While outdoor kitchens seem to be more common in the warmer states such as Florida and California where they can be used all year around, manufacturers and kitchen designers are seeing popularity and sales increase in the northern states as well. It appears as though everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors, no matter how long “the season” is.
Believe it or not, outdoor kitchens can be as complex as a full service kitchen, with all the luxuries you would expect to have in your indoor kitchen. In addition to a large outdoor grill, a top of the line outdoor kitchen could include such items as wood cabinetry, a refrigerator, ice cooler, warming drawer, exhaust hood, sink, and even a beer tap. Many more amenities can be purchased to customize your outdoor kitchen, depending on your budget.
The cost of an outdoor kitchen could start for as little as $3,500 but could reach up to the $30,000 range as well, depending on your needs, requirements and tastes. Your selection of materials such as custom cabinetry or high-end appliances will determine your actual cost. It’s very important to work with a professional to get products that will withstand the outdoor elements for the long-term. But, no matter what your budget, the outdoor kitchen can be a great addition to your lifestyle.
Just like the inside of your home, an outdoor kitchen is a reflection of your own personal taste. But creating an outdoor kitchen may provide more freedom than when you designed the kitchen within your home. Bold designs that you may not have even considered using in your house might be perfect for outdoors. These designs, colors and styles you were too afraid to have inside may come to life when under consideration for outdoors. One way to achieve that “wow” effect is to create an outdoor hearth as the centerpiece for your outdoor kitchen. This involves building in a dramatic hood fan or chimney style centerpiece, and a large gas, electric or charcoal type grill.
Counter top options are broad when it comes to outdoor kitchens. Surfaces such as granite, concrete, tile, stone, or even Dupont Corian’s solid surface materials are often being used. Whatever material you select, be sure it meets the challenges of your usage and the environment.
Although some of the indoor challenges disappear when designing an outdoor kitchen, some of the standard choices do not. When in the planning stage, you really need to approach your project like a regular kitchen. Consider:
· Where is your work space?
· Where will you prepare items?
· Have you created a “work triangle”?
· Where are you going to store items for outside?
· Do you need water and/or electric?
· What size refrigerator or cooling unit is needed?
According to many real estate experts, the return on investment on kitchens, indoors and outdoors, has dramatically increased. Depending on the complexity of your design, as well as on your local market, you can likely count on a good return on your investment.
As always, the most important factor in determining what is best for your and your home is evaluating your needs and the needs of your family. But, when it comes to being comfortable, and enjoying your friends, family, home and the surrounding environment, an outdoor kitchen can certainly be a great addition.