Bring the Kitchen Outdoors: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Island
Bring the Kitchen Outdoors: The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Island
Outdoor kitchen islands have become increasingly popular additions for backyard entertaining and outdoor cooking. Homeowners love having an outdoor grill and prep space to cook meals in the open air, especially during warmer months. The outdoor island setup brings many of the conveniences of an indoor kitchen to an alfresco dining experience.
Kitchen islands used outdoors provide extra space for preparing food, cooking on the grill, and having somewhere to place dishes and drinks for meals eaten outside. They are extremely functional and eliminate the need to go back and forth into the house while cooking outdoors.
With an outdoor island, everything you need is right there - from grilling tools and seasonings to plates and napkins. It creates an all-in-one outdoor cooking and dining station. The islands make it easy to cook and entertain for a backyard party or simple weeknight dinner on the patio.
Planning Considerations
When planning an outdoor kitchen island, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. First, think about how the island will be used. Will it be primarily for grilling, or do you also want counter space for food prep and serving? Envision the types of meals you'll cook and how many people you'll be hosting. An island with a larger grill and prep space accommodates cooking for crowds.
Next, consider how frequently the island will be used. If you live in a warm climate and plan to use it year-round, invest in a high-quality, durable island that will withstand heavy use. In cooler climates with only summer use, a basic island may suffice. Also think about events you host like backyard barbecues and pool parties that will increase the island's use.
Finally, factor in your climate. Outdoor kitchens work best in warm, sunny locales. Grilling in cold or rainy weather is less appealing. If you live in an area with extreme weather, look for islands with cabinets or storage to protect the grill. Consider a cover to shield it from the elements when not in use. Maximize enjoyment of your outdoor cooking space by planning for your climate.
Evaluating Options
When planning for an outdoor kitchen island, it's important to look at the variety of options available and set a realistic budget. Most pool and patio stores will have islands on display and brochures showcasing different models. Take the time to see what's out there, as islands come in many shapes, sizes, and price ranges.
Consider how you plan to use the island. If you'll be cooking for large gatherings, look for a spacious grill with multiple burners. For more intimate meals, a compact 3-4 foot island may suffice. Think about your climate as well. An island with storage space for blankets and patio heaters may be ideal for colder regions.
Once you've explored the possibilities, set a budget. Outdoor islands span from a few hundred dollars for basic models to over $10,000 for high-end custom designs. Set realistic expectations based on your needs and how often you plan to use it. An inexpensive island that meets your basic requirements is better than overspending on features you won't fully utilize.
Setting a clear budget before shopping will help narrow your choices. Take the time to see what's available, then find the best island for your needs and budget. With some planning, you can create the ideal outdoor cooking space tailored to your home.
Grill Features
Grill islands come equipped with high quality cooking surfaces that rival indoor ranges. The grilling areas vary in size, with larger sizes ideal for cooking for crowds. Side burners are a great addition for preparing vegetables or side dishes while the main course grills. Multiple temperature zones allow you to cook different foods at different temperatures simultaneously. For example, you can use a lower temperature for more delicate fish while searing a steak over high heat on another zone. The versatility of quality grilling surfaces and temperature controls make outdoor kitchen islands function much like an indoor stove. You'll enjoy restaurant-quality cooking with the convenience of grilling in your own backyard.
Custom Built Islands
Custom built grilling islands are permanent masonry islands, generally constructed from materials like stone or brick. As permanent backyard fixtures, they can be designed to seamlessly match the style and decor of your home and landscaping.
The tiles and countertops of a custom island can be made to perfectly complement areas like your pool and patio. Matching your island's finishes to existing tiles or stonework pulls your whole outdoor living space together into a cohesive design.
Since custom islands are built on-site, they allow for complete flexibility in dimensions and layout. Your island can be tailored to fit your space precisely, with customized measurements for the grill, prep space, seating, and storage.
The permanence and robust construction of a custom outdoor kitchen island also makes it a long-lasting investment that will withstand years of use. Properly built, it becomes an integral part of your home's value.
While more expensive upfront than pre-fab options, a custom island made of quality materials like brick, stone, or concrete block gives you an extremely durable outdoor cooking space. And being able to match your home's look gives you an island that truly feels like an extension of your living area.
Pre-Fabricated Islands
Pre-fabricated outdoor kitchen islands provide a convenient and customizable option for adding outdoor cooking and entertaining space. These islands are manufactured offsite and then delivered to your home once completed. This allows for a wider variety of size, finish, and style options compared to custom built islands.
When ordering a pre-fabricated island, you can specify the dimensions and layout you want for the cooking surface and countertops. Common sizes range from 5-6 feet long rectangles to L-shaped islands. Some models also offer round ends to incorporate a dining space. This flexibility makes it easy to get the ideal island configuration for your needs.
There is also a diverse selection of finishes and styles to choose from. Durable granite countertops or tiled surfaces allow you to match your decor. The island cabinetry and hardware can also coordinate with your home's exterior. Multiple height levels provide designated spaces for food preparation and eating. With all the customization choices, a pre-fabricated island can look like it was specially built for your outdoor living area.
The convenience of delivery and setup is a major perk of pre-fab islands. Once you've selected the size, features, and look you want, the island will arrive at your home ready to start cooking. This saves you the hassle of constructing a custom built island onsite. With a pre-fabricated kitchen island, you can quickly upgrade your outdoor space for entertaining.
Storage Capabilities
Summer kitchen islands provide convenient storage space with cabinets and drawers to keep cooking utensils and supplies readily available. This storage allows you to keep all your grilling tools organized in one place so you don't have to carry everything outside each time you want to use the outdoor kitchen.
The storage options are very similar to what you would find with an indoor kitchen island. Drawers provide space for utensils, cooking tools like spatulas and tongs, grill accessories like cleaning brushes, and cutlery for outdoor dining. The deeper drawers can hold supplies like aluminum foil, plastic wrap, paper towels, and other grilling necessities.
Cabinets offer room to store plates, bowls, glasses, and serving dishes for outdoor meals. Large cabinets can also accommodate bulkier items like pots and pans. Having dedicated storage in an outdoor island keeps these items protected from the elements when not in use, so you don't have to lug everything inside after grilling. It also prevents a cluttered mess on the counters.
With a full range of drawers, cabinets, and shelving, a summer kitchen island has everything neatly organized in one convenient spot. This makes it easy to find what you need and ensures you'll always have the right tools on hand for grilling and entertaining outdoors. The storage capabilities make a backyard kitchen island a fully functioning and well-equipped cooking space beyond just the grill.
Matching Decor
Outdoor kitchen islands provide a great opportunity to extend your home's style into the backyard. With the right design choices, you can create a cohesive look between your home, pool area, and outdoor cooking space.
One way to achieve this is by selecting tile and countertop materials that complement existing features. For example, if your pool area uses a distinctive tile pattern and color scheme, consider incorporating similar tiles into the island countertop or backsplash. This creates visual harmony.
Likewise, you can match the island's cabinetry or hardware to your home's exterior colors and finishes. Opting for similar paint colors, wood tones, and metal finishes makes the outdoor kitchen appear like a natural extension of the home.
Beyond tile and cabinetry, also consider matching any stone or brick used in landscaping features. Repeat these materials in the island construction to blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
With thoughtful design selections, your outdoor kitchen island can feel like it was always meant to be part of your backyard oasis. The result is a space that looks professionally designed and custom built for your home's unique style.
Added Home Value
Permanent custom built outdoor kitchen islands significantly increase the value of a home. They are considered permanent fixtures that increase the desirability and price of the property. Unlike portable grilling carts that can be easily moved, custom built islands become part of the landscape and backyard living space. They demonstrate an investment into outdoor entertaining and enjoyment. For potential home buyers, a permanent island signals that the homeowner cared deeply about creating an inviting outdoor cooking and dining space. It shows creativity in designing a unique, specialized area for grilling and socializing outdoors. Since custom islands are expensive and take effort to install properly, they indicate that no shortcuts were taken by the homeowner. The permanence and quality craftsmanship add monetary value beyond the original cost of materials and construction. Appraisers will factor the presence of a custom grilling island when determining the value of the home because it is a rare and desirable amenity. While portable grilling options have become common, a permanent island kitchen is still an impressive upgrade that not every home can boast. For those who love cooking and entertaining outdoors, it can be a deciding factor in choosing which home to purchase. Even after years of use, a well-built permanent island will continue adding value and enhancing the backyard experience.
Outdoor kitchen islands provide a functional and stylish addition for backyard cooking and entertaining. Key points to consider are how frequently it will be used, the size needed for your gatherings, and matching the style to your home's architecture.
Custom built islands allow for permanent fixtures tailored to your space, while pre-fabricated models offer more flexibility. Features like side burners, prep space, and storage make outdoor cooking easier. With proper planning for your needs and budget, a kitchen island can enhance your outdoor living space for years to come.
The investment pays off in convenience and added home value. With an outdoor kitchen, you can comfortably cook and dine al fresco and make the most of sunny days.