09 Aug Outdoor Kitchen: Must-Have Features and Ideas
Whether you’re “Master of the Grill” or simply host extraordinaire an outdoor kitchen sets you apart form everyone else. You’d love nothing more than designing an outdoor kitchen for you and your family to enjoy. And your outdoor kitchen, much like any indoor kitchen, must have features that make for an enjoyable experience. Your indoor kitchen is the heart of your home and your outdoor kitchen should be equally as inviting.
Outdoor Kitchen Features You Need
In order to create the outdoor kitchen of your dreams your custom home design team needs to know the must-have features you yearn for. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to build your custom outdoor entertainment central from square one. Here are the must-have features and ideas you need for your outdoor dream kitchen and entertaining area.
Grill
Any outdoor cooking enthusiast knows you begin with the grill. For the perfect outdoor kitchen you’ll want a built-in grill with shelving all around. Consider the amount of grilling you do throughout the season and install your dream unit. Make sure you have easy access to the refrigerator and sink for easy prep and clean up.
Griddle
The griddle trend is here to stay and is a must-have for any custom outdoor dream kitchen. You can cook just about anything on a griddle from eggs, bacon and pancakes for breakfast al fresco to side dishes to go with those epic cuts of steak you have on your built-in grill. The beauty of a built in griddle is that you can customize it so it fits into your counter cooking area seamlessly.
Pizza Oven
Next to the grill and the griddle every great outdoor chef needs a pizza oven. Depending on the amount of space you have you can opt for a portable or countertop pizza oven or go all-out with a built-in custom wood fired pizza oven. Whichever one you choose if its wood-fired choose a place to install a wood bin as well.
Warming Drawer
One of the latest trends in custom home design is installing a warming drawer in the kitchen. This handy addition is a great asset to any patio kitchen. You can keep those burgers and hotdogs warming while you wait for your guests to ask for seconds or store those items prepared indoors that are part of your dinner al fresco. Install your warming drawer beneath the counter space close by your built-in appliances for easy access.
Sink
When you design your custom outdoor kitchen you absolutely must include a sink. This means running plumbing out to your patio area but you will never regret including this must-have in your outdoor kitchen. Not only does the sink make for easy clean-up but when you’re meal prepping you should wash your hands frequently to avoid food-borne illnesses. Your guests will thank you!
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is about as standard in outdoor kitchens these days as the barbecue grill. However, you may not need a full size fridge of you have additional refrigerated storage for your beverages. A simple under-counter mini-fridge is ideal and convenient for safekeeping the meats you plan to cook up.
Beverage Bin
Nothing tastes better on a warm day than a cold drink. Keep your beverages nice and cool in a designated beverage bin. Essentially a cooling drawer you can install your beverage bin beneath the counters or, if you have a separate bar area, keep your drinks cool and handy there.
Wine Refrigerator
A wine refrigerator is easy to install and handy to have as part of your outdoor kitchen. This must-have keeps your Chablis chilled and sauvignon blanc deliciously drinkable at the perfect temperature on warm summer days. Just like your beverage bin you can install your wine refrigerator beneath your counter or behind your bar area.
Ice Maker
Ask anyone who’s ever hosted an outdoor party and they will tell you there is never enough ice. Solve that particular dilemma by including a must-have ice maker in your outdoor kitchen. This feature provides all the ice you need to keep your guests happy. An ice maker is affordable to own and to operate and it’s much more convenient than running to the gas station for ice when you run out.
Bar or Custom Seating Area
If you entertain often you’ll definitely want a custom seating area for your guests. This can be anything from benches and chairs customized to fit into your outdoor kitchen design or a full service bar area. Install a “kegonator” beer dispenser to keep a keg of beer cold and on tap for the festivities. You can include sink and running water for a true wet bar.
Fire Pit
When you invest in a customized outdoor kitchen for your new home you want to get as much use out of it as possible. Install a heat source like an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit with built-in benches. That way when the temperatures cool you can still be comfortable in your outdoor kitchen.
Entertain in Style
There you have it-our must-have features and ideas for your outdoor kitchen. If your new custom dream home includes a spectacular outdoor entertaining area please contact Seiffert Home Design today and let’s get started on your custom dream home.