If you’re planning on adding an outdoor kitchen to your backyard or garden area, there are certain aspects you need to be aware of before finalizing your plans.  You should carefully consider aspects such as location, design and materials to ensure that your outdoor kitchen is convenient, is fully equipped and can withstand all types of conditions throughout the year.

Where Should You Build Your Outdoor Kitchen?

Placement is very important when you build an outdoor kitchen because you need to ensure that you do not restrict any views, that the placement is convenient for you to use and that you locate the kitchen in an area where the weather is not going to affect it adversely. Ensure you consider all of these things when choosing your location:

• Wind – You can’t control the elements, however you can place your grill accordingly so smoke doesn’t billow into your neighbor’s gardens or disrupt your guests. Smoke will usually blow downwind of the grill so if you can, try and make sure patios or decks upwind of the smoke. In addition, refrain from placing your outdoor kitchen near windows or doors that are downwind because then the smoke will flow inside the house.
• Vision – Place counters in such a way so that every view is taken into account. For example, the main thing you need to think about it is whether your neighbors can see you. You will probably want some privacy when you are working and entertaining in your outdoor kitchen, so consider placing it where hedges or trees block the view to the neighbor’s house.  This will not only benefit you, but your neighbor’s privacy as well. Moreover, you must consider what your guests will be seeing when they are sitting at the counter or table, as well as what view the person has that will be cooking at the grill.
• Keep cool – The outdoor kitchen will be used on many a warm sunny day, but to refrain from getting yourself and the appliances too hot, make sure the area around the kitchen is shaded. The cheapest option is to build the kitchen under the shade of trees, as it will block out the harsh sun to prevent electrical equipment from overheating and will also keep the rays of sun out of your eyes while cooking without it costing you anything extra. If this option doesn’t work for you, or you don’t want to deal with falling leaves or acorns from overhead, then you can always purchase patio umbrellas which can provide some shade near the cooking areas and also by outdoor dining room sets, or you can build a covering or trellis overhead.   You can also install a rollup awning for coverage.
• Stay close to your house – Having a kitchen area in close proximity to your indoor kitchen is a good idea because then you only have a short distance to walk if you need additional supplies. Moreover, you will still need to store and prep the majority of the food indoors, so it makes sense to build the outdoor area near the back entrance to your home. Also, you will most likely have electric and gas lines located near the home, which is vital in order for your outdoor kitchen to run.  Not having to run these lines too far from the house will limit your installation costs.

Outdoor Kitchen Design

The design of your outdoor kitchen is pretty much up to you.  However, there are three main layouts that you may want to consider adopting for your backyard kitchen.

• Basic – This style is best suited for people that will be using the outdoor kitchen on an occasional basis rather than more regularly. It features a grill, a sink and a counter used for prepping food, as well as a small storage space.  This design leaves out many extras but is also usually the most affordable.
• L-shaped – This layout consists of two separate units. The base of the ‘L’ shape will contain the grill along with the storage compartments, whereas the other counter will provide a preparation area as well as a small space for dining. You will be able to place stools underneath this counter to allow people to sit at the counter for dining and entertaining purposes.
• U-shaped – This style is the most popular among those that intend to use the kitchen on a regular basis. It provides a larger dining space for a number of guests, as well as all the necessary areas for the grill, the prepping station, storage compartments and any other extras you desire. It is also the most convenient, as the chef can place all of the cooked food straight onto the dining area.

Using the Right Materials In Your Outdoor Kitchen

One of the major things you need to consider is the types of materials you are going to use to construct your outdoor kitchen. You want to make sure you have materials that are made to withstand food use in order to ensure that food will not be contaminated. Moreover, if you choose the right materials, then you can prevent too much wear and tear or corrosion throughout the year so you want to make sure the materials withstand outdoor use as well.

When it comes to outdoor kitchen materials, consider these points:

• Ensure it’s easily manageable – There is nothing more frustrating than having to clean a surface that requires a lot of work, so make sure you use stainless steel on your units and grill. It is the most sanitary material and it is very easy to clean.  It also maintains its condition well even in various types of weather.
• Install counters that can handle the heat – Despite shading your kitchen, it will at some point be in direct sunlight, which on a very hot day, can heat up surfaces very quickly. Make sure you find heat durable materials.  You also want to make sure that any materials near grills or other cooking surfaces are heat resistant.
• Consider natural stone – Installing stone counters may be the best way to go, as they are easy to clean as well as looking stylish. However, keep in mind that they may need to be sealed on a regular basis, especially since they are outdoors.
• Be aware of grease – We all know that cooked meat straight off the grill is accompanied by unsightly grease stains so make sure that any of the furniture you locate near the outdoor kitchen contains materials that don’t stain.  This is especially important for any patio cushions, stool cushions or other materials on your outdoor dining chairs.

Additional Items To Consider For Outdoor Kitchens

If you’re hoping to get a lot of use out of your new outdoor kitchen, then you will probably want to consider adding some extra goodies to give the outdoor space the right ambiance and design. If you’re aiming to throw a lot of parties, then music is a necessity for creating a fun and social atmosphere.  You may also want to consider amenities such as lighting and other forms of entertainment.

• Music – There are a number of types of outdoor sound systems that you can incorporate into your outside space which can be installed so that loose wires aren’t in view and the speakers are nearly hidden. Make sure you make your decision before the outdoor kitchen is installed so you can incorporate the speaker setup into the overall outdoor kitchen design.
• TV – You can also incorporate television sets and screens into your outdoor area if the electrical wiring allows it. However, ensure that you place the screens in an area that will not encounter direct sunlight or rain, otherwise they could overheat and become damaged and it may be difficult to see the screen.
• Lighting – If you’re planning on using your outdoor kitchen in the evening, then having the correct lighting is vital in setting the perfect atmosphere. Consider low lighting around the dining area; however you will need a brighter light by the grill. The types of outside lighting you can use are endless, however a good idea is to purchase solar lamps that can soak up the energy throughout the day and then light up in the evening. This will save you in energy costs and from having to install additional electrical wiring, while still creating a comfortable and ambient dining experience for you and your guests.

This post was contributed by Katie, a marketing coordinator at Food Service Warehouse - a restaurant equipment and supplies web store.

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Outdoor kitchens bring many benefits to homeowners.   For example, they are very popular in California because the weather in Southern California is amazing just about every day of the year, and having a kitchen outdoors allows people to enjoy that incredible weather.  If you want to build selling power into your home, you should consider adding an outdoor kitchen to it as an added feature.  Building a kitchen outside does not guarantee increased equity in the housing market due to the current state of the market, but nevertheless, an outdoor kitchen in your backyard will build value in one way or an other.

If you decide you’re going to build an outside kitchen in your home, you want to be sure to get a few different estimates from outdoor kitchen designers first.  There are companies that specialize in custom home additions like this, and by getting a few estimates you will not only be able to compare prices, but will also get some different ideas from different designers so you can determine what outdoor kitchen features you like best.

Expect to pay about $5,000 for the most basic outdoor kitchen set-up, and upwards of $60,000 or more for a high end outdoor kitchen.  The sky is the limit when it comes to what you can choose to put in your kitchen, even though it is situated outside your home. You can really get creative depending on what your budget is.

Be sure that the designers check with the town or city you live in to find out about all necessary building codes and zoning laws.  Many cities have certain requirements as to what justifies an addition of square footage to your home.  Electrical and plumping play a big role in this.

The nice thing about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, besides being able to be outside all the time, is the fact that you’re not constantly going in and out of the house for supplies and to do prep work when guests are over.  An outdoor kitchen can be set up as a completely functioning kitchen, and if you decide to have guests over for a dinner party, there really is no need to go in the house other than to use the bathroom.   This means you can be less stressed out because you don’t have to worry about people walking in and out of the house all the time and you’re able to entertain in one amazing central location.

You will find that outdoor kitchens make it an enjoyable experience to cook as well.  There is nothing like being able to use your outdoor kitchen grill, the stove, and oven all at the same time to put together a great meal for everyone, while still being able to relax outdoors in the fresh air, feeling the gentle breeze on your neck as you work to prepare a sumptuous meal. Or to be able to simply pop open your outdoor refrigerator to grab a cool drink or a platter of fruit, without having to dry off after a dip in the pool to head indoors.

When planning outdoor kitchen design, be sure to do some researching online, in your local bookstores, and by looking through magazines to figure out exactly what is going to work best for you.  Stop into stores that carry appliances and accessories for outdoor kitchens to see what they have to offer and get a few design ideas in the process.  You should take your time with the overall design and make it functional and fun – after all, building an outdoor kitchen can be as big a project as building an indoor kitchen, without some of the constraints imposed by interior design.

When it comes to summer fun, there is no doubt about it, outdoor kitchens are a great idea for homeowners around the country, and most especially in locations that enjoy great weather all year round.

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The first basic decision you need to make is to determine your budget for the project.  If you go into this with a budget of $5000 and a wish list that in reality is going to cost you $10000, well, that will only cause a lot of stress.  An outdoor kitchen means different things to different people.  Some people have no use for a sink outside of the home, while others would never dream of doing the project without one.  The same goes for a refrigerator.  And speaking of refrigerators, will it be an outdoor refrigerator, or just any under counter fridge?  You might wonder what difference that makes at this point.  The answer is, a refrigerator that is UL approved and warranted for outdoor use will cost several hundred dollars more than one that is not.  That alone should drive home the point about budget.  This project requires real research before you even think about dealing with contractors and scheduling the work.

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, you can go about the project in one of two basic ways.  You can set the lowest possible budget and get an adequate outdoor kitchen that will last a few years.  But then the grill will rust, the refrigerator will break, the cabinets will warp, etc., and you will be left with either living with it, eliminating it, or replacing it with something that will last many years.  My obvious point is that you can spend a little more money and have something that will last as long as you own your home.  Sure, the refrigerator may break eventually, but so will the one inside your home.

If you really want an outdoor kitchen, and you plan on spending more than a couple of years in your current home, why not do it right?  You can have a kitchen outdoors that will have cabinetry that is virtually weatherproof, and appliances that will never rust, but you will have to pay a little more for that scenario.

The basic outdoor kitchen consists of a grill, outdoor sink, and a refrigerator.  The cabinet space required for this basic set up is at least 8 feet in length.  You can have this outdoor kitchen for as low as $3500, or as high $12000.  The price difference will be determined by the quality of the appliances, and the cabinet construction type.  You can have a very high quality outdoor kitchen like this for around $8000.  That is just a starting point.  If you want something larger, or with more appliances, the price will go up from there.  If you want granite countertops rather than tile, for example, the price will be higher.  If you want a kegerator, wine cooler, vent hood, double burner…..yes, the price will go up.

As you can see, there is a wide range in quality and price when it comes to outdoor kitchens.  If you handle it right, however, you can have an addition to your home that adds enjoyment as well as real equity to your home.  Handle this wrong and you will only have disappointment, either soon because your budget falls short of your expectations or in a couple of short years, because you did not choose the best quality options for your outdoor kitchen.

Buy books to help you plan your outdoor kitchen here.

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If you are considering building an outdoor kitchen, here are a few points to pay attention to when coming up with your outdoor kitchen plans:

Location – The location of outdoor kitchens should be a prime consideration during the planning phase.  An outdoor kitchen should be placed conveniently near an entrance to the house, since food will typically be carried back and forth between an indoor and outdoor kitchen, as well as utensils and other kitchen essentials.  Outdoor kitchen designs that have quick access to the home’s indoor kitchen provide the most convenience.

Workspace – No matter what size kitchen you are planning to build outdoors, it is important to incorporate enough workspace into the area to suit your intended use.  Outdoor kitchen grills should have usable counter space on either side of the grill, as should outdoor kitchen sinks, so that plates, utensils, condiments and other food can easily be placed down while working in the kitchen.  In larger setups, outdoor kitchen islands are a popular way to add large expanses of usable counter space and can also include seating, a bar sink, or other elements to enhance functionality.

Layout – If your outdoor kitchen consists solely of an outdoor kitchen grill, then you don’t have to worry too much about layout.  But, if your plans include a setup typical to an indoor kitchen, such as a grill and possibly other cooking elements, an outdoor kitchen sink, and a refrigerator, the same care should be taken to layout the kitchen design as you would if you were designing an indoor kitchen.  You should make sure you have easy access to each aspect of the kitchen when coming up with outdoor kitchen ideas, and should also consider how many cooks will typically be using the kitchen at once before finalizing your layout.

Equipment – When designing an outdoor kitchen, there is a large variety of outdoor kitchen equipment to choose from.  Of course, the most logical inclusion is an outdoor grill or barbeque, and there are many styles and sizes of this important cooking feature to choose from.  You may also want to include other cooking elements, such as a pizza oven, regular oven, or cooktop for added cooking functionality.  When it comes to keeping things cool, you can add a refrigerator, an icebox or freezer, or even a wine cooler or ice maker.  Another important element of an outdoor kitchen is a sink or sinks, and those can be single sinks, double sinks or even bar sinks.

Storage space – An outdoor kitchen typically doesn’t require as much storage space as an indoor kitchen, since many items will be kept indoors and then will be taken out as needed.  Even so, it is beneficial to include storage space in your outdoor kitchen plans, such as cabinets, to house the outdoor kitchen supplies that will remain outdoors at all times, such as grill utensils, over mitts, and any other items that have no need inside.  It is better to include more storage space than you think you need, rather than incorporating too little space.

Seating & Dining – It used to be that a barbeque grill was placed away from dining or seating areas because they produced a lot of smoke.  But many of the newer grill models can better maintain the smoke that is emitted, or are even smokeless, and therefore there is no need to keep seating areas so far from cooking areas.  Seating in an outdoor kitchen can include outdoor dining furniture, a bistro table, or even a few stools placed around an outdoor kitchen island.  Keeping seating close to the kitchen space will keep the cook involved with everyone during food prep, rather than having to miss all the fun while preparing a meal for guests.

Extras – The basics of outdoor kitchen design include consideration of the basic layout of the kitchen, as well as locations for a grill, sink, fridge, storage and seating.  Other options can add more functionality and interest to your outdoor kitchen design.  Various outdoor kitchen appliances can make food prep easier and storage for these items should be considered in the initial design.  Outdoor kitchen accessories can also add functionality, as well as enhance the design of your kitchen plans.  Outdoor lighting should also be considered in your design plans so that you can continue to use your kitchen space after the sun goes down.

When it comes to designing an outdoor kitchen, the possibilities are endless.  Unlike an indoor kitchen which typically has set rules for design, an outdoor kitchen can be large or small, can contain only one aspect (such as a cooking area) or many, and can be customized to meet your functional needs, while adapting to your backyard design.  Custom outdoor kitchens can be designed near pools, on patios, within gardens, or almost anywhere that you desire.

Most people will hire a professional to build an outdoor kitchen.  When considering a professional for the job, it is best to interview a few different builders and ask them to come up with a detailed set of outdoor kitchen plans for you to review.  This will help you get a better idea of what you like, and will also allow you to compare pricing and workmanship. It is a good idea to ask for references and take a look at other outdoor kitchens that any builder has already completed.

If you plan to build an outdoor kitchen on your own, you can find plenty of outdoor kitchen pictures by searching online or looking through design books or magazines that feature outdoor designs.  Looking through outdoor kitchen photos is a great first step in determining what you want or don’t want in your kitchen design and can make it easier to describe to builders how you would like your kitchen to look if you are having a professional build it, or can help you design your own outdoor kitchen if you are doing it yourself.  You can also find useful tips on how to build an outdoor kitchen online if you plan to tackle the project yourself.

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home not only adds functionality to your outdoor space, but just like an indoor kitchen is the center of most homes, an outdoor kitchen can become the central spot for entertaining and enjoyment when you step outside.

Buy outdoor kitchen equipment and design books here.

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Here is a rundown of different types of outdoor sinks to make choosing an outdoor sink an easier task:

Outdoor kitchen sink – Outdoor kitchen sinks are similar in look and functionality to indoor kitchen sinks.  Most sinks for outdoor kitchens are constructed of stainless steel or cast iron.  Just like indoor models, outdoor kitchen sinks can be undermounted or overmounted.   The sinks can be incorporated into an outdoor kitchen, or they can be standalone versions.  The standalone sinks usually come along with an outdoor sink cart, which provides the framework within which the sink is situated and may also provide storage shelves or additional functionality.  No matter what style is chosen, an outdoor kitchen sink makes preparing food for a barbeque or picnic a piece of cake and allows you to stay outdoors during food preparation rather than having to remain in the kitchen.

Outdoor bar sink – Outdoor bar sinks are similar to kitchen sinks, only smaller.  This is typically a stainless steel outdoor sink that is made to fit into an outdoor kitchen area.  Like the outdoor kitchen sinks, they can be undermounted or overmounted.  Outdoor bar sinks are becoming extremely popular and are perfect for entertaining.  They can be used as a kitchen sink as well if space is too limited for a larger model.

Outdoor gardening sink – Outdoor gardening sinks are purely functional and can be the perfect place to help with potting plants or cleaning off after a day of gardening.  They can also be used to wash off your gardening tools and even the bounty of your vegetable garden before it makes its way into the house.  You can find portable outdoor sinks that are perfect for moving around wherever you may need them in the garden, or you can choose an outdoor wall sink that is mounted to the side of the house.  For added functionality, it is best to set up a shelf or table near the sink to place items on before or after they are washed if the sink does not come with one.

Outdoor sink station – Outdoor sink stations are basically portable outdoor sinks.  They consist of an outdoor sink and hose reel that are self contained in an outdoor sink cabinet.  The hose is wound around the reel for storage but can be unwound and hooked up to a water supply which provides water to the sink.  Depending on the length of the hose and the location of the spigot, you can move outdoor sink stations all around the yard to bring water to a location that is most convenient for you while working in the garden.  Outdoor sink stations are typically made from plastic or stainless steel.

Outdoor utility sink – Outdoor utility sinks are similar to outdoor gardening sinks or slop sinks.  They are constructed from plastic or stainless steel primarily, but can also be constructed of other materials, such as cast iron or even copper.  These sinks have a deep base to allow room to wash larger items and work well to clean off outdoor items or to have family members clean themselves off after time spent outdoors so the dirt is not tracked in the house.

Portable outdoor sink – A portable outdoor sink can be moved around to any location needed.  It is also referred to as an outdoor sink station, since it is comprised of a sink that is connected to some type of station or cabinet that also houses a garden hose.  The cabinet with the outdoor sink with hose reel can be wheeled around where needed and the hose can then be unwound and connected to a water source.

Outdoor sink materials – No matter what style of outdoor sink you choose, when it comes to materials stainless steel outdoor sinks are the most popular.  This is because they stand up to the elements and require no upkeep.  A plastic sink is another popular choice but they do not typically hold up as well.   You can also find outdoor sinks in cast iron and copper.  Cast iron is heavy so it is not used for portable outdoor sinks and copper will patina with age.

Outdoor sink faucets – An outdoor sink faucet is similar to an indoor sink faucet and typically constructed from stainless steel.  They usually have a high arched neck to allow space for larger items to be place underneath.

No matter what type of outdoor sink you are looking for, you can find a wide selection of outdoor sinks at home improvement stores, large retailers and online.  In many cases, you can select a sturdy indoor sink to be used outdoors.  Outdoor sink prices will vary by the type of sink you are looking for, the size of the sink, whether the sink is enclosed in a cabinet, and the material you choose.   It is best to choose a high quality outdoor sink because it will be constantly subjected to the elements and should be made to last.

Buy outdoor sinks here.

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