Few summer pleasures are as much fun as a cookout.
Why is it that food tastes so much better outside? Many of us can recall summer evenings grilling out with family, gathered around enjoying the warm breeze and each others’ company. At night, we’d chow down on s’mores and chase fireflies. During the hot days of summer, we’d be cooling off by snacking on watermelon or popsicles. During colder temperatures we’d get together and enjoy mugs of steaming hot chocolate and swap stories with loved ones.
Enjoying food outside is one of life’s simple pleasures – unless you’re the harried host running back and forth between the kitchen and the outdoors. Many people know the frustration of having to retrieve and juggle food from inside, miss out on parts of jokes and stories, and attempt to entertain – all at the same time. And once the party’s over, all of those leftovers and dishes have to be dragged back inside to be disposed of and washed.
Instead of missing out by running back and forth to the kitchen, bring the kitchen to you. If you find yourself cooking, entertaining, or eating outside often, it’s a good time to consider adding a custom outdoor kitchen to your existing architecture. Outdoor kitchens are a great way to entertain, make cooking easier, and add value to your home. The American Deck & Sunroom crew can design, plan, and construct a custom kitchen to add beauty to your home and fit your existing architecture seamlessly.
Why waste energy running from the patio and porch to a sweltering kitchen in order to serve guests or prepare a summer meal? Whether you intend to be an outdoor chef or a weekend griller, we can utilize leading edge appliances such as:
- Gas, electric, and charcoal grills
- Under-counter refrigerators
- Sinks
- Wine chillers
- Side burners
- Charcoal cookers
- Dishwashers
- Wood pizza ovens
Got questions? Here are some answers.
What type of grill do I want?
The popularity of outdoor kitchens has grown in the last few years, and manufacturers have introduced many outdoor appliances in order to meet the demand. Most likely, you’ll want to add a great grill to your outdoor kitchen. Do you choose gas or charcoal? A gas grill is perfect for everyday grilling, and a charcoal model is best for more occasional barbecuing. Some grills offer both options in one unit. Electric grills are also a choice, but don’t have the same delicious barbecue flavor that gas or charcoal grills supply.
What kind of storage can I get?
Keep in mind that your cabinets will be exposed to the elements. Because of this, stainless steel metals are most often the material of choice. High-quality stainless steel provides a sanitary surface that’s easily cleaned and corrosion-resistant. If using wood, it must be treated to stand up to moisture exposure. Select low-maintenance materials and equipment designed to withstand the rigors of an outdoor kitchen. Make sure all countertop surfaces and hardware are recommended for exterior use.
Don’t forget the organizational necessities, such as pullout trash and recycling bins, and baskets to hold napkins, glasses, and cleaning supplies.
How many people will use the outdoor kitchen?
Wether your outdoor kitchen is designed to feed your family in the summer or the entire neighborhood during block parties, American Deck & Sunroom can create a custom outdoor kitchen that suits your needs. Keep the important aspects in mind: tables, chairs, and comfortable areas. Having a living space close by will allow the cook to interact with guests while they hang out, waiting for the food.
Are there extra safety measures I should take?
If there are children or pets expected to be around the outdoor kitchen and its hot surfaces, it’s a smart idea to make sure there are extra safety measures in place. Use common sense in the same way that you would in an indoor kitchen. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and keep an eye on your food and keep sharp implements out of the reach of children.
Will it be part of an entertaining area?
Adding a custom outdoor kitchen to an existing entertaining area is a fantastic idea. Now, not only can friends and family gather to enjoy one another’s company and pass the time with loved ones, they can eat while they do it! Make sure that you prepare to add an outdoor kitchen to your entertaining area by providing enough appropriate seating and adding tables or countertops for easy-access eating spaces. For flooring, sealed pavers or concrete works – avoid marble or a slick surface. The best bet is to use natural stone blocks with a lower porosity, such as granite. Check out our services page for more information on custom paver patios!
What types of counters should I get?
You’ll need plenty of open countertop space to prepare food and serve as a holding area for a variety of items. Counters and patio or decking material should be highly resistant to grease stains and able to withstand high temperatures. Natural stone counters require sealing on a regular basis. If you go with granite, use cultured granite with UV stabilizers. Avoid highly porous materials such as limestone. Most experts suggest avoiding tile countertops.
If you are looking for a way to improve your outdoor kitchen and don’t want to build in a bar top, consider using a long table with bar stools. This also can act as a great prep area if you don’t have enough counter space.
Should it be close to the house or separate?
There’s no true “correct” spot to build an outdoor kitchen. Most people feel that placing a freestanding kitchen next to a pool or hot tub is a great addition, while others prefer a barbecuing area conveniently placed near their back door.
Many people choose to have their outdoor kitchen next to their home. The house provides natural shelter for the culinary station, shielding it from direct wind and sun. Also, it’s usually less expensive to run utility lines from the home to the outdoor kitchen. Keep in mind that grills or heat-producing appliances should be at least 10’ from the house or from any combustible material to avoid fires.
Others prefer to have their outdoor kitchens built a bit away from their home, especially if they plan on having a fully-stocked kitchen that would require a very small amount of back-and-forth into the house and back. In this case, more storage is ideal, so that bowls, tools, condiments, and dishes are ready whenever they’re needed. A built-in sink will also eliminate the need to run inside each time that hands need washing.
What type of lighting do I need?
To maximize the hours you can spend using — and enjoying — your custom outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to plan for varying levels of light. Whether you have a large outdoor kitchen or a modest outdoor kitchen island, the right lighting and fixtures can change your entire outdoor cooking and dining experience.Overhead lights are key to making the most of your grilling and eating spaces.
Be sure that the kitchen is lit adequately so that you can actually view what you’ll be enjoying. Don’t forget to light surrounding areas like steps, walkways, and paths. Provide adequate task lighting as well as ambient lighting to accommodate after-dark cooking and entertaining. An outdoor ceiling fan helps to keep air moving and deters flying pests.
The Bottom Line:
In our 20 years creating tailored outdoor living spaces, we have never seen an array of outdoor cooking equipment and fixtures we couldn’t handle. This enables us to design, plan, engineer, and construct a custom outdoor kitchen with the right appliances and size to meet your lifestyle and entertainment needs. We translate our design consultations into detailed plans and drawings to enable you to see exactly what you will be enjoying when construction is complete. No guesswork on your part and no late-in-the-game surprises. Our cost quotes on outdoor kitchens are guaranteed.
The best outdoor kitchens are as functional as an indoor kitchen, as welcoming as a living room, and as entertaining as a family room. An outdoor kitchen expands your living space and allows you to cook, eat and entertain without having to miss out on any of the fun. Not only do outdoor kitchens increase the time you can spend outside, they also increase the value of your home. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that these cook areas can return as much as 130% of their cost to the purchase price of a home. Contact American Deck & Sunroom for a custom outdoor kitchen that will bring you and your family years of enjoyment and delicious food!
