Outdoor kitchen appliances
The cooking area is the foundation of every kitchen. For those located outdoors, the experience should equate with the homeowner’s indoor kitchen, basing it on their needs, style, and budget. If the plan is to prepare large meals, or use the space often, it is important the appliances selected can stand up to daily activity and weather conditions.
As with most purchases, there are no shortcuts to quality; therefore, it is imperative the homeowner does their research. Reading reviews, comparing warranties, and selecting brands with a strong industry reputation is vital. An outdoor kitchen is not only an investment, but also a backyard feature that can be enjoyed for many years to come. It will pay off in the end if the homeowner takes time to make wise decisions pertaining to their ‘wants’ and ‘needs.’
Today’s outdoor kitchens offer homeowners the ability to use various cooking methods to make their menu a hit with family and friends. For instance, they can smoke, fry, grill, barbecue, or use a convection grill. A rotisserie, side grills, and warming drawers are also possibilities. Many opt to use a variety of cooking methods to create a kitchen that works best for them, as it offers choice and allows for creativity. That said, by having all of these different cooking options, it is important to ensure the area is well ventilated, especially if the kitchen is covered and not in an open space.
Another important aspect of an outdoor kitchen is keeping food at a safe temperature prior to cooking. Therefore, the convenience of an outdoor refrigerator will alleviate the homeowner from having to go in and out of the house. In fact, making food, drinks, and ice more accessible is a great way to combine cooking and socializing in the outdoor space. Cocktail stations, icemakers, refrigerators, beer taps, and wine coolers can help transform an outdoor kitchen into the social centrepiece of a backyard. Further, incorporating bar stools, cocktail tables, or lounge seating will keep the area full of laughter, conversation, and the aroma of good food.
What happens when the party is over? Including an outdoor sink and/or dishwasher is another decision the homeowner must make. These features are a nice addition as they make clean-up easier by not having to haul everything into the house; however, careful preparation is necessary for these items. During the planning stages, prior to construction, a licensed plumber should be hired to connect the water source and drainage systems. This can increase the overall cost of the kitchen as a result.
Managing the budget
To be successful in creating the ultimate home resort the client has envisioned, a budget should be established first. The cost to build an outdoor kitchen can range between $12,000 and $30,000 depending on what the homeowner is looking to create. Be sure to find out what the client requires, what their timeline is, and how much they want to spend so there is no miscommunication.
