Most people consider their homes to be a sanctuary—a haven and a place to escape. The backyard, however, is often neglected. After the pandemic, studies revealed that the average American only spends 14 hours a week in their backyard. And that was primarily during the lockdowns. One reason why Americans might not use their backyard as much is that they don’t have a reason to.
Without good furniture or outdoor equipment, there’s no reason you would go and stand in your backyard. Taking it up a notch, why not think about an outdoor kitchen? Outdoor kitchens are the backyard trend taking America by storm because who wants a plain and basic backyard? Outdoor kitchens are a great way to maximize the space you have for socialization and fun. So, below, you will find seven outdoor kitchen trends that are leading the way in 2021.
Durable Countertops
Outdoor kitchens are great, but they need to be able to withstand the weather all year round, which can vary dramatically depending on what part of America you’re from. Although most outdoor kitchens will be covered, you can’t risk weather damage or wear from continued usage. Some of the most common, durable countertop materials used are granite and marble. If you head to RTAOutdoorLiving.com, you’ll find some excellent countertop ideas. Most of the materials sound through outdoor living websites will be durable—it’s material like wood that you need to watch out for.
Outdoor Pizza Oven
Pizza lovers, this one’s for you. Pizza ovens are stylish and trendy, with many people opting to have one in their outdoor kitchen setup. They’re easy to use, not too expensive to buy, and produce incredible pizzas. Traditional oven pizzas can’t compare to the homemade pizzas that you can make in a pizza oven.
Plus, they’re great for social events. People can make and cook their own pizzas while enjoying your backyard. Or, if you have children, you can start family cooking nights by making your own pizzas. You can buy wood-fired or gas pizza ovens. Gas ovens are easier to use, but wood-fired pizza ovens are more authentic.
State-Of-The-Art Grill
You can’t have a top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen without having a state-of-the-art grill. A grill is what makes any BBQ, and BBQ’ing is what you’re likely to be doing most of the time for your outdoor kitchen. Although an outdoor kitchen grill will be slightly expensive, modern equipment now makes grilling more sophisticated than ever before. Most outdoor kitchen grills now come with added extras such as a smoking box or rotisserie that take your grilling to the next level.
Modern grills also have highly advanced technology that maintains the temperature whether the lid is open or not, making your grilling more precise than ever before. They also have smart controls, hood assist systems, and interior lighting that all maximize the grill’s potential. Another popular outdoor kitchen appliance options are built-in grills with multiple burners, perfect for hosting large gatherings and cooking a variety of dishes simultaneously.
All The Storage Space You Need
Storage is key with cooking. You’ll know how many items fill the cupboards in your kitchen, and outdoor kitchens are the same. Thankfully, most outdoor kitchens now come with sophisticated storage spaces. From cupboards to pull-out drawers, you won’t be short of places to store the items you need. For better options of modern and top rated storage, you may visit Nathan James.
As with any part of an outdoor kitchen, you need to ensure the materials used are durable enough to withstand continuous use and outdoor weather conditions. There are multiple options to go for. One of the most popular is stainless steel. It looks professional, is easier to clean and use, and it’s very durable. Some people also opt for aluminum and high-density resin.
Don’t Forget About a Fridge/Freezer
Why have the hassle of running in and out of the house when you can have a fridge/freezer outside? It’s so much more convenient to have a fridge/freezer outside with plenty of storage space so you have everything needed when you’re cooking. Most modern outdoor fridges/freezers will be top-of-the-line, with all the technology to keep your food and drinks cool no matter what the temperature is outside.
You’ll be able to find full-sized units or compact units that hide behind the cupboards. Which option you choose depends on what you would prefer. Many people prefer smaller units that fit inside the cabinets because they’re more aesthetically pleasing.
A Prep Station
You can’t cook outside without somewhere to prep the food. You need a durable and spacious area, just like you do with an in-house kitchen. The more practical the layout, the more efficient you can be when cooking. That’s why most outdoor kitchens have a custom design to suit the buyer’s needs, rather than just one standard design. If you want to, you can put anything you would have indoors in your kitchen, outdoors. Here are some of the most common prep station items.
· Warming draw
· Cooking appliances like a microwave
· Spices racks
A Space To Enjoy The Delicious Food
Once you’ve prepped all the food, you need a space to be able to enjoy it. Rather than going inside, think about how you can maximize your outdoor cooking experience by dining outdoors as well. Dining outdoors is peaceful and comfortable, especially on a warm summer’s day. Plus, outdoor garden furniture is very trendy right now.
From hanging egg chairs to Rattan furniture, people are clearing the shelves in search of the best garden furniture. Of course, a simple table and chairs would suffice, but there is so much more you do with a dining space. Read this article to find out more. Don’t forget to think about covering any furniture. Even if it isn’t raining, moisture in the air will slowly damage furniture if you’re not careful.
Outdoor kitchens give you a reason to spend more time outdoors with family members and friends. Being outdoors is great for your mental health, and cooking outdoors can become somewhat of a hobby. Considering it’s now so easy to buy and install outdoor kitchens, why not give it a try this year?
