10 Benefits of Having an Outdoor Kitchen

Gone are the days where an outdoor kitchen would consist of just a grill, side burner and possibly a refrigerator. Homeowners with big spaces are now developing larger outdoor kitchens and placing more components in them. This is part of an overall trend of consumers investing more in the outside of their home, transforming their backyard into another living space.

If you enjoy outdoor cooking and entertaining, have a large outdoor space, love spending time outdoors, and have a healthy budget for home renos, you should definitely consider taking it to the next level with an outdoor kitchen. Whether you just want to spend more time outdoors or entertain friends and family, building an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enhance your outdoor experience. Here's some great reasons to consider building an outdoor kitchen for your home.

An outdoor kitchen can take on different forms. In some cases, it can be a simple setup with a gas grill, mini fridge, a small amount of counter space, and a sink area. Or it can be much more expansive and high-end - think stainless steel appliances, large granite countertops, and multiple grills, as well as pizza ovens and even dishwashers. Additionally, if your outdoor kitchen is made with quality materials and components, it will provide a lifetime of enjoyment. Most BBQ grills and outdoor appliances are made with stainless steel and designed to withstand tough weather environments.

1. Lower Energy Bills Often overlooked as an energy-saving tool, an outdoor kitchen is a space built outside to cook in - just like the name suggests. While it does require a moderate startup fund, the best energy saving tools do. Think about the cost of solar panels or double glazing your windows, for example. The return on investment, however, is a large one - especially if you use your outdoor kitchen whenever possible. Primarily, your energy bills will be lower, because the heat from cooking outside won't raise your home's temperature. This means your air conditioner won't have to work as hard (and you won't have to sweat).

2. Great Way to Entertain Outdoor living areas make throwing parties a breeze. Grill up delicious food at home rather than ordering takeout from a restaurant for family gatherings. Plus, everybody loves hanging out by the grill to see what's cooking! This is especially true for summer barbecues, birthday parties, and pool parties - something to look forward to when the pandemic restrictions are eventually lifted.

3. Keep Smells Outside The smells of cooking remain outside. While some foods smell delicious while they're cooking, others are less desirable. Few people love the smell of onions or raw fish. Also, the smells outside won't linger long like they would in an inside kitchen - Just be aware the food smells may attract the bears and other creatures in your neighborhood (depending on where you are located)!

4. Adds Value to Your Home Outdoor spaces and kitchens are increasing in popularity, especially in areas where it's feasible to dine outdoors for a large portion of the year. As such, putting in an outdoor kitchen could help your property value climb so that when you decide to sell your home, you command a higher purchase price. An outdoor kitchen could also help your house stand out if it's a feature not found in most houses in your neighborhood.

5. Save Money on Restaurant Meals When you have your own outdoor kitchen and dining area right in your backyard, why would you want to go out to a restaurant to eat? Eating out at restaurants can drain your bank account pretty quickly, especially if you go out to eat on a regular basis. Every time you opt to dine at home rather than go out for a night on the town, you keep dollars in your wallet.

6. Improve Food Taste & Health Cooking outside usually (not always) equals eating healthier. For years, health and nutrition experts have espoused grilling as the cleanest and leanest cooking process – fat drips away from the food as it cooks, and there's no extra calories in the form of batters, heavy sauces or excess oils. When eating outside, most people think of grilled meat and fresh vegetables with limited starches. Cooking at home is generally more healthy than eating out at restaurants - where it is normal to add large amounts of butter, salt, and oils to your food to make it taste better. Grilling at home using simple rubs and marinades can be healthy and delicious!

7. Extend Living and Entertaining Space Outdoor living areas expand your home's overall living space so it seems less cramped and more spacious. Build an island around a grill in your backyard and you'll increase the amount of living space that the whole family can enjoy. Plus, if you add a roof to your existing patio it can even be used during inclement weather.

8. Makes Cooking Easier An outdoor kitchen makes it easier to eat outside during the summer, because it cuts down on transportation time between where the food is prepared and where it will be eaten. As a host, you won't find yourself constantly running back and forth to the house during barbecues or parties, and your guests won't have to, either. Rather, you'll have the option to store, prep, cook, and serve your food in the same space.

9. Keeps your Indoor Kitchen Cool and Clean With an outdoor kitchen, there's no need to swelter inside your home just to cook a meal. Instead, you can fire up the grill and enjoy the open air and breeze as you prepare food, and then return to a nice, cool home and mess-free kitchen when you're done eating.

10. Spend More Time Outdoors with Nature Outdoor living areas are good for your mental health. Fresh air and sunshine have been scientifically proven to boost your mood and lower anxiety. Cooking outside is a relaxing activity where you can relax with a big glass of ice water while the food cooks and the kids wear themselves out for bed playing in the yard.

As these examples show, there are many benefits to having an outdoor kitchen. Additionally, there are lots of resources out there to help you plan your perfect outside space. With the spring weather and loosening COVID-19 restrictions it's a great time to get outside. One thing to remember about an outside cooking area is to be mindful of local wildlife and make sure to eliminate leftover cooking and food scraps, etc. - so that it doesn't become a haven for the local critter community!