Outdoor Kitchens

If convenience and family time matters most during cookouts and summer pleasures, outdoor kitchens are very practical solutions. They eliminate the “rush” of going in and out of the home’s kitchen to bring food, utensils, and anything else that one may forget. Outdoor kitchens should be greatly considered when planning any type of backyard or pool landscaping. They help place all the things needed for outdoor dining on hand, so one gets rid of the “running back and forth”, and allows more quality time with friends and family.

Outdoor kitchens can be as modest as a “storage cabinet” for one’s cooking cogs, or as grand as a full-kitchen with sink, grill, refrigerator, and dining area. Whichever way, the backyard will benefit from an al fresco area that is a natural “get-together” spot. Moreover, there are various ways to enhance outdoor dining experience through a variety of practical and aesthetic outdoor kitchen designs.

Planning The Space

The space to situate the outdoor kitchen is very important. An existing garden patio is a good foundation for outdoor kitchens. One can add a counter, grill, and other components without the need for structural modifications. On the other hand, decks need additional support for everything, but they’re also the simplest outdoor kitchens.

Whatever one chooses, the outdoor kitchen must be close to the house to save steps when needing to get supplies from inside. It doesn’t mean however, that it needs to be visible from inside the house. After all, you wouldn’t want to be looking at a pile of dirty dishes from the house; although “undercounter shelves” are solutions to this problem. Also, ensure that the location you choose will be able to contain everything that you’d want the kitchen to have. Here are a number of usual space needs for some components:

Grills

One can find grills that have cooking areas of 24 to 48 inches in width and 15 to 26 inches deep. One may also add a shelf or side burner, each component may add a foot or more to the width of the grill. Whatever grill chosen, situate it in a place where smoke is blown away from people eating.

Eating Areas

Table size usually ranges from “42x42 inches” models to 96 inches rectangular tables. The tables can seat four and six to eight people respectively. Allow a minimum of 36 inches or preferably 42 inches between the table’s edge and the wall or other permanent objects for enough walking space for seating. Also, for safety place tables at least 60 inches away from stairs even if it is only one-level up.


Counter Space

One will need a lot of “open counter space” for preparing food. It will also serve as holding area for an assortment of items, so don’t hold back on space. The same with indoor kitchens, plan 36-inches of counter space on every side of the grill if probable. To make food preparation, as well as cleanup easier, give 18 to 24 inches of “open space” for the sink’s sides.

Layout

Since the grill is the “heart” of cookouts, create outdoor kitchens around it. Arrange kitchen items so they are easily accessible and reached when cooking. Do not forget the hooks used for hanging spatulas, tongs, forks, and other utensils. If one includes a storage cabinet, refrigerator, or sink, they should be located close to one another.

Outdoor kitchens are great ways to provide a practical and aesthetic expansion to one’s backyard or poolside space. For a lot of people who find spending time outdoors or around the pool one of their main pastimes, then including an outdoor kitchen in the landscape plan is a great idea. It allows better outdoor enjoyment with friends and family with less hassle for cooking needs.