An outdoor kitchen can be a thing of beauty. Not only do you get the convenience and comfort of an extended living space, but also the functionality of a full kitchen. They can be designed as small or large as you need, and there’s a huge variety of styles that cater to your tastes and budget. The benefits of an outdoor kitchen extend far beyond the summer, especially when it’s outfitted with the right amenities. If you’re ready to liven up your home, here are seven reasons you should do it with a new outdoor kitchen.
1. Increases your home’s value
Any time you make additions to your home, you’re likely to increase its value—especially when it’s something like an outdoor kitchen. If you ever put your home on the market, an outdoor kitchen can be a key selling point for the real estate agent as they show potential buyers around the property. A functional outdoor kitchen does wonders for backyard appeal and can be an investment you show off with pride.
2. Great for entertaining
Nothing beats throwing your own dinner parties, and with an outdoor kitchen, you can treat guests to home cooking in the comfort of your backyard. Many outdoor kitchens also include seating so everyone can lounge around before digging in. Beyond just a simple BBQ grill, outdoor kitchens can be designed to include sinks, countertops for prep work, refrigerators, and other storage. They may also include other additions like patio heaters, fireplaces, and furniture to turn your outdoor kitchen into an entertainer’s paradise.
3. Expands your usable living space
With the addition of patio furniture and a dining area, an outdoor kitchen can become a wonderful new living space to enjoy. You could even go further by adding a roof to the area so that the space can be used even during inclement weather. When you have a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and living area, it becomes a place where families gather, friends meet, and memories are made. That in itself is one of the biggest rewards of installing your own outdoor kitchen.
4. You’ll save on your utility bills
Spending more time outside during the hotter months of the year means running your air conditioner less to keep the house cool. The same goes for when you’re cooking. The temperature will rise while using your oven or stove, which can also cause your AC to turn on. By cooking meals outside, you’re reducing your reliance on the house’s cooling system, and that can save you money on your utility bills.
5. Meals will be healthier and more delicious
Cooking your own meals at home is typically healthier than dining out somewhere, but when you get a grill involved, it’s even better. Outdoor cooking is a way to take simple ingredients and produce big flavors over the open fire. Whether you’re preparing lean cuts of meat or veggies, it doesn’t take much in the way of seasoning to create a delicious meal when you’re cooking outside. Grilled food is simply less greasy and the high heat of the flames lets food retain more moisture for enhanced flavor, making an outdoor kitchen easily one of the nicest places to whip up a delicious and nutritious meal.
6. The mess of cooking stays outside
Probably the least fun part about cooking is the cleanup, but when you’re preparing meals and cooking them outside, cleanup becomes a breeze. By cooking outside, you won’t have to worry about the smell of food or smoke lingering in your kitchen, which can be another relief to those who’d prefer to do without the heavy food smell.
7. You can save money on dining out
Eating at restaurants or ordering take-out can drain your bank account quickly, so cooking at home is almost always going to be the more economical option. With an outdoor kitchen, why bother going to a restaurant when you’ve got a charming backyard eatery of your own? Creating a space for entertaining and meals provides you with your very own foodie getaway.
LanChester Grill & Hearth specializes in helping customers create their dream outdoor kitchen. From simple designs to more spacious layouts, we have the products and know-how to guide your vision and make it a reality.