We’re Hiring! Start your career at Unilock and 
So you are thinking about building an outdoor kitchen. Go on! You know you want to!
There are so many benefits in having an outdoor kitchen. To begin with, they are absolutely great for entertaining family and friends. When you are cooking out on the patio, your guests can sit nearby or wander around outside while the kids can romp about in the yard to their hearts content while mom or dad gets on with cooking – all because there is plenty of space. There are many more benefits than just space; here are some reasons to help convince you on your dream outdoor kitchen.
- For many years to come. Most of the grills and other items are made of stainless steel so that they can handle the hot summers and cold winters we get here in PA, and they are also very easy to clean. If you’re using retaining wall stone in your outdoor kitchen then you count on even more increased durability and time on your investment.
- Money saved. Did you know that you may save money after installing an outdoor kitchen? Yes, it’s possible! You will want to go outside on those long summer evenings and enjoy a special meal in the backyard rather than go out to an expensive restaurant. You’ll even save money on your utility bills because when you cook inside, your air conditioning is working overtime to make up for the extra heat from the oven and stove. Plus, you will increase the value of your home if you’ll be looking to sell down the road.
- Less stinky. Another hidden benefit is the ability to cut down on the less desirable smells of cooking. Some foods smell great when cooking, but things like fish can create smells that tend to stick around for a while. For those, take it outside!
- Health. Many nutritional experts suggest grilling food can help people stay healthy and potentially lose weight. Food cooked on grills lets all the fat drip off (and of course it tastes better too).
All these benefits offer many big incentives for homeowners in the King of Prussia, PA area. But where do you begin? Let’s take a look at some things to consider when planning your outdoor kitchen.
Concrete Paver Patio
Obviously, you need to start from the ground up, and probably one of the best places to start is with the patio. Concrete pavers are a great material choice for homeowners today. To begin with, they will last a lifetime – literally – and they won’t crack: they can be up to four times stronger than poured concrete! They come in an endless range of designs and colors so you can have something that fits in with your own wishes in order to give your yard the feel and look that you want. You can even get concrete pavers that look like natural stone or clay bricks, and they are available in a variety of different shapes and sizes.
Prep and Countertop Space
Much like an indoor kitchen, counter space outdoors is a huge asset. Many outdoor kitchen designs fail to include ample space for the home cook to prepare items for the grill, as well as space for plating and serving the finished dishes. Counter space on each side of the grill is important for proper function.
Storage Space
Depending on how much entertaining you plan do, storage in your outdoor kitchen could be a huge concern. Outdoor kitchen cabinetry has come a long way over the last 10 years, with beautiful solutions now on the market for all design styles. If you do a fair amount of outdoor entertaining, having a permanent spot to store your outdoor plates, cups, and flatware offers a great advantage over having to set-up from scratch for each event.
Eating Area
Naturally, you will need a dining table and chairs—how big it should be will depend on the number of guests that you might invite over. Consider your average party size and purchase a set-up that will nicely accommodate that amount of guests. You can always rent more chairs and tables for larger special events. Locate the eating area fairly close to the cooking space so that setting up and serving doesn’t involve a big hike across the yard.
Complementary Features
Built-in BBQ smokers, pizza ovens, and deep fryers are all possible options for your outdoor kitchen. Then there are other separate, but related, features like fire pits, outdoor TVs, and outdoor sound systems which are all controllable from your iPhone. Outdoor kitchens and the surrounding landscapes can be a large investment. If done correctly, however, it will pay for itself time after time with the sheer joy that you and your family get out of it.
Get more inspiration for your outdoor kitchen in the King of Prussia, PA area here or get a free estimate from an authorized Unilock contractor!
