Summer has arrived, and with it comes grilling season. Some people also take these early weeks of summer to spice up their outdoor kitchen. A lot of money can go into this process, but it does not have to be all that expensive. There are plenty of ways to beef up that outdoor kitchen with ease. Here are a few ideas to manage outdoor kitchen renovations on a budget.
Different Stations
Many outdoor kitchens have both prep and cooking areas in them. Some of them have a bar or a table setting nearby. These factors all need to be considered when deciding to upgrade an outdoor kitchen. These places are the easiest places to start for making budget-conscious changes to their outdoor space. Some cabinets and islands can be purchased for outdoor kitchen purposes for relatively little cost. In some cases, they can only be purchased for a few hundred dollars each. There are a variety of materials and sizes available. However, there has to be a guarantee that comes with these items that they are meant for outdoor usage as indoor models will not be able to stand up to the weather outside.
Finding Spaces that Work Well
For people just starting their journey into making an outdoor kitchen, finding the right place to place this space can seem to be a problem. However, the best spaces are those that already have a wall build in them. If you can make use of an exterior wall for part of the outdoor kitchen then part of the building is already done for you. All you have to do is align a row of cabinets against it and build around that part as a focal point. For kitchens that you want to have water or electricity in them, this scenario is the best option because the access to these utilities is rather easy. It would be especially helpful to build against a wall where electrical outlets and water already run on the inside because you can usually piggy back off these features to the outside with ease.
Favorite Type of Grill
Most people grill food in their outdoor kitchens to avoid having an open grill too close to a main structure of the house. However, this scenario does not mean that things like charcoal cannot be used. Therefore, a decision needs to be made about the type of grill that is being used. A charcoal grill might not be able to be placed on the same wall as the house because it might need room for cleaning on both sides. At the same time, propane grills are a great idea. Another thing to consider is whether or not the grill has an open burner on its own. Sometimes, this part of the cooktop can run on electricity or gas from the house.
Picking Islands over Counters
In some cases, counters can become rather expensive. However, often times, an island can be purchased at a fraction of the cost. They generally serve the same purpose, and they can double as a bar or eating area with ease. They can be installed on a patio with ease, or they can be built up onto wheels or coasters, which is a great idea to have a mobile eating place. For stationary islands, there is an option to build the grill right into the countertop. However, this process can become a little bit more expensive, so it should be undertaken with caution to that fact.
Water Features and Wet Bars
One, key decision that needs to be made about these outdoor kitchens is whether or not you plan on having access to water. Sometimes, having a running sink makes for easier clean up. It is also great to have nearby for the sake of providing drinks during a dinner or outdoor event.
The other essential part to consider about an outdoor kitchen is whether or not it will be able to make mixed drinks. If this is the case, than a refrigerator is often installed, which needs to have access to electricity. At the same time, other appliances like mixers might also need to have access to a power outlet. If you are not good at electrics yourself, then hiring a professional to run the lines and outlets might be the best idea. Again, this process can become complicated and expensive. However, there are just some added features that need the touch of a professional for the sake of making sure that the job is done right the first time.
There are plenty of things to consider when branching out and making an outdoor kitchen or deciding to remodel one. There are plenty of features that need attention, and while some of them might seem expensive, there are really cheap alternatives to doing them.
