established in constructing outing space. If possible, choose a shady door kitchens. Ask to visit past projescape without leaving the location—a pergola, patio cover, sun ects and speak with past clients about shades, umbrellas, or trees are all their experiences. How long will the comfort of your home. shade options. process take? Ensure that the contracOnce you’ve decided on the locator and sub-contractors are licensed, tion, what elements will you include? bonded, and insured. These types of Outdoor kitchens can range from questions will help you choose the simple to extravagant, depending on available space, desired right outdoor kitchen contractor. functionality, and budget constraints. Essential components The grill is an essential component of an outdoor kitchen. of an outdoor kitchen include an accessible cooking set-up, Gas grills are the most popular because of their ease of use, comfortable seating, and atmosphere. easy clean-up, and constant temperature. A grill with at least Elements can include grills, kitchen islands, sinks, food two burners allows you to have different heat zones, meanpreparation counters, refrigerators, cabinets, televisions, ing you can grill meat in one zone and vegetables in another. music, and heaters. You can purchase a pre-assembled, builtBurners shouldn’t be too far apart or you risk cold and hot in grill or go for a custom-designed model with accessories spots. Make sure your grill comes with a lid, so you have conlike side burners, smoker boxes, infrared sear burners, or vection heat. Safety features to look for include a heat-shieldrotisseries. Kitchen islands can be customized or constructed ed handle and locking wheels. with modular systems. Refrigerators and beverage chillers Thinking about how you plan to use your grill will help eliminate the need to run to and from the house all evening. you select one that’s best for your needs. Cast-iron grates Cabinets provide convenient storage for handy access to provide a better sear on a steak but require maintenance to cooking essentials. prevent rust. Stainless steel grates are easier to clean and Televisions and music add an extra dimension to the rust-resistant, but they don’t conduct heat as well. Cast-iron entertainment experience. Heaters provide warmth when may be a good choice if you grill a lot of steaks, while stainMother Nature has chilly plans for your outdoor gathering, less steel may be a better choice if you typically grill burgers, and they extend the outdoor entertaining season. brats, and seafood. Consider how you will use the kitchen and plan accordGrilling season is almost here! An outdoor kitchen proingly. Establishing a budget will help you distinguish between vides a place for you to relax, spend time with family, and wants and needs during the planning process. Remember socialize with friends, all while enjoying a great meal. You to budget for details like hardware and lighting; these may can have fun and escape without leaving the comfort of be small items, but they can add up quickly. Budgeting your home. allows you to remain focused and avoid overspending on Sources for this article included: hgtv.com, nbcnews.com, and your project. landscapingnetwork.com. 26
May 2021
