Outdoor kitchens are a unique kind of luxury.
You can enjoy the sizzling of meat on the grill and the delicious aroma as you chat happily with family and friends while enjoying the warm sunshine.
When planning a new outdoor kitchen, you have to consider the following factors to get the best out of the experience and the available space:
Consider the appliances
What appliances will you work with? Professional experience indicates that built-in appliances are ideal.
A grill is a standard appliance, as here is where your delicious, juice-dripping steaks will be cooked. A wood-fired pizza oven is also a great choice, as the unique taste of homemade cooking differs significantly from what you order from the stores.
Other appliances to fit into the outdoor space are kegerators, icemakers, and warming stations.
Plan the kitchen layout
When designing a new outdoor kitchen, one of the primary things to consider is the kitchen layout.
Indoor kitchens feature windows, doors, and walls and hence, layout considerations revolve around these attributes. With outdoor kitchens, the outdoor space is a crucial determinant in planning the layout.
You can go for an L-shaped design, as they replicate the indoor-kitchen-typical sense of room division. In addition, your appliance placement is essential, as you want to ensure that they occupy the best of your hot and cold zones. For example, a refrigerator unit and a heat-emitting grill cannot go side by side.
You should also create space for food preparation activities.
Sewer, gas, and hot water line considerations
Whether you need sewer, hot water, or gas channels, you’ll have to factor in the cost and choose the installations you need.
For instance, an outdoor sink may not always be necessary, except if you plan to do a lot of smoking or grilling.
Use weather-suitable building materials
Your home’s location and the average local weather condition are essential factors to consider, as they affect your new outdoor kitchen's material and design type.
For locations with extreme and volatile weather conditions, you should avoid natural stone countertops for the risk of cracking.
A roof is also ideal, particularly if you plan to use the kitchens for prolonged periods that could intersect with bouts of weather extremes.
In coastal locations, the most significant risk is salt air and water. Here, you can construct cabinets with marine-grade stainless.
Be flexible according to your household needs
Avoid complicated projects and install only essential appliances. Cater to the basic needs before going for the fancy ones.
A professional landscaping company can help you develop better plans to suit your needs and ensure you don't spend more than you have to. Get a quote to get started today!