Are you someone who loves to spend time outdoors? Does your ideal Friday or Saturday night involve firing up the grill to share a meal and create unforgettable memories outside with the ones you love most? If so, an outdoor kitchen should be the next project on your to-do list. 

Outdoor kitchens are perfect for hosting barbecues, family gatherings, and social events. They also allow you to enjoy the beautiful weather while cooking and entertaining and can add significant value to your home. 

Still not convinced you need one? Check out these reasons to consider an outdoor kitchen and a few features you can include in your design.

3 Reasons You Need an Outdoor Kitchen

• Reason #1: Increase Functionality

An outdoor kitchen lets you take the party outside and expands your living space. Instead of running back and forth between the indoor kitchen and the outdoor living space, you can do all your cooking outside. This not only makes things more convenient, but it also allows you to spend more valuable time with your guests.

• Reason #2: Add Value to Your Home

Installing an outdoor kitchen is a great way to increase the value of your home. Homebuyers are often willing to pay more for a home that has a functional and well-designed outdoor living space. So not only will you enjoy the benefits of your outdoor kitchen while you're living in your home, but you can also expect to reap the financial rewards when it's time to sell.

• Reason #3: Enhance Your Lifestyle

Having an outdoor kitchen makes your outdoor living space a more functional and enjoyable place to be. Whether you're cooking a simple meal for your family or hosting a large gathering, having an outdoor kitchen will make the experience more enjoyable and memorable.

Features You Should Consider Including in Your Outdoor Kitchen in Alabama

Knowing what you want out of your new outdoor entertaining space before construction begins is essential because it can save you time, money, and frustration. The first step in planning your outdoor kitchen is to consider all the ways you will utilize your new space. From there, you can select features and appliances that will complete your thoughtfully designed space that your family will love for years to come.

For The Outdoor Chef: A Grill, Smoker, Pizza Oven, or Flat Top

Several types of cooking appliances are good for outdoor kitchens, including built-in grills, smokers, pizza ovens, rotisseries, and outdoor burners. Each of these appliances offers unique cooking capabilities that can enhance the outdoor cooking experience. When choosing your cooking appliances, you’ll want to consider things like the size and type of cooking surface you’ll need most and the fuel source. It’s also best to choose cooking appliances that are made specifically for outdoor use. That way, you know your appliances are built to withstand the outdoor elements and exposure to extreme temperatures.

Photo Credit: NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry

For The Outdoor Entertainer: A Full-Size Refrigerator, Beverage/Wine Refrigerator & Kegerator

An outdoor refrigerator keeps food and drinks cold without running back and forth to the indoor kitchen. Like the cooking appliances, you’ll want to purchase a refrigerator designed for outdoor use. If you’re a beer drinker, you may even want to consider installing an outdoor kegerator with a built-in beer tap. Or, if you’re a wine enthusiast, a wine fridge could also be an excellent addition to your outdoor kitchen.

Photo Credit: NatureKast Weatherproof Cabinetry

An Outdoor Kitchen Sink Makes Cooking Convenient

An outdoor sink is a must-have for any outdoor kitchen. It allows you to wash your hands, clean dishes, and prepare food without constantly running inside. When choosing a sink for your outdoor kitchen, consider options made of stainless steel or other materials proven to hold up well outdoors. 

Quality Countertops Made For The Outdoors Are Worth The Investment

The truth is countertops are an important feature of any outdoor kitchen. A high-quality outdoor countertop may not be cheap, but it’s well worth the investment. Before selecting countertops for your outdoor kitchen, we recommend consulting with a kitchen professional to learn which materials will hold up best.

A professional will help you select a countertop material that is durable and easy to clean. They’ll also help you design countertops that accommodate the amount of workspace you need. They can also provide guidance on certain colors you may want to avoid. For example, if your countertops are installed in an area that is exposed to direct sunlight, you’ll want to avoid black or dark-colored countertops because when the sun beats down on them, they can become steaming hot to the touch. Dekton countertops are a good choice for an outdoor environment because they are made of UV-resistant materials.

NatureKast Weatherproof Outdoor Kitchen Cabinetry Looks Like Real Wood

When planning the layout of your beautiful new outdoor living space, it’s important to remember that just any old cabinetry from a local big box store won’t do. You’ll need top-quality cabinetry designed to withstand the Alabama weather, outdoor elements, and extreme temperatures year-round. 

Toulmin Kitchen & Bath is proud to carry NatureKast™ outdoor cabinetry. NatureKast offers the finest weatherproof outdoor kitchen cabinetry with the look and feel of natural wood. The cabinets are 100% waterproof PVC, assembled using a weld-like bonding process that makes for the strongest cabinet box on the market. With NatureKast™, you can revolutionize your backyard cooking and dining experience with a cabinet layout designed around your grill, Big Green Egg, flat top, pizza oven, or griddle. Ensure your home is ready for the next backyard bash with all the bells and whistles from NatureKast, like a raised bar or custom outdoor cabinets for your television.

Reasons You Should Hire A Kitchen Designer For Your Outdoor Kitchen Project

You Can Benefit From A Kitchen Designer’s Expertise

A professional kitchen designer has the expertise to help you design a functional outdoor kitchen. They can also help you choose the right materials and appliances and provide guidance on the best layout for your space.

A Kitchen Designer Can Save You Time and Money

Working with a professional can save you time and money in the long run. A professional kitchen designer will help you avoid costly mistakes and can help ensure your outdoor kitchen is designed efficiently.

A Kitchen Designer Knows How To Maximize The Space of Your Outdoor Kitchen

With a professional kitchen designer, you can feel in control and empowered by their design ideas and space maximization skills. They can help you make the most of your new space by designing an outdoor kitchen layout that fits your specific needs. Their qualifications allow them to make recommendations based on plumbing and electrical configurations and building codes, giving you the confidence that your new space is being designed with expertise. 

Ready To Make Your Backyard The Life Of The Party?

An outdoor kitchen is a must-have for anyone who loves to entertain or spend time outdoors. With the right features and design, it can add value to your home and enhance your lifestyle.

Are you ready to add an outdoor kitchen or living space to your home? Our Toulmin Kitchen & Bath design team is here to walk you through your options.