Outdoor kitchens can be customized to include various features, such as fire pits and grills, side burners, refrigerators, and more. Let us guide you through what an outdoor kitchen is and its characteristics.
What Are Outdoor Kitchens?
An outdoor kitchen is a space outside a home where you can cook, prepare meals, and entertain while enjoying the fresh air. It extends your living room to the outdoors. The designs can vary greatly and are customizable to fit any taste.
When designing your Florida outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to consider the number of people using it, the amount of cooking and entertaining you plan to do, and the type of design that fits your outdoor space.
Where Did Summer Kitchens Come From?
Rich landowners used summer kitchens in the early 1800s. The cooking equipment was ideal for preparing food for many individuals residing on the property. The food would be prepared on-site and served in the main house.
Less affluent landowners began constructing their simple summer kitchens, prevalent in the mid-Atlantic region, upstate New York, and New England. But you may ask, why were they separated from the house?
Since summer kitchens were created in the 1800s and 1900s, the house had no air conditioners. People cook most of their meals in a fireplace or stone oven, which will get very hot during the summer. So, outdoor kitchens were used to maintain their homes cooler and to prevent the smells of coal inside the main property.
Features of an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens can be simple or elaborate, depending on your budget and space constraints. Common features are grills, cooking surfaces (e.g., gas burners), refrigerators, sinks with hot water, countertops for food preparation, storage areas for utensils and ingredients, and weatherproof cabinets. You may also want to take a look at these features:
- Sink and faucet: Why go through the hassle of preparing meat and vegetables inside your home when you can do it right next to your grill? Install a sink and faucet to eliminate the need for multiple trips to your indoor kitchen.
- A secondary grill or pizza oven: A secondary grill is a blessing for homeowners rushing to finish cooking meals before guests arrive. If you want to increase the variety of dishes you can make in your kitchen, consider adding a smoker or pizza oven.
- A firepit: Fire pits are becoming increasingly popular in outdoor kitchens, adding a cozy atmosphere to any outdoor space.
- Wine cooler or ice bins: It is generally preferred to serve drinks cold. Despite contrary beliefs, wine is better when served chilled.
What Is the Purpose of Outdoor Kitchens?
The primary purpose of summer kitchens is to provide an inviting space for outdoor entertaining and cooking. An outdoor kitchen allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while preparing meals, hosting barbeques, or just enjoying a relaxed evening outdoors with friends and family.
If you want to create an inviting, functional outdoor living area in your home, consider investing in outdoor or summer kitchens. You can create a stylish and practical outdoor kitchen with the right design and construction.
Get Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen!
Outdoor kitchens can be a great addition to your home. They provide an inviting outdoor living space where you can cook, entertain, and enjoy the beauty of nature. With the right design, construction, and features, you can create a stylish and functional one.
River Stonework is one of the most reputable outdoor living companies in the North Florida area. We specialize in building custom outdoor kitchens, using the highest quality materials to ensure your outdoor space is aesthetically pleasing and functional; we also provide a 2-year warranty on all our outdoor kitchen projects. Contact us today to get the outdoor kitchen of your dreams!
