4 Essential Amenities for Your Luxury Outdoor Kitchen
As I begin to design three large scale homes in two completely different climates, there is one thing that they have in common: a luxury outdoor kitchen! Investing in the beauty and function of an outdoor kitchen not only creates a perfect entertainment space to enjoy with family and friends, but it also adds exceptional value to a home. Whether you are looking to extend your existing kitchen style outdoors or want to create a completely unique look to differentiate spaces, the following will help you get started!
1. Cooking Appliances
First things first...assess your power supply and plumbing, then you are ready to go! When it comes to built-in grills, I find myself specifying the same 3 brands for my clients over and over again: XO, Lynx and DCS. And for the ultimate in fun, include a pizza oven, such as the counter top Kalamazoo or the XO Carbona. I also love suggesting the paella pan for those who love to host large crowds!
2. High-Quality Countertops
You will need plenty of space for the serving and prep of that amazing family meal. For countertops, I love to use concrete. It looks great, it’s hard wearing, and it can also be custom colored. The downside is that it does need resealing every 1-2 years. A nonporous material such as soapstone is a great hygienic alternative that needs very little maintenance. Granite or quartz can be pricey but they are generally the easiest to clean and maintain. Tile is the least expensive choice, but the biggest headache with all its grout, which highly susceptible to staining.
Remember to consider the load, and more importantly the flexural strength, of your countertop. If you live in an area with temperature fluctuations or ground shift, a poor flexural strength is the primary reason for spiting or cracking.
3. Practical, Multi-Purpose Sink
A sink makes any outdoor kitchen more functional, practical and convenient. It also eliminates the need for guests to trek inside for pre-dinner handwashing post-dinner scrubbing of sticky hands and faces (especially after a plate of saucy ribs!).
Two sinks I love are the BBQ Guys Signature Farmhouse with Pulldown Faucet and Alfresco Bartender & Sink System. Remember, stainless steel isn't fool proof. Make sure it is outdoor-rated! And, if you are in a temperamental climate, be sure to turn off the water valves and add some soft insulation to the pipes to reduce the risk of freezing and breaking over the winter.
4. Spacious Wine and Beverage Fridge
Let's not forget that you need refrigeration and an icemaker for those hot summer evenings. The good news is that you don't need to break the bank with a Subzero! An outdoor-rated Marvel is a better bang for your buck. I love their refrigerator drawers, which are much easier to store those cold beers and sodas.
Icemakers are another animal completely. Are you specific about the cube size and shape? Do your research. There are tons of options from crushed ice, to a gourmet super cube that is clear and will keep those drinks cold longer. Again, Marvel’s icemaker is an excellent choice. The most important feature for these appliances is that they are the highest-grade stainless steel (304 food grade or higher), in order to resist rust and corrosion!
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Until next time,
Lori