The Outdoor Lifestyle Blog

So, you know that you want an outdoor kitchen. That's great. But maybe it's not that easy. Maybe it's not solely your decision if an outdoor kitchen gets built in your backyard.

If you have a spouse or significant other, then you'll both need to agree whether or not you'd like to add an outdoor kitchen to your backyard. If your significant other is not completely on board with the outdoor kitchen idea just yet, don't give up the fight too easily. Let us help you win the debate with some tactful and true arguments.

We understand if cleaning is not your favorite part of having an outdoor kitchen. However, it is a necessary part. Usually, having a plan for a project makes it less daunting, which is why we've put together a checklist for cleaning your outdoor kitchen.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the idea of keeping your outdoor kitchen spotless, just take it one piece of equipment at a time, and give yourself a pat on the back for tackling a project many people avoid. 

This is the time of year when we talk a lot about all of the things we have on our lists. If an outdoor kitchen is on your Christmas list, we think we can help to simplify it by removing a few "extras" you may have thought you needed. 

Simplify your Christmas list (and get a better outdoor kitchen as a result) when you avoid four non-essentials that are often wrapped up like necessities.

An outdoor kitchen from Unlimited Outdoor Kitchen can find its way to your backyard one of four ways. Any delivery option is a good one, but we want to help you decide which one is best for you. Let's take a look at the delivery options that are available and how they're different in order to point you in the right direction.

One of the best things about a customized outdoor kitchen is that you get to handpick everything. From the granite countertops to the battery-powered or solar lighting, your custom outdoor kitchen space exudes your taste in both form and function.

While form is the first thing you notice about an outdoor dining area, function is arguably the most important part because kitchens are meant to be used, not just observed. When you make decisions about your kitchen's function, you'll need to make decisions about appliances, including whether or not you should install an outdoor refrigerator. 

In this blog article, we'll explore your refrigerator options as well as the option to forgo an outdoor refrigerator. Let's get started...

In previous posts, we’ve covered how to choose the right appliances for your outdoor kitchen and the pros and cons of different countertop surfaces. This week we’re going to look at another aspect of outdoor kitchen design: the finish you choose for the other surfaces of your kitchen.

Below is a list of popular finishes for your kitchen’s façade and backsplash, with some notes about caring for each:

Stucco

Stucco—a textured application of cement plaster—is a durable, heat-resistant finish that won’t mold, making it ideal for outdoor kitchens. It’s attractive (and a bit understated), lasts for decades, and is relatively low-cost. If your home already has a stucco façade, applying the same to your outdoor kitchen can create a pleasing, seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living areas.

Granite is one of the most popular materials for outdoor kitchen countertops, and it’s easy to see why. It’s beautiful, durable, and comes in a near-endless variety of natural colors.

But to keep your granite countertops looking great, you’ll need to take a few proactive measures. Here’s how to care for your outdoor kitchen’s granite countertops.

Best practices

Granite is stone, but that doesn’t make it invincible. To avoid staining and abrasions, get into the following habits:

• Always use a cutting board when chopping or dicing foods.
• Avoid scraping stoneware or other rough materials along the surface.

Your outdoor kitchen’s countertop is one of the first things people will notice about your new outdoor living setup. But unlike measuring for a new grill or outdoor sink, determining exactly how much counter space you’ll need isn’t always straightforward.

When you’re in the design stages of your outdoor kitchen, there are a few factors to consider when planning the amount of counter space you’ll need:

How much prep do I want to do outside?

Ask yourself honestly—do you plan to chop vegetables, prepare marinades, trim fat from meat, and arrange items on plates outside during sunny or chilly days? Or are you more likely to do the prep work inside, and just bring things out and set them down when they’re ready to grill?

If you’ve gone through the trouble of installing plumbing for your outdoor kitchen sink, you’ll want to keep everything working as well as possible. Caring for an outdoor sink isn’t quite the same as caring for an indoor one. After all, a sink in your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to the elements, as well as more drastic shifts in temperature.

Here are a few practical tips for keeping your outdoor kitchen sink in top shape:

Cooler temperatures are on their way, and for some of us that means it’s time to close down the outdoor kitchen for the season.

Of course, there’s still plenty of fun you can have in your outdoor kitchen during fall and winter—especially if you have an outdoor fireplace or fire pit to cozy up around. But if you know you’re not likely to spend much time outside until spring, you’ll want to make sure everything is properly prepared for the dormant season.

Here’s a checklist of tasks to winterize your outdoor kitchen: