A great outdoor space will give homeowners and guests a place to relax, hang out, eat, and have fun. Designing a modern kitchen in the outdoor space will make it even more functional. There are many things to consider when designing a modern outdoor kitchen. Keep reading for more information.
Consider the Features
Before designing and building an outdoor kitchen, consider whether the space should be relatively simple or more complicated with all of the bells and whistles of an indoor kitchen. Homeowners who want a modern outdoor kitchen island will have a different set of criteria than those who simply want a grill and a countertop. How big the project can be is also determined by the budget and space available.
The simplest of outdoor kitchens will include a built-in grill and some preparation space, while an ultimate, sophisticated space might contain a grill with side burners, a sink, a fridge, and a large countertop with storage space. Some people like to include plantings as part of the kitchen design, including herbs and vegetables that can be freshly available in the outdoor garden. Weather isn’t always reliable, so thinking about some heating options as well as an overhead cover will help when designing an ideal space.
Power Supply and Plumbing Considerations
Consider what kind of power supply and plumbing is available for the outdoor kitchen. A complete kitchen will need power run to a refrigerator and include running water to a sink. Be sure to add this to the budget and plans for the kitchen. Think about the layout of the kitchen and where outlets should be installed to work best with the design of the kitchen. Plumbing and electricity need to be installed before the rest of the kitchen can be finished.
Best Ways to Cook
Everyone loves grilled food, but there are so many options with grills now. Gas grills are convenient and easy to use but do not give the best flavor to food. Charcoal grills and smokers give great flavor to food but require more time and effort.
Another popular option today is a pizza oven. Not only can a pizza oven cook pizza, but it can roast meat and even bake bread. The options are endless. A kamado is another option since it can grill, smoke, and oven cook. Some cooks opt for side burners with their grill to make gourmet meals a possibility.
Consider Materials
Weatherproof materials are important when designing an outdoor kitchen. Stainless steel looks great and can be coordinated with a grill and other appliances, but it can be costly and also gets very hot.
Wood cabinets blend in nicely with nature, and they can follow the flow of the inside kitchen. Cement, brick, and stone can withstand the heat of a grill, and they are very strong and durable. They make great outdoor material choices. High-density polyethylene is used to make many outdoor furniture pieces, but it isn’t the most beautiful material.
Kitchen countertops can be made of granite, which is very expensive but durable. Concrete looks great and is long-lasting, and tile is a less expensive alternative that is a good choice for those on a budget.
With all of the options available, it is easy to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Living outdoors in the warmer seasons is a breath of fresh air for families everywhere.
