Jakes Outdoor Kitchens

Everything about outdoor kitchens

What is more fun than gathering with family and friends on a pleasant summer evening and cooking in the great outdoors? We all know that grilled food tastes great, and often, just being outside will whet the appetite! Why waste valuable eating and socializing time running back and forth to the kitchen to retrieve this or that? Plus, you have to clean up after your get-together, often carting mountains of dirty dishes and leftover chicken back inside. At this point in the evening, all you probably want to do is relax with your friends, possibly over desert.

By constructing a complete outdoor kitchen, you can have all of the necessary ingredients and accessories close at hand, giving you more time to relax with your family and friends. You can settle for something as simple as a storage cabinet near your grill, or you can go all out. You could go so far as to include a refrigerator, sink and full dining area in your outdoor kitchen.

Constructing one isn’t cheap, but then again, neither are you! You can expect to pay around three thousand dollars for an outdoor kitchen that will include a patio, a good grill and 6ft. counter area. As with all things, however, the sky is the limit. You can spend upwards of fifteen thousand dollars on a state of the art outdoor patio kitchen, complete with any and all the appliances you will ever need.

Given enough money, and effort, it is possible to construct one that will rival or even surpass your inside one.

Design

When it comes to home design, outdoor kitchens are the new “must have” feature. We now spend more time at home than ever before and have turned to remodeling as our primary means of upgrading. Homeowners are opting for these over other types of remodeling projects because it significantly expands the size of their living space. If they are spending more time at home, they are definitely entertaining more as well. Partying “alfresco” is the most exciting new trend because it is relaxed and casual, and it produces less wear and tear on the house. Keeping the guests outside as much as possible creates less of a mess indoors.

Several things are important to consider during the planning stages of the new kitchen. First, what is the style of your home? It would make sense to continue the style of your home into the outdoor patio and kitchen area. Fragile, Victorian era furniture would look out of place next to the heavy terracotta of a Southwestern-style home. The same would be true if you have a Victorian-style home and were looking to put rustic log furniture next to a river rock fireplace. Also consider the design of your patio furniture covers. Do they match the decor?

Secondly, how do you like to entertain? Would a fancy barbecue be appropriate? Do you want everything you need in one location to minimize going in and out all the time? If you enjoy cooking with company, you will need a large amount of prep space. If you are planning on having the grill as the focal point, it would be wise to plan your counter around the grill to maximize guest interaction. If you just want a simple barbecue, an outdoor fireplace may be just the thing.

I usually use them just for parties and not so much for my family. When I entertain, I don’t have time to think about having the proper dishes and utensils outside. The dishes I use outside are all outdoor friendly. Therefore, I don’t have to worry about my favorite plate being broken if it ever fell. They are exactly where I need them when I need them. Also, don’t forget about the music system when making your plans. It is very simple to install outdoor, water-resistant speakers for your enjoyment. A bar should be a consideration as well.

These simple accessories are a great extension to any patio kitchen. Even if you only make lemonade for your guests, you will need plenty of ice and glassware within reach. The greatest part of an outdoor kitchen is in the preparation. People should feel comfortable and relaxed, able to walk around and enjoy nature. Nobody should feel uncomfortable in a beautiful outdoor setting. Having lots of seating planned promotes great conversation. Let the beauty of the surroundings and the preparation of the food provide the entertainment for your guests. Even those that don’t enjoy cooking won’t be able to resist your invitation to your outdoor affair.