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No matter what part of the country you live in, there is usually plenty of time in the summer to enjoy outdoor cooking. More and more people are having outdoor kitchens installed in back and side yards to make the most of their outdoor time (and maybe even extend it.)

If you're planning to add a kitchen outside for next summer, we wanted to give you some design ideas to consider and discuss with your Outdoor Kitchen Design company.

The Basics - What You Have to Have:

Most people wanting an outdoor kitchen may have, at most, a grill in the backyard. Perhaps there is a patio table with an umbrella. Each time you want to grill out, you've got to carry everything outside - food to cook, condiments, drinks, silverware & plates, etc. And you've noticed that you need prep space.

For a basic outdoor kitchen installation, plan for a counter that houses a quality grill. The counter should have some storage space to hold non-perishables and adequate countertop areas to prepare for grilling. Make sure the grill is accessible for repairs and that the propane tank can be easily refilled.

The Next Level - What You Want to Have:

The real value of the outdoor kitchen is a complete outdoor dining experience. You want it to be an extension of your house - a whole new room - that allows you all the conveniences of being in your regular kitchen but being able to spend more time outside. To take it to the next level, here are components you'll seriously want to consider:

• A Sink for your counter - not required but very convenient
• A Refrigerator - saves you time; great for storing condiments, beverages, and food ingredients
  
• A Wood Burning Oven - perfect for making pizzas, bread, veggies and more
• Electricity, Water and Gas Lines - water for your sink and for the ice-maker, outlets for running other appliances, and gas or propane for your grill to avoid constant changing
• Seating - if you can have furniture that is installed near or around your outdoor kitchen, it will really increase the enjoyment of the area. Similar to regular kitchens, it's important to be able to have family and friends around before and during food prep
  

A Cut Above - What You Want: The Upscale Version

You'll want all the items above, but you'll want to add a lot of the creature comforts to the design mix. An upscale outdoor kitchen will also have:

• A Fireplace, Heaters, and/or a Fire Pit - keeping your guests warm will go along way to giving you the perfect outdoor kitchen and can extend the grilling season
  
• A Roof - overhead protection from the elements can also go a long way to extending time spent outdoor. A roof can also allow you to add accent lighting for more ambiance
  
• Custom Cabinetry - quality cabinets, with granite counters, and kitchen islands and outdoor kitchen bars will give you the best of the best in moving the kitchen outdoors
• Appliances - some want all the conveniences and are adding dishwashers, microwaves, and other regular kitchen appliances

Different designs can help give you what you want and can physically add a whole new room to your house. Depending on how far you go on the quality and amenity scale, your outdoor kitchen can run anywhere from $2000 to $50,000. Some are even spending upwards of $100,000 for a complete state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen. If you're not sure what you'd like to do with your outdoor space, you can talk to an outdoor kitchen expert.

Post your project on the ConstructionDeal.com site - for free - and we'll match you to quality outdoor kitchen design experts who can help make a space that's perfect for you (and for your budget!)

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Labels: Kitchen Design, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Trends, Outdoor Kitchens