One of the hottest trends in homes today is an outdoor kitchen. If you love to entertain and relax on your patio, bring the kitchen to you. Not only does it keep the heat out of your home which helps your energy bills, but it lets you commune with nature and get your daily dose of vitamin D from the sun. If you’ve been considering an outdoor kitchen, here are some ideas to get you started.
Appliances
Your outdoor kitchen starts with a grill. Today’s grills come with built in Wi-Fi that connects to your smartphone to monitor cooking time, fuel level, and temperature. One grill includes a beverage center and trash bin. Some include cabinets. Shop around for the features you want. Another hot trend in outdoor kitchens are wood-fired pizza ovens. You can find on that is free-standing or one that sits on a counter. Some include gas starters and burners that keep the temperature stable, but still use wood to get the flavor of a grill.
Granite Countertops
Outdoor kitchens need sturdy and durable countertops that will stand up to your cooking and the elements. Although there are many different materials that you can use, granite is the best option. First, it will handle the elements well. More importantly, it won’t absorb stains and odors from your food. Granite won’t fade from the sun like some materials. Make sure to talk to your contractor about how to take care of it, so that it does last a long time. Choose lighter colors that don’t absorb the heat to make it safer and more comfortable even on the hottest summer days.
Luxurious Seating Arrangements
Bar stools have been the norm in outside patio kitchens for many years, but it is trending toward more comfortable, lounge style seating. The idea is to find durable items for your outdoor kitchen that are aesthetically pleasing. It’s not just the family that will be enjoying your new kitchen area, as most people who install these items in their home want to entertain their guests outside.
Enclosed or Not
Many people choose to enclose their outdoor kitchen to make it more functional in any kind of weather. An enclosure does limit the growth of your kitchen, so when you’re starting out, an awning over the grill and preparation area will work out well while you’re exploring your needs. If you don’t have a patio where you’ll be installing the kitchen, you’ll want to make sure to choose the right flooring. You want a fairly smooth surface so that no one trips and falls while handling knives or glass dinnerware. It, too, will need to stand up to the elements. Your outdoor kitchen is a big investment, but it will add value to your home.
