Buyer’s Guide to Outdoor Kitchens

Steel outdoor kitchen in screen-enclosed patio

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s outdoor living space, an outdoor kitchen could be a great investment—especially if you love preparing meals for your friends and family. If you decide to go the outdoor kitchen route, you’ll probably wonder where to start. What exactly do you need to make the perfect outdoor kitchen for your home and lifestyle? What’s the cost of installing an outdoor kitchen? To help you get started on the process, the experts at Absolute Aluminum have put together this buyer’s guide so that you can make the best decision for your home and budget. Here’s what you need to know before installing an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

The appliances and items you’ll need for your kitchen will depend upon your desired functionality. Do you want an outdoor kitchen equipped for a small gathering with friends, or do you want one built to handle a big blowout sure to be the talk of your neighborhood? Here are some set-up ideas to consider depending on your hosting level:

Small Gatherings

For an intimate BBQ with close friends and family, you’ll want to start off with something simple for your outdoor kitchen. A built-in gas grill is a great option of you’re looking to flip delicious burgers or tender steaks. If you enjoy the taste of smoked meats cooked over charcoal, a kamado grill or BBQ smoker would be a great investment. If you love the idea of a homemade pizza party with friends, you should definitely look into an outdoor pizza oven. Once you have an idea about the kind of cooking you want to do, start looking into possible add-ons such as a refrigerator, trash bin, and access doors.

Medium Gatherings

In this stage, you’ll want to add kitchen storage in the form of outdoor cabinets to keep your cooking utensils in reach but out of sight. An ice maker to keep your guests’ drinks cold is also a great idea. Other additions to consider are:

  • Beverage cooler
  • Sink and faucet
  • Paper towel holder
  • Griddle
  • Power burner

Large Parties and Events

If you want to be the host of the next big neighborhood cookout, you’re going to want to pull out all the stops. Invest in items that will keep your guests comfortable and the food supplies going, such as a(n):

  • Outdoor-rated TV
  • Outdoor fans
  • Patio heater
  • Secondary grill, pizza oven, or smoker
  • Pantry
  • Fire pit
  • Patio furniture and additional seating

Ventilation

No matter the size of the gathering, cross-ventilation is key. Air needs to be able to move through your outdoor kitchen so gas can escape. With that in mind, be sure to include 8 inches of space between your appliances and service access door in important areas, such as below your grill. You’ll also want to invest in items like an overhead vent hood or island vent panels.

Trust Us for Your Outdoor Kitchen Needs

For an outdoor kitchen that is built to address your culinary needs, trust the experts at Absolute Aluminum. We proudly offer the following outdoor kitchen items:

  • Granite countertops
  • Infrared grills
  • Refrigerators and icemakers
  • Stainless steel cabinets and sinks
  • Stone backsplashes

Since 1988, we’ve been the local, family-owned business homeowners turn to for premium products that boost the functionality of their outdoor living space. Our top-notch installations, expertly crafted products and appliances, and personalized customer service have helped us earn an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau as well as multiple Angie’s List Super Service awards.

Call Us to Get Started!

To learn more about our services and to get started on putting together your dream outdoor kitchen, contact Absolute Aluminum today. We’d be happy to schedule a free consultation.