Are outdoor kitchens worth it?
An outdoor kitchen is a pretty serious investment as they can rack up a bill of almost $70,000 if you want a high end fully bespoke large kitchen. With so much money going into the project, it can make you question whether or not it is all worth it. We can assure you it is.
If you are looking to rejuvenate your outdoor space, there is no better way to do it than to install an outdoor kitchen. Although outdoor kitchen costs can be high, they don’t have to be. You can get an outdoor living space with cooking facilities at a cost that suits you. In this article, we explain everything there is to know about outdoor kitchens.
What is an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is an area consisting of a countertop for food preparation, counters for storage and cooking appliances designed to remain outdoors, covered by an overhang or roof. It may also feature built-in amenities such as a sink, drawers and cabinets, and even grills.
Types of outdoor kitchens
There are multiple ways in which you can use your backyard living space to create the perfect outdoor kitchen. The type of outdoor kitchen design you choose will depend on your budget, your personal aesthetic preferences, and the size of your outdoor space.
Patio kitchen
A patio kitchen is one of the most basic but functional kitchens you can create. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy an outdoor kitchen space but don’t have an excessive amount of room or money to spend on the project.
Patio kitchens are located on your patio, which means they are close to your house. This is ideal for a number of reasons. It means you have easy access to all your interior cooking utensils and equipment. It also means that you can easily connect your outdoor kitchen to your mains, making the entire installation process a lot easier. The kitchen itself is usually fairly basic, with just an outdoor grill, sink, and an undercounter fridge.
U-shaped kitchen
If you don’t have a lot of square footage to play with but still want a functional space with a decent kitchen size, we recommend opting for a u-shaped kitchen. As the name suggests, a U-shaped kitchen is created in a U shape, with a back counter connected to two side counters coming off it.
This is a great option if you want to make sure you can fit all your outdoor kitchen appliances in your new space as it gives you additional countertops and storage space to create an ideal entertaining area. This type of outdoor kitchen is great for hosting as it provides a more compact and cozy feeling, allowing you to bring everyone together in your new space.
Swim up bar kitchen
If you have a backyard swimming pool, you might want to consider installing a swim-up bar and kitchen. This type of kitchen provides you with the best of both worlds as the sunken built-in base of the kitchen is built up against the pool. This allows the cook to stay dry and prepare some delicious meals, whilst those enjoying the pool can swim up, grab a snack and be on their way.
Are outdoor kitchens worth the investment?
An outdoor kitchen is certainly a worthwhile investment. Kitchens are one of the most desirable features of a home so having two can significantly increase your property value. Although the initial investment might sound like a lot, you are virtually guaranteed a return on investment as an outdoor living space can increase property value by up to 20%. Plus, when you build an outdoor kitchen you provide your family and friends with a place to enjoy each other’s company and make memories, which is priceless.
What to ask yourself before investing in an outdoor kitchen
Although an outdoor kitchen is a worthwhile investment, there are some things that you need to consider before going ahead with the project in order to make sure you are making the right decision. Below are some key questions you should ask yourself before investing in an outdoor kitchen.
What is my budget?
The first thing you need to establish is what your budget is. Once you have this information, you’re going to be able to start shopping for outdoor kitchens. Your budget will determine the type of material you can use and the kitchen appliances you can purchase. The best way to build an outdoor kitchen that respects your budget and that fulfills your needs is to talk to an expert.
Can I design it myself?
Many people overlook the cost of hiring a designer to design their kitchen, but it can end up being costly. It is therefore worth asking yourself if you have the capability of designing the kitchen yourself. Remember, designing a kitchen is not just about choosing the appliances you want and picking out a countertop color, you need to know a lot about building codes, maintenance logistics, measurements, etc. Some people enjoy taking on such projects while others find it too stressful.
Do I know what I want?
Knowing exactly what you want before investing in an outdoor kitchen is not necessary but it’s a good idea to have a rough idea of the final look you want to achieve. If you go into the whole process blind, you are going to easily become overwhelmed. It’s therefore a good idea to do your research beforehand and create a mood board or a Pinterest page for the type of kitchen you want. This will give your designer an idea of the route you want to go down.
The benefits of an outdoor kitchen
1.
Brings people together
Outdoor cooking is one of the best ways to spend quality time with family and friends as it brings people together. Investing in an outdoor kitchen is a great idea for anyone that likes to host and entertain. Just like a regular indoor kitchen is the hub of a home, an outdoor kitchen provides the same familial warmth and social atmosphere with the added benefit of fresh air. Everyone loves gathering around a fire pit whilst the cook whips up something delicious on the grill.
2.
Makes delicious food
One of the best parts of an outdoor kitchen is the variety of food you can make. Firing up the grill gives your food that smokey flavor that everyone craves in the summer. You can achieve a depth of flavors in an outdoor kitchen that you simply cannot replicate in a regular oven. What’s even better is that many outdoor kitchens also come with a conventional oven, allowing you to continue making your regular meals in the great outdoors. You can even add a pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen for those days when you’re craving a taste of Italy.
3.
Lower energy bills
Most people overlook the fact that having an outdoor kitchen can actually save them a lot of money in the long term as it lowers your energy bills. When you cook inside during the hot summer months, your air conditioning works overtime in order to keep your kitchen cool. However, when you cook outside, your house remains at a nice temperature without having to pay extra to keep the fans and AC going all the time.
Shop for outdoor kitchens
An outdoor kitchen is a worthy investment as it can elevate your outdoor living space, increase the value of your home and bring your family and friends together in a comfortable and social setting. Noblio recognizes the advantages of an outdoor kitchen and is dedicated to helping you create the ideal outdoor living space.
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