There’s something magical about cooking outdoors. Whether it’s the allure of the open fire, the pleasure of communing with nature, or the simple joy of good food in great company, features of an outdoor kitchen has been gaining momentum.
More homeowners are considering adding features of an outdoor kitchen to their properties, transforming the cooking process from a solitary task to a social experience. In this guide, we delve into the essential features of an outdoor kitchen that will help you achieve that grilling perfection and create a more enjoyable outdoor cooking experience.
The Double Whammy: Two Cooking Elements
More and more, we are seeing our clients shift towards not just one, but two cooking elements in their features of an outdoor kitchens. Traditionally, we’ve always had a grill in place – usually a three to four burner grill. But we’re now starting to see the addition of another cooking element.
Grills, Smokers, and Flat Tops
Often, this means adding a space for a green egg or a Blackstone – two highly sought-after cooking appliances. This could be a grill and a smoker combo or a grill and a flat top duo. Having two cooking elements broadens your culinary possibilities, allowing you to smoke your meats while grilling your vegetables, for instance.
Storage
When considering the essential features of an outdoor kitchen, don’t overlook storage. Make sure your design includes plenty of doors and drawers. We can also incorporate built-in trash cans to maintain the cleanliness and organization of your space.
Keeping Things Chill
Outdoor cooking often goes hand-in-hand with refreshing beverages. To keep your drinks cold and your food fresh, consider including an ice bin or a refrigerator in your outdoor kitchen.
Ice Bins
Ice bins are becoming increasingly popular. These typically get cut into the countertop, providing a convenient place to store ice for drinks or to keep certain foods chilled.
Refrigerators
While a refrigerator provides more extensive cooling capabilities, it does come with extra responsibilities, including winterizing and unplugging during the winter months. But the convenience of having everything you need within reach makes this feature a popular choice among many outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Layout and Seating
When we talk about the essential features of an outdoor kitchen, we must consider the layout and seating
L-Shaped Grill Station
I personally prefer an L-shaped Grill station. The cooking elements are situated on one side, leaving the other side open for seating and socializing.
Raised Drink Rail and Bar Height Seating
To enhance the social aspect of your outdoor kitchen, consider adding a raised drink rail on the seating side. With three or four bar height chairs, this setup creates a comfortable area for your guests to relax, enjoy a drink, and chat with you as you grill.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when designing your outdoor kitchen, consider including two cooking elements for added versatility, ample storage, cooling options, and a layout that encourages social interaction. Remember, your outdoor kitchen should be a space where you enjoy cooking and sharing good times with family and friends.
Do you have any questions or are you ready to start planning your dream outdoor kitchen? Don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is here to guide you through every step of the way to ensure your outdoor kitchen is perfectly tailored to your needs and desires.
