Photo by L.G Patterson
Now that summer is here to stay, patios and backyards have become a hub for hosting. Once the fans are circulating and the drinks are on ice, nothing beats a summer evening on the patio with loved ones. If hosting is up your alley this summer, you might be thinking about how to level up your barbecues, pool parties or dinners with friends and family. You can turn your patio into the ultimate hang- out with an outdoor kitchen, which have been skyrocketing in popularity among design trends. Whether it be adding a new grill, a stove or some sleek counters, an outdoor kitchen turns up the heat on summer hosting.
If you want to add an outdoor kitchen setup or boost the one you have, Ethan O’Keefe, the marketing manager for Grilla Grills and MEAT!, says the first step is finding something that fits your style. “You want to make sure you can cover all the aspects of bringing your indoor cooking experiences to the outdoors,” he says. This includes having enough counter space for preparation and serving food, storage for cooking utensils and trash, and making sure you have a grill that fits the kind of cooking you plan to do. “A lot of people like to entertain, so the drink cooler is a great addition,” O’Keefe says. If you stick to those steps when thinking about your outdoor kitchen, you’re guaranteed to get the setup of your dreams.
Fitting Your Budget
O’Keefe says outdoor kitchens are completely customizable, so you can get as little or as much as you desire. “You want to start small, with the pieces that will bring you the most value,” he says. “Since they are completely modular, it’s really common for us to see customers start with a grill and a pair of cabinets. That gives you your counter space, storage and a grill.” Then, you can add more on you have a more expansive budget. “Since it’s super easy to add on, people end up loving it and they want to expand their kitchen, so they start buying more pieces and adding on to the kitchen.” It’s all about adding what you can, when you can, to bring the most joy to your outdoor living space.
Things to Keep in Mind
When updating your outdoor space, O’Keefe says the most important thing to remember is that you’re cultivating a space for memories. “That’s what it’s all about — creating that emotional connection and creating memories,” he says. “That’s what we do with the kitchens and the brand. It’s all about that emotional tie to having cookouts and hanging out with family and we want to provide that opportunity for people.” The outdoor kitchen of your dreams will help facilitate those memories, whether you add counter space, storage, a trash cabinet, smokers, a sink, a grill, a woodfire pizza oven or a cooler. The option to add as little or as much as you want is completely up to you.
Final Steps
If you are looking to amp up the summer by updating your outdoor cooking space, take your time, do your own research, establish your budget and pick what will work best for you. Maybe even check out the grills and kitchens at the new Grilla Grills factory outlet store on Route Z. And once your outdoor kitchen is finished? Gather the family, crack a drink open and get to cooking!
