Outdoor Kitchens

Computer modeling has been proven a very effective tool in outdoor kitchen design. It helps clients to understand the relationship between different design elements in a visual format. Modeling is also specially helpful in determining the effectiveness of pergola and roof designs.

Many of the outdoor kitchen designs shown in the following images have been built or are in various stages of development. Some are simple design studies that our staff have come up with to help our customers to visualize how different elements might complement a design.

Outdoor kitchens offer many immediate advantages over conventional indoor cooking. The first advantage that comes to mind is that guests and family are more easily involved in the cooking process and in the production of the meal. Foods that you may love, such as fish or curry, that tend generate lingering odors are also better cooked and enjoyed outdoors

Outdoor kitchen set-ups can range in price from $2,000 for a small counter with a simple grill to $30,000 or more for high-end versions containing an assortment of appliances. High-end versions may incorporate features like an outdoor fireplace and a roof.

Outdoor kitchens need to be more practical and functional, often with fewer appliances. Indoors kitchens must have a refrigerator with a freezer. Outdoors this would be a plus, not a necessity. The same can be said for a sink, drawers, etc. Outdoors the absolute necessities are great cooking appliances. Youll need at least a good quality grill and a small wood-burning oven. The grill can be used for cooking meats and grilling vegetables. The oven can be used for breads, pizza, roasts, pies, pasta, meats and more. The versatility of these small wonders never cease to amaze even the most experienced chef.

Your design will reflect your taste and needs. How elaborate it will be, will depend on what features are important to you and your family. This may often be impacted by how often you cook outdoors and what you can afford. If you cook outdoors only occasionally, you can keep things down to a bare minimum. However if you cook outdoors as often as the weather will allow and you live in an area with good weather most of the year. You may be justified in going all out.

Another important factor is that with the increase in the popularity of outdoors kitchens, combined with the current trend in real estate prices, means that the return on investment associated with these features has increased drastically. You can now count on a return on you investment that is at least 100% of your cost. Depending on the complexity and functionality of your design, you can actually make money on an outdoor kitchen, as much as 200% or more of the initial cost in some cases. In order to maximize your return. It is important to add features with wide appeal. Covers or roofs, heating elements or outdoor fireplaces are important. Just like with a pool, the level of comfort directly affects the usefulness. The more comfortable everyone feels the more enjoyable the experience, the more often youll wish to cook or entertain outside.