The 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 extension of your home. Imagine sipping your morning coffee or enjoying an evening cocktail in a private oasis in your backyard. Spending time outdoors promotes relaxation and reduces stress, depression, and anxiety…and there’s something enticing about the distinctive aroma and taste of grilled food.

Location is an important consideration for an outdoor kitchen. Since you’ll be preparing and transporting food, locate the outdoor kitchen near the back entrance of your home. If you need electricity or natural gas, choose an area accessible to both. Select your location to maximize both the view and your privacy. Consider the usual wind direction, so grill smoke blows away from the living space. If possible, choose a shady location—a pergola, patio cover, sun shades, umbrellas, or trees are all shade options.

Once you’ve decided on the location, what elements will you include? Outdoor kitchens can range from simple to extravagant, depending on available space, desired functionality, and budget constraints. Essential components of an outdoor kitchen include an accessible cooking set-up, comfortable seating, and atmosphere.

Elements can include grills, kitchen islands, sinks, food preparation counters, refrigerators, cabinets, televisions, music, and heaters. You can purchase a pre-assembled, builtin grill or go for a custom-designed model with accessories like side burners, smoker boxes, infrared sear burners, or rotisseries. Kitchen islands can be customized or constructed with modular systems. Refrigerators and beverage chillers eliminate the need to run to and from the house all evening. Cabinets provide convenient storage for handy access to cooking essentials.

Televisions and music add an extra dimension to the entertainment experience. Heaters provide warmth when Mother Nature has chilly plans for your outdoor gathering, and they extend the outdoor entertaining season.

Consider how you will use the kitchen and plan accordingly. Establishing a budget will help you distinguish between wants and needs during the planning process. Remember to budget for details like hardware and lighting; these may be small items, but they can add up quickly. Budgeting allows you to remain focused and avoid overspending on your project.

Keep in mind that an outdoor kitchen is much more than just buying a grill and some patio chairs. Permits may be required for installing gas, electrical, and water lines, and specific codes and regulations may come into play, depending upon the project’s scope. Professionals have experience in planning, design, and construction, which means you’ll save time and get the kitchen you want when you hire a pro.

An outdoor kitchen can be a significant investment. To choose a contractor, obtain referrals from friends or family who have installed an outdoor kitchen. Have some questions prepared for each contractor. How long has the company been in business? How much experience does the contractor have with your type of project? Make sure the contractor is well established in constructing outdoor kitchens. Ask to visit past projects and speak with past clients about their experiences. How long will the process take? Ensure that the contractor and sub-contractors are licensed, bonded, and insured. These types of questions will help you choose the right outdoor kitchen contractor.

The grill is an essential component of an outdoor kitchen. Gas grills are the most popular because of their ease of use, easy clean-up, and constant temperature. A grill with at least two burners allows you to have different heat zones, meaning you can grill meat in one zone and vegetables in another. Burners shouldn’t be too far apart or you risk cold and hot spots. Make sure your grill comes with a lid, so you have convection heat. Safety features to look for include a heat-shielded handle and locking wheels.

Thinking about how you plan to use your grill will help you select one that’s best for your needs. Cast-iron grates provide a better sear on a steak but require maintenance to prevent rust. Stainless steel grates are easier to clean and rust-resistant, but they don’t conduct heat as well. Cast-iron may be a good choice if you grill a lot of steaks, while stainless steel may be a better choice if you typically grill burgers, brats, and seafood.

Grilling season is almost here! An outdoor kitchen provides a place for you to relax, spend time with family, and socialize with friends, all while enjoying a great meal. You can have fun and escape without leaving the comfort of your home.

Sources for this article included: hgtv.com, nbcnews.com, and landscapingnetwork.com.