All-In-One Homeowners Guide to Outdoor Kitchens
Are you looking for information about outdoor kitchens, but you’re not exactly sure where to start?
There are lots of things to consider when you’re planning an outdoor kitchen, and sometimes, it’s hard to know where to start.
What kind of appliances should you include? What’s the best brand of grill? And how much will this cost?
In this post, you will find the answers to all your Orlando Outdoor Kitchen questions. Some of the topics we’re going to talk about include:
- Benefits of an outdoor kitchen
- Outdoor kitchen styles and layouts
- Appliances and gadgets
- Choosing the right grill
- Top 5 outdoor refrigerators
- Power burners
- Cabinetry
- And cost.
For this article, we’ve compiled information from our own expert team, as well as leading industry brands like Alfresco grills and NatureKast outdoor cabinetry.
Let’s get started with our first topic, the benefits of building an Orlando Outdoor Kitchen.
Why Outdoor Kitchens?
What’s so special about an outdoor kitchen?
There are a ton of benefits you can get from adding an Orlando Outdoor Kitchen to your home. Here are the top 5 benefits you can expect from building an outdoor kitchen.
- Number 1: Great for Entertaining Friends.
During the summertime, you can have all your friends and family over at once, without feeling crowded inside the house. Grill up some chicken and summer veggies, offer some refrigerated drinks, and enjoy yourself! You can entertain guests at your house, without having people inside your house.
Also, outdoor kitchens can offer lots of extra cooking space. If you’ve heard the saying, “too many cooks spoil the soup,” that does not apply to outdoor cooking! And that brings us to the next benefit:
- Number 2: Extra Cooking Space
If you decide on an outdoor kitchen layout with lots of space, you can have multiple people cooking at once, together.
One of the best ways to spend time with your significant other, or any other family member, is to cook with them. Maybe you prep the burgers, and they chop the salad. Or you could work together on the same dish: they assemble the kebabs and you grill them.
Spending a little extra time with your loved ones is a great benefit of the spacious outdoor kitchen. Also, you’ll have plenty of space for guests and children to pass by or mingle near the grill.
Extra cooking space is a bonus for anyone. Did anyone ever really complain that their kitchen was too big, and they had too much counter space?
- Number 3: Spend More Time Outside.
We know, we know– we sound like your mother, telling you to go outside. But really, being outdoors is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as a way to get some vitamin D.
When you build an outdoor kitchen, that gives you a reason to spend more time outside. Even if you have a nice backyard, how often do you go out and stand in it?
An outdoor kitchen offers you a chance to get outside more often, as well as getting your kids off the couch. After you spend more time outdoors, you will start to notice that you feel a little bit healthier, both mentally and physically.
- Number 4: Lower Your Energy Costs.
When you cook inside during the summer, you’re going to spend more money on air conditioning.
This is because when you cook inside, it produces a lot of heat. Your air conditioning will have to work twice as hard in order to keep the house cool.
By taking the cooking outside, you can eliminate this issue. The cooking stays outside, and the cool air stays inside.
You can choose to add ceiling fans or other cooling methods to your outdoor kitchen, but you don’t need to worry about running the AC while you’re cooking. So in the long run, with an outdoor kitchen, you’ll save money on your cooling and energy bills!
- Number 5: Increase Your Home’s Value.
According to Remodeling magazine, you can increase the value of your house by adding an outdoor kitchen. In fact, outdoor kitchens usually return between 100% to 200% of the initial cost. Houses with outdoor kitchens tend to sell for 30% more than houses with no outdoor kitchen.
Of course, this makes sense because a good outdoor kitchen is an expansion of the home. You shouldn’t feel like the outdoor kitchen is a different style than the rest of the house.
That’s why we’re going to talk about the different styles of outdoor kitchens, and how a professional designer can create any aesthetic you’re looking for.
Outdoor Kitchen Styles
When you look up styles and designs for your Orlando Outdoor Kitchen, you might feel a bit overwhelmed with ideas. The options for your outdoor kitchen are limitless. You can build an outdoor kitchen that fits any style, aesthetic, and color palette.
At Outdoor Kitchen Guy, we work with a lot of different outdoor kitchen styles. You can find some examples of our previous work on our website, but if you just want a couple of examples, here are three of the projects we’ve worked on in the past.
- Project 1: The Winter Park Kitchen
The Winter Park Outdoor Kitchen is a great example of modern technology and design.
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As you can see, this kitchen is built in a galley style. (More on the different kitchen layouts later.)
On one side of this kitchen, we have the prep area. This side has an ice maker, which is an absolute must during the summer!). It also has a set of refrigerator drawers, some additional storage space, and a sink.
Across from that, on the business side, we have a ventilated 36 inch DCS grill, with a custom hood designed by NatureKast. Next to the grill is a double burner, which is super convenient for cooking vegetables or boiling seafood.
Notice how the bricks work to add a sense of hominess and comfort to this outdoor kitchen as well. This kitchen is not just about functional, it’s about family. The stainless steel appliances add a nice touch of modern tech to the faded brick style flooring.
- Project 2: Graphite Outdoor Kitchen
If you’re looking for a powerful and open outdoor kitchen, where you can entertain guests and grill at the same time, this is a perfect example.
This outdoor kitchen is all against one wall, so it leaves plenty of space for entertaining family and friends. The NatureKast cabinets are a deep gray finish, and it is designed to be sleek, simple, and strong.
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In fact, our favorite thing about this outdoor kitchen is the power burner, designed by Alfresco. This power burner is so powerful, it could quite literally launch a spaceship. It is three times more powerful than other power burners, which makes it a perfect option for boiling crab legs or cooking a turkey.
Along with the power burner, this outdoor kitchen also includes a 36 inch Alfresco grill, which is one of the most powerful grill options on the market today.
Combined with an outdoor fridge and lots of cabinet space, this kitchen is a great example of a sleek, modern, and powerful outdoor kitchen style.
- Project 3: Veranda Kitchen
Our third example of the work we do with outdoor kitchens is the Veranda kitchen.
This is a great example of a kitchen that is centered around the family. From the kitchen seating to the couches around the outdoor TV, this space is all about community and spending our time with loved ones.
The kitchen is covered, but leads right out to the backyard. It feels like an extension of the house, while also staying true to the summer vibes.
All of the dark grays and natural tones in this kitchen really add to the comfortable feel. It feels new and sophisticated, but still centered around the family.
The outdoor kitchen includes a stainless steel grill, an outdoor refrigerator, and a sink, as well as lots of cabinets by NatureKast.
- Any aesthetic is possible.
We like to say that if you can dream it, we can build it.
Of course, we can’t make pigs fly any time soon. But within the laws of physics, we can create any sort of look for your outdoor kitchen.
Do you like a vintage style, with colored glass and bright colors? We can do that.
How about a sophisticated Italian villa style kitchen, with a wine cellar and warm neutral colors? We can do that too.
We work closely with professional designers to build your dream kitchen, and we can incorporate any theme or color palette you want.
- Can be covered or open air
Do outdoor kitchens need to be in your backyard? Can I put a roof over my outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens can be covered. You might have an outdoor kitchen on your patio, or you can choose to have a roof installed over it. We even built an outdoor kitchen inside a covered patio.
If you prefer, you can always opt for an open air Orlando Outdoor Kitchen. When you use high quality materials, like NatureKast or Alfresco, you won’t have to worry about water damage from rain or snow. High quality materials should have a weatherproof guarantee.
In the end, it just comes down to your personal preference. A covered kitchen won’t get hot in the sun, so you don’t have to worry about burning your hand on the hot metal. But if you live in a warm environment, you might not need
If you have an idea for your outdoor kitchen, get in touch with one of our team members today! You can reach us by phone at (407) 330-6860, or by filling out our online contact form.
Types of Outdoor Kitchen Layouts
What are the different kitchen layouts?
You might hear different websites talk about a “galley style,” or an “L layout.” So what do these terms mean?
There are a few different common kitchen layouts that we use when we talk about outdoor kitchens. Here are some of the top outdoor kitchen layouts:
- #1: U Shaped
The first type of kitchen layout is pretty straightforward.
The U shaped kitchen, when viewed from above, looks like the letter U, or a square with one side missing.
There are a lot of benefits to the U shaped kitchen. For example, this layout offers a ton of space for amenities and appliances.
Also, the U shape makes it easy to navigate, and you always have plenty of counter space for all the food and plates and utensils.
You might like a U shaped outdoor kitchen if you plan to be cooking by yourself, or cooking with only one other person.
This layout is best for grilling, cooking, and serving the food for people to eat somewhere else. But beware, this layout can feel crowded. So if you plan to have lots of people coming and going, you might prefer the galley style kitchen.
- #2: Galley Style
A Galley style kitchen layout is easy to maneuver. This is a layout where the kitchen is in two parallel lines, like a pause button: | | and you can easily pass in between them.
As you can imagine, this layout has quite a few benefits to it.
The appliances are only a couple of steps away from each other. So if you’re carrying a plate from the sink to the grill, you don’t have to walk across the backyard.
Also, with a galley style kitchen, guests can pass through, without crowding up the kitchen. This is perfect for letting guests serve their own food.
However, this layout might not be a good idea if you have young kids. They will be tempted to run through the middle of the kitchen, right by the hot grill and other dangerous appliances. Sometimes, no matter how many times you say no, they still run through it. So this layout is a better choice for single adults, or married couples who have older children.
When you have a kitchen with two sides, like the galley layout, your outdoor kitchen feels much more open and flexible. This layout might be a good fit for you if you like bohemian style or a more relaxed vibe.
- #3: Single Wall
You can’t go wrong with the tried and true single wall outdoor kitchen.
With a single wall kitchen layout, you have all the necessities up against the wall. It helps keep your space empty, so you have more room for guests. Then you finish grilling, and you can serve guests right from the grill.
This layout is a good choice if you’re looking for an outdoor kitchen that will blend in when you’re not using it. A single wall outdoor kitchen is more about function than flash. It’s also a good option if you know exactly what you’re looking for, and you’re okay with limited counter space.
When you’re thinking about a single wall layout, you have to weigh the pros and cons of this particular style.
The pro is that the kitchen stays out of the way. It’s a good choice if you’ll have people coming and going, or if you’re worried about space. The con is that you won’t have as much space for appliances. There isn’t a lot of counter space with this layout.
- #4: G shaped
If you like the U shaped kitchen, but you want even more space, another option is the G shaped kitchen.
The G shaped kitchen is almost a complete square. It offers a lot of space for cabinets and appliances, and you’ll have plenty of counter space.
This layout usually offers a counter seating option. Otherwise, this kitchen is a bit secluded, and it might not be a good option for entertaining lots of people.
A G shaped kitchen is a good fit if you’re looking for a sophisticated style. It offers the most space, and you’ll be able to include a wide variety of cabinets and appliances to this layout.
However, this layout tends to feel closed off, which might not be a great choice if you’re looking to spend time with friends and loved ones.
- #5: L Shaped
Last but not least, we have the L shaped outdoor kitchen.
As you might be able to guess, the L shaped layout looks like the letter L. You might see this kitchen set in a corner, or against a wall.
The L layout is useful because it offers plenty of space, while staying open so you can mingle with guests while you cook.
One downside of the L shape is how the appliances are all spread out. If you’re cooking by yourself and trying to grill chicken, boil pasta, and roast veggies, all while prepping cold drinks and trying to chat with guests…you can see how it gets overwhelming.
The L shaped kitchen layout is a great layout for couples who like to cook together, or anyone who likes the combination of space and accessibility.
Now we’ve talked about five of the most popular layouts for your outdoor kitchen. It’s time to talk about what you can add to your outdoor kitchen.
What are some cooking appliances you should consider? Is it a good idea to buy a big green egg? Are power burners worth it?
Let’s talk about outdoor kitchen appliances, and which ones you should consider adding to your outdoor kitchen.
What Can I Add to My Outdoor Kitchen?
When you’re considering what to add to your outdoor kitchen, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many options!
When it comes to your outdoor kitchen, you want to reach a good balance of function and fashion. You want to include the essentials, like a grill and an outdoor fridge. Then you can add a handful of eye-catching add-ons, such as a power burner or a Big Green Egg.
Here are some of our favorite appliance options.
- Number 1: Grills
The grill is the centerpiece of your outdoor kitchen. This is where you sear steaks, and grill chicken, and roast vegetables to perfection.
When you’re building an outdoor kitchen, everything else is centered around the grill.
You want to pick a brand of grill that is the right size, materials, and style. You can choose if you prefer a flame burner or a sear burner, and if you want a grill that includes a rotisserie.
(Don’t worry, we’ll talk about how to choose the perfect grill in the next section.)
- Number 2: Fridges
An outdoor fridge offers a ton of flexibility to your outdoor kitchen. In fact, we think that a fridge is almost as important as the grill itself. Here’s why:
Outdoor fridges save you time and effort. You don’t have to carry food indoors and outdoors.
When you are marinating chicken or chilling the watermelon, you can just put it in your outdoor fridge.
If you’re looking for the best brands of outdoor refrigerators, we’ll go over that in a later section. But remember, a small outdoor fridge is worth every penny. It makes your outdoor kitchen much more functional, and it’s worth the initial investment.
Plus, if you find a high quality brand, an outdoor fridge will last for years.
- Number 3: Big Green Egg
Next up on our list is the Big Green Egg.
The Big Green Egg is an all-in-one kamado style cooking pot. It works as a grill, smoker, and outdoor oven. You can even cook wok in a Big Green Egg.
Big Green Eggs can be up to 29 inches in diameter, and the largest size (the 2XL) can roast a whole suckling pig!
Depending on the size, the Big Green Egg can cost anywhere from $430 to $2,200.
This is a high-end appliance, and you can choose it in place of a grill, or as an add-on to your kitchen. You’ll need to work with a designer to build a custom outdoor kitchen that will hold it.
But in the end, this grill is worth every penny.
- Number 4: Power burners
A power burner is an excellent choice for the grill master who wants to add a powerful cooking tool to their outdoor kitchen.
Power burners look like a stovetop range, but they pack a much heavier punch.
A normal side burner is about 12,000 BTU. A power burner can be up to 60,000 BTU. These burners can hold enough power to literally launch a small spaceship into orbit.
These power burners are a great choice if you want to add more variety to your outdoor cooking. That includes cooking wok, boiling crabs, and cooking vegetables in just a couple of minutes.
And if you’re not sure whether to get a power burner or a normal side burner, we say, why not both? That way, you give yourself the most flexibility, and the most options.
- Number 5: Sinks
And coming in at number five, we have the outdoor sink.
These sinks are a very handy addition to any outdoor kitchen. They are good for washing your hands after you touch raw chicken. They can also be used for drinking water, or rinsing off the dishes.
Most of the cheaper outdoor sinks are only for rinsing your hands, and they can’t handle cleaning fish or washing dishes. So if you want an outdoor sink that functions like your indoor kitchen sink, it’s best to consult a design expert and work with them to find a sink that fits your vision.
A sink is not a requirement for an outdoor kitchen, but especially if you grill a lot of meat, you’ll be using your outdoor sink all the time.
To sum it up, the top five appliances you can add to your outdoor kitchen include grills, refrigerators, Big Green Eggs, power burners, and sinks. But you can always get creative with it!
If you have any specific ideas for your outdoor kitchen, and you’re not sure how to incorporate them into your design, contact us today. We work with highly skilled professional designers to build outdoor kitchens that make you say “wow!”
So you know the different appliance options for your outdoor kitchen. What type of grill should you buy? How do you know which brand to pick?
How to Choose the Best Grill
There are tons of different grills on the market. How do you choose the best one?
When you make this decision, it’s important to think about these four factors:
- Size
- Materials
- Burner type
- Cost
We usually recommend luxury grills, with a large size and professional grade materials. This is because a luxury grill has the best value, and it will last for decades.
Here is a breakdown of what you should look for in a grill, starting with the size and materials.
- What size grill should I buy?
With an outdoor grill, you need to consider how you want to use it.
Do you want to host lots of guests for summer barbecues? Or do you prefer smaller family dinners?
Does your family enjoy a variety of meats, veggies, and other grilled foods? How much do you plan to cook at once?
You’re better off with a big grill. Talk with a kitchen designer to see what size you should get to fit your outdoor kitchen.
- Materials
A high quality grill is made out of 304 stainless steel.
Cast iron grills can be good, but they don’t work as well as the 304 stainless steel. The food gets stuck on the grates, and the ceramic coating can crack.
We prefer stainless steel to cast iron. Plus, 304 stainless steel is durable and weatherproof, so it won’t get ruined in the rain.
- You get what you pay for
When you’re looking to purchase a major piece of your outdoor kitchen, like a grill, remember cost vs. value.
In other words, do you feel like the price is fair? How many benefits do you get from this grill? Is it worth the price tag?
With a luxury grill like Alfresco, the upfront cost is quite a bit higher. But we still recommend Alfresco grills to our customers.
Why? Because we believe that these grills have a very high value.
You get what you pay for.
On the other hand, if you buy a cheap grill, expect cheap results.
You won’t get all the nice features, like a rotisserie or a sear burner. This means your food will take longer to cook. The chicken could be dry, the veggies undercooked.
Also, cheap grills break faster than luxury grills, so you’ll have to replace them more often.
Just like with any other product, you get what you pay for.
- Should I get a sear burner or a flame burner?
One of the advantages to an Alfresco grill is the sear burner.
The sear burner is spread over the bottom of the grill, and helps give steak, chicken, and vegetables a nice sear.
It looks like a honeycomb pattern. This helps the heat to fully distribute throughout the grill.
With a traditional flame burner, you can sear food, but it’s harder to control the temperature. This could cause the food to dry out.
Flame burners can also cause pockets of higher temperatures. Some parts of the grill get hotter than others.
Most people learn to grill around this problem. They cook certain foods on certain areas of the grill.
But with a sear grill, you don’t have to worry about this problem. Since the heat is evenly distributed, you can use the whole grill.
- Why we prefer Alfresco grills
There are a few different reasons why we recommend Alfresco grills.
In fact, we wrote a whole article about it, which you can read [[right HERE]].
To sum it up, our top three reasons are:
- Built from quality 304 stainless steel
- Includes sear burner
- Large size to hold tons of food.
Every Alfresco grill is guaranteed as well.
They are a great brand, and our customers are delighted when they use an Alfresco grill for the first time.
We don’t recommend an appliance unless it works really, really well. So that’s why we stick with Alfresco grills.
What’s The Best Material for Outdoor Kitchens?
One of the most important things to consider when you’re building an outdoor kitchen are the materials.
If you pick cheap materials, you’ll end up doing a lot of repairs in the next few years.
On the other hand, if you pick strong, durable materials, your kitchen will last for a lifetime (quite literally!).
What materials should you look for in an outdoor kitchen?
- 304 Stainless Steel vs. 430 Stainless Steel
Generally, you want to go for 304 stainless steel. There is another type of stainless steel, 430 stainless steel. The 430 type will not last as long.
304 stainless steel is an alloy, with 18% chromium and 8% nickel.
430 stainless steel does not contain nickel, so it’s usually cheaper. But without the nickel, the 430 will tarnish and corrode faster.
When you’re looking for a grill for your outdoor kitchen, you want something that can withstand the weather.
304 stainless steel is the strongest material for outdoor grills, in terms of durability, tarnish resistance, and easy to clean. So we recommend always looking for 304 stainless steel.
- For Outdoor Cabinets, Stay Away From Wood.
Most indoor cabinets are made from wood. However, you can’t use the same kind of wood for your outdoor cabinets.
Wood is not weatherproof. It swells in the humidity, warps in the rain, and fades in the sun.
A good kitchen designer will suggest a brand such as NatureKast, which makes weatherproof outdoor cabinets.
Outdoor cabinets should be made of high quality resin, PVC, or HDPE (high density polyethylene, a thermoplastic material).
These materials are all designed to last, and they won’t warp or crack like real wood.
And the best part?
Resin can be fashioned to resemble real wood. You get the look of wooden cabinets, without sacrificing quality.
We’ve talked about 304 stainless steel, and the best materials for outdoor cabinets. But you’ll need something more than a grill and some cabinets.
Next, let’s talk about refrigerators that you can add to your outdoor kitchen.
- Fridges should be specially built for outdoor use.
In order for them to work properly, your outdoor refrigerator should be specifically built for the outdoors.
An indoor fridge will not work outside.
This is because a normal indoor fridge uses the outside temperature to guess how cold it should keep the food.
If it is cold in the house, the fridge will use less power and the food will stay cold. If it’s hot inside, the fridge has to work a lot hard to keep the food cool.
Let’s say you had an extra mini fridge laying around, and you decided to build it into your outdoor kitchen.
This is bad, because an indoor fridge will have to combat the outside temperature. It will get too hot in the summers, and your fridge won’t be able to keep up.
That’s why an outdoor refrigerator is worth the cost. You want something that will keep your food cold, even during the hottest summer days.
We have a few brands that we prefer for outdoor refrigerators. Let’s go over our top five brands, and the pros and cons for each one.
Top 3 Outdoor Refrigerators
What is the best brand of outdoor refrigerator? What sets some brands apart from the rest?
Here are the top 3 outdoor refrigerators on the market, according to customer reviews, material quality, and
- Number 1: Sub-Zero 24″ Outdoor Undercounter Refrigerator Model DEU2450RO (link: https://www.subzero-wolf.com/sub-zero/counter-refrigerator/24-inch-outdoor-undercounter-refrigerator-panel-ready)
Sub-Zero is one of our favorite brands for high-quality outdoor appliances, and their outdoor fridge is no different.
The 24” undercounter fridge is perfect for outdoor kitchens, as well as indoor use. It is crafted with high quality stainless steel, inside and out.
The shelves inside are adjustable, so you can make space if you want to store something larger, like a watermelon. Or you can keep the shelves close together and use it as a beverage cooler.
This fridge has excellent temperature control, so you can store anything in it. Dairy products, eggs, raw meat, you name it. You can control the temperature through your smartphone, by connecting to the fridge via WiFi.
Another benefit of connecting your smartphone to your fridge is the open-door notifications. If you leave the door open on accident, or if someone else gets into your fridge, you’ll receive a notification. That’s a huge benefit to this outdoor fridge model!
Like most high-end kitchen products, the Sub-Zero outdoor fridge is a bit pricey. This model costs upwards of $3,500, and it may cost more to have it installed. But we really believe this fridge is worth the price.
- Number 2: Blaze Outdoor Rated Stainless 24” Refrigerator 5.2 cu. Ft. (link: https://www.blazegrills.com/product/blaze-outdoor-rated-stainless-24-refrigerator-5-2-cu/)
Our second choice for an outdoor refrigerator is the Blaze stainless steel refrigerator. This model is also 24”, just like the Sub-Zero option.
This fridge has a spacious interior, with cool blue interior lighting. With a spacious 5.2 cubic feet interior, this model can hold quite a lot of food.
When you’re looking for a good outdoor fridge that does the job, this is our second recommendation. It doesn’t have all of the benefits of the Sub-Zero fridge, but it keeps your food cool, it looks sleek and professional, and it has lots of space.
Another cool thing about this fridge is the reversible door option It can open to the left, or open to the right. You get to pick.
Plus, the Blaze outdoor fridge comes with a 1 year warranty. If it happens to break or malfunction within the first year, the company will replace it for you.
The Blaze outdoor fridge is the most budget friendly option on this list as well. It usually sells for $1,500, on sites like Amazon or BBQGuys.
- Number 3: Bull Outdoor Products 13700 Series II Outdoor Refrigerator, Stainless Steel (link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DPMTCS7?tag=gardenbeast-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1)
The Bull 24” model is a great mix between powerful and budget friendly. This model is made from 304 stainless steel, and it is fully weatherproof for every season. It also has energy saver certifications from ETL, DOE, and CE.
There are a few things to like about this model. For example, the price. This outdoor refrigerator is less than $2,000. (As of 2022, it is listed on Amazon for $1,779.) It’s a great option if you’re working with a budget.
Inside this fridge, we have three shelves, which are perfect for cooling drinks. It can cool down to 32 degrees, although some reviews say that it cools down to 23 degrees.
The insulation is great, and it has quite a few positive reviews on Amazon and other sites. Overall, it’s a good outdoor fridge.
Should I Choose a Side Burner or Power Burner?
When you’re equipping your outdoor kitchen, you can decide if you want to add a side burner, power burner, or both.
So what’s the difference between a side burner and a power burner? Which one should you buy?
Here’s a quick rundown of the definitions, differences, and some pros and cons for each.
- Side Burner Definition, Pros, and Cons
A side burner looks like a gas range stove burner, but on your outdoor kitchen.
This will usually be next to your grill, and you can use it to steam vegetables, boil pasta, or do any other cooking that you can do on an indoor stovetop.
There are lots of different recipes you can make with a grill/side burner combo. We like this recipe for grilled scallops and yellow pepper relish, which you can read HERE (link: https://www.sabergrills.com/better-barbecue-blog/grilled-scallops-yellow-pepper-relish/)
Some of the pros to a side burner include:
- You get to expand the cooking that you do outdoors. You’re not just grilling any more. Now, you can cook anything that you would cook inside on a stove!
- You get some extra cooking space. If the grill is full of burgers, you can use a side burner to cook the veggies. No need to wait.
- Keep the smoke outside your house! If you’re looking to do some deep frying, or any other cooking that involves a lot of smoke, the side burner is the perfect option. Even on days when you don’t use the grill, you can step outside and cook on the side burner.
Now for the downside:
- Side burners aren’t very powerful. They can do the work of a standard indoor kitchen stove, but that’s about it.
Compare this to a power burner…
- Power Burner Definition, Pros and Cons
A power burner is just that– a much more powerful burner. Power burners can have up to 65,000 BTU, almost as high as the grill itself. They’re perfect for cooking foods that require a lot more heat.
For a good recipe that you can make with a power burner, check out this recipe for spicy ginger shrimp and vegetables: (link: https://alfrescogrills.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/17-Stir-Fried-Spicy-Ginger-Shrimp-with-Vegetables.pdf)
There are a few pros and cons to the power burner.
Pros:
- It is very powerful and can cook basically anything.
- Once you use it, you won’t want to stop! It’s a favorite part of many clients’ outdoor kitchens.
Cons:
- Due to their high BTU, power burners can use a lot of fuel. You don’t want to exclusively cook all your meals on the power burner.
- The power burner might be too intense for cooking lighter foods.
Of course, if you’re not sure whether you should get a side burner or a power burner, we always say, “Why not both?”
One side burner and one power burner can give you the best of both worlds. This way, you’ll truly be able to cook anything, in any style.
So we’ve talked about outdoor refrigerators, and power burners vs. side burners. Next, let’s cover the last big element of your outdoor kitchen– the cabinets.
Then we’ll go over costs, financial stuff, and how much you can expect to spend on your outdoor kitchen.
The Best Types of Outdoor Cabinetry
There are lots of different choices when it comes to outdoor cabinetry.
You could buy indoor cabinets (although we all know that won’t be a good idea).
Or you could go for some bright orange PVC cabinets, to fit a vintage style kitchen.
Maybe you could pick something in between, like resin cabinets that are made to look like wood.
Whatever your color preference is, here are a few guidelines you should know when you’re looking to buy outdoor cabinets.
- Some styles waste space.
If you have cabinets that look like they’re set in bricks, this is actually a big waste of space.
All those bricks are taking up extra space in your outdoor kitchen. Your cabinets will be much smaller because of it.
For outdoor cabinets, it’s best to leave out the exterior stone or brick details. You want to maximize your kitchen space, so your outdoor kitchen can reach its full potential.
- Natural wood is not good.
The best materials for outdoor cabinets are resin, HDPE (high density polyethylene), and PVC.
Wood is actually a very weak material when it’s exposed to the outdoors. It fades in the sun, warps in the rain, and sometimes cracks in the cold.
When you install wooden cabinets in your outdoor kitchen, they won’t last long. You’ll have to replace them a lot sooner than you want to.
That’s why we strongly recommend that you stick with cabinets that are made of either resin or HDPE, with PVC interiors.
If you’re looking for a natural wood look, check out NatureKast outdoor cabinets. They offer a ton of options that look and feel like real wood, but they’re completely, 100% weatherproof.
How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
We’ve covered all of the major appliances and parts of your outdoor kitchen, the pros and cons, and what brands we recommend. But what’s this all going to cost you?
- Professional designer and installation.
At Outdoor Kitchen Guy, we offer professional design and consulting services to help you build your dream outdoor kitchen.
These services (or any comparable services from other com3panies) usually cost the same as a kitchen remodel.
For a full breakdown of our cost estimates for an indoor kitchen remodel, please visit our page here: https://signaturekitchens.com/blog/how-much-does-a-kitchen-remodel-cost/
And keep in mind, these figures are just estimates. That also includes the cost of the appliances, so if you want high-end name brands like Sub-Zero, your total might be a bit higher.
- What is the average cost of an outdoor kitchen?
A basic outdoor kitchen with a grill, a fridge, and a couple of cabinets can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000.
If you’re looking at a full-scale custom outdoor kitchen, you might expect to spend up to $100,000 or more, depending on the scope of your project.
This includes costs like the water and gas lines, installing the flooring, or even building a new structure around your outdoor kitchen.
So how much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen?
Well, the final answer is, it depends. It depends on how big you want the finished product to be. It depends on how much extra building you want to include (like flooring, building an overhead roof, etc.).
If you want to know more about the approximate cost for your outdoor kitchen, reach out to us today to schedule your first consultation.
Why Should I Work With a Designer?
There are a lot of benefits to working with a professional designer to create your outdoor kitchen. Here are a few of the benefits we’ve seen since we began offering design services:
- #1: Project management.
When you’re remodeling (or adding) a large portion of your home, there will be a ton of moving parts.
The cabinets are ordered from one company, the grill from another, and then you have to track down someone who will actually come and install all of this for you.
The biggest benefit of working with a designer is that they can manage everything for you. You don’t have to worry about placing orders or scheduling contractors.
The designer is your main contact person, and they can help you manage the entire project, from start to finish.
- #2: Helps save on future fixes.
If you’re going to build an outdoor kitchen, and invest lots of time, money, and effort into it, why not just build it right the first time?
There are a ton of small details that you might overlook, like what materials your cabinets are made of, or how the gas line connects to the grill.
A professional designer knows what to look out for, and they can help you build your kitchen right. When you work with a professional, your kitchen will be a lot less likely to break.
- #3: Creates a cohesive look for your whole home.
Stepping outside should not feel like you’re leaving your home and entering a whole new realm. Your backyard should be an extension of you and your family.
Professional designers are highly skilled at weaving the vibes of your family home through your outdoor kitchen. They can help you select the right colors, finishes, and layout, to match the rest of your house.
- #4: Unique ideas.
The neighbors might have the same outdoor kitchen as you, if you bought a premade kit from Home Depot.
If you’re looking for something truly unique and stunning, get in touch with a professional designer. Their job is to think creatively. They will be able to come up with fresh new designs for you, or optimize the ideas you already have.
- #5: Short term and long term goals for your project.
And last, but not least, a project designer will help you create and reach long term and short term project goals.
In addition to being experts at creativity, they are also experts at time management and goal setting.
If your long term goal is to entertain guests at your outdoor kitchen, a designer can help you select the right kitchen appliances to reach that goal.
And if you have a short term goal, such as a deadline for your kitchen, a designer can work with that too. (Just be sure that your deadlines are realistic!)
Get Started On Your Dream Kitchen Today
- Are you looking to build your outdoor kitchen?
We can help you!
Outdoor Kitchen Guy is a design and contracting business centered in Lake Mary, FL. We specialize in high-end outdoor kitchens that will last a lifetime!
- Our Process
Our process is straightforward, and you have full control of your outdoor kitchen every step of the way!
First, you reach out to us, and we connect you with one of our professional designers. You’ll work together to start brainstorming ideas, and you can talk about what you’re looking for in your outdoor kitchen.
Next, we’ll conduct an in-person visit, to measure your backyard and discuss any further design ideas.
After you and your designer have reached a final design, we will order the appliances, cabinets, and other pieces and parts for you.
Then when all of the pieces have arrived, we will build the outdoor kitchen of your dreams!
- Contact Us Today
Are you thinking about building your very own outdoor kitchen?
Reach out and get in contact with one of our professional designers today! You can reach us by phone at (407) 330-6860, or through the online form on our website.
We look forward to working with you!
THE JOURNEY STARTS WITH A SINGLE STEP
Contact Us
Whether you're looking for a unique custom outdoor kitchen, designed and built to match your aspirations or a simple and straight forward set up, it all starts with a conversation. Learn more by scheduling a personal consultation with one of our design experts.