If you enjoy entertaining but would like more flexibility, an outdoor kitchen may be the solution. It can give you additional space for cooking and entertaining, but there are drawbacks to consider.
Reasons to Create an Outdoor Kitchen
If you like to cook outside in the spring and summer but currently only have a grill, adding an outdoor kitchen can expand your options. With a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, you’ll be able to cook many of the same foods you would prepare indoors. In the summer, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite meals without making your house unbearably hot.
An outdoor kitchen can make entertaining easier and more enjoyable. Instead of rushing back and forth between the yard and the kitchen, you’ll be able to have everything that your guests might need in one place near the party. If you’re preparing a multi-course meal, having an extra kitchen can make it easier for family members to get everything done.
You can customize an outdoor kitchen to suit your needs, style, yard and budget. If you want to impress your guests, you can make the kitchen large and include a variety of appliances, plus a table and seating. If you have a small yard or a tight budget, you can keep things simple and focus on making your outdoor kitchen practical and functional.
Outdoor kitchens appeal to homebuyers who enjoy entertaining. If you add one to your property, it can increase your home’s resale value.
Drawbacks of an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen will take up space in your yard. That might not be a problem if you have a large property, but you should think things over carefully if you have a modest-sized yard. If you give up square footage to create an outdoor kitchen, even a small one, you might find that the area around the pool feels cramped or that your kids don’t have much room left to play.
You will have to consider local zoning rules. You might be required to build an outdoor kitchen a minimum distance from the property line. Depending on the requirements and the design of your yard, that might not leave you with enough space for an outdoor kitchen, or you might not be able to put it in a desirable location.
Anything in your yard can be a target for thieves. If you leave food, dishes, utensils and other cooking tools outdoors, you will have to take steps to protect them from theft.
You’ll also have to take weather into consideration. Appliances should be covered when they’re not being used to protect them from weather. If your outdoor kitchen area isn’t covered, you might not be able to use it at all on rainy, snowy or windy days.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
An outdoor kitchen can be a dream come true if you love to host parties, but it does have its drawbacks. Think about your goals, yard and budget before you decide whether to install an outdoor kitchen.
