Are you sick of being cooped up indoors while cooking? If yes, then an outdoor kitchen is what you need to step up your culinary game. Refreshing and chic, an outdoor kitchen can definitely be an appealing addition when designing your dream home. But if you don’t know anything about setting one up, here’s all you need to know before you get started!
1. Choosing the Right Location
First things first, you have to decide on a decent spot for your outdoor kitchen. Not only should it be close to your indoor kitchen and dining area, but it should also have good ventilation. Moreover, it should be protected from harsh weather conditions.
The good news is that a covered patio from a reliable company like Trueline checks all these boxes. It enables you to cook even when it’s pouring rain or when the sun is beating down so hard you could fry an egg on the sidewalk.
Speaking of patios, make sure to design yours with both utility and style in mind. One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is the material. If you don’t know where to start, cut stone and brick are two decent options.
Cut stone is a versatile choice as this natural stone comes in different patterns and colors. You can expect to pay somewhere between $6 and $35 per square foot for this material. Bricks, on the other hand, normally come in unique shades of red, brown, and clay. This makes them the perfect pick if you are looking for a rustic farmhouse aesthetic.
You also want to take into account the number of guests you want to be able to seat comfortably and leave enough space for your outdoor equipment. Finally, don’t forget to leave room for optional accessories like a water tap or a fire pit.
Of course, a professional patio company will be able to guide you in detail about these aspects of installing a patio. But all in all, you are looking at an average cost of $3,994 for a professionally installed patio, which can go as low as $1,212. But at the same time, some customers spend up to $8,431 for more expensive materials and complex designs. So, it is a matter of personal preference at the end of the day.
2. Don’t Pinch Pennies on Appliances
Nothing quite compares to having appropriate appliances in your outdoor kitchen to make cooking under the sun a breeze. So don’t cheap out on investing in the right kind of appliances — you’ll thank us later. Here’s what you simply can’t miss out on:
- A Grill
Let’s start with the most obvious one, a grill. Whether you prefer gas or charcoal, a grill is absolutely essential for any outdoor chef. If you are not sure about which one to buy, the Weber Genesis II EX-335 Grill is a good place to start. It’s a top-of-the-line option and comes with temperature probes and storage space.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can go for the Nexgrill 4-Burner Propane Gas Grill. It works efficiently and costs around $350.
- An Outdoor Sink
Do you want to keep your hands clean and your workspace organized? Then an outdoor sink is a must-have. Whether you go for an under-mount one or prefer a freestanding sink, it’s absolutely crucial if you’ll be dealing with raw meat or seafood. The price tag for installing an outdoor sink is anywhere between $500 and $2,000.
- A Smoker
If you are looking to give your meats a little flavor, a smoker is what you need. From traditional wood-fired versions to contemporary electric models, there’s a smoker to suit every taste and budget.
One of the best all-rounder smokers in the market is the Traeger Pro 575, priced at $799. It is temperature-controlled and sturdy enough to last you a decade. However, if you are in search of something fancier, go for the Camp Chef Woodwind Wifi 24 as it lets you remotely monitor your grill. Now, how tech-savvy is that?
3. Add Cozy Seating
In addition to cooking, an outdoor kitchen serves as a gathering spot for friends and family. From couches to hammocks, there are endless comfortable seating options for you to consider. For example, you can set up a bench or some poufs and cushions that guests can sit on for an after-dinner drink.
Or, maybe you can set up some barstools so your guests can talk to you as you cook for them. If you’re looking to have some fun, you can even think about incorporating an outdoor bar area (if you have the budget).
4. Keep Those Costs in Check
Now onto the money matters: how to keep the costs down while building a tasteful outdoor kitchen? Well, here are some ideas:
Firstly, you can go on a scavenger hunt for the ideal pieces for your outdoor culinary haven by browsing thrift shops or reliable online markets such as Home Depot, eBay, and Amazon. You will be surprised by the exotic pizza ovens or centerpieces you would be able to get your hands on for way less than brand-new equipment!
Moreover, as far as the fittings are concerned, you can do your own fun little DIY project. However, let’s face it: unless you are an absolute pro, you might end up with a leaky washbasin or faulty electric wires.
So, be open to specialized help from plumbers and electricians where you might need it. You should expect to spare around $50 to $190 per hour for labor costs. This means that if you take the DIY route instead, you easily get to save somewhere around $400 to $1000. So, choose wisely!
5. Pay Attention to Safety
Although it’s last on this list, safety always comes first. After all, you don’t want your passion for outdoor cooking to burn your house down! For starters, you want to effectively keep the smoke away from the house, which requires excellent airflow. So consider having an open area or an exhaust system behind the barbeque grill and oven.
Moreover, you have to be wary of electric wires. That’s because any electrical outlets installed in your kitchen will be exposed to conditions like rain, UV radiation, and severe heat. All of these can harm electrical components and create a hazardous situation, so make sure to be very careful when cooking in your outdoor kitchen and consult a professional electrician for electrical safety.
Final Thoughts
We hope you now have some idea about how to create the perfect outdoor kitchen. Start with consulting a patio professional because a covered patio makes the ideal foundation for an outdoor kitchen. Once you have a patio installed, you can go on to build up your kitchen by adding electrical appliances, a sink, some cozy seating, and aesthetic elements to make it look beautiful. Good luck!
