Designing an ideal outdoor kitchen in Bethpage, NY, is as much about performance as it is about style. Whether you like the modern contemporary or classic look, you can have that ideal outdoor kitchen to fit your lifestyle and taste. An outdoor kitchen should include a grill and counter space, but beyond that, there are plenty of accessories available that can be added to make sure the whole family and your guests can enjoy a meal outside.

The Basics

An ideal kitchen design is also as much about beauty as it is about functionality. Things to be considered include positioning for utilities, climate, etc. Plan for an ideal kitchen by considering a list of must have items, which could include dining space, a smoker, oven, etc. An ideal outdoor kitchen is an excellent way to equip your yard for entertaining and feeding friends and family. It can range from small spaces with little more than a built-in barbecue grill, to a large, fully equipped kitchen complete with sinks, bars, countertops and storage cabinets.

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The number of people the kitchen will typically accommodate should also be considered in the designing process. Also to be considered include entertaining needs, countertop placement, design layout and appliances that will be needed.

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Custom Outdoor Kitchens

Built and designed to be a permanent improvement to the yard, custom outdoor kitchens are designed to meet the needs of the family it serves. Custom outdoor kitchens can be any size and shape you want and can accommodate as many amenities and materials. Custom masonry barbecues can be included with consideration for zoning and property-line setbacks. Typical countertop depth is about 24 inches, which allows enough space for sinks, mini-refrigerators and dishwashers. For bar countertops, a height of 42 inches serves right.

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Prefabricated Outdoor Kitchens

Prefabricated outdoor kitchens are less permanent than custom outdoor kitchens. As a matter of fact, they can be disassembled and taken with you if you are moving. Prefabricated outdoor kitchens come in many styles and configurations. Typically, things found in this type of kitchen include a grill, some durable outdoor cabinets and countertops. Taken to the extreme, they can form a complete cooking center crafted with elegant materials and designed to include refrigerator or other appliances. Prefabricated outdoor kitchens are sold through specialized manufacturers and large home improvement centers. The biggest advantage with this type of kitchen is you can have it assembled and working within a day or two of acquiring the kit. The downside is that they add less to your property’s overall value.

Location

The outdoor kitchen should be placed where smoke from the grill won’t drift into the home, so the wind pattern of the yard should be understood in order to orient the grill correctly. You may also want to maintain the view you currently have from inside the house to the outside. When deciding on a placement for your outdoor kitchen, consider the overall traffic flow of your yard and safety of family and friends. A hot grill should not be located right next to the area where a Frisbee is thrown around, for example.

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