Designing and constructing an outdoor cooking station(you can call it kitchen also) is certainly a lengthy process requiring a team of experts’ involvement to ensure that the project flows efficiently from beginning to end. Taking a positive way of learning about the outdoor kitchen process would help design your outdoor kitchen, even if it is far from a DIY project. Today we will explore the critical aspects of outdoor kitchens, such as adding value, layout form options, where to position one, material and shading options, and design ideas, all in one place.
What Is The Concept Of An Outdoor Cooking Station?
An outdoor kitchen is a space beyond the indoor living space – on a rooftop, in a garden, in an indoor-outdoor Florida Room, or on an outdoor patio – that includes features for preparing and cooking meals as well as cleaning up. Outdoor kitchens are made of a variety of materials and can be designed to suit your preferences. Outdoor kitchens can be outfitted with a range of appliances and facilities and great personalized colors, door designs, and handles, depending on the size of the outdoor living area and the layout shape. An ideal outdoor kitchen would be much like an indoor kitchen, but with the added benefit of being outdoors.
Do Outdoor Cooking Station Add Value?
An outdoor kitchen increases the monetary and social value of your property. Adding a luxurious outdoor kitchen to your home will increase its value by up to 30%, which means you’ll get a better return on your investment when it comes time to sell. It also offers outdoor entertainment for you and your guests, with all of the modern luxuries of an indoor kitchen – such as a dishwasher, sink, storage room, cooking feature – but in the great outdoors. Outdoor kitchens are a great way to add style to your outdoor space while also providing modern comforts and plenty of entertaining opportunities.
Shapes of the Layout
Outdoor kitchens come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from straight lines to G-shaped configurations. You have the freedom to pick any layout shape you like because Danver’s outdoor kitchen cabinets come in hundreds of sizes and include fillers, as well as finished end and back panels. The following typical layout shapes, however, are ideal for most outdoor kitchens:
G Shaped
The layout is essential G-shaped, with a partial fourth wall of cabinets. This arrangement works well in wide spaces since it contains at least two different work triangles.
U Shaped
A U-shaped outdoor kitchen has three sides of cabinets/appliances and open space in the center to create a U shape, universally advantageous. Two work triangles are also included.
L Shaped
L-shaped cabinets/appliances, forming a natural work triangle with workstations and devices.
Straight run
Cabinets and appliances are arranged in a line. This design is ideal for small outdoor areas.
What Should All Be There In An Outdoor Cooking Station?
You can bring your outdoor kitchen almost anywhere you have room for your outdoor kitchen design. The cabinets can be mounted anywhere, from a cliff overlooking the ocean to an urban rooftop since they are built to fit any layout shape. Finally, the location of your outdoor kitchen is determined by your specific entertaining needs, comfort requirements, and whether you want to provide additional facilities that will require extra space.
Your outdoor kitchen should, in theory, be adequate for all of your cooking and entertaining needs. Having your outdoor kitchen near to your indoor kitchen, on the other hand, can be helpful and convenient.
Material Options for Outdoor Cooking Station
For outdoor kitchens, there are various materials to choose from, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, as well as varying levels of reliability and durability. Maintenance will always be needed, regardless of the material you select. Wood, plastic, concrete, and metal are some of the most popular materials (stainless steel and aluminum).
Roofs, Pergolas, and Other Shading Options
There are natural factors to consider when incorporating a kitchen into your outdoor living room. Shade choices are uniformly helpful for both your entertaining value and the life of your outdoor kitchen, regardless of whether your environment sees a lot of sun or rain. While outdoor cabinets are robust in almost any environment, providing shade for your outdoor kitchen will minimize cleaning and maintenance requirements by shielding it from the elements. Furthermore, it offers sun protection and makes your bare stainless appliances more comfortable to touch.
We can integrate a roof into a Florida Bed to provide complete coverage, also known as a sunroom. A gazebo can also offer sun security, but it allows for more airflow. It’s almost like living in the great outdoors while still being healthy. For added privacy and protection from pesky bugs and wildlife, some gazebos have netting or closeable curtains.
Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchen
By far the most robust material, stainless steel is much stronger and more heat resistant than aluminum. Bare stainless steel will rust outdoors without careful maintenance, but a UV-resistant powder coat finish will render it practically maintenance-free and provide additional color fade protection.
Aluminum Outdoor Kitchen
Aluminum is weather-resistant because it’s not rust, even though it can corrode. The addition of a powder coat finish would aid in the corrosion resistance of the aluminum. It’s also a soft metal that conducts heat well, so it’s susceptible to denting, losing structural strength, and becoming hot to the touch.
Concrete Outdoor Kitchen
Concrete is long-lasting, inexpensive, and you can color it in almost any paint. It also has high heat resistance. On the other hand, a concrete outdoor kitchen necessitates specialist masonry skills to build, and it is susceptible to cracking and crumbling over time, necessitating repair and restoration.
Plastic Outdoor Kitchen
Plastic is famous for outdoor furniture because it is resistant to rusting, rotting, and corrosion. It comes in several colors, but the colors can be faded with sun exposure without UV shielding. Plastic can swell and contract as it ages in the atmosphere, causing the structure to warp. Furthermore, when used around hot appliances, there is a risk of melting.
Wood Outdoor Kitchen
Since wood is so common in indoor kitchens, it’s a popular choice for outdoor kitchens. It’s also a lovely, natural finish for the outside. When wood is exposed to the elements for an extended period, it can rot. We must take extra precautions to avoid fire hazards around hot outdoor kitchen appliances such as grills. It can be painted or stained to provide even more protection, but this will necessitate upkeep and maintenance.
Best Outdoor Cooking Station Designs
Other features that will get you outside for more than just cooking and eating will be incorporated into the best outdoor kitchen designs. Creating an entire outdoor living experience is simpler than ever before with the outdoor-rated accessories and facilities available.
Vent hood
A vent hood is needed for airflow and ventilation in any covered indoor or outdoor cooking space to reduce smoke, grease, and other pollutants created by cooking. They are also required for safety and other reasons in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces.
TVs and other accessories
A TV is a perfect addition for additional entertainment value when you’re out in the beautiful outdoors. Bring your family and friends together to binge-watch your favorite show or watch the new football game.
Outdoor dining area
The ideal setup for a complete outdoor living experience is to have an outdoor dining area. In one outdoor living room, you can cook and eat.
Outdoor grilling area
You can prepare an outdoor feast every day of the week with an outdoor kitchen that includes a grilling area.
Outdoor kitchen with a bar
What good is entertainment if there isn’t a bar? Have a bar and bar seating with your open kitchen setup to complete the look.
Outdoor kitchen with a pool
Have some fun in the heat! For outdoor pool parties, an outdoor kitchen next to a pool is ideal. Just a few steps away from your collection, you can grill and enjoy a meal.
Outdoor kitchen with a fire pit
A well-placed outdoor fire pit provides illumination, comfort, and a comfortable space to spend time with family and friends when paired with a low seating area.
Outdoor Grills for Cooking Station
It’s crucial to choose the right size and style of grill for your outdoor kitchen and entertaining needs when designing your outdoor kitchen layout. An overly large grill can take up space that could be used for other facilities. But here are some of the most popular grill suggestions:
Electric
The most significant disadvantage of electric grills is that they do not heat as quickly as other grills. Nevertheless, they do heat up fast and don’t need any fuel, and they’re often smaller and safer to use on the grill.
Pellet
Wood pellet grills are standard because they are electric and provide a smoked flavor to your food. They come with temperature control options. While they are costly, they do not require the use of gasoline.
Charcoal
Charcoal grills get very hot and produce a distinctly charred taste. Since there are no temperature control knobs, they take more skill than other styles of grills. Cleaning charcoal ash is a pain, and heating and cooling a charcoal grill takes longer than most grills. The kamado grill, which uses charcoal but is ceramic and provides consistent convection heat, is another choice.
Gas & Propane
Gas and propane grills are by far the most common, igniting and cooking food quickly. While they do not get as hot as charcoal, they have a lot of control over temperature and cooking zones. To stop replacing propane tanks, run a natural gas line from your house to your barbecue.
Cabinets Types and their Benefits
Different types of cabinets can create the ultimate outdoor kitchen, with each class serving a specific function.
Specialty Cabinets
Corner bases, for example, are handy for the functionality of your outdoor kitchen. Since L-shaped outdoor kitchens are standard, corner base cabinets must complete the L shape and provide additional storage and workspace.
Appliance Cabinets
Appliance cabinets have the advantage of accommodating almost every outdoor appliance from most of your favorite manufacturers. These cabinets, which range from grill cabinets to beverage center cabinets and all in between, are the basis for your outdoor kitchen’s entertainment value. Grill cabinets are beneficial because they come with a warming drawer, doors, drawers, and doors, among other features.
Wall Cabinets
Since people mainly use them for dishware and glassware for outdoor dining, wall cabinets are helpful for storage. Wall cabinets provide storage while keeping everything within easy reach.
Base Cabinets
Full-height sink cabinets, three-drawer cabinets, trash cabinets, drawer/door cabinets, and door cabinets are all base cabinets. Each base cabinet has a distinct function, ranging from maximum storage with a full-height door to an organization with drawer cabinets, cleanliness with trash cabinets, and convenience with a sink cabinet.
Building an Outdoor Kitchen for Winter
Even though outdoor kitchens can withstand severe cold, winter planning requires some thought. You will secure your investment from the effects of the cold and ready your kitchen for spring by doing so. Turn off the tap and remove any excess water from your lines if you have a sink or other outdoor kitchen appliances that use water.
Pipes would not freeze as a result of this procedure. Clean the refrigerator, freezer, sink, grill, and other cooking appliances as well. We should carry perishable food indoors after unplugging electric appliances and turning off the gas.
Polish and cover any bare stainless components after washing. Cleaning and covering your cabinets is a must, thoroughly drying and lubricating stainless parts like handles and hinges.
Final Words
While professionals should design and construct an outdoor kitchen, understanding the components of design and construction is helpful to the end customer. Outdoor kitchens contribute positively and include customization choices, such as fabrics, layout shapes, grill styles, cabinet types, and paint options. You will have complete creative control over the overall design and any outdoor-rated accessories you choose to add. Knowing how to winterize your outdoor kitchen is essential for its longevity and durability.