The popularity of outdoor kitchens in recent years has put adding one at the top of the list for home owners who are planning home improvement projects. If you live in a new home, particularly one in a warm climate, your house might have come with an outdoor kitchen already included. Or perhaps you paid the builder to stub out the plumbing and electrical so you can add the rest of the kitchen later. This has become very popular and there are entire neighborhoods of newer homes that have everything in place and are just waiting for the budget to allow the addition.

Even if you are living in an older home, don’t despair. There is no reason you cannot add an outdoor kitchen area to any home. If you do not have the plumbing and electric on place, or at least close by, it may cost you more than the same kitchen would cost someone who already had those things in place. It comes down to your budget, and your decision whether to scale down the project or wait until you can have everything you want.

When it comes to outdoor kitchen designs, pretty much anything goes. There is no such thing as a standard design, but if you had to say what most people consider a basic outdoor kitchen it would be include some arrangement of a grill, refrigerator, and sink. But if you are limited on space, there is nothing wrong with having just one or two of those items. This is your outdoor kitchen plan so there is no right or wrong. Some people go absolutely crazy and have things like kegerators, wine coolers, icemakers, and enough bar space for 10 stools. There is nothing wrong with that either. But most outdoor kitchen plans fall somewhere in between.

You have to not only look at your space and see what you can fit, you have to think about what you need and will actually use. How much of your view are you willing to have blocked, if any? Is your space under your roof line, or under a waterproof gazebo, or out in the open? What is the maximum budget for this project? these questions will get you heading in the right direction with your plans. Some people don’t even put a grill into their outdoor kitchen cabinet. Perhaps they just want a food service area or a sink to wash glasses. Remember, there is no right or wrong. Having said that, you might also want to consider what you are adding to the resale value of your home. A complete outdoor kitchen will add real value that you will get paid back when you sell your home. Something short of a complete outdoor kitchen may not give you back that value. If you are not planning on moving, this does not matter at all though so just go with what you want and don’t worry about future residents.

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If you purchased a Fire Magic grill, you obviously understand the difference in a quality grill and some of the less expensive grills is substantial. You have chosen from a line of grills that will last many years, probably longer than many outdoor kitchens in which they are installed. If you purchased a fire magic free standing grill, you now have a grill you can bring with you if you move, and one that will last perhaps 20 years or more.

Not that you have made the choice to go with quality, it only makes sense that you take a small additional step to protect it and keep it looking great. You already know your grill is not going to rust, but now you can save yourself some shining and cleaning of that stainless steel by using the Fire Magic grill cover made specifically for your grill.

These covers are made from a combination of vinyl and leather and feature the stylish Fire Magic logo prominently on the front. The cover is made to fit each specific grill size in both cart and built in grill models. The edges feature built in elastic sections that hug the corners of your grill to keep the cover secure. The front of the cover has clips that will connect to the frame of the grill to keep the cover from being pulled up by the wind.

Whether you have a Legacy, Aurora, or Echelon series grill, there is a cover made specifically for your model. As far as grill accessories go, this one is a no brainer!

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When it comes to outdoor kitchen design, the important things are your space, your style and function needs, and your budget. That may sound like the list of important things for any design, but it is especially true when it comes to outdoor kitchen designs. Outdoor kitchens are to some degree a luxury item.  You don’t have to have one in your home and you can live happily ever after for many years. But the addition of one creates a unique place outside your home where you can entertain and enjoy friends and family. It also adds real value to your home,m and creates separation in terms of features and quality when it comes time to sell the home.

Having said all of that, let’s talk about how to design your outdoor kitchen. Back to that short list we go. How much space do you have? If you can only fit a small cabinet and a grill, the design phase can quickly enter the detailed stage when you choose things like granite, tile, paint color, etc. But if you have a good sized space that is large enough to present some options on the shape and dimensions of the area, things can be more complicated. If you have a creative mind, you can experiment with different layouts on your own. The best way to do this is with blue painters tape. You can tape out different layouts on the floor and see how you like the way they look and feel. Think about things like the entry way to the kitchen, if there is one. An entry way is formed when part of the kitchen comes close to the home, a screened area, or even itself if the design is a wrap around layout. It might make sense to bring in an outdoor kitchen contractor at this point, even if you feel like you are a long way from a final plan. The contractor can help you understand the mechanics of why some layouts might not work and others will, or they may have enough experience to give you suggestions on designs that you have not thought of yet. This kind of assistance is normally free of charge, mostly because the goal of the contractor is to get your business. This does not mean you should abuse the contractor with repeated visits. Schedule a consultation and get their advice, then call them back when you are ready for them to develop a proposal for your outdoor kitchen.

Once you have the general layout firmed up, you can move onto the function of the outdoor kitchen. In this case that means you need to decide what outdoor kitchen appliances. Built in grills are included in most outdoor kitchens. Grills come on many sizes with many different options and accessories. In most cases, people use quality stainless steel appliances in their outdoor kitchen, and the price range of a stainless steel bbq can be anywhere from $1000 to $5000 or more. Other things to consider are the addition of a sink, wine cooler, ice maker, or any number of things. When considering all designs, keep in kind that some companies that make grills also make entire islands that serve as outdoor kitchens. Fire Magic grills is one of the companies that does this, and this is a way to kee overall cost down on your project.

Once you have developed your “wish list” for this project, and you know they can fit into both your outdoor kitchen design and your budget, you can move onto the last phase, or the style phase. This is when you decide on granite vs tile, and things like paint color, any grout colors you might need, and other finishing touches. These things impact your budget too, but these are mostly style choices and preferences.

Approach this project in an organized manner, and while it may frustrate you at times, you will come out the other side a very happy home owner.

Some people get a sudden case of sticker shock when they see the prices of outdoor refrigerators. The reason for this shock is because this type of refrigerator is not cheap! In fact, the prices for an under counter outdoor refrigerator start at over $1000. Now when I say outdoor refrigerator, I am talking about one that is made for the outdoors, UL approved for outdoor use, and warranted by the manufacturer for outdoor use. Please read that sentence again so you are clear on just what to expect from an outdoor refrigerator. Almost every unit that meets this description will be a stainless steel outdoor refrigerator, and that is great since most outdoor kitchens feature all stainless steel appliances.

OK, so once you get past the sticker shock, how do you proceed? Well, you basically have two choices. You can refuse to get past the difference in price between a $200 under counter refrigerator and the true outdoor refrigerator, or you can just accept it as part of your outdoor kitchen plans.

If you choose to go with the non-outdoor rated unit there are a couple of things to keep in mind. First of all, these refrigerators are generally a bit smaller than an outdoor refrigerator. Outdoor units are typically 24″ wide and somewhere close to 34 1/2″ tall. A non-outdoor unit will probably be more like 22″ wide and perhaps 31″ tall. This difference is important for a couple of reasons. First of all, if you choose to switch to an outdoor refrigerator at a later date, your cabinet opening will be both too short and too narrow. You can think ahead and have the cabinet built to hold a standard outdoor refrigerator, but if you install the non-outdoor version there will be a gap on both sides and at the top because this unit will not fill up the opening. If you can handle that look, it makes good sense to have the cabinet built to the larger specifications.

The other thing to keep in mind is almost all non-outdoor rated under counter refrigerators are not made of stainless steel. Instead they have a faux stainless finish on the door. this finish will not match your other stainless steel appliances. It is basically a plastic coating in a stainless color. So you have a couple of things to be aware of and on board with before choosing a non-outdoor refrigerator. Oh, and one other thing you will deal with is replacing the unit. In an outdoor, under cabinet application, these units will not last. They are not built to operate in that environment and have a hard time breathing and keeping up when placed outside and in a cabinet. Logic says you can replace it several times for the same price as the outdoor refrigerator. While that is true, if you have to do that before a typical outdoor refrigerator would have had to be replaced, you end up paying more in the long run. But the choice is yours, I just want to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for your situation.

Outdoor kitchens have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years. Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home adds a whole new entertaining area and gathering place for your family and guests, and it also separates your home from others in the neighborhood when it comes time to sell. A properly built, well thought out outdoor kitchen adds real value to your home that you can recoup if you ever sell the house.

Like most other things in your home, this project is something that will take shape based on your tastes, budget, and available space. Outdoor kitchen designs vary from very simple cabinets with nothing but a grill or even just a sink, all the way up to very large designs that include even more features than the kitchen inside your home. But most designs fall somewhere in between those two extremes.

The first thing you have to do is decide on a budget. but how do you do that if you have never had an outdoor kitchen built before? Well, this will require some research. the good news is you don’t have to go anywhere to do this research because all the information you need is available right here online. Think about how large a grill you need, as well as what features you need in the grill. Do you need lights inside the grill? A rotisserie, smoker, searing burner, etc? All these things impact the price of a grill. I strongly recommend going with a quality grill when building an outdoor kitchen. It makes no sense to build an outdoor kitchen and include a grill that will not last more than a couple of years. A quality grill made from 304 stainless steel will never rust and will last many years. There is a wide price range when it comes to these grills. Figure a low end of around $1000 and a high end of $5000. Yes, that is a large range. The truth is your food will not taste any different from one grill to the next, but there are real differences in options and quality between those two extremes of grills so spend some time researching grills.

The next thing to think about is whether or not you need a vent hood over your grill. This will depend almost entirely on the location of the grill. If you are out from under the roof line, there is no need for a vent hood. Even if you are  under the roof line you might not need a hood. Think about the overall layout. If there is going to be a bar nearby, you don’t want smoke blowing into your guest’s faces so if you are on the fence you might need to get the hood. Outdoor vent hoods are not cheap, but a good idea may be to wait until the rest of the project is finished and see if you need a hood. It will not cost any more to add the hood after the fact than it would to include it with the rest of the project so if you are running up against your budget limits it is perfectly alright to take a wait and see attitude on the hood.

Beyond the grill there are many other things you can add to the payout. Things like an outdoor refrigerator, ice maker, kegerator, wine cooler, a lot of other outdoor kitchen appliances. Again, it comes down to space and budget. Keep all these things in mind as you make your outdoor kitchen plans, do the research on each item and make your decision. In this way your plan will come together over time and you will be in control of the budget.

When you think you have your outdoor kitchen planned, bring in a couple of different contractors. Let them see your plan and have them draw up a proposal for you. Do not tell them your budget! Wait for their proposal and see how it compares to your research and the resulting budget. You may find one is a lot higher than the other, and it may mean you need to bring in a third contractor to see where their price falls. Keep an open mind and consider that it might save you a bit of money if you order some equipment yourself. Also keep in mind that if you do that you should expect to still have to pay an installation fee. After all the contractor still has to unpack and install the unit and get rid of the garbage. Treat your contractor fairly and the entire project is more likely to go smoothly.

Many people get unduly confused when they start looking at outdoor kitchens. One of the big questions they ask is, how is an outdoor kitchen grill different from other grills? The answer is, the grill itself is really no different at all. If you think about it, most grills we have come attached to carts that may or may not be on wheels to make it easier to move them around. Picture the same grill, but with no cart, or legs, and you have a grill that can be used as an outdoor kitchen grill.

That is probably oversimplifying things, but that is the general idea as to what these grills are. The thing that complicates things is the fact that you have made a decision to add an outdoor kitchen to your home, and that means you are looking to upgrade. In most cases, that same old grill from your local home improvement store will simply not do when it comes to an outdoor kitchen gas grill. Some people choose things like electric grills, but most people who build an outdoor kitchen want to go with a stainless steel bbq, and these are more expensive than those cheaper grills we tend to purchase and use until they start to fall apart from rust.

An outdoor kitchen can cost you anywhere from a few thousand all the way up to $30 thousand dollars. The grill is typically the center of attraction when it comes to the outdoor kitchen and grill, so it does not seem to make any sense at all to go cheap when you are making a major upgrade to the outside of your home. In the vast majority of cases, you get what you pay for when it comes to grills.

If you spend money on a quality built in grill, you will be able to use that grill for many years. This is important when dealing with a built in grill, because your cabinetry will be made to fit a specific grill. if that grill is not of high enough quality to last more than a couple of years, you could be facing having to renovate your cabinetry to fit a new grill. This is because different brands of grills are different sizes, even if they are referred to as the same size. For example, a 27″ Kitchen Aid built in grill is not the same width or depth as other brands, like Fire Magic grills. On top of that, every couple of years manufacturers upgrade their lines of grills and in many cases they make changes to the footprint of the grills. In other words, you may not be able to find the same grill to replace your old one. If that happens, modifications to your cabinetry will be needed to fit another grill.

Having said all of that, if you purchase a quality grill from a good brand and that grill is made from 304 stainless steel, you will not have to worry about anything for a long time. Your grill will last as is for many years, and even then the only thing you might end up replacing is the internal burners. Do not underestimate the huge difference between a regular old grill and a quality built in grill. They are simply not the same thing.

If you are thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, it is important you go into this project with a plan. In order to come up with the right outdoor kitchen plans for your space, you have to take a long hard look at the area in which you want to build the project. You will also need to have a good understanding of what your budget is, and then you can get into the particulars of which items on your outdoor kitchen wish list you can fit and which you might have to sacrifice.

This is a project that can add substantial value to your home if handled properly. Think about is, if you and a neighbor have essentially the same house, but one of you has added a quality outdoor kitchen, if everything else is equal the home with that extra will be more attractive and worth more to potential buyers.

Make a list of those things you really want in the completed project. These are the things that you picture in your mind when you think aout the space after the job is done. Perhaps it is as simple as a grill and refrigerator, or maybe it is much more elaborate and you want a large bar area and things like an ice maker and wine cooler. There is no right or wrong when it comes to outdoor kitchens. There is just what you want and what your space and budget can accommodate. When you get those things in sync you will have developed the best outdoor kitchen design for your situation.

Before you get into exactly what construction method you want used or what color or type of counter tops you want, it is important that you come to a decision the basic footprint of what the kitchen will look like. This means you have to look at your space and come up with dimensions and shape for the cabinet and any bar areas. Keep in mind that if you have a bar your barstools will stick out further. If you have a pool, keep safety in mind. the last thing you want is for a guest to be sitting at your bar one moment and in the next moment find himself in the pool. Make sure you can realistically fit the design you are planning.

Once you know the footprint of the cabinets, you will be able to accurately know what appliances you can fit and what, if anything, might have to be sacrificed from your wish list. If you are tight on space, there are ways to combine things and save space. For example, if you want a grill and a side burner, you can get a unit that is a grill with the side burner attached. This will save space, and there are quite a few of these outdoor kitchen grills to choose from. If you are having trouble fitting everything into your plan and you want both an ice maker and a refrigerator, you can get  outdoor refrigerators with an ice maker inside. You sacrifice some refrigeration space, but you save by not needing a separate ice maker. The same applies if you want both a wine cooler and refrigerator. There are duel units available that have side by side doors and separate cooling zones. You can keep your wine at the right temperature and your other refrigerated items at their own temperature all in one unit.

Once you know the footprint you want for your outdoor kitchen, you can begin to get into things like plumbing and electrical needs. Both of hose items can add a substantial amount to your budget if they are not already present in the area you plan to add the kitchen. The best way to figure cost is to bring in 2 or 3 plumbers and electricians and get a couple of different prices for each. This will give you a good idea of how much you need to budget for utilities. When bringing in an electrician, keep in mind to have them include things like power for the vent hood, if you plan on one, and at least a couple of outlets in the counter top area.

You are now well on your way to developing your outdoor kitchen ideas. It is time to start exploring the different types and style of outdoor kitchen cabinets, and start researching the various outdoor kitchen appliances on your wish list.

Whether you are building an outdoor kitchen, or just want a freestanding grill, a stainless steel bbq really adds a touch of style and class to the outdoor area of you home. There are varying levels of quality when it comes to this type of grill, and the main difference that will determine the price range is the kind of stainless steel used in the grill.

The single most important thing to remember about stainless steel bbq grills is that just because the grill is stainless does not mean it will not rust! So many people make the mistake of buying a grill at their local home improvement store and think that because it is a stainless steel grill they are set for years to come. To add to their confidence is the fact that many of these grills are made by large companies with names that are very recognizable. People see the grill and see how much less expensive it is than some other stainless steel grills and they figure it is a no brainer. Fast forward several months and the grill is showing rust, just like their previous inexpensive grills did. Let me repeat the one thing I want you to take from this post. The kind of stainless steel your bbq is made from will determine whether it will rust.

OK, so what kind of stainless steel will not rust? 304 stainless is the grade of stainless steel that quality grills are made from. 304 stainless steel bbqs will not rust. Why won’t they rust? It has to do with the materials that make up the steel. In this case, it is the nickel content that prevents the steel from rusting.

The grade of the stainless is very important, but don’t get that confused with the guage of the steel. One reasons for the large spread in grill prices is that different companies use different guages, or thicknesses of steel in their grills. For example, Fire Magic grills are more likely to have a thicker stainless steel used than another brand, like Pro Fire.

So, why doesn’t every company make their bbq grills from 304 stainless? The short answer is, this steel is expensive. Compare some prices on stainless steel bbq grills. Check some that are made from 304 stainless and some that are not. You will find a big price difference in the two different kind of grills. Another thing to think about when pricing these grills are the internal parts of the grill. The main burners should also be made from 304 stainless, or they will eventually rust. of course, this makes the price go up. But the good news is that virtually every manufacturer of these grills offers a lifetime warranty against rust on the burners as well as the overall bbq.

It pays to educate yourself when shopping for grills. There is nothing wrong with purchasing a grill for $100 or $200 at your local home improvement store as long as you understand what you are getting. On the other hand, if you are going through the expense of having an outdoor kitchen built, you should strongly consider adding a quality grill that is going to last many years. But when it comes to these things there is no right or wrong, it is simply what you want and what you can afford. Above all, get educated before spending your money.

There is nothing more frustrating to a lover of grilling out than being told they cannot do what they love. If you live in certain places, this is a very real dilemma. But there is good news for anyone living in a place that prohibits the use of gas appliances on balconies and lanai areas. Introducing the electric grill! There is nothing new about the idea of an electric grills as they have been around for a very long time. But manufacturers have really gone a long way in recent years to make these grills as functional and stylish as any gas powered grill. These improvements are causing people to build outdoor kitchens in places where they previously were not because they thought the project would be incomplete without a “real” grill.

Not only can you get an electric grill for your patio or balcony area, but there is actually now a large selection of built in electric grills, which allows you to have that full fledged outdoor kitchen. It used to be that an electric powered grill was more like an in indoor cooktop than a traditional grill. The market was dominated by the Jenn Aire downdraft style of grill. This unit uses electric griddles to supply yhe heat, while a built in fan draws the smoke down and out through a duct system. the biggest benefit of this type of grill is the lack of smoke and grease in the air and on the wall behind the grill. While these were, and in fact still are viable alternatives for someone who cannot have a gas grill, it does not really have the look and feel of a “real” grill. In addition to that, you cannot do things like rotisserie, smoke, or simply have a “real” looking grill.

That last part is what has changed in recent years. There is now a pretty large selection of grills available that look just like a traditional grill. You can have that stainless steel bbq in an electric version, and you can have a rotisserie,a grill light, a searing burner, etc, all the things you want in a grill. If you read my other posts, particularly the one  on built in grills, you know that I advocate the use of grills made from 304 stainless steel. It just makes sense that if you are building an outdoor kitchen you use components that are going to last a long time. If done properly the result should be something that lasts as long as your home lasts. Luckily, you can still follow this advice when using an electric built in grill. This type of grill will not be the least expensive, but it will be the highest quality and will last the longest out of all your choices.

One thing to note is that electric grills require either 110V or 220V power. You have to pay attention to as you research each grill and take note of the power requirements. In general, the higher quality grills are going to require 220V power. Don’t let this scare you away, as these grills are much more powerful than 110V grills and will be able to generate more heat for various kinds of cooking. Many condo buildings these days are prewired with 220V power, so you might not have any added expense as far as powering the grill goes.

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Having a grill light makes a huge difference in the way you approach the use of your outdoor kitchen. Many outdoor kitchens feature very nice grills, but even top of the line grills do not all have lights inside of them. If you have ever attempted to cook in the dark on a grill with no lights, you understand how difficult it can be. Even if your kitchen area is lit from ceiling lights around the space, they may not help you very much when it comes to seeing if your food is cooked. Think about it. Your grill lid partially covers the cooking surface, even when it is open. This means any light that originates above and behind the grill is useless to you. And since you will be standing over the grill when youa re trying to check your progress, your head and body will be blocking out most light that is not originating from inside the grill.

Fortunately there is a solution to this lighting problem. Your outdoor kitchen was a big investment. Even if you are not using a built in grill, and have a free standing grill instead, a grill light is vital to both the end result of your cooking as well as your level of enjoyment as you do that cooking. Grill lights are relatively inexpensive, so unlike other grill accessories, adding this one is really a no brainer.

OK, now that we have determined you need a grill light, what kind should you get? Your first choice is whether you want a battery powered or plug in type of grill light. In most cases I would recommend the type you plug in. The last thing you want is to be grilling a steak and your light gets dim at a crucial time because the battery is going dead. Unless you just don’t have power in the area, get an a/c powered grill light. In most cases, an outdoor kitchen will be able to accommodate a small appliance that has to be plugged in.

You will see lights that clip onto the side of the grill and others that have a small stand and sit on the counter next to the grill. Almost all grill lights have a flexible arm that can be twisted to give you light where you need it most at any given time. If your outdoor kitchen is filled with stainless steel appliances, don’t get a cheap looking grill light. It is an appliance just like all the rest, and will be on display for your guests to see while you are grilling. Even an expensive grill light will not cost much more than $100, so don’t skimp on this important grill accessory.

Remember one safety tip about your grill light. There is not much in a good outdoor kitchen that you have to worry about if it rains, but a grill light is one of those things. An a/c powered light can get ruined and worse, cause a safety issue if you operate it in the rain. A battery powered grill light will simply get ruined if it gets wet. treat your light like you do any other electric accessory and keep it dry at all time.