If you’re thinking of equipping your outdoor space with a kitchen, you’re not alone. Last year, the outdoor kitchen market surpassed $21 billion, and it’s expected to skyrocket to more than $40 billion by decade’s end. In fact, outdoor kitchens are getting more attention than their indoor counterparts at this point. Several options are at your disposal in this sector right now from a range of outdoor appliances and accessories to innovative materials that not only look beautiful but hold up to the elements.
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Creating Storage Space for an Outdoor Kitchen
Numerous considerations come into play when designing an outdoor kitchen. Those include available space, functionality, and utility connections to name only a few. Layout, design elements, which materials to use, and many other points enter the mix as well. Of course, storage space is also essential. If you’re looking to maximize storage space for your outdoor kitchen, consider the following solutions.
Cabinets
Cabinets are an obvious choice when building storage space into an outdoor kitchen. These fixtures can easily be added under countertops and around cooking areas. In some cases, wall-mounted cabinets can be added as well. Of course, that’s not an option for everyone. When choosing or designing cabinets for an outdoor space, it’s important to use materials that can withstand moisture, extreme temperatures, and exposure to the sun.
Heavy-gauge stainless steel and marine-grade aluminum are popular choices. They can be finished in different colors, and they stand up to the test of time. Wood is also a common choice though it requires ongoing maintenance. PVC is another rising option. It’s sturdy, resistant to heat and moisture, and available in numerous styles and colors. When selecting materials for outdoor cabinets, be sure to choose options that’ll last a long time while protecting all the items stored in them.
Furthermore, plan carefully when determining how the cabinets will be set up. Keep shelf heights in mind, and compare those against the sizes of the items you’ll be keeping in your outdoor kitchen. Dividers are helpful for drawers, and slide-out storage bins can be added to cabinets for extra convenience and organization. Freestanding cupboards can be added along the way as needed, too.
Multipurpose Storage Units
Multipurpose storage units also come in handy for outdoor kitchens. These are usually pieces of furniture that offer extra storage space within. Many double as tables or additional seating, each of which can make a major difference in functionality. Kitchen islands can also be considered multipurpose units. They provide storage space as well as counter space.
With kitchen islands, as is the case with outdoor cabinets, consider not only the materials used to construct the base but those used for the countertops. Granite and marble are great choices, but they both fall on the higher end of the price spectrum. Concrete is a more affordable option while offering ample longevity. These days, concrete can be designed to resemble many other materials.
Making Sure You Have Plenty of Storage Space
Those are some of the most popular storage solutions for outdoor kitchens, but other options can be used as well. Hooks are perfect for pots, pans, and grilling utensils. Magnetic strips work well for keeping knives and other metal tools and utensils within arm’s reach. Rolling carts are helpful for transporting items outdoors from your indoor kitchen. Keep these possibilities in mind, and use them to help you maximize storage space in your outdoor kitchen.
