Outdoor Kitchens – A Hot New Trend in Kitchen Designs
“Outdoor Kitchens” “Kitchen Designs”
One of the hottest new trends in kitchen designs and remodeling in general for that fact is the outdoor kitchen and outdoor entertainment centers. The general lifestyle and entertaining habits throughout the US is starting to see some interesting changes. More and more people are beginning to entertain more at home rather than going out.
Whether this is based on the economy, rising gas prices or the age demographic of the majority of homeowners isn’t clear but what is clear is that outdoor kitchens are a really hot trend right now and are actually a really great return on investment… Depending on the complexity and functionality of your kitchen designs, you can actually make money on outdoor kitchens, as much as 200% or more of the initial cost in some cases.
Currently the national average return on investment for a minor kitchen remodel is around 81% and even less for a major kitchen remodel coming in at only 70% but outdoor kitchens are between 130% - 200% if you do it right.
So what is doing it right? What are the major components needed for a really awesome outdoor kitchen?
Today’s outdoor kitchens are far more sophisticated than a simple charcoal grill and patio furniture. Outdoor kitchens today often incorporate a bar and a living/dining room look and feel.
Just because the kitchen is outside doesn’t mean you thrown out traditional design principles …the same design principles still apply and function is still one of the most important considerations. One of the most functional working designs is the kitchen work triangle.
A kitchen work triangle has the kitchen sink in one tip of the triangle, the center of the cooktop or range in another tip of the triangle and the center of the refrigerator in the other tip of the triangle. It might be impossible or simply impractical to achieve this in an outdoor setting, depending on your focal point, orientation and existing structures but whatever layout you decide to go with there are always ways to make it functional.
If you have a long straight line:
an L-shape:
or a U-shape:
then consider placing workstations in progression. For example, first place the sink, then next a preparation area, then the cooking area adjacent to that. It’s important that there is enough countertop space for prep and serving.
Orientation of the kitchen is another important consideration and should ideally be based on a focal point such as a great view, a fireplace or a swimming pool but if you don’t have any of these features you can create your focal point from your space and design planning.
Creating a nice lounging space is important too so incorporating multiple seating areas wherever you can is a big plus.
Easy access to the inside is a key consideration, since most items will have to come from and return to the indoor kitchen.
Some of the must have features to include in an outdoor kitchen would be of course a grill and cooktop and there are a lot of options ranging from gas and charcoal grills to wood burning ovens.
Pictured below is an all in one module:
Then of course any outdoor kitchen would not be complete without a sink and refrigerator but you might also consider a wine refrigerator and if you really want to get all the conveniences then you could also include a dishwasher too…just make sure they are all made for the outdoors.
Some outdoor kitchens even have waterproof flat screen TVs and sound systems.
Outdoor kitchens are not only a spot for family and friends to gather and enjoy good food and good company…it’s also a very smart investment in the value of your home.
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Ideas for Kitchens, Kitchen Designs, Kitchen Plans, Kitchen Remodel, Kitchen Renovation, Remodeling Costs
Interesting kitchens - I am assuming that they are for the hotter climates - anything outdoors in the UK runs a high risk of getting soaked lol - I mean it’s raining here right now!
Andy
Andy@Granite Worktopss last blog post..1
Well the appliances referred to in this post are made for all weather conditions….you wouldn’t purchase indoor appliance for an outdoor kitchen…so outdoor kitchens would weather rainy conditions although I don’t know how much use they would get if it rained all the time.
I love this idea! How much would it cost on average to assemble an outdoor kitchen?
I agree, outdoor kitchens can be a great addition to anyone’s home. Some of those pictures that you’ve posted are ready beautiful and they show exactly how a great outdoor kitchen should look like. The decorating and functional tips are not bad either. I’m sure that many people will consider an outdoor kitchen after reading your topic.
Excellent example photographs! Outdoor kitchens are a wonderful addition to any home, although they don’t add square footage (on paper anyway). One of my favorite projects involved an outdoor bar & grill that was just an oven and dishwasher short of being a full fledged kitchen. The final result was amazing, we used a faux rock effect on the entire bar area and these amazing iron stools with teak seats and backrests. Word to the wise: you WILL shatter stemware on an outdoor granite countertop. Something about the outdoors makes your guest extra aggressive when setting down their glasses.
Furniture Forumss last blog post..1
Wow! I love the pictures. I think it’s a good idea to have outdoor kitchen because to lessen the mess inside the house.
Carpet Cleaners Brooklyns last blog post..1
Kitchen is my favorite place in our house. I can spend the whole day their. Well, this outdoor kitchen is really new to me and i think it is a good idea.
Tap Dance Movess last blog post..1
Those are some beautiful outdoor kitchens. Call me old fashioned, but I’m used to a fire pit or simple bbq grill. I guess I’m going to have to get with the times since this seems all the rage now. I keep seeing these kitchens all over the home improvement channel.
Some great ideas and examples for outdoor kitchen designs. In our remodeling business in Southern California, we definitely see demand picking up. Seems like more interest in the market to move from the outdoor BBQ and grill to a full outdoor kitchen, but more so with the higher end home remodels, likely due to budget.
And of course, the climate in Southern California is all about outdoor living.
Thanks for the examples, we’ll have some of our customers take a look.
Alonzo @ Z.Z. Daily Construction
This is a great all encompasing article on outdoor kitchens. I really like all the pictures as well, definitely will help readers get a sense of the options and creative design ideas that are out there. My pool company in florida is seeing outdoor kitckens be requested more and more with each pool build we do. I think they really help families spend more time together and also is great for entertaining because you don’t have to keep going inside the house for food/drinks/etc. You can just remain outside with your family/guests and party with them as you entertain/cook. These really are a great addition to any backyard.
We’ve done several outdoor kitchens, but these ones are really elaborate. I love the fire pit in the middle of the table. Often our clients ask for outdoor heaters. We’ve done overehead ones and then ones that warm your toes. After awhile, you may question, why not just cook indoors if you want to keep your toes warm?!
Great collection of pictures. There is one really great idea that I’ve never seen before, and that is the one with the round granite table with the built-in fire. I’m saving it for my upcoming deck renovation - I was trying to figure out how to get an outdoor fireplace in the design, but I think this is an even better idea.
When building an outdoor kitchen, have a design by a professional
to save on costly mistakes. You want to think ahead if you do this
in phases, so you do not have to rip out what you’ve already done
There are some really fabulous outdoor kitchens featured here. I agree that it helps to have a professional designer advice you on the planning process.
Wow! These kitchens are brilliant. Unfortunately, living in the UK I don’t think our climate would permit one - no matter how powerful the outdoor patio heater. Still, with climate change, maybe at sometime in the future:-)
I love these outdoor areas, they really spice up any pool/deck area. Unfortunately these can only really be set up in places that have warmer weather year round. Luckily, I live in one of those places
Out door kitchens are becoming more and more popular. About 10 years ago I had never heard of one now it seems every other person on our street is having them built.