Outdoor kitchens have been growing in popularity across the United States, and the world, in recent years. It’s not just that the coronavirus pandemic drove people to socialize outside temporarily. Outdoor kitchens were already popular before the discovery of COVID-19, and there are plenty of reasons to believe that they still make an excellent investment now that the pandemic is getting under control. Homeowners who are on the fence about installing an outdoor kitchen can read on to find out about just a few of the biggest benefits of making the investment.
1. There Are Affordable Options
Some homeowners assume that they can’t afford to install outdoor kitchens. If they’re relying on upscale contractors who customize every aspect of the hardscaping installation and charge a premium for their consulting services as a result, that may be true. Thankfully, though, there are more affordable options that are suitable not just for the very wealthy, but for average American families. Homeowners can learn more from RTA Outdoor Living about high-quality, durable, and beautiful modular outdoor kitchen kits that will look just as good as custom-installed alternatives, but at a fraction of the price.
2. Take Entertaining to the Next Level
Outdoor kitchens are the perfect place to entertain any number of guests. From small family get-togethers to neighborhood barbecues, a high-quality outdoor kitchen will make entertaining more enjoyable. Cooks will be able to spend time with the guests without feeling cramped in a tiny kitchen, and there’s no need to worry about restrictions on indoor activity since the whole party will take place outdoors. Plus, it’s easy to increase guests’ comfort by adding outdoor furniture, lighting, and patio heaters to extend the outdoor cooking season.
3. Excellent Return on Investment
Because outdoor kitchens have become so popular, homeowners who choose to install high-quality, durable kits will get a good return on their investments should they decide to sell. Today’s potential buyers often view functional outdoor kitchens as a necessity and may be willing to pay a premium for homes with well-maintained outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces.
4. Expand Living Space for Less
Growing families often find themselves feeling cramped in houses that used to feel spacious. Turning the backyard or porch into a fully functional outdoor living space complete with all the kitchen appliances required to make food and outdoor furnishings to keep everyone comfortable can help. Unlike constructing a whole new home addition complete with walls and a roof, this method for extending usable living space is incredibly affordable.
5. Spend More Time Outside
Multiple studies have proven that spending time outdoors is excellent for people’s mental, emotional, and physical health. Having a comfortable space to cook and enjoy home-cooked meals with family and friends right in the backyard makes it far easier to get out into nature, soak up some vitamin D, and appreciate the time spent outside.
6. Improve the Taste of Healthy, Home-Cooked Meals
Most outdoor kitchens feature a grill, which is great for anyone who wants to cook healthy, home-cooked meals. Grilling food is healthier than most cooking methods, and there are plenty of diet-friendly options including lean meats and vegetables for those who are watching their weight. Arguably the best part is that home-grilled food just plain tastes better.
Some home chefs attribute the difference to fun marinades and that characteristic, smoky flavor, while others think it’s more about the aesthetic appeal of grill lines or spending time cooking food outdoors at home. Either way, there’s a lot to love about eating a home-grilled meal prepared in an outdoor kitchen.
7. Keep Cooking Smells Outside
Whether home chefs decide to grill up some fish or they’re deep-frying any kind of odiferous food, the aromas created during cooking can linger for days and not everyone loves them. Even foods that smell delicious while they’re being cooked may not be as pleasant hours later when everyone is full and satisfied. When people prepare meals outside, they don’t have to worry about stinking up the kitchen with fish, mushrooms, herbs, and other uniquely aromatic foods.
8. Save on Utilities
When families cook giant meals indoors to share with family or friends, it can heat up the house fast, kicking the air conditioning into overdrive. Moving the baking, frying, roasting, or broiling outside keeps indoor temperatures down, saving on energy consumption. There’s no need for air conditioning when the heat dissipates naturally into the air, and a little shade plus natural wind currents go a long way toward keeping chefs cool. Plus, daytime cooking requires no supplemental lighting.
9. Avoid the Need for Eating Out
Eating out frequently can drain a family’s bank account fast, as can catering events. Adding an outdoor kitchen to make it more enjoyable to cook family meals or host get-togethers in the backyard will make going out to eat seem far less appealing. Every time homeowners and their families opt to cook outside and enjoy their meals at home instead of heading out on the town, it saves some serious cash.
10. Add a Touch of Luxury Without Spending a Fortune
An outdoor kitchen can add a touch of luxury and elegance to just about any home. With a few alterations such as adding some mood lighting, putting up a sunshade, or even constructing or purchasing an outdoor fire pit, it’s easy to turn a basic backyard into a luxurious escape from the rest of life’s obligations. While most hardscaping contractors charge a fortune for their services, homeowners on a budget can construct equally amazing outdoor kitchens for themselves using modular pieces and high-quality materials.
The Bottom Line There’s a reason outdoor kitchen has become so popular in recent years. Homeowners who choose to invest in high-quality outdoor kitchen kits will see a huge return on their investments, not just in terms of the impact on their wallets, but also in health and lifestyle improvements. They’ll have a place to cook, relax, and entertain outside in the comfort of their own backyards, and over time, this home improvement can pay for itself in lower bills, higher property value, and even lower healthcare costs.
