{"id":32822,"date":"2019-01-11T19:07:02","date_gmt":"2019-01-12T00:07:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.igscountertops.com\/?p=32822"},"modified":"2021-11-03T06:33:53","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T10:33:53","slug":"benefits-of-an-outdoor-kitchen-and-how-to-create-the-perfect-design","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.igscountertops.com\/benefits-of-an-outdoor-kitchen-and-how-to-create-the-perfect-design\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen and How to Create the Perfect Design"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
\r\n\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\r\n

\"Benefits<\/p>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n<\/div>\r\n

<\/div>\r\n\n\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\r\n

For tens of millions of Americans, spending time outdoors means enjoying the company of loved ones while sharing a meal. If this sounds like you and your family, you’re definitely not alone.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Let’s face it. Americans are obsessed with barbecues. In 2016 alone, we purchased $1.47 billion worth of grills<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But, that investment is worth it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

An outdoor kitchen can add thousands to your home’s value. In fact, owners who add a complete outdoor kitchen see a return on investment ranging from 100-200%<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But there are other benefits for adding an outdoor kitchen to your space.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In this comprehensive guide, we’re discussing what those benefits are. We’ll also go over the best outdoor kitchen plans for your space.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What Is an Outdoor Kitchen?<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Over the years, there’s been some confusion surrounding what constitutes an outdoor eatery.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Is it having a grill? A table? Both?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We’re going to set the record straight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

An outdoor grill is exactly how it sounds. It’s like taking your indoor kitchen — equipped with fridge, stove, sink, and other amenities — and taking it outdoors.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Most outside kitchens are spacious with loads of counter space and storage. The complementing outdoor decor also adds to the ambiance.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

They’re most commonly found in warmer climates, although northerners enjoy living the indoor-outdoor life just as much.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Keep in mind,\u00a0the point of an outdoor kitchen is to expand your living space. In other words, it’s an extension of your house — just without four walls!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The obvious benefit of an outdoor kitchen grill area is the ability to enjoy more time outside.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But, for most people, this means carrying side dishes, drinks, and desserts from the inside kitchen out to the backyard patio. It can be quite a lot of work to enjoy a simple outdoors meal!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

An outside\u00a0kitchen removes all those hurdles. It also comes with extra perks.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. Great for Entertaining<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Even if a full meal isn’t on the night’s itinerary, an outdoor kitchen still provides a great place for entertaining guests.\u00a0If you think about it, it makes perfect sense.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Whenever you have guests over, where do you spend the majority of your time catching up? In the kitchen.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There’s actually a scientific reason for it. Psychologists found<\/a> that the kitchen table holds significance to people. Yes, even if your kitchen is too small to fit a table!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It’s the psychology of it. The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where your earliest memories of mom and grandmom form.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As we age, we hold on to those dear memories. We revert back to a feeling of safety and security when we’re in a kitchen.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The outdoor kitchen is no different.\u00a0It offers a comfortable and peaceful spot for you to host get-togethers, parties, or a nice meal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Saves on Utility Bills<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Everyone wants to save money on their bills every month. If you had an outside kitchen, you’ll do exactly that.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Your appliances account for 13%<\/a> of your total electric bill. Six percent of that is oven use alone. If you’re cooking with propane, you’re cutting your utility bill down significantly.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You’re also saving in other ways. You’re using fewer lights, running fewer electronics, and your heating\/cooling isn’t running on overdrive.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you add that all up, that figure should also get considered against the initial outlay of building an outdoor oasis.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Keeps the Smells Outside<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Your family may love eating seafood but guaranteed they don’t love smelling it. To make matters worse, the odor of cooked fish lingers for days.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Seafood isn’t the only food that emits a foul odor. If you happen to forget about that casserole — it will remind you it’s there by the stench.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Food doesn’t always smell as good as it looks or tastes. If you have an outdoor kitchen, you’re in a better position to never smell tilapia three days after you cooked it ever again.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. Allows for Healthier Eating<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

This is a no-brainer. Grilling meat is much healthier than frying it. It also tastes better than baking it in many cases.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You also open up your fresh veggies to the grilling experience as well. Have you ever had grilled corn? When you get your outdoor kitchen, you’ll have to try it!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5. Save Money on Eating Out<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why would you ever eat out when you have the perfect space in your own backyard?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Because you can design your own outside kitchen, you can choose whatever decor fits your tastes. You can choose the comfort level of your seating, how big your table is, and your food will get cooked to perfection every time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Why would you spend money elsewhere when you’ve got one of the best outdoor kitchens around?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Designing an Outdoor Kitchen<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Before we get into the exciting part — the features — there are a few things to take into consideration when you’re designing an outside kitchen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

1. How Much Will You Use It?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Be realistic. If you live in Florida, Texas, Arizona, or Southern California — chances are, you’ll get frequent use out of your kitchen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But if you live in Minnesota, Maine, Washington, or New York? Not as much.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Factor in how much you’ll actually use when you create your budget.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. How Will You Use It?<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

“For cooking and eating” aside, do you plan on having it near a fire pit? Do you own a pool? Will you throw lots of parties?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

How you’ll use it is almost as important as how often you’ll use it. This factors in a little later when we discuss the features of your outdoor kitchen.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Weather<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Again, do you live in a rainy area? Is it dry where you are most of the year? This will determine if you should enclose your outdoor kitchen, add a pergola, or leave it open.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If it does rain often where you live, consider removable walls. This will help keep the rain away from your activities but it will help protect your outdoor appliances and furniture.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

4. Functionality<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

When you’re deciding on the functionality of your outdoor kitchen, look to the one indoors.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Do you like the layout? What don’t you like? How would you design it differently?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Gather all those details and make notes. When it’s time for the final design stage, you can weigh out what from your list can stay and what can go.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

5. Space<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

You need to know how much space you have to work with. Try to draw up a base plan so you can see if everything you want to include.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Take into consideration how much space you need for countertops and all of your appliances. Think of seating arrangements, table size and shape, and where the ideal place to build is.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Speaking of want you want to include…<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Details<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

After you’ve answered all the questions above and decide\u00a0to build an outside kitchen, it’s time to get to the fun part — the details!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Flooring<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you already have suitable outdoor flooring, now is the time to reseal it.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’re starting from scratch, you’ll want to consider all the flooring material available to you:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n