Refrigerators for your outdoor kitchen

Outdoor refrigerators have become essential appliances for your patio or outdoor kitchen along with other appliances like gas grills. Outdoor refrigerators are just perfect for serving your outdoors kitchen needs easily. Outdoor refrigerators are actually durable as well as sturdy mini refrigerators which are mostly build of stainless steel so as to cope with possible acidity accidents.

Storage capacity of refrigerator is important aspect that every homeowner has to consider. Some outdoor refrigerators are just perfect for storing drinks, in bottles, cans or combination of both. These are meant for making holiday parties an enjoyable moment. You will find various compact designs which focused on space saving factor. The other option of outdoor cart refrigerator comes with wheels which have easy portability feature.

Outdoor refrigerator should be small enough to fit exactly in patio and yet it should be large enough to hold everything. While some outdoor refrigerators offer a combination of various features which make them the perfect for outdoor use. . There are special refrigerator with large interior space, extra exterior shelves, detachable top, special space for ice preparation etc. They come with portable feature so you can carry them at beaches, farmhouse etc.

One need to be careful regarding quality while buyingoutdoor fridge. It needs to be more durable than indoor refrigerators. An indoor fridge will not be suitable for your requirement of built-in location of outdoor kitchen as the compressor must have breathing” space of an inch on either side of the unit. So it is better to settle down with the outdoor living space before buying outdoor refrigerator.

The exterior finish is another significant factor in the durability of outdoor refrigerators. The specialty of outdoor refrigerator is that its exterior is specially designed to cope with extreme outside environmental conditions. Since your refrigerator is going to be in a bit exposed location, you have to select refrigerator with weatherproofing feature. Its back must be sealed to protect its working components and electrical connections to withstand any adverse weather conditions. You may find an additional safety of a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter in some outdoor refrigerators.

Stainless steel is the best option for outdoor fridge. You can find different styles to choose from stainless steel fridge models. Though it is bit costlier, but it’s worth it to spend some extra to get durable appliance for your outdoor kitchen. Stainless steel refrigerator also blends well with the overall decoration of the outdoor kitchen.

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“L” shaped outdoor kitchen plans

Outdoor kitchens can enhance the look and viability of your home There are various lay outs of outdoor kitchen like U-shape, L-shape, G-shape , Galley-Shape etc.  Normally outdoor kitchen space includes a grill, a little storage space and a sink. The main aim is to have fun with guest while cooking. It is considered that outdoor kitchen will be used occasionally for light cooking.

There are three most common outdoor kitchen design styles used in outdoor kitchen plans which are  – A “U” shaped outdoor kitchen, a basic outdoor kitchen  and an l shaped outdoor kitchen. A U-shaped outdoor kitchen is a multipurpose design which includes a grill in the middle and serving and preparation spaces on both sides. This way you can serve food directly from the grill with U shaped kitchen. U shape kitchens have three walls and you will find the sink in U shape plan is usually located in the middle wall section. The Basic and Basic stand alone counter of outdoor kitchen plan includes a grill, a sink, and a preparation space. Again the basic and simple outdoor kitchen design provides limited cooking and serving space.  This is a just enough for occasionally cooking.

The most popular outdoor kitchen design is L shaped outdoor kitchen plans.  In L shaped outdoor kitchen you get separate space for prep and cooking. In Double L shaped outdoor kitchen you can have a center island. Seating arrangements is normally done next to the grill in L shape outdoor kitchens. “L” shaped outdoor kitchen is comparatively larger, where you get more space for food preparation. The longer side of L shape contains a refrigerator, a sink, a storage unit and other accessories. A grill is usually located on the shorter side of the “L” shape kitchen. Generally you can include two or three kitchen appliances on one wall. The other usual arrangement in L shape kitchen is to have the cooktop at one end and refrigerator at the other end and the sink is in the middle of counter-top. With L shaped outdoor kitchen plans it is easier for more people to work in cooking area.

The other option for large kitchens where two cooks can easily work is double L-Shaped Kitchen. You can have big cabinets and also get lot of counter space. In this design you can have two separate working spaces so as to avoid interruption of human traffic in work space.

Durable materials are used for outdoor kitchens as it will be out in the open to water, sunlight, and cold temperatures. Generally granite, marble, brick etc are used for the counter tops and stainless steel for cabinets. However you cannot neglect the quality of material as outdoor kitchens are expected to last for many years. It is better to choose the best quality counter tops and cabinets and which are affordable too.

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How to Make DIY Outdoor Kitchen?

DIY outdoor kitchen ideas are time consuming and involves lot of physical efforts. However, it could be a great fun if you plan it properly and using your own creativity. You can have outdoor kitchen close to your home or indoor kitchen with just having some DIY outdoor kitchen ideas.

Outdoor kitchen plans for DIY

Incorporating an outdoor kitchen in already existing decent patio becomes relatively easy task. Before breaking ground, it is recommended that you look at a number of different ideas from websites and magazines that specialize in DIY activities, especially as they relate to building kitchens. Make a list of designs you like most, then short list the one which are easier and best suited to your budget. Once you have a perfect plan about where exactly you want to have your outdoor kitchen, then make a list of accessories that are most needed.  Such DIY outdoor kitchen plans requires few accessories like cabinets, sinks fixtures, grill, framing (made from backer board /concrete /wood).

Once you have perfect plan of the area where you want to have your outdoor kitchen, the list of accessories you require and other utility connections, then you can decide about which material to use. While selecting material for your DIY outdoor kitchen, you have to consider its cost as well as functionality. Try to use materials that require less maintenance. Most DIY types prefer stainless steel materials as it is durable, easy to clean and goes with almost with everything.

Your outdoor kitchen becomes expensive if you decide to go in much detail. You can plan low budget kitchen. You can save your time and money by finding out exact place to dig for closest connection point from where a utility line exists. Your primary goal of outdoor kitchen is to enjoy the outdoors, so you have to design your DIY outdoor kitchen considering the climate and weather conditions. The other aspect you will need to care about is proper shade options, so as to make your guest happy. Try to place the grill in a shaded area and choose the place where the smoke can escape easily.

You will require following material for your outdoor kitchen with concrete sub structures.

•    Outdoor cabinet doors
•    Sink with tap and faucet
•    Concrete block and concrete backer board
•    Gas pipe, shutoff valve, and connections
•    Electrical supplies: cable or conduit with wire, boxes, GFCI receptacles
•    Plumbing supplies: supply lines,drain lines, stop valves
•    Mortar mix and Fortified thin set mortar
•    Tiles and waterproof tile backing
•    Nails and screws for building framing and attaching boards to the house
•    Fortified grout and Grout sealer
•    Stucco mix
•    Paint

While making sitting arrangement for guest, if you choose a pair of rocking chairs or decorative outdoor bench, then it would be in your budget as well as it will prove an innovative idea for your kitchen. You can decorate your DIY outdoor kitchen with hanging plants as well as decorative items. Having an outdoor kitchen with your own ideas makes a great feeling for you as well as your family.

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Small Outdoor Kitchen Plans

Is it possible to have your dream outdoor kitchen in a small area? The answer is “Yes” You can create a small outdoor kitchen plans that your family, friends and guests love to be in. You can utilize every inch of space to develop your dream outdoor kitchen without looking overstuffed.

There are several ways to design asmall outdoor kitchen. Small outdoor kitchen plans need several organization methods to make the space work well. You need to decide the place for cooking area, prep area and clean-up area. You have to about presentation of appliances. Apart from that you have to think about the storage, proper lighting and drainage system. You can reduce the mess and create more open space within a small area by tucking as much stuff away as possible.

You can use small kitchen tables for prep or cooking without having to sacrifice much needed walking space. Various models of small table sets provide the function of a larger kitchen as well as an eating and gathering area.

You can have storage cabinets almost to the ceiling for the items which you do not require often. This gives vertical height to your kitchen. You can either select the centre table which can be used as a work space as well as you can create a storage unit underneath. Hanging pans and pots can be a great space saving option for your outdoor kitchen. Gallery style kitchen will be best for the small space as one side can be used conveniently as walkway.

The kitchen counters should be somewhat deeper to give you more work space as well as more room for table top appliances. You can create comfortable seating arrangement by proper using a small round table and two chairs which can be tucked into a corner. The other best option for small outdoor kitchen is wall mounted counters. This way you can save space by pushing the stools under the counter.

While buying appliances for a small outdoor kitchen, you will need space saving accessories. Dishwashers, refrigerators are available in various sizes which can fit to small outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchen cabinets with lighter shade give a feeling of spacious kitchen. You can give depth to your outdoor kitchen by using glass fronts for few kitchen cabinets.

Making proper waste water outlet, floor, ceiling, and appliances are equally important in smaller kitchens. The more important is your ideas, that you can make envy neighbors for your dream outdoor kitchen .

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Suncast Serving Station Patio Cabinet

Serving Station are meant to provide space for cooking preparation along with storage facility . You will really enjoy your cooking with the Suncast Serving Station as  it is portable, convenient to use and yet stylish.
This fantastic Suncast Serving Station Patio Cabinet  provides 40 inch wide counter space which makes your cooking preparation easy. It holds your dishes before they are put on the grill. It holds all items not just before cooking but it also useful during cooking and after cooking.

It is of good-quality plastic and can be easily cleaned with soap and water.

It has flip up tabletop creates more space while cooking. No tools are required as it comes with snap-together assembly.

It is included with wheels so that you can move it anywhere in outdoor kitchen as per your requirement.

It comes with well-supported side extensions which can be easily set according to your needs.

The two internal compartments provided in this serving station hold all the grilling accessories as well as bags of charcoal.

Suncast Serving Station Patio Cabinet is a great investment as it provides long-term storing utility.

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Outdoor Kitchen Sinks

Outdoor sink is important accessory of your outdoor kitchen as it improves the functionality of your kitchen. It makes your cooking activity easier.  It will also add beauty to your outdoor kitchen depending upon what style of outdoor sink you choose.  Here we will discuss regarding different types of sinks available in market, quality of it and main material used for sinks.  This will help to choose the right kind of outdoor sink which will suit best for your requirement.

Outdoor sinks are available in different materials like ceramic, stainless steel, plastic, copper etc.  It is observed that mainly ceramic outdoor kitchen sinks and Stainless steel outdoor kitchen sinks are preferred by the users.

  • Ceramic sinks look more attractive and stylish. And on the other hand stainless steel sinks are cheaper, stronger, and its installation is much easier as compared to ceramic.
  • Stainless steel outdoor sinks are popular as require no maintenance.
  • A plastic sink is another choice but they do not hold up as well.
  • Outdoor sinks are also available in copper and cast iron. However these two options are not preferred by many as copper will patina with age and cast iron is heavy therefore it is not used for portable outdoor sinks.
  • There is a new trend of stone-style vessel sink which adds a decorative element to your outdoor kitchen. It is usually shaped like bowls and  can set on the top of the kitchen counter.

Standalone Sinks

Indoor and Outdoor kitchen sinks are similar in functionality and look.  Outdoor sinks can be overmounted or undermounted like indoor sinks.   Standalone versions of sinks typically come along with an outdoor sink cart and can be easily incorporated into an outdoor kitchen. The standalone sinks also provides storage shelves or additional functionality

Outdoor sink station

Outdoor sink stations are portable outdoor sinks typically made from stainless steel or plastic. It consists of sink and self contained hose reel in sink cabinet. You can move these stations anywhere in the yard to bring water to a location , this utility makes working in the garden more convenient.

Outdoor gardening sink

These sinks are useful for potting plants, washing off your gardening tools or cleaning off after a day of gardening. All the activities in your garden can be done smoothly with the help of gardening sink.

Outdoor utility sink

Outdoor utility sinks are primarily constructed from stainless steel or plastic and are similar to outdoor gardening sinks. They can also be of cast iron or even copper.  The deep base of utility sink allows washing larger items.

You also have to decide about the size of your sink depending upon your requirements. Take accurate measurements before buying in order to avoid problem of buying the wrong size sink for your outdoor kitchen. Also design your outdoor kitchen with possible needs of building permits to avoid further problems.The other care is needed in proper plumbing for outdoor sinks and proper outlet for disposal of wash water.  All these factors  are equally important while you decide the material for sinks.

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Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

If you are planning for your perfect outdoor kitchen, you will definitely need a perfect kitchen plans and designs. Spending weekend with friends is fun with a perfectly well designed outdoor kitchen. Cooking outdoor in winter needs your great attention and proper planning towards equipped kitchen set, cooking equipments, utensils. An outdoor kitchen storage cabinet becomes  necessary, when you wish to cook outside in all seasons.

Choosing  kitchen cabinets which can be used for short period is actually a waste of money and time. Wooden cabinets are hard to maintain and humidity, rain and heat play havoc on the wood. Wooden cabinets destroy the entire arrangement within few months. Many kitchen appliance companies have introduced waterproof outdoor kitchen sets that can endure rain as well as sun. Such waterproof outdoor kitchen cabinets are also termite resistant.

Generally outdoor kitchen cabinets are manufactured with durable materials like stainless steel, stone and redwood. These materials protect cabinets from the damaging effects of seasonal weather as well as protects from termites. Stainless steel is a preferred option for cabinets and backyard storage as they are easy to clean, looks good and stands up to the outside environment. Countertops of Outdoor kitchen are made from granite, tile, other natural stones or synthetic solid surface.

Elaborate full stainless steel cabinets with doors and other outdoor kitchen appliances like refrigerators, gas grills with burners are generally made from stainless steel to make it rust free. Some companies are making efforts to come up with an entire kitchen appliance set with polymer. This entire set will consist of burner, stove, grill, oven plus enough storage capacity and made out of 100 % water resistant polymer which is used in the marine industry. It’s a greater edge over wood as it does not get affected by humidity and shrink or expand with the climate.

Outdoor kitchen cabinets could be either simple and basic or lavish as you need. Simple cabinet can be just small cabinet next to charcoal grill or gas. It also could be a full cabinet set with vent hood and a sink. Elaborate outdoor kitchens may include wine coolers refrigerators and icemakers.

If you wish to have an entire custom kitchen in your patio, then proper selection of suitable  cabinets is very important. As it will add good looks for your outdoor kitchen looks as well as it will make cooking simple and practical.

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Fire bowl table

Fire bowl table is an interesting accessory of your outdoor kitchen, check out this review of the two different style of it.

Fire and Ice Folding Fire Bowl – 26″
Fire and Ice Folding Fire Bowl is made of metal finish steel. As the product description says its depth is 26 inch. Its width is 26 inch and height is 13 inch. The unique feature of this fire Bowl is that it can be used as a beverage cooler. It comes with limited manufacturer warranty of one year. This is a perfect item for you outdoor needs.

Fire and Ice Folding Fire Bowl is of just perfect size and easy to setup at any place. It is small enough to place on a table as well as large enough to put in the center of patio and gather chairs around it. It comes with a convenient carrying case so that you can carry it with you to any other place like beach or friends BBQ. The only drawback of this fire and ice bowl is that its legs get warm immediately. Sparks cannot get through closed covers.  Again warm legs or sparks may leave burning marks on the deck. One more interesting thing about this product is you can put it away for the winter so that there is no shoveling snow around it.

Square Marble Fire Bowl Table – 34″
The 34 inch square marble fire bowl table comes in black finish.  The 23 inch steel fire bowl is surrounded by black marble tile that will never fade, pit or stain. This furniture style fire bowl table with stand design adds elegance to your outdoor kitchen. It comes with a storage cover, a lifting tool and a log grate. It is made of hi-temp finish steel thus, ensuring complete value for your money. Its width is 33 inch, height is 18.5 inch and estimated Ship Weight is 43.50 pounds.

This fire pit is really stable and of a perfect size for your concrete patio. It is a really attractive piece that your backyard must have. It’s assembling and maintenance is easy. It comes with two replacement marble tiles, so you do not have to worry even if one of it unfortunately brakes. This Square Marble Fire Bowl Table include stone fire table ,  traditional fire pits, cast iron fire pits and portable fire pits.

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Outdoor Kitchen Construction Plans

Outdoor Kitchen is one of the hottest home trending concepts for last 7-10 years. In fact the popularity for the concept of using backyard or patio spaces has further developed the concept of outdoor kitchen. The home owners are considering their outdoor space to use for entertaining. Though the patio concept is exiting for last half century, the only new thing is that the way they are being designed and used. Specifically, ideas and outdoor kitchen plans make a significant enhancement for home owner’s outdoor experience.

In the beginning the concept of outdoor kitchens was just equivalent of having an outdoor grill. The same concept is further developed to enjoyment with friends or entertaining relatives, friends and family.  When you think about construction of an outdoor kitchen, you will find endless designs and styles. Lots of options are available in market for outdoor kitchen uses as well as materials used for outdoor kitchens. Once there is a demand for particular item, manufacturers rush to fulfill those demands. As a result we get so many things to choose from. Though the most important factor is relaxed and comfortable space for your dinning, you should also include in your outdoor kitchen plan the aspects such as functional layout, cold and dry storage, area for food preparation ,appliances you need and fixing the place for appliances.

So what your outdoor kitchen construction plan should include at the very basic level? Here are few points that you should consider while planning for outdoor kitchen construction.

Cabinets and countertops that you will include in your kitchen need to be waterproof. For appliances the good choice is stainless steel and for the counters, you can select either stone or brick.

Roof on firepit and grill should not be too solid as it may choke the smoke.

Flooring should not be too slippery, so you have to ensure safe-footing especially the area which might get wet often.

Outdoor kitchen building is incomplete without proper lighting; it should be such that it will not block any sunlight for your house.

Making proper washing up arrangement is also important, as carrying dishes and cutlery back inside to wash up may be painful.

Your outdoor kitchen building plan should adhere to building regulations and fire safety.

Few Stuff like rubbish bin and gas canister, which you do not want to be on view have to be considered while finalizing your outdoor kitchen construction plans.

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Ideas for Outdoor Kitchens

Nowadays it is becoming a new trend to build our own outdoor kitchen. Ideas for outdoor kitchens seems very costly but it’s a fun when you enjoy yourself with your friends and relatives just near your backyard. Outdoor kitchen ideas are cheaper than dining out in expensive restaurant. You do not have to travel and can also sharpen you cooking skills for your dear ones.

It may cost a bit to build outdoor kitchen, but all depends on what are your plans for building outdoor kitchen and yourideas for outdoor kitchens. Building an outdoor kitchen is not exactly doing the things manually, you can take a help of designer for this purpose. You can also help yourself with the lot of information available on internet and new outdoor kitchen ideas from your friends.

There are few things that you must consider when you are planning to add an outdoor kitchen to your home.  First, you have to decide about the place where you want to build outdoor kitchen. Then you have to consider what all accessories you want to add to your outdoor kitchen. And the most important part is budget as there are variety of equipments and other accessories available in the market. Many companies offer free consultations or even free design which makes easier to design the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.

Things to consider before building an outdoor kitchen

  • You have to consider the storage place and seating arrangement while finalizing your outdoor kitchen plan. You can use your creative ideas while you build outdoor kitchen with exiting garden or covered areas.
  • It does not matter if design of your outdoor kitchen is simple but it is better to invest in quality equipments. The atmosphere should be such that your guest will feel proud about you.
  • The other important aspect is your entertaining Style. You have to decide whether you want to spend your summer evenings with lot of friends or just wish to be with your family. This accordingly helps to fix the required space for outdoor kitchen and what kind of out door kitchen appliances you will need.

Weather in your area is another major thing to consider while building an outdoor kitchen. Again it depends on whether your requirement of outdoor kitchen is for all seasons or just temporarily during summer vacations. If it is for all seasons then you have to take care about the proper shades and lighting.

Once you have finalized about all your outdoor kitchen needs, place, space and appliances, now compare your  ideas for outdoor kitchens with your budget. It all depends on outdoor kitchen ideas that will help to have outdoor kitchen of your dreams!!

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