Outdoor Entertaining with the Installation of an Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is the ultimate in outdoor entertaining and cooking! An outdoor kitchen provides a fabulous, outdoor, entertainment spot, it allows you to cook an entire meal outdoors (instead of running back and forth between the grill and the house) and it keeps all of the food preparation and dining mess outdoors.

Best of all, outdoor kitchens add value to your home. If the cost of installing an outdoor kitchen has you questioning the purchase, consider it an investment for your home.

From basic to opulent, outdoor kitchens can cost as little as a couple thousand dollars to upwards of $15,000. Three, basic outdoor kitchen designs include a basic island, an L-shaped island and a U-shaped island.

A basic island consists of a grill, a sink and countertop space for food preparation. An L-shaped island features separate cooking and food preparation areas, and generally has plenty of seating options. A U-shaped island features distinct zones for cooking, food preparation and eating, and is generally the most expensive and detailed of all outdoor kitchen islands.

Consider the following factors before purchasing your outdoor kitchen:

1. Your budget – Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? But a budget can become quickly blown to pieces when you are bombarded with all of the bells and whistles available for outdoor kitchens. Set a budget limit and stick to it.
2. Consider your needs – Think about what type of cooking you’ll do and how often you’ll do it. A basic outdoor kitchen may be all you need for burgers beside the pool. However, if gourmet meals are more your style, you may want to consider extra features and accessories.
3. Consider your crowd – Are you more likely to grill a couple of steaks for a quiet night at home, or host the annual 4^th of July neighborhood barbecue? Your outdoor kitchen’s size and features should reflect the number of people you plan on entertaining at any given time.
4. Outdoor kitchen flexibility – Do you want a permanent structure or one that could be moved, if desired?

Once these decisions have been made, it’s time to scout out your location. You’ll likely choose a location near your home so that you won’t have to carry food and supplies very far. However, keep it far enough away from the house so that smoke won’t waft in through the windows.

Using an existing patio is often a great location for your outdoor kitchen. It’s sturdy, level and permanent and eliminates the need to make any expensive, structural modifications to your backyard. If you choose to put your outdoor kitchen on your deck, be aware that the deck will probably need to be reinforced to withstand the weight of the outdoor kitchen.

Finally, consider the services of a qualified contractor to install your outdoor kitchen. Many factors must be taken into account when installing an outdoor kitchen, which often include making natural gas, electrical and plumbing connections, all of which are better left to the professionals.