Has the recent temperature increase put grilling on your mind? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Absolutely nothing pairs more perfectly with the feeling of sun on your skin than the aromas and flavours of mouthwatering BBQ. So why not kick your grill game up a notch, by installing a fully appointed outdoor kitchen? That way, you’ll never miss a moment of sun whenever you need to prep a meal or get a drink.
Outdoor kitchens go beyond the BBQ and offer the convenience and nearly the same functionality of their indoor counterparts. They can be simple or unbelievably posh. It really just depends upon your budget, your local climate and your individual taste.
There are several options when it comes to creating your kitchen. You can purchase a complete kitchen island kit, purchase your components piece by piece and build it yourself, or you can choose to have your kitchen custom made by a contractor. Here is a look at the three different options:
Image Source: Napoleon Grills
Island Kits
Outdoor kitchen island kits offer a single shot opportunity to get an attractive, functional kitchen with one easy purchase. Simply head in to your nearest home improvement store or specialty BBQ retailer and choose from a selection of basic or luxury options.
Standard kit features usually include: an island base, gas grill, cabinets or drawers. Some bbq island kits come with countertops, mini refrigerators and burners already included in the kit, while others offer such items as add-ons.
Piece by Piece
If you already have a grill that you love, or simply prefer the idea of creating something unique, then you may be more inclined to build your outdoor kitchen piece by piece. You can find many different building plans for outdoor kitchens via Google, on Pinterest, or other websites. Then, to fill it in, purchase components such as cabinets, a countertop, refrigerator and sink to complete it.
Here is an inspiring video that shows some of the steps involved in building an outdoor kitchen on your own:
It’s also worth noting that most home improvement stores also sell outdoor kitchen frames. Perfect, if you would like to cut down on the steps to completion.
A Custom Built Outdoor Kitchen
Image Source: Kalamazoo Gourmet
Many contractors specializing in outdoor work will create a custom kitchen for you. You’ll get a dream kitchen with the unmatched ambiance of the outdoors. Some custom outdoor kitchens can include bar areas with seating for your family or guests, extended counter space, luxury finishes and more.
Hiring a contractor to create your kitchen also means having the ability to integrate the kitchen design into the existing style of your outdoor living space. Or, if you’re looking to revamp your outdoor space entirely, your contractor will be able to work with you to create a unified design for your cooking, dining and lounging areas.
If you would like to speak to a contractor about building the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, browse our local listings to find the professional nearest you!
