Outdoor Kitchen Blog

Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor Kitchens, and all things related

Hidden Downsides of Stainless Steel

clock January 12, 2012 02:55 by author Outdoor Kitchen

Many people who have decided to undergo a massive kitchen renovation, inside or outdoor, will rely on the advice of professionals or friends. Too often, weeks after completion, it becomes obvious that they've chosen the wrong style or worse-- the wrong material. This is particularly true in outdoor kitchens. Making the right choice can be the difference between years of sturdy use or expensive repairs, replacements and maintenance costs.

Stainless steel used to be a prized material in outdoor kitchen cabinets, but now many companies are finding that other polymers have a longer-lasting, more beautiful look. Werever products provide these economical alternatives, which are available in enough styles and designs to fit any look.

So, if you're considering stainless steel access doors, first consider the pros and cons of the metal look:

  • Outdoor kitchen cabinets are constantly exposed to weather and the elements. Even if you live in a mild climate, direct sunlight, wind, and even splashes from the pool will cause most materials to show damage.
  • Steel will eventually rust and corrode, although you can put it off with diligent maintenance and daily cleaning.
  • Stainless steel will quickly show watermarks and scratches from everyday use. A single storm could change the look of your outside kitchen equipment forever. And unfortunately, it's hard to match the shade exactly when replacing part of your doors or cabinets.
  • There are over 150 grades of stainless steel and even a few weeks of outside time will affect the color.

No matter what material you choose, you may need to replace part of your unit at some point. Accidents can happen, damage can occur and time will eventually wear any product out. It makes sense, however, to go with the more economical choice of a polymer. You'll save money on cleaning products, the polymer cabinets will last longer, and will not rust; furthermore you can avoid low-quality steel cabinets.

When designing your outdoor kitchen, you want to be well-informed in order to avoid costly mistakes. Consider a marine-grade polymer from Werever as a striking alternative to stainless steel. It may open your eyes to looks and designs you hadn't even considered until now. It will certainly save you a lot of time scrubbing and oiling, and it'll keep your cabinets brilliant year-round.



Outdoor Kitchens Are For So Much More Than Burgers and Dogs

clock January 9, 2012 02:37 by author Outdoor Kitchen
With the increase in popularity of outdoor kitchens, the typical weekend barbecue isn't what it used to be.  There isn't a thing in the world wrong with hot dogs and hamburgers, but why not pick something more exciting for your family and friends to enjoy?  After all, a great outdoor kitchen is even better with a great meal.  As a grilling enthusiast, it is fun to try a new recipe, or even make something up on your own.  Develop your own signature dish.  Try to replicate something you had at a restaurant but put your own spin on it.  What is the worst thing that could happen? If you don't like your dish, punt.  Have a pizza delivered in less than half an hour.  Most likely, that won't happen.  You're bound to have a great time enjoying your outdoor kitchen and discovering something new.  You can always play it safe by following a recipe exactly for your first attempt, then get bold and switch a few things the next time.


Selling Your Home: Increasing Your Home’s Value with an Outdoor Kitchen Kit

clock June 16, 2011 15:07 by author superman

If you are selling your home and looking for ways to maximize your return, consider purchasing an outdoor kitchen kit.  Outdoor kitchens can add thousands of dollars in value to any property and don’t involve a large amount of overhead to build.  When installed correctly and according to the size of your backyard, outdoor kitchens are well worth the investment.

When preparing your home to be listed in the often difficult real estate market, most homeowners focus on basic improvements like painting indoors and out and installing some basic landscaping.  Neglecting a perfectly good backyard during this process is an easy way to miss out on possible selling opportunities.  Interested buyers will find value in a home that has a backyard that is useful, as opposed to an unkempt piece of land that isn’t appealing or inviting.  By creating an outdoor space that is both functional and enjoyable, your home will seem larger and more inviting overall, making it more attractive to buyers.  And as an outdoor kitchen does add to your property value, installing an outdoor kitchen can make your home worth more overall. 

To stand out from the millions of other homeowners trying to sell a home on today’s slow real estate market, take a look at the numerous outdoor kitchen options that are available.  Whatever you select should be installed by professional outdoor kitchen experts, as do-it-yourself installations can often turn into nightmares when done by inexperienced individuals.  Get the most out of your investment with a proper installation, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.

There are many things that you must take into consideration when you are selling your home.  To ensure that you are getting a fair price for your investment, do everything you can to maximize the overall value of your home.  Installing an outdoor kitchen is an easy way to add a special feature to your home that will make it stand out from the rest, without draining your relocation budget.



How to Change the Look of Your Backyward with an Outdoor Kitchen

clock June 9, 2011 14:47 by author superman

It’s easy to neglect one of the most important areas of your home.  Many homeowners put their entire budget and design towards the interior of their home without considering how important the outside is as well.  By creating an outdoor space that is inviting, comfortable and useful, you can make the most out of your space.  Whether you live in a climate that is warm year round, or only enjoy a few warm months a year, an outdoor kitchen can provide a completely updated look without requiring months to complete.

Backyards don’t have to be expensive looking in order to be enjoyable.  Many outdoor kitchen specialists recommend going for a look that fits in well with the rest of the property.  If your home features simple colors and sophisticated designs, for example, try to mimic this look with your outdoor kitchen.  This will help it look more like an extension of your home instead of a mismatched addition to the main house.

Outdoor kitchens can be built using pre-designed kits that include countertops, cooking surfaces and sinks, or can be designed from scratch.  While having outdoor kitchens custom designed and built according to your specifications is an attractive option, it can sometimes be cost prohibitive for some home owners.  Consider your budget when looking at your options in order to ensure you pick something that you can enjoy without having to worry about how much you had to spend to have it installed.

After your outdoor kitchen has been installed, you’ll be amazed at how different your backyard looks.  Whether you just moved in and are renovating an older space or are decorating a brand new home, outdoor kitchens add value, class and utility to any backyard.  With the ability to cook and entertain outside, you’ll never have to be stuck cooking in a hot kitchen again cooking for your loved ones during the warmer months.  To start enjoying the outdoors today, see how easy it can be to set up an outdoor kitchen.



Backyard Remodeling Tips with Outdoor Kitchen Kits

clock June 2, 2011 14:31 by author superman

If you have resolved to finally install the outdoor kitchen of your dreams, an outdoor kitchen may be the answer for you.  Most homeowners don’t realize how much wasted space they have right in their own backyard, however, just thinking about the word “remodel” makes them worry,  Today, remodeling doesn’t have to mean months of endless construction  mountains of debt.   Outdoor kitchen kits provide a more affordable option for those who are look for quality that doesn’t break the budget.  With a wide variety of options available, kitchen kits designed for outdoor use are a realistic option for most homeowners.

When looking for an outdoor kitchen kit, think about what is most important to you when it comes to maximizing your space.  If you plan on doing more casual BBQ’s and get togethers instead of fancier events that require more kitchen tools and space, you may want to add more seating versus installing larger countertops.  Be sure to take into account space needed for landscaping around the kitchen and dining area as this is an easy way to increase the privacy of your outdoor kitchen.  Although the area is outside, it’s still important to provide security and comfort in order for the area to be appealing.  By including walls ceilings and strategically placed foliage in your outdoor kitchen design, you can rest assured that your privacy will be protected when you are enjoying your outdoor oasis.

An outdoor kitchen kit can be as complicated or as simple as your want it to be.  Those who are just starting out with designing their backyard tend to select standard designs that include a countertop, sink and cooking appliances, while those with a more gourmet flair prefer kitchen kits that include professional design for maximum utilization of the cooking space.  No matter which type of outdoor kitchen kit you select, you be ready to enjoy the warm summer months in style, without leaving your own backyard.  To learn more about completing your backyard remodeling project with an outdoor kitchen kit, contact your local outdoor specialists today.



How to Set up Family Friendly Outdoor Kitchens

clock May 26, 2011 11:20 by author superman

Having an outdoor kitchen that is designed for the whole family’s enjoyment is a great way to let everyone in on the fun.  Outdoor kitchens that are kid friendly should have a strong emphasis on safety as well as fun.  By allowing everyone to take part in the outdoor cooking experience, you can bring everyone together all summer long.

Cooking outside is a fun activity that brings a new experience to the whole family that goes outside the typical cooking routine that you currently utilize.  When planning an outdoor kitchen that will be useful for both you and your kids, consider your size differences and how much you want them to participate.  If you are dealing with smaller children, always include adequate storage that is out of reach of little hands to prevent injury from sharp or dangerous items.   Also, consider the counter height for the section you have designated as being set up for the kids.  If possible, try to install pieces that can grow with your child.  For example, you may choose a counter top that is taller than the child, but use a step stool or other device until they are old enough to reach it on their own.  This makes it easy to find an outdoor kitchen design that grows with the entire family.

To access your outdoor kitchen, consider planting an outdoor garden nearby.  Kids love to be involved in gardening projects, and teaching them to both grow and cook their own vegetables is a valuable skill for anyone to learn.  Start out with easy plants, such as tomatoes, corn, carrots and herbs.  These are more likely top produce at least a small crop that makes kids excited enough to continue with their gardening efforts. 

Making your outdoor kitchen kid friendly is a wonderful, unexpected way to include the entire family in the outdoor cooking process.  Teaching your child to cook while enjoying the comfort of the backyard is an incredible bonding experience that simply cannot be beat during the warm summer months.



The Sky’s the Limit: How to Plan the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen for You

clock May 19, 2011 10:58 by author superman

Building an outdoor kitchen offers more flexibility than an indoor kitchen renovation.  While you can always upgrade kitchen surfaces and appliances in an indoor setting, you are often limited in what you can do because of limited space and electrical restraints.  In an outdoor kitchen; however, you have much more freedom to get everything arranged the way you want. 

When planning outdoor kitchens, an important first step is to decide if the kitchen will be a focal point of the deck or patio space, or if it will serve as more of an accessory.  Think about much you will use the kitchen and how much space you will need.  Sometimes just having a nice bbq installed into a professional cooking countertop will suffice, while others require more advanced outdoor kitchen setups. Think about what your needs are before you make a decision.

No matter what size outdoor kitchen you select, be sure to minimize the distance between it and your indoor kitchen.  Since most homeowners find themselves using both kitchens when they are cooking outdoors, keeping this distance down will reduce the time it takes you to perfect your culinary delights. 

Be sure to take into consideration the climate you are in when designing an outdoor kitchen.  Areas with freezing winter temperature will need a setup that can be properly winterized during the off season, while those who live in hot climates or near the ocean should be careful of stainless steel corrosion.  If you are unsure about the effects of weather in your area, ask your neighbors for advice or contact a local outdoor expert kitchen team.

Before signing off on any type of design, make sure that all of the utilities you’ll need are accessible from the proposed kitchen site.  You’ll need adequate plumbing, gas and electricity in order to run a full kitchen outdoors.  Even if you have installed the kitchen yourself, it’s best to let the experts handle the electrical and gas work.  This will ensure that everything is hooked up correctly and in accordance with the city’s rules.



Outdoor Kitchen Kits: Where to Shop and What You Should Know

clock May 12, 2011 09:22 by author superman

Outdoor kitchens can greatly increase a home’s value, especially for those that are located in warm climates.  Not only are outdoor kitchen enjoyable and relaxing, but they are also functional and easy to install when they are purchased as an outdoor kitchen kit.  Pre-configured kits are perfect those who need an easy to install solution for their outdoor living space.  The kits differ by size and features that are included.  Available options include sinks, drawers, and cabinets that are available in a variety of configurations and finishes. 

Selecting an outdoor kitchen kit is much more affordable than having a custom built solution created for you by a professional contractor.  Unless you can afford the best contractor in the area, you should probably stick with a kitchen kit which will easily meet your needs and help you stay within your budget. 

High quality kitchen kits typically run from around $1300 to $4000, depending on the pieces and the size.  Some companies will work with you to design a pre-fabricated kit that is customized to your needs.  Cabinets can be installed in a different order or arrangement, or certain pieces can be substituted for others.  With this type of flexibility, you simply can’t go wrong with selecting an outdoor kitchen kit.

Talk with an outdoor kitchen expert to see what kind of options are available and see what would work best with your space.  Be sure to bring along measurements, as it’s easy to get carried away with pieces that are too large when you think you have more space.  To ensure that your kitchen is installed correctly the first time, a pre-fabricated kit makes it easy to find pieces that are guaranteed to fit into your yard.

Building an outdoor kitchen just in time for summer is the perfect way to bring your friends and family together for some outdoor fun.  To get your yard ready for entertaining, consult a local outdoor kitchen products professional today and see how easy it is to install an outdoor kitchen kit. 



How to Keep Outdoor Kitchens Looking Great All Season Long

clock May 5, 2011 08:08 by author superman

Outdoor kitchens need proper care to look and run great throughout the warm weather season.  Just as you would clean and maintain your indoor kitchen surfaces and appliances, outdoor kitchens need to be cared for as well.

If you are planning to install an outdoor kitchen kit or are planning an outdoor kitchen renovation in an existing space, there are some choices you can make that will make the maintenance process easier.  The choice of materials you pick for the cabinets, walls and flooring should all be designed for outdoor kitchens.  While it may be tempting to select discount materials since the items will be outside, this will just end up costing you more in the end.  Over time, weather and regular wear and tear can chip away at wood and other materials that may not include weather protection.  To ensure that your kitchen can withstand anything that the weather brings, look for cabinets and other materials that are designed specifically for outdoor kitchens.  This way, you’ll know that you are selecting the right products for the job.

To keep cabinets free from the grime that can build up due to ash and smoke from the BBQ, water from the pool and even sunscreen, cabinets should be wiped down with a standard kitchen degreaser.   Floors, walls and all cooking surfaces should be disinfected and cleaned on a regular basis to prevent mildew or bacteria from building up.  Keeping everything clean will prevent food odors and dirt from sticking around.

It’s also important to keep the BBQ area clean as well.  Leaving out food items and crumbs will only encourage rodents and insects to gather, creating a germ-filled eating area.  Be sure to keep this area clear of debris, and always throw away food or store it inside in between  bbq’s.

With some regular maintenance, your outdoor kitchen will stay look great all season long.  Keep the area clean in between any meals or parties and check to make sure thing appliances are in good working order.  By being prepared and taking care of your outdoor oasis, your family will have a space that everyone can enjoy.



How to Get Your Outdoor Kitchen Ready for Summer

clock April 28, 2011 03:54 by author Outdoor Kitchen
It’s almost time for those warm summer evenings that are best enjoyed outside with friends and family. To get the most out of your outdoor kitchen, there are some steps you can take to ensure that your backyard oasis has everything needed for great entertaining and delicious cooking.
Outdoor kitchens are a great way to bring everyone together during the warm summer months. Before the warm weather starts, take some time to access the current state of your backyard entertaining area. Cold, wet winter weather can really take a toll on decks, outdoor kitchens and furniture. Look for signs of weather damage, including cracks, mold and dirt. To make everything look like new in time for summer, try pressure washing your deck and staining wooden furniture and countertops. Often a new coat of paint or stain is all that is needed to make everything look great, but if you notice any furniture that appears to be broken or cracked, consider replacing the pieces before the warm weather starts. If you take the time now to fix everything, you won’t have to worry about last minute repairs before your first BBQ.
It’s also important to make sure your outdoor kitchen is in good working order. Take a look at all of the electrical components to ensure that they work correctly. If you notice anything that seems out of order, consider hiring an electrician to take a look. Fixing a small problem early on before it has time to grow into an even bigger issue can save you valuable time and money in the long run.
When your outdoor kitchen is in proper working order and ready to go, it’s time to start planning for fun! Start gathering your favorite recipes and testing them out before your first BBQ. Be sure to try them out in your outdoor kitchen, as this will be where you do the cooking during the summer. With some solid preparation, your outdoor kitchen will be ready for you and your family to enjoy in time for the warm, summer days and nights.