5 Reasons to Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen
Have you seen a beautiful outdoor kitchen, but you’re not sure whether it’s worth the money? Are outdoor kitchens just fancy BBQs? How often will you even use an outdoor entertaining space? In this blog, we will explore five compelling reasons why investing in an outdoor kitchen is a smart decision. From adding versatility to your cooking experience to boosting your home's value, an outdoor kitchen offers a range of benefits that can enhance your lifestyle and give you a great return on your investment.
Types of Outdoor Kitchens
There are two primary types of outdoor kitchens: built-in and modular units. Built-in outdoor kitchens are bespoke and constructed on-site using materials like concrete, brick, and stone, plus a selection of compatible appliances such as Fire Magic luxury built-in BBQs. These types of kitchens are typically more permanent and can be integrated seamlessly into the overall design of an outdoor living space.
On the other hand, modular outdoor kitchens such as EO or Oliveti, are pre-made units that can be assembled on-site and purchased in a variety of configurations. These types of kitchens are more flexible in terms of design and layout and can be easily moved or expanded.
Why Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen?
1. Outdoor Kitchens Can Increase Your Homes Value
Having an outdoor kitchen can significantly increase the value of your home, with one study by Absolute Outdoor Kitchens finding homes with an outdoor kitchen sees an ROI of between 100% and 200% than homes without. Outdoor dining and entertainment spaces are becoming more popular, and having a complete outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, refrigerator, and storage can add to the home's functionality and appeal.
Outdoor kitchens provide a great opportunity for outdoor entertaining, such as hosting parties and events, and it allows homeowners to enjoy cooking and dining outdoors, which is a desirable feature for many buyers. Additionally, an outdoor kitchen can enhance the overall appearance of the property and increase curb appeal, which can positively impact the home's resale value.
2. You Can Expand Your Living Space with an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen such as an EO outdoor kitchen, allows homeowners to expand their living space and enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort and convenience. An outdoor kitchen offers an excellent opportunity for homeowners to entertain guests or enjoy meals outdoors. The outdoor kitchen provides a perfect spot for grilling, cooking, and serving food, making it an ideal place to host outdoor gatherings. With various appliances and cooking equipment, homeowners can prepare their meals while enjoying the beautiful weather and fresh air.
In addition to its functionality, an outdoor kitchen offers a unique dining experience that cannot be replicated indoors. It provides a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for family and friends to gather and socialise. With plenty of seating options and a variety of cooking equipment, homeowners can create a customised outdoor dining area that meets their needs and preferences.
3. Outdoor Kitchens Can Reduce Energy Costs
Using an outdoor kitchen can save energy costs. Firstly, cooking outside eliminates the need to use an indoor oven, or hob and extractor fan, which can consume a lot of electricity or gas. Plus, when enjoying outdoor living, you do not require the use of indoor lighting during the daytime, as the sunlight provides all the lighting you need.
Additionally, an outdoor kitchen can aid in keeping the home cooler during the summer months, which can reduce the need for air conditioning. These factors combined can contribute to a significant reduction in energy costs over time.
4. You Can Add Variety to Meals with an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen is a fantastic opportunity to explore new cooking techniques and recipes. With the ability to grill, smoke, and roast, as well as many other techniques, you can experiment with a wide range of flavours and textures. Cooking outdoors also adds a unique and delicious flavour to meals that you simply can't achieve indoors, such as authentic wood-fired pizza! No matter how experienced you are in the kitchen, cooking outdoors provides the perfect environment to get creative and try new things.
Not only is an outdoor kitchen a great way to experiment with new cooking techniques, but it also provides a fun and interactive way to entertain guests. Backyard cooking can be a social experience, with family and friends gathering around the grill or smoker to watch the food being prepared. The outdoor setting also allows for more casual and relaxed dining, with plenty of space for guests to move around and mingle. With an outdoor kitchen, you can bring the party outside and create a memorable dining experience that your guests won't soon forget.
5. Outdoor Kitchens are Easy to Maintain
Outdoor kitchens are known for their ease of maintenance. The appliances used in outdoor kitchens are typically made to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring their durability and longevity.
Additionally, cleaning an outdoor kitchen is a breeze compared to indoor kitchens, as it can be easily hosed down and wiped clean. These durable and easy-to-clean features make outdoor kitchens a practical and appealing option for those who love spending time outdoors.
3 Things to Consider When Purchasing an Outdoor Kitchen
Garden Aesthetic
Firstly, it's essential that your outdoor kitchen complements the overall aesthetic of your garden. This means thinking about the materials and colours used in the kitchen, as well as how it fits into the surrounding environment. If your garden is full of lush greenery, you may want to opt for a natural stone finish, whereas a more modern garden may call for sleek stainless steel.
The Space Available
Another crucial consideration is the amount of space you have available. Outdoor kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, so it's important to think about how the kitchen will fit into the space. Something too small may be underwhelming, but an outdoor kitchen that is too large for the space will feel crowded. Together we can design a functional and stylish space that suits your requirements and the size of your property.
What Functions You Want Your Outdoor Kitchen to Provide
Finally, it's important to think about the functions you want your outdoor kitchen to serve. Do you plan on using it for simple BBQ’s, or do you want to be able to cook extravagant meals outside? Do you need a sink for washing up, or a built-in refrigerator for storing drinks and food? Consider your cooking habits and preferences to ensure that your outdoor kitchen meets your needs in terms of functionality.
Outdoor Kitchens with Walker Landscape and Design
Investing in an outdoor kitchen can offer numerous benefits beyond just the convenience of cooking outside. As we have learned, outdoor kitchens can add variety to your meals, save on energy costs, be easy to clean and maintain, add value to your home, and expand your living space. With these advantages in mind, an outdoor kitchen may be a wise investment for those looking to enhance their culinary experiences and increase the value of their property.
Walker Landscape and Design are proud to partner with only the best outdoor kitchen brands, including EO outdoor kitchens, Fire Magic built-in grills, DeliVita pizza ovens, and Alfa Pizza ovens. To find out more you can get in touch, or you can even book a visit to our showroom to see our fantastic range of outdoor kitchens and appliances.