Many people prefer to have just barbeque outside rather than a full kitchen. Nowadays, however, people are more keen to create more ambitious kitchens outdoors.
Latest designs are based on built-in barbeques, bar fridges, sinks and custom made outdoor furniture.
People can send as little or as much as they want on an outside kitchen. If you install expensive appliances, such as a sink or a fridge, then obviously the price will be higher. This could cost you more than the plumbing and wiring.
But if you are looking for a more simple outdoor kitchen with just a built-in barbeque and bench top, it can be achieved in a much smaller budget.
Here are five outdoor kitchen top tips.
Custom made versus pre-fab
Many barbecue and hardware stores now sell pre-fabricated outdoor kitchens which come complete with barbecue, sink and granite bench tops. They’re reasonably priced, and the big benefit is you can take them with you if you move house.
Your own design or pre-fabricated kitchen
Many kitchen designers are now into pre-fabricated designs. When you try and create one yourself, you could end up spending a fourtune. The drawback is, though, that you get less say in the dessign and many are not that portable.
Don’t compromise on the BBQ
If you barbeque quite often, then you must not compromise, but buy the best quality equipment that you can afford. On average, families tend to go for a model with four to six burners. Regarding accessories, select a hood and rotisserie if you want to cook roasts. Also check if it has a side burner and temperature gauge.
Bench top selection
Choose material which does not deteriorate in bad weather . For the bench tops, select composite stone and tough stainless steel. These will all look great, be easy to clean and hard wearing. A second option would be timber. The drawback of using timber, though, is that you need to maintain it regularly.
Plumbing
Having a sink in your outdoor kitchen will require extra costs for plumbing. Your overall price will therefore increase, depending upon the labour required. If you’re building your home from scratch, do not forget to ask the builder to allow for outdoor plumbing so that it can be used later on. Such pre-planning will save you from piles of work afterwards.
Lighting
Quality lighting is important for a outdoor kitchen. There’s nothing more frustrating than bad light during a barbeque and no idea what you are cooking or are about to eat. A spotlight should definitely be positioned over the cooking area. Also, while you’re considering electricity, see if you need a power point for a bar fridge.