Exterior Kitchen Design
An outdoor kitchen is a luxury to most but a necessity to many. Cooking in the open air during the hot summer months in the Stamford, CT area can make it a fun chore instead of a grueling task. It allows you to keep the interior of your home cool. The exterior kitchen design should be customized to your cooking preferences, space available and immediate needs. Consider the common wind direction and sun exposure when creating the design layout.
Use a Non-Permeable Counter Option
The counter top material that you use for this exterior home renovation is important. Concrete is a popular material to use as it can be sealed with a food-grade sealant. It is also a durable enough material that it can withstand extreme humidity and extreme cold. Another ideal option is marble. Marble handles heat well and is non-permeable meaning that bacteria is less likely to grow as you prepare meats for cooking. Avoid using a chop block or granite countertop option as much as possible. Chop block counters warp outdoors and granite can crack in extremely cold weather.
Gas Grill versus Charcoal Grill
If you are unable to decide which option you want for your main grill, consider an option where you can use either one. Sometimes you just want to cook a simple meal outdoors that does not have a grilled flavor. For these needs, you have the option of using natural gas, infrared grills or propane.
Infrared grills are gaining popularity and keep food items tasting pure, natural and only with the seasoning that is applied to them. Of course, with this option you can also add in a tray of smoking chips for a mild flavor.
Consider charcoal for a traditional barbecue flavor. The light aroma of smoky char on a piece of meat is a craving to many. You can add flavored charcoal or soaked, wood smoking chips to this application for more flavor too. Creating that perfect smoke ring on a piece of chicken or ribs is delectable.
Refrigeration Space
In an outdoor kitchen you need refrigeration space. This is not only for convenience but it is practical. You can keep items that are specifically for use outdoors in this area. This includes meats, cheeses, vegetables and condiments. It is also the ideal place to keep beverages cold to prevent getting parched while preparing a meal.
The refrigeration space should be kept under the counter top. You should have several compartments, at least four to be exact. A dedicated space for beverages, meats, vegetables and condiments should be assigned. This also helps to prevent the aromas from marinades from permeating other food items.
Running Water
You will need a sink with running water to wash your hands, rinse foods and get water for making sauces and spray bottles for flame reduction. With running water you can also clean utensils and serving vessels as food cooks. In some areas, an outdoor kitchen will not pass inspection unless there is running water that has a hot and cold setting.
Electric or Gas Cook top
A cook top is also a good idea for an outdoor kitchen design. This will allow you to cook every component of your meal without having to run in and outside of the home. It also creates a space to prepare brunches and breakfasts on warm summer mornings.
Dining Space
Your exterior kitchen design must include a dining space. What you can do is align the cooking area with bar stools and a countertop area for eating. You can also include a separate dining space that has a table and chairs. The table and chairs area should have an umbrella to shield diners from the sunlight and wind in the evening.
As you design your exterior kitchen space, consider the configuration. If you plan to do most of your cooking in the evening, position the cooking area away from the evening sun. You can also install an awning to help provide some shade or shield the cook from a light sprinkle. Maintain the triangle formation when completing the design too. This means that a cook top and/or grill should be positioned at an angle from a separate refrigerator and the sink area.
Use a Non-Permeable Counter Option
The counter top material that you use for this exterior home renovation is important. Concrete is a popular material to use as it can be sealed with a food-grade sealant. It is also a durable enough material that it can withstand extreme humidity and extreme cold. Another ideal option is marble. Marble handles heat well and is non-permeable meaning that bacteria is less likely to grow as you prepare meats for cooking. Avoid using a chop block or granite countertop option as much as possible. Chop block counters warp outdoors and granite can crack in extremely cold weather.
Gas Grill versus Charcoal Grill
If you are unable to decide which option you want for your main grill, consider an option where you can use either one. Sometimes you just want to cook a simple meal outdoors that does not have a grilled flavor. For these needs, you have the option of using natural gas, infrared grills or propane.
Infrared grills are gaining popularity and keep food items tasting pure, natural and only with the seasoning that is applied to them. Of course, with this option you can also add in a tray of smoking chips for a mild flavor.
Consider charcoal for a traditional barbecue flavor. The light aroma of smoky char on a piece of meat is a craving to many. You can add flavored charcoal or soaked, wood smoking chips to this application for more flavor too. Creating that perfect smoke ring on a piece of chicken or ribs is delectable.
Refrigeration Space
In an outdoor kitchen you need refrigeration space. This is not only for convenience but it is practical. You can keep items that are specifically for use outdoors in this area. This includes meats, cheeses, vegetables and condiments. It is also the ideal place to keep beverages cold to prevent getting parched while preparing a meal.
The refrigeration space should be kept under the counter top. You should have several compartments, at least four to be exact. A dedicated space for beverages, meats, vegetables and condiments should be assigned. This also helps to prevent the aromas from marinades from permeating other food items.
Running Water
You will need a sink with running water to wash your hands, rinse foods and get water for making sauces and spray bottles for flame reduction. With running water you can also clean utensils and serving vessels as food cooks. In some areas, an outdoor kitchen will not pass inspection unless there is running water that has a hot and cold setting.
Electric or Gas Cook top
A cook top is also a good idea for an outdoor kitchen design. This will allow you to cook every component of your meal without having to run in and outside of the home. It also creates a space to prepare brunches and breakfasts on warm summer mornings.
Dining Space
Your exterior kitchen design must include a dining space. What you can do is align the cooking area with bar stools and a countertop area for eating. You can also include a separate dining space that has a table and chairs. The table and chairs area should have an umbrella to shield diners from the sunlight and wind in the evening.
As you design your exterior kitchen space, consider the configuration. If you plan to do most of your cooking in the evening, position the cooking area away from the evening sun. You can also install an awning to help provide some shade or shield the cook from a light sprinkle. Maintain the triangle formation when completing the design too. This means that a cook top and/or grill should be positioned at an angle from a separate refrigerator and the sink area.