The outdoor areas of the house are often considered an extension of the house. They sometimes get overlooked and people don't do much about them. But they have so much potential for becoming one of your favourite spots to hang out, entertain guests and relax. One way to transform this space is to turn it into an outdoor kitchen.
Kitchen Components
The popularity of outdoor kitchens is still growing. They Outdoor kitchens fulfill peoples' desire to prepare food and eat outside. It's crucial to think about how you'll use the area and what features you want and require. You have a wide range of possibilities when it comes to these components, and it all depends on your personal preferences.
The Grill
This might be the most important part of the whole setup. If you want to have a modern outdoor kitchen, the grill is a must. It's the focal point and the place where almost all of the cooking is done. Modern grills are very versatile and you can cook meat, vegetables, soups and even pizzas. The only difference between different models is the type of fuel they use.
Gas grills are easy to regulate and very popular. It can work on natural gas and is connected to the gas line of your house. Or it can run on liquid propane and you’ll have to change the tanks once in a while. You can fit them into the counter, or have them supported by a cart or a base.
Charcoal grills are the original version of grills. They give a smoky flavour to the food and you can use them for slow cooking, simmering, grilling and even baking. They're affordable and come in many sizes. Their fuel can be wood, lump charcoal or briquettes. If you’re an “open flame” person this is the right grill for you.
Pellet grills are a combination of gas and charcoal grills and are easy to use. They heat up faster than the rest and some of them even have smart features and infrared cooking. The only downside is that they can be expensive. And finally, electric grills that are easily adjustable, cheap and smaller in size so you can fit them anywhere.
Appliances
There are several appliances you should have in your outdoor kitchen. The first one is a fridge. Outdoor refrigerators are more durable, have more insulation and are waterproof. They're smaller than the indoor ones but will fit your food and beverages. Side burners are great for taking care of your side dishes. This includes vegetables, sauces, soups etc. They come in many sizes and you can pick the size you need the most.
Warming drawers are a great addition to the kitchen. They'll keep the food warm until the guests arrive or until it’s time for the next course. Smokers are a great way to add more flavour and richness to the meats you cook. They're great for ribs, pork and briskets. Your food will be tender, and juicy and taste amazing.
Pizza ovens are a favourite among kids. Besides being good for pizzas, you can also bake bread, desserts or appetizers. It may take some time to get a handle on how to control them, but the wood-fired ones are the best. Some people get an electric one for their outdoor kitchen because of their portability and easy control of the temperature.
An outdoor dishwasher also will save you a tonne of time. You won’t need to drag the dishes inside and do a lot of trips from the yard to your indoor kitchen. You can wash everything on the spot, your kitchen will be clutter-free and ready for the next meal.
And of course, a deep fryer so you can indulge in deep-fried dishes once in a while. It cooks at high heat and with a lot of oil. Fish, potatoes, chicken, turkey, and many other foods can all be prepared inside of it. The meat will be tender inside and crunchy on the outside. Just make sure you place it on a flat surface because otherwise, it may be a safety hazard.
Sink and Faucet
Of course, you can’t go without a sink and a faucet. You'll get running water to wash the dishes, wash fruits and vegetables, get the soup started and much more. They’re an essential that’s very helpful and save you a lot of time. Although it may cost more to connect it to the waterline, it’s going to be a good investment because you can also connect it to the fridge, beverage station or ice-making machine.
Cabinets
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cabinets are very popular for a modern outdoor kitchen. They're very durable and can stand up to every weather condition. A lot of these cabinets are rust and corrosion-resistant, but if you want additional protection, you can always add an extra protective coating. They should be thick and sturdy and have frames with welded corners.
Masonry
These cabinets are made with a combination of metal frames and concrete blocks, brick or decorative stone. This is a very natural look that gives a one-of-a-kind look to the outdoor space. These cabinets are strong and sturdy and can handle many weather conditions and different climates. The only downside is their cost and it may take longer to get them manufactured and installed.
Marine-grade Aluminium
This is a great material for a custom outdoor kitchen because it’s corrosion-resistant. These cabinets are structurally stable, durable and very strong. You can even add another protective coating if you want. You can also easily customise them and add drawers and cabinets as you like.
PVC
PVC is a relatively new material in this world. It just gained popularity because it’s rust-resistant and waterproof. It's also very resilient and sturdy. Plus, you can easily clean them with a hose or a pressure washer. One downside is the colour fading after some time.
Wood
Wooden outdoor cabinets are one of the most beautiful alternatives you can buy. They have a natural look to them that can complement any outdoor space. You get a classic, warm feeling that no other materials can achieve. It's very important to find high-quality wood from a reliable manufacturer. Some of the woods that are suitable for outdoor furniture are teak, oak and mahogany. To use them as long as possible, you should coat them with oils and water seals.
Accessories
To complete your kitchen, you should get a few accessories that will make cooking easier and less time-consuming. Grill tools will come in handy when you’re cooking a lot of meat. this includes a fork, cleaner, spatula and tongs. Get some cutting boards to have at hand when you’re making the meal prep.
Also, buy a garbage can for all the garbage you’ll accumulate. Make sure it’s water-resistant and sturdy so you don’t knock it over after a small hit. You should also get glassware and utensils suitable for outdoor usage. And just for fun, a big TV, some Bluetooth speakers and good lighting for your late dinners with family and friends.
