An outdoor kitchen can really transform your space
For those who love to entertain, an outdoor kitchen can change the way you use your backyard. Just imagine having all your cooking essentials and whipping up meals without missing a bit of beat in the conversation of your friends hanging out outdoors.
From throwing a lively BBQ with friends to planning a candlelit dinner under the stars, hosting is going to be much more enjoyable with an outdoor kitchen. No more running back into the indoor kitchen once you realize you can use your entire backyard as a natural extension of your home.
This is a perfect setup where you can enjoy good food and good company.
Let’s see the pros:
Instead of being inside cooking while your guests are soaking up in the sun, you become a part of the fun while grilling and mingling with everyone around. It’s making the hosting easy because you won’t need to carry plates, food, and dishes out of the house when everything you need is in your outdoor kitchen.
Refrigerators and storage drawers can help you keep all the essentials right at hand. So you can load up your outdoor fridge with drinks and food before and you have them chilled and ready. The drawers you place outside will provide storage for every tool you need—from plates to ready-to-serve food—so you can eliminate back-and-forth trips to the indoor kitchen.
An L Space Iceland can be amazing, as your guests can pull up a chair and keep you company while you cook. This is the perfect thing for setting out snacks and serving up food straight from the grill and a great way to keep the kids fed and happy. For larger gatherings, you will have plenty of counter space; it gives you room to prep and serve, and you have everything around you that is easy to organize and accessible.
Cleaning up becomes a breeze with a sink and a dishwasher in your outdoor kitchen. This is going to keep you out of dirty dishes indoors. All you need to do is rinse, load, and continue the party.
If you love to cook, an outdoor kitchen is probably a dream come true for you. It offers you endless possibilities for delicious meals, and whether you love grilling, smoking, or whipping up a gourmet pizza. There is versatility in an outdoor kitchen that can elevate your culinary adventures to a new level.
Here is a closer look at some features that you can think about to unleash your inner chef:
A pizza oven: Imagine firing up a wood-fired pizza oven where you can craft your favorite pies. You can reach high temperatures, and these ovens will give you the perfect crispy crust pizza. This is for sure a fun way to impress your family and friends, and you can even host pizza-making nights where everyone can create their favorite pizza.
A bar is a fabulous addition to mix up refreshing cocktails and serve ice-cold drinks while you cook. Make space for your favorite spirits and mixers, and you can easily create the festive atmosphere that everybody dreams of. This will also allow your guests to grab a drink while you work on your culinary magic and make mingling a breeze.
Add ample cabinet space to your backyard, as they are essential to keeping the space organized and clutter-free. Store our appliances, spices, and all the little things you need when you cook, and make sure everything is within arm’s reach. You can personalize your storage with custom cabinetry to fit your cooking style.
A high-powered blender can be a game changer for your salsas, smoothies, and frozen cocktails, and the beauty is you don’t even need to worry about the kitchen mess. Blend it all outdoors and enjoy your fresh drinks right by the grill.
If you like to infuse your food with cooking flavors, a smoker is a great choice for an outside kitchen. It will allow you to experiment with different wood chips and create unique tastes in your meat, vegetables, or chicken. This is such an enchanting way to level up your cooking game and make your backyard look interesting.
Char-Broil Bullet Charcoal Smoker 16 has great reviews on Amazon and it seems like the perfect quality-price deal.
Try sideburners if you like additional cooking options. They can be useful for boiling, sautéing, and simmering sauce while you grill. It’s a great way to prepare sides without running indoors, so you can keep the entire meal within reach.
Use a two-sided grill for the ultimate grilling experience. Such a grill will allow you to cook multiple dishes at the same time, so you can have your burgers sizzling on one side and the veggies roasting on the other. This will maximize the whole efficiency of the cooking process, and you will have everything ready on time and served at the same time. Nobody will wait with water in their mouth for the veggies to be ready, especially when all they wanted was a burger.
Another interesting feature you can try if you enjoy breakfast or you want to serve up some tasty stir-fries is a flat-top grill. This is an excellent addition if you like to cook pancakes, eggs, and a more easy breakfast right outside, offering a fun way to gather for brunch or even a casual dinner.
Keep the party going and add a beer dispenser paired with an ice maker, and you’ll never run out of ice for drinks. This is such an easy way to entertain people without a hitch.
A wine cooler will be a real delight for your wine-enthusiast friends, and you can make sure your favorite bottles are always at the perfect temperature. It’s a stylish way to keep your wine at hand and pair it with dinner or enjoy a glass of wine while you cook.
Opting for a grill that works both on gas and charcoal will let you choose the method that suits the gathering style. Gas grills offer quick heat, while charcoal grills come with a smoky flavor and a traditional vibe.
Any of these things will bring you an unforgettable culinary experience, and whether it’s a festive gathering or a family meal, your outdoor kitchen will be the perfect backdrop for delicious moments that you can share with your loved ones.
The cons of having an outdoor kitchen
An outdoor kitchen can be really entertaining, but they are not necessarily the right fit for everybody. If you’re not a cooking lover or you don’t like to go over the top with entertaining, it’s better for you to skip this feature in your backyard design. There are a few reasons why an outdoor kitchen is not an ideal investment:
Limited budget
The appeal of having an outdoor kitchen can be overshadowed by the costs involved. This initial investment often goes beyond the appliances and features you envision. Outdoor kitchens require significant electrical and plumbing work as well. In addition to the cost of the grill, you will need to factor in expenses for installation and necessary upgrades to your systems.
It’s important to choose a reputable landscaping company to make sure the job is well done, and this comes with a high price tag. The materials used for creating the outdoor kitchen should be durable enough to withstand the elements that will lead to further expenses and add up.
A small setup can be around $5,000 to $10,000, but adding more features can raise the costs by $15,000 – $30,000, depending on how fancy you want it to be.
Small backyard
An outdoor kitchen can’t be held by every backyard, so before jumping into the design and installation, assess your available space. Make sure that your outdoor kitchen is not going to overcrowd your outdoor living area and take away the overall flow of your backyard. If you really want an outdoor kitchen even with tight space, a skilled landscape designer will help you create a customized solution that will maximize functionality without sacrificing comfort.
Grilling season is limited
Let’s think about North Michigan: the outdoor grilling season is fleeting, with harsh winters dominating the climate, so it’s essential to think about how often you really use the outdoor kitchen throughout the year. Investing in a large and elaborate setup is not a good idea if you’re unsure about the frequency of the use. It can be worth trying some Simler outdoor cooking options so you can still enjoy your backyard during the warm months but without the commitment of a fully outfitted kitchen.
Take into consideration all these pros and cons and make an informed decision about your outdoor kitchen to see if it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Remember that there are plenty of ways to enhance your outdoor space.
If you liked our article, read this one next: 8 Kitchen-Friendly Houseplants You’ll Love
