We all know the feeling. You’re throwing a party and you’re stuck in the kitchen while everyone else is out having fun. Or, you’re trying to entertain guests but the smoke from the grill is wafting into the house. Sound familiar? If you love to entertain but hate being stuck in the kitchen, then an outdoor kitchen is the perfect solution.
Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. You can enjoy all the benefits of cooking and entertaining outdoors without any of the hassle! Here’s a quick cheat sheet for outdoor kitchens and why we think it’s essential for every party host.
What Are the Essentials of an Outdoor Kitchen?
When you start building your outdoor kitchens, you’ll realize there are endless possibilities. But here are a few essential items that everyone should have:
Grill
This one is a no-brainer. A grill is the heart of any outdoor kitchen. Whether you opt for a gas or charcoal grill, make sure you get one that’s big enough to accommodate your needs.
Fridge
A fridge is a must-have. It’ll keep your food and drinks cold and within easy reach—no more running back and forth to the indoor kitchen!
Sink
A sink is another essential. It’ll come in handy for washing hands, prepping food, and cleaning up. Even when you’re not cooking, it’s a convenient feature to have—especially if you’re entertaining a large party outside.
Counter Space
Counter space is important for any kitchen, indoor or outdoor. It gives you a place to prep your food and design the perfect buffet.
Storage
Storage is key in any kitchen. You’ll need somewhere to store your pots, pans, utensils, plates, and glasses. Consider adding cabinets or shelves to your outdoor kitchen for easy access.
An Outdoor Fireplace
An outdoor kitchen is kind of pointless without a main focal point or gathering spot, right? An outdoor fireplace is the perfect solution. It’ll keep you and your guests warm and it’s a great place to gather around. Plus, it adds a touch of luxury and ambiance to your outdoor space.
Table Area
You’ll need a place for your guests to sit and eat. Luckily, there are lots of furniture options specifically designed for outdoor kitchens. Each option is easy to customize to your personal style and entertaining needs:
- Outdoor Dining Table
- Bar Seating
- Island with Stools
- Cozy Seating Area Around the Fireplace
Pergola or Pavillion
A pergola or pavilion can provide some much-needed shade on hot summer days. Plus, if the structure has a closed roof, it will protect you from unexpected rain showers. You can also attach a fan, lighting, or even outdoor heaters to make your outdoor kitchen functional all year round.
Lights, Art, and Scenery
And now for the finishing touches. Lights, artwork, and scenery can take your outdoor kitchen from simply functional to truly breathtaking. Consider adding string lights or lanterns for ambiance, a statement piece of art to personalize the space, and potted plants or a garden for added scenic beauty.
With these essentials, you’ll be well on your way to the perfect outdoor kitchen.
How Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Property Value?
In addition to being a great entertaining space, an outdoor kitchen can also add value to your home. The ROI of a well-designed outdoor kitchen is typically 100%-200%. If you’re thinking of selling your home in the future, an outdoor kitchen is a great investment. Plus, buyers love this home feature, so it’ll help you get top dollar for your home.
Even if you’re not planning on selling anytime soon, an outdoor kitchen is still a great addition to your home—your whole family will enjoy it for years to come!
How Do I Build it?
Building an outdoor kitchen is a big project. But, with a little planning and the help of a professional, it’s definitely doable.
- Choose A Location: The first step is to decide on the location. It’s important to choose a spot that’s close to your house so you can easily access water and electricity. Once you’ve prepped the perfect spot, it’s time to start planning your design.
- Map Your Design: When planning the design, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure your grill is the right size. You also need to consider storage, counter space, and whether or not you want an outdoor fireplace. A professional contractor can simplify the process by helping you map out your design and make sure all the elements work together seamlessly.
- Choose the Materials: Consider options like stone, brick, or tile for the countertop and durable, weather-resistant materials for cabinets and appliances. Your outdoor kitchen should be able to withstand the elements.
- Prep the Area: This includes laying down a solid foundation and running electrical and water lines (if necessary). You should also install any necessary plumbing for the sink and fridge.
- Start Building: If you’re not handy, it’s best to hire a professional to help you with the construction. They can ensure that everything is done properly and up to code.
- Decorate: It’s time to add those finishing touches. This is the fun part—make it your own and create a space that you and your guests will love to spend time in!
If you start looking for brick ovens, fireplaces, or pavilions for your kitchen, pay special attention to materials and which businesses will pre-fabricate your kits for you. It’s important to have all of the materials you need before starting construction so that everything goes smoothly.
Easy Installation Tips & Tricks
Building an outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips and tricks to make the installation process easier:
- Plan ahead and take your time with the design process
- Make sure you have all necessary permits before starting construction
- Opt for pre-fabricated kits to make construction simpler
- Don’t be afraid to hire a professional to help with the construction
- Look for features with efficient installation processes, like the Rian fireplace from Round Grove Products
- Have fun decorating and personalizing your outdoor kitchen!
Create the Perfect Gathering Space with Round Grove
Some of the best memories are made gathered around good food with family and friends. An outdoor kitchen is the perfect gathering space for all your events—from summer BBQs to holiday parties, your outdoor kitchen will be the hit of every event. Do we have you convinced yet?
While we can’t be a one-stop shop for your outdoor kitchen, Round Grove Products is proud to offer the very best in brick ovens, outdoor fireplaces, and beautiful pavilions. We only use the highest quality materials to ensure that your outdoor fireplace will last for years to come. Contact us today to create the perfect new gathering space for your home!