Are you looking to create the perfect outdoor kitchen in your home? When it comes to home remodeling in Northern Virginia, creating a beautiful place in your backyard to entertain your friends and family is a wonderful addition to any home.
However, how do you create the ultimate outdoor kitchen? From ensuring that you have enough storage to installing kitchen essentials such as refrigeration, there are a lot of things to consider. That’s before you even think about the types of cooking you are going to be carrying out.
Here at Explore Kitchens, we know how tough it can be to start creating your dream outdoor kitchen in Virginia. That is why we have decided to create the ultimate outdoor kitchen checklist to help you. This comprehensive list covers everything you need, from the kitchen necessities to those extra amenities that can transform your next gathering, so let’s get started…
Core Outdoor Kitchen
The core outdoor kitchen setup is the ideal solution for when you are just planning on entertaining with close friends and family. However, while it is great for small events, it also helps to form the basis for larger and more extravagant spaces.
The first thing that you will need to do is to choose your grill. This could be the modern gas grill, which is perfect for cooking steaks, a charcoal BBQ for that traditional feel, or a unique smoker; whatever it might be, this will be the cornerstone you build your outdoor kitchen around.
Safety should also be a major consideration when choosing your outdoor kitchen grill. That is why you want to ensure that you have enough ventilation, which is why you should ensure you have an overhead vent hood alongside island vent panels. As with any kitchen remodeling, you will also want to ensure that your grill has an insulated jacket built in.
Other essentials for any core outdoor kitchen in Virginia include:
Refrigerator
Side burner
Trash bin
Access doors
Advanced Outdoor Kitchen
If you are looking to take your outdoor kitchen to the next level, then it is time to start thinking about what other appliances you can add. This could be additional cooking sources, such as a griddle, or accessories, such as an ice maker, to help you serve up delicious cocktails alongside your food.
There are lots of great features to add, including:
Power Burner
Cupboards and storage
Kegerator
Wine Cooler
Washing up facilities
Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen
If you want to become the talk of your neighborhood and host the most memorable BBQs, then it is time to start considering what you will need for the ultimate outdoor kitchen in Virginia. This should mean more grills, premium tables, and chairs, and the perfect accessories to create a warm and inviting ambiance that will keep your guests entertained all night long.
Some of the must-have accessories for the ultimate outdoor kitchen in Virginia include:
A pizza oven
Additional grills
An enclosed pantry
Outdoor fans
Premium patio furniture
Outdoor heater
Fire pit
Safety tips for your outdoor kitchen
As you would with any kitchen remodeling in VA, it is imperative to ensure that your outdoor space is as safe as possible. Working with a proven kitchen and bathroom contractor will help to guarantee your outdoor kitchen is meeting all of the safety requirements needed, including:
Ventilation
One of the most important safety factors to remember is to ensure good ventilation. This not only helps to ensure that smoke and odor are kept away from your guests, but it also helps to maximize the efficiency of your kitchen. Smoke can cause your walls and furnishings to become discolored, while the smell can also be hard to remove. Good ventilation will also reduce the risk of your kitchen becoming a fire hazard and ensures it meets all zoning codes.
Insulated jacket
Outdoor kitchens will feature extreme temperatures and are often surrounded by highly combustible materials. This means that an outdoor kitchen has a very high fire risk, and an insulated jacket helps to reduce this risk. The stainless steel buffers prevent the heat from spreading while also helping to prevent the undercarriage of your grill from corroding in the elements.
The best add-ons for your outdoor kitchen in Northern Virginia
Now you’ve created the perfect outdoor kitchen, what add-ons can you include to take your next BBQ session to the next level? There are lots of things to consider, so if you are stuck for inspiration on what to include in your spare, here are some top things to consider:
Low and slow cooking
While a standard grill is great for your cookout, you should consider some low and slow cooking options if you are looking to host a truly memorable get-together. Although it can take a lot longer, the mouth-watering results and incredibly tender meat will ensure that your guests are talking about your event for years to come.
To create the ultimate BBQ cookout, some top add-ons that you should incorporate into your outdoor kitchen include:
Charcoal Grill
Kamado Grill
BBQ Griddle
Smoker
Rotisserie
Bring in the Mediterranean
Want to add a touch of the Mediterranean to your backyard? Turning your backyard into a European hotspot will allow you to cook up everything from pizzas and pasta to delicious Spanish tapas. The options are almost endless with the right add-ons, and some of the best include:
A pizza oven
A griddle
BBQ rotisserie kit
A wine cooler
Add a touch of the east
Fancy creating a perfect blend of east and west fusion? Incorporating some Asian cooking into your outdoor kitchen will require a lot of sizzling surfaces and the ability to stir fry, so some of the most important add-ons to remember are:
A Teppanyaki Grill
A Flat-Top Grill
Power Burner
Griddle
Condiment Tray
Gameday special
Planning on inviting your friends and family over for game day? Celebrating the big game with your loved ones is always a special occasion, and to ensure that your outdoor kitchen is ready to host the ultimate party, here are the add-ons you need:
Outdoor TV and Speakers
Outdoor bar furniture
Kegerator
Refrigerator
Final thoughts
The right outdoor kitchen in Virginia can transform your home and give you a fantastic space that will allow you to entertain your loved ones. As one of the leading kitchen and bathroom contractors in Northern Virginia, here at Explore Kitchens, our team is on hand to help you turn your dream into reality.
We pride ourselves on our customer service and will take the time to understand your requirements and vision, allowing us to create bespoke kitchen remodeling solutions designed around you. Want to find out more about how we can help you? Get in touch with us today!
Owner, Explore Granite & Quartz and ExploreKitchens.com
Kitchen and bath remodeling in McLean, VA. Class A general contractor, licensed, bonded, and insured
