Sunday, December 17, 2006

Furniture and Other Accessories For Your Outdoor Kitchen

Keywords: outdoor kitchen furniture

Furniture and Other Accessories For Your Outdoor Kitchen

Outdoor cooking, for many years, has remained as an American passion. They just love cooking outdoors! What changed are the now high-end outdoor kitchen amenities such as refrigerators, space heaters, high-tech gas-fueled grills, and stylish furniture.

Nowadays, you should not find it surprising if outdoor kitchens have become one of the favorite segments in the industry of home improvement. Thus, it is hardly debatable that an outdoor kitchen adds to a home’s functionality, value and pleasure for homeowners.
How does one build a practical outdoor kitchen? This article has five simple steps for you:

Plan

Like any other endeavor, creating an outdoor kitchen needs critical planning regarding two elements:

Location

Normally, outdoor kitchen are built adjacent to the inside kitchen or off the rear of the house. An outdoor kitchen should have a pleasing location and have an easy access to the interior of the house.

For example, you can build an outdoor kitchen on a pre-existing patio or deck and build a combination kitchen patio and/or kitchen deck.
Another thing, you should consider the frequency and nature of usage, that is if for entertainment and/or for recreation, of outdoor kitchen so that the whole layout will make all areas accessible and functional.

Imagination and appropriate layout are the only limits to this element.

Budget
Of course, budget accommodation is another crucial element in the planning process. You have to consider that even a modest set-up, which consists of a kitchen island and a pro quality grill, will need an estimate cost of 5,000 dollars.
A helpful tip then is to gradually build your outdoor kitchen. You can spend 7,000 dollars to buy chairs and tables and a grill for this year and then spend the same amount for deck lighting, patio heaters, and refrigerators for next year. It takes long before you finish your dream outdoor kitchen but you can be sure that the project will be higher in quality.

In other words, you should figure out how you can best afford a quality outdoor kitchen before getting so excited.
2. The Grill

Every modern outdoor kitchen should have a grill. Normally, a grill uses natural or propane gas. The things that make a grill different from the other are size, budget, and features. Depending on the configuration of the kitchen, you can choose a portable grill on wheels or a grill that is mounted permanently.

Also, you need to pay close attention to the following features:

a. total cooking surface

The more square inches the cooking surface has, the merrier you will be. In this case, you have enough space to grill your favorite poultry, meat, vegetables and/or fish.

b. quantity and size of size burnersIf you have more and bigger side burners, you can accommodate large meals. You can also consider the presence of a rotisserie or a warming rack.

c. size of storage space

It is more advantageous if you have plenty of storage beneath your grill. Also, you have to check if your grill provides you with enough room to work around and cook. Ideally, there should be at least three feet of space on each side of the grill.

3. The Grill Accessories

The proper accessories for your grill include: baskets, tongs, rotisseries, utensils, egg rings, hotdog sticks, fry griddles, digital thermometers, and even branding iron to stamp family meals. Remember, you don’t have to buy everything at the same time. It is better to buy the accessories that will be frequently used and gradually add other items some other time.

4. Outdoor Appliances

It is logical to think of having a refrigerator once the set up for a grill is in place. Refrigerator is the appropriate appliance to keep the food clean, cold, and even safe before it is cooked. It can also keep beverages cold to enjoy. You can also install an outdoor sink.
You also have to consider installing lights, one or more patio space heaters, and bug zappers.

5. Furniture

For furniture, you have to consider two things:

a. tables and chairs

Go for tables and chairs that are durable, comfortable, and beautiful.

b. work island
Keep on mind the triangle design. This will enable you to cook and move around your outdoor kitchen.

The key to a great outdoor kitchen are careful planning and budgeting. By these, you will not only have a great outdoor kitchen but a whole lot of outdoor cooking experience and a family that enjoys the food!

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