Building an outdoor kitchen for your home isn’t as simple as you think. And shopping for kitchen appliances that you can use outdoors is even more challenging. Not all kitchen appliances are built for outdoor use, and even if you find one, it might not come in the color you want or doesn’t have the features you need.
Buying new outdoor kitchen equipment is only tricky if you don’t know where to look. Here are a few considerations you should bear in mind when building a new outdoor kitchen.
-
Budget
If you’re building an outdoor kitchen, then it probably means you have some extra cash lying around. But that’s not an excuse to drop a small fortune for a home improvement project. Good outdoor kitchen equipment is available at different price points. Go to an appliance store or kitchen supplies store, and you’ll see fireplaces, ovens, and grills that range from the low hundreds up to over a thousand dollars.
Setting a budget can help narrow your search. Stick to your final figure and get the best (with cost-efficiency in mind) model that you can afford. Keep in mind that extras and optional additions aren’t part of the base price, so you might want to consider that when finalizing your budget.
-
Fuel type
The next aspect you should take into consideration the fuel source. To simplify construction, some outdoor kitchens are powered by electricity, but many homeowners still insist on building a natural gas or propane connection for fuel. Natural gas burners require a gas line from the mains to the location of your outdoor oven. You have to check what’s available in your area appliances are not backward compatible with other fuel types.
Natural gas equipment tends to be more expensive than propane models, although you might come across lower-priced models that have that option. While propane models are cheaper, a natural gas connection is more economical down the line.
-
Build
The design and build of the kitchen equipment play a vital role in your outdoor kitchen’s longevity. Since they’re placed outdoors, most equipment is made of metal, such as stainless steel, aluminum, or sheet metal. Many homeowners prefer stainless steel for its durability. However, they also cost the most.
Always perform a thorough inspection to check for hidden defects in the body. For instance, one common way to check whether the entire body is made of steel is to use a magnet. Another popular option is aluminum, as it can be as durable as stainless steel and often cheaper. Either way, metal is easy to clean, and you can always hire an oven cleaning service.
-
Size
You need to consider the size of the outdoor kitchen and the features you need. You want to make sure that your oven and grill aren’t too big for the available space nor too small for your needs. If you’re going to cook for your family, a small grill is enough. But if you throw a lot of parties, you’re going to need a proper setup. Make sure that the appliances can fit into your space safely and comfortably.
Outdoor kitchens come with a dizzying array of features today. You might want your own smoker or a side burner. Do you want rotisseries for poultry? Some grills and ovens only come with the basics, so be prepared to pay extra for optional features you want.
