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Did you know that the average American spends only 7 percent of their life outside? That amounts to about half a day every week. If you're looking for more ways to get outside and reap the benefits, consider installing a custom outdoor kitchen. Creating the perfect outdoor kitchen space is a substantial investment, but it’s an investment that pays off in spades. A well-designed and well-built outdoor kitchen showcases your class and style and adds value to your home. It can also unify all the elements of your backyard decor, from pools to patios to lawns. If you’re looking for expert advice on what project to take on and where to start, read on for the best outdoor kitchen ideas.
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Designing Your Custom Outdoor Kitchen
When designing your outdoor kitchen, you may have the luxury of a blank canvas, or maybe you have the pre-existing foundation of a backyard grill. The style of an outdoor kitchen is determined by several factors, including your house's style and your yard's existing design.
For instance, if your backyard is contemporary in style, consider a modern outdoor kitchen with bold lines and minimal design. The design of your outdoor kitchen is also greatly influenced by your climate. A poolside kitchen will look very different in a rainy region than it would in an area that is primarily dry and sunny.
In Los Angeles County, you can plan, design, and build your outdoor kitchen in a number of ways and based on your available space.
If your outdoor kitchen is built against a wall, consider designing a walk-out patio, complete with steps and a landing. This will give you a more formal, built-out outdoor kitchen.
You can also choose to set your outdoor kitchen near your pool or an existing patio area to give it a more casual, poolside feel. The overall design of your outdoor kitchen will be influenced by your budget, design plan, and the features you have to work with.
Features to Consider for Outdoor Kitchens
If you are planning on building a new outdoor kitchen, you will have to determine what you want to include in it. The most important feature of an outdoor kitchen is the cooking area itself.
Built-in Smokers
If you really want to go all out, you can build a custom kitchen that has a built-in smoker. This will allow you to cook meats and veggies all day long without needing to tend to them.
Built-in Side Burner
A built-in side burner can be very functional. You can use it to warm up leftovers or to make side dishes while you are cooking the main course.
Built-in Grill
Built-in grills are best for areas with a lot of space since they take up a lot of room. Built-in grills are great because they save you the trouble of buying a separate grill and then figuring out where to put it. An additional advantage of built-in grills is that they are usually made of high-quality materials like stainless steel, which can last a lifetime. Gas vs. Charcoal Grills There are a lot of different things to consider when you’re deciding between a gas grill and a charcoal grill. If you’re choosing between these two, consider how much space you have, what you plan on using the grill for, and how easy it is to maintain.
Built-in Pizza Oven
No outdoor kitchen is complete without a pizza oven. The pizza oven is the focal point of an outdoor kitchen and is sure to get you the most use.
Built-in Refrigerator
If you are looking to store drinks cold, or don't want to pop into the house whenever you want a drink, you can build a custom refrigerator in your kitchen. You can also use this to store food that's marinating and not quite ready to go on the grill or food that needs to be kept cold until served.
Island or Countertops
In your outdoor kitchen, you want to ensure you have a space to clean up after cooking. An outdoor sink would be perfect for this. Built-in Sink A countertop sink can be helpful, but having a built-in sink can also be a lifesaver. You can wash dishes, or prep food without having to go inside to run the sink. Built-in Wastebasket This feature is a must. You don't want a wastebasket that can easily blow away or animals can access in your outdoor kitchen. A built-in wastebasket will help ensure you don't unintentionally end up littering and that animals don't invade your outdoor trashcan.
Clean-Up Zone
If you are looking to store drinks cold, or don't want to pop into the house whenever you want a drink, you can build a custom refrigerator in your kitchen. You can also use this to store food that's marinating and not quite ready to go on the grill or food that needs to be kept cold until served.
Built-in Lights
If you have an outdoor kitchen built in your backyard, consider investing in on-demand lighting. They can make your backyard as beautiful at night as it is during the day.
Built-in Wetbar
A wet bar is a great addition to any outdoor kitchen. It’s the perfect space to chill with friends as you cook.
Television
If you want to watch TV while you cook, you can have a TV added to your outdoor kitchen. There are even outdoor TV stands that can be custom-built to hold your specific television. If you enjoy hosting friends to watch sports, this addition is great for entertainment. You can be outside grilling and not miss a minute of the next Superbowl.
Fire or BBQ Pit
Fire or BBQ pits can be built into your outdoor kitchen. If you have the space, they will make your kitchen look luxurious and create a relaxing ambiance. Can You Have a Fire Pit in California? In California, there are a few rules that must be followed if you have a fire pit in your backyard. You just need to be sure to follow local ordinances. Working with outdoor kitchen contractors can help you ensure that your fire pit follows all regulations.
Appliance and Storage
When planning your outdoor kitchen, you need to make sure to include enough storage for your outdoor cooking supplies. You’ll want to include a place to keep your grilling utensils, barbecue supplies, and other cooking accessories, as well as a place to keep the food you’re cooking.
Choosing Your Outdoor Kitchen Style
Once you know the features you want in your outdoor kitchen, it’s time to decide how you want to layout your kitchen. You can make your kitchen any size you want; just make sure it's big enough to comfortably fit your style and features.
L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
L-shaped outdoor kitchens are best for smaller outdoor spaces. This kitchen design maximizes your space while still allowing you to have a sink, grill, and refrigerator.
U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
U-shaped outdoor kitchens are great if you have the space and extra yard. This kitchen design is great if you’re looking to entertain a lot and have a kitchen that runs the show.
Island Outdoor Kitchen
Island outdoor kitchens are great in smaller spaces. However, you won't be able to have as many features with this design.