Eight Tips To Follow When Building an Outdoor Kitchen
Now more than ever our homes have become our sanctuary. The pandemic caused a whole new outlook on the way we view our living space. Outdoor areas have become very important to any homeowner. Outdoor kitchens have become a staple on a homeowner’s list of wants and must-haves. Here are 8 simple tips to follow when building an outdoor kitchen.
1. Building with Combustible Materials? Get an Insulated Grill Jacket
An outdoor kitchen must have a grill. Grills are made with combustible materials which need to be protected by an insulated grill jacket. Insulated grill jackets are built around the grill and are a metal sheath that has many advantages for grills. They protect their undercarriages from the weather and they protect the island around the grill from burning or warping from the hot temperatures.
2. Vent Panels Properly Ventilate Your Outdoor Kitchen Investment
Even though your outdoor kitchen is outdoors and the grill is out in the open, there still needs to be ventilation. When installing grill vents and ventilation it is always important to use a licensed contractor. A licensed contractor will make sure there are no gas leaks and build-ups that could cause an explosion. It is important that vent panels are installed every 4 – 6 feet away from dampened build-up.
3. Enclosed Storage Components May Not Work Under a Sink or Grill
Storage space and cabinets are always a nice feature in any space. In an outdoor kitchen, cabinet space may not work in all situations. Enclosed cabinets may get in the way of things such as plumbing or pipes. Think about the placing of your storage space before spending the money on cabinets etc.
4. Outdoor-Rated Kitchen Appliances Are Your Best (and Only) Choice
Would you put an indoor sofa outdoors on your patio? Of course not! The same goes for appliances. You should not put an indoor appliance outdoors period. Indoor appliances are not built to go outdoors and will ultimately break. You want to purchase an outdoor-rated appliance that is made to outlast the weather, hardier climates and sudden changes in temperature. Outdoor elements can do damage.
5. Never Install Cooking and Cooling Appliances Next to One Another
Placement of appliances in your outdoor kitchen is important. You never want a cooling appliance next to a cooking appliance. Both appliances give off a lot of heat, being next to each other might hurt their cooling mechanisms. A rule of thumb is to keep a foot between a refrigerator and a grill or side burners.
6. Learn, Learn, Learn Those Cutout Dimensions Before You Cut
Remember the old school rule measure twice, cut once? This goes for your outdoor kitchen as well. Triple check your measurements of your placement and appliances. It would be an expensive mistake to cut a place for the grill and have it not fit the cutout dimensions.
7. “Too Much Counter Space? What Have I Done!” Said Nobody, Ever
An outdoor kitchen or an indoor kitchen counter space is a plus! Remember when planning your outdoor kitchen keep counter space in mind. You will want space for prep and for overflow trays. Make sure you have enough counter space to make your outdoor cooking convenient and easy.
8. Do Your Research, But We Can Help (We Have Experts, You Know)
The BBQGuys are experts when it comes to anything BBQ or outdoor kitchen. These guys know how to create the perfect outdoor kitchen. These outdoor living specialists can help you with your outdoor kitchen and turn it into a great investment.
