Outdoor Kitchen Design Considerations
Outdoor Kitchens - Increase your Home's
Outdoor Pleasure
By Mark J. Donovan
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A neighbor of mine is in the process of completing
a new home. I was surprised to see that the design included an outdoor kitchen.
At first my reaction was, “boy, this is overkill”, but after thinking about it I
began to see some value. An outdoor kitchen allows you the ability to stay where
the action is when you are having a summer party by the pool or waterfront. It
affords you the opportunity to fully enjoy the outdoors during the consumption
and the preparation of the meal. And it also is a great way to keep your indoor
kitchen and your house cleaner during parties. If you have kids you know what I
mean. When company comes there is a constant flow of little feet running from
the pool to the kitchen to grab sodas and food. |
Though there are more upsides to the concept of an
outdoor kitchen design than I initially thought, I do however think there are a
few design considerations that should be considered before going down the path
of an outdoor kitchen.
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The first outdoor kitchen design consideration is
how, if at all, will the outdoor kitchen be sheltered. Will it sit in a screened
in porch area, or on a patio with a roof? My suggestion is that the outdoor
kitchen design should include a semi sheltered enclosure, e.g. with a roof and
at least two sidewalls for the appliances and countertops to sit up against.
This will at least ensure some shelter from the weather elements, which will
increase the longevity of the appliances and work area. |
The second outdoor kitchen design consideration is
the gas or charcoal grill. The grill is the focal point of your outdoor kitchen
so you should not skimp in this area, both in terms of size and cost. Grills can
range in price from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.
You need to consider both the size and location of
where the grill will reside. Grills typically come in widths from 24” to 60”,
pending if there is a side burner attached to it. Their depths can range from
15” to 24” in depth. The grill should be positioned so that countertop space can
be installed on either side of it.
If you are not considering a hood to vent out the
smoke, then you will want to position the grill near the edge of the roof
structure of the outdoor kitchen. Otherwise, smoke will get trapped in the
kitchen area. You also should consider prevailing winds for the placement of the
grill, as you will want to prevent smoke from blowing in your guests’ faces.
The third consideration is the choice of cabinets
and countertops. As my neighbor did, I would consider using stainless steel for
both. They are resistant to corrosion or rust, and easy to clean. Granite or
Ceramic Tile countertops, over lightweight concrete cabinet systems, may also
work well as they too are relatively impervious to weather conditions. The forth consideration is appliances. Again, I
would recommend stainless steel appliances, including the grill/range and
refrigerator. I would forgo the dishwasher in an outdoor kitchen design. Instead
add a stainless steel sink to the outdoor kitchen design. Why not make the
outdoor kitchen experience complete by having to clean up dishes by hand!
Frequently only cold water is run to outdoor kitchens, so cleaning dishes
outside may not be practical. If, however, the outdoor kitchen is connected to
the main house, then running hot water to the outdoor kitchen may be something
to consider.
I would also consider situating the outdoor
kitchen near the area where your guests and family will be expected to be during
parties and functions. It should also be near the outdoor eating area.
Otherwise, the outdoor kitchen will not serve its main purpose – keeping you
where the action is.
Electricity, Gas and any other utilities will need
to be brought to the outdoor kitchen area. Frequently digging a single trench
and separating and shrouding the utilities in separate steel or plastic conduit
is satisfactory. However, you will need to check with local building codes to
ensure this is done properly to your area. In addition, Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupters will be required for the electricity.
Outdoor kitchens are expanding in popularity. Even
in colder climates. The only limitation in colder climates is the length of the
season(s) they can be used. As cold weather approaches, plumbing pipes will need
to be drained and refrigerators turned off and emptied. Other than that, they are
low maintenance. So as you plan for your next home, consider an outdoor kitchen
and increase your home’s outdoor pleasure.
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