Outdoor Kitchens Ideas

Why should I opt for an Outdoor Kitchen?

Very few pleasures in life compare to the joy of cooking under the sky. There is an aura of openness about outdoor kitchens that enhances the overall cooking and dining experience. The idea of a lifestyle that epitomizes the phrase “pleasure with leisure”, the concept of outdoor kitchens is a futuristic yet nostalgic one. It is a fact that we don’t get enough time to spend with our families, friends and loved ones. Be it work, school, household chores, there simply isn’t enough time. The idea of spending quality time with our loved ones, while lavishing a fine dining experience, is simply enthralling. Keeping in mind our modern fast-track lifestyles, outdoor kitchens are an imperturbable escape from our clamorous day-to-day activities.

Once you install an outdoor kitchen, you will find yourself captivated by the joy of cooking and dining with your loved ones in a setting that helps you relax the most. An evening spent in an enclosed environment will immediately feel prosaic. Needless to mention, your outdoor kitchen will be a sure success at a party. Thus, the idea of enhancing your family barbecue from a plain and simple setting to a more sophisticated, evolved one is very appealing. Outdoor kitchens can also be a pleasant substitute from the drudgery of an indoor one – and they also save a lot of time and energy going back and forth the patio from your kitchen.

What are the various types of Outdoor Kitchens available?

You’ll be surprised to find that outdoor kitchen appliances are available in every shape and size, every combination of accessories that fit your requirements. Broadly categorized into three categories based on your budget, the most simplistic model is the “Freestanding grill”. Laden with the benefits of an outdoor kitchen minus the price-tag, a freestanding grill is the best option for those with a low budget. A freestanding grill usually comes attached with a pedestal or a cart-attachment in which the height of the cooking-counter is usually adjustable, making cooking a pleasure instead of a cumbersome chore. You can always add additional features that suit your needs. These add-ons include tray-warmers, side tables and side burners.
The next segment of outdoor kitchens include the “Pre-Fabricated Islands” that provide the standard outdoor kitchens with an upscale look. But you should keep in mind that your decision has to be a careful one for the number of choices available in this segment is just overwhelming. The size of your outdoor kitchen island can range from a couple of feet to ten feet and they are available in every possible shape and design.
The last category of outdoor kitchens is the permanent islands. These permanent islands, while being an admirable object of attention, also add to the overall value of your house. These highly-customizable structures are usually laden with elaborate cabinets and drawers to suit your storage needs. Though the price is on a higher side, it is a wise investment, not to mention a great way to enjoy your meals outdoors, in the comfort of your own patio.

Can I afford to have an Outdoor Kitchen?

The answer is yes – anyone can. You can opt for a simple freestanding grill for a few hundred dollars or if you’re a smart investor, you might consider going for a permanent masonry island. The bottom line is that the idea of an Outdoor Kitchen is no longer a wealthy man’s affair. Ranging from the very-affordable to the ultra-sophisticated, Outdoor Kitchen ideas include everybody’s needs. A basic freestanding grill can be purchased for a few hundred dollars with additional features such as a gas grill can be purchased for $350-$450. The prefabricated islands are next in line with the price range being $1000 to about $35000. Permanent islands usually cost around $25000 for the basic models to about a $100,000 that would include most of sophisticated accessories available.
Rising popularity and growing demands for outdoor kitchens have forced the manufacturers to start a frenzied competition. Slashed prices, a large number of discounts and countless offers to avail, have made outdoor kitchens even more affordable. Hence, it is not true that luxury comes only with a ridiculous amount of wealth.