Outdoor kitchens have been a big hit since it was introduced to middle-class homes during the outdoor revolution of the 1970s. This era saw a deep appreciation for all things natural and organic, thus it was understandable that much attention will be given to the outdoor kitchen. Of course, it was bound to get big as envious neighbors smelled the aroma of home-cooked meals prepared in the outdoor kitchen wafting through their fences. This also brought families closer as it was more comfortable receiving guests in outdoor kitchens than indoors.

If you still don’t have an outdoor kitchen installed in your backyard, it’s time you thought about getting one. There are already prebuilt outdoor kitchens ready to be set up or you may opt to have an outdoor kitchen built to your specifications. Be creative in mapping out the outdoor kitchen as it will be staying in your courtyard for a long term. Your budget and your imagination will dictate how elaborate your outdoor kitchen shall be.

When installing outdoor kitchens, there are pointers that you have to remember:

1. If your desired location for your outdoor kitchen is too far from your gas outlet, you may hire qualified contractors re-route your gas line. Re-routing gas lines for outdoor kitchens may be costly and time-consuming. To avoid this hassle, you may instead get a liquid propane gas tank, which works just as fine.

2. Countertops of outdoor kitchens may be made of granite or tiles. Granite is preferred by most outdoor kitchen manufacturers because it is far superior to tiles in keeping out moisture. Also, granite is formed naturally under high temperatures, which means that it is more able to withstand extreme conditions.

3. Although not necessary, it is best to build a roof above outdoor kitchens. Outdoor kitchens are better preserved in their pristine condition if guarded against elements, such as sun and rain. Also, a scorching sun or a pelting rain shower will not hinder you and your guests from eating outdoors. You may also want to have a patio built into your outdoor kitchen to better accommodate friends and family. With a patio, there is plenty of room for movement, from which young children will surely benefit.

4. The best time for building outdoor kitchens is during good weather, such as summer and spring. Rain and snow will deter the construction of the outdoor kitchen, which may be costly to you, especially if you are being billed on a per diem basis.

5. Unless you have plenty of green paper to burn, think of only the most frequently used equipment that can be incorporated into outdoor kitchens. If your family is very much into grilling, get a built in barbecue grill; cold beverages, get a cooler; pizza, get a pizza oven. Steer away from equipment that you and your family will not use to avoid spending excessively.

Most importantly, remember that outdoor kitchens are designed for the pleasure of the families. Decide what you really want for your family and don’t be swayed by the offers of dealers and agents.

Author Bio: Carla Johns’ life is made more fun by outdoor kitchens. She holds feasts in her outdoor kitchen every first day of spring. She hosts wine and cheese tasting around her napoleon fireplace every first day of winter.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: outdoor kitchen, outdoor kitchens