Your Backyard May Be Ready for an Outdoor Kitchen

Gardens and backyards have moved on from being mere extensions of homes to becoming bona fide entertainment and relaxation zones. While gazebos and pergolas have made an appearance in vacant backyard/garden spaces, outdoor kitchens have also found many takers. As part of their landscaping projects, many homeowners are increasingly building outdoor kitchens for their BBQ parties and pool-side get-togethers. If the concept of an outdoor kitchen intrigues you, read on.

Basics of an outdoor kitchen design

To many, a free-standing BBQ pretty much sums up outdoor cooking. But you can enjoy a complete kitchen experience in your backyard or summer house. For starters, it is recommended that you have a permanent overhead structure that provides shade and protection against the elements. A metal pergola will work just fine while you can also opt for an arbor. To make your outdoor kitchen fancy, there are quite a few additions you can consider. These include

•  A ceiling fan
•  A music system
• A fire pit/fireplace
• Special lighting
• An exclusive space for mixing and serving drinks

Worktops for your outdoor kitchen

The worktop surfaces of your outdoor kitchen will be more often used as landing areas for ingredient platters and other kitchenware, and rarely be used for actual food preparation. As far as the worktop materials go, granite is the best choice for your outdoor kitchen. It works extremely well in outdoor settings, doesn’t lose its sheen quickly, and lasts long. Easy of cleaning and maintenance add to the overall equation. Granite kitchen worktops are available in several colors too, which is great if you want your outdoor kitchen to really stand out. Having said that, rustic colors tend to complement the outdoor, ‘in the midst of nature’ feel.

While quartz worktops are excellent choices for your indoor kitchen, prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause some pigmentation issues. So, it is best to choose granite over quartz for your outdoor kitchen. Also keep in mind that stone surfaces are best left to ‘breathe’ – sealing them could cause decomposition over time.

Grills and other appliances

While your average outdoor kitchen will undoubtedly have a grill, there are many other appliances that add to your outdoor cooking experience. These include wok burners, side burners, gas wall ovens, beer kegs, ice makers, cabinets and sinks. Depending on the available space and your personal preferences, you can opt for the appropriate specialty appliances. Let’s focus, however, on the grill. The BBQ grill you buy will influence the configuration and construction of the rest of your cooking area and outdoor kitchen. The good news is that there are quite a few options you can choose from.

• Both built-in and free-standing grills are available
• Charcoal grills with shelves and other storage options are quite common
• If cost is not a concern, you can consider investing in a gas grill with rotisseries and burners. They offer better cooking power and temperature control.
• Grills are available in a variety of sizes with widths ranging from 24 inches to 53 inches and depths of up to 25 inches.

Penny Cooper is a writer who represents Granite Logic, UK suppliers of kitchen worktops made from granite, quartz, marble and silestone. The company’s prices for quartz worktops are competitive and it offers individual pieces as well as a full design service to meet different requirements.

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