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An outdoor kitchen is becoming a common thing to add to homes. There are many ways to install one, depending on the amount of space you’re working with and your budget. Creating an outdoor kitchen has a form of heating to cook, such as a cooktop, pizza oven or grill.
There are a ton of positive things to mention about having an outdoor kitchen. They look beautiful, and they offer a laid-back entertaining area. In addition, cooking in an outdoor kitchen and HVAC unit keeps the house cooler and you won’t be worrying about an egg smell throughout.
Outdoor kitchen design tips:
- Make sure there is a hot spot and a cold spot, an area where cooking happens quickly and an area where you can chop, prepare and assemble.
- Build with low-maintenance materials. Think easy to clean and non-corrosive.
- Add in music, speakers, tv, and whatever other media while designing your outdoor kitchen. This will save you the hassle later.
Outdoor kitchen functionality tips:
- Plan your outdoor kitchen to have easy access to your kitchen if possible.
- Plant a herb and vegetable garden for preparing healthy, fresh, delicious meals.
- Plan for lights. Imagine entertaining and cooking at night time. Make sure your outdoor kitchen is functional at all times of the day.
- Ensure there is a “prep” zone and a “cook” zone, so food doesn’t become cross-contaminated
Outdoor kitchen hacks:
- Remember to plan for storage. Cupboards, drawers and hooks to hang grilling utensils are all handy.
- Consider the elements during the design process. Is there a shelter option? Can it be shielded from the wind with weighted outdoor drapes?
If you have an outdoor kitchen or are contemplating installing one, there are a few things you should be aware of in terms of safety. Following these steps will help your outdoor kitchen stay a safe and purposeful space where tons of delicious meals and great times will be had.
Outdoor Kitchen Safety Tips
1. Ensure proper ventilation in the outdoor kitchen area.
Depending on how the outdoor kitchen area is set up, you’re going to want to ensure proper ventilation. If the outdoor kitchen area is covered, then you need to add ventilation. This might be in the form of fans, vent panels or vent hoods. Trapped gasses can cause explosions, irritations, and even death in rare cases. Proper ventilation supports proper airflow, which is an absolute must in an outdoor kitchen area. If you need a commercial ventilation repair in Cedar Park,TX, the experts at Airsheen Services LLC can help you.
2. Make sure that all building materials are safe for outdoor use.
Not all building materials and designs are meant for outdoor use, so it’s a must to make sure that all building materials are safe for outdoor use. Hire The Foundation Experts to make sure your foundation is durable. Concrete blocks and quartz kitchen countertops are a great place to start. They are affordable and fire-resistant. Brick is another great option, as are steel-frame kits. Make sure every part of your outdoor kitchen is made with outdoor-safe materials.
3. Check for leaks.
Make checking for leaks a regular part of your outdoor kitchen maintenance. This step can prevent gas and water leaks which can create further damage. When unsure how bad water damage is, always contact a trusted water damage company. Water damage can get worse over time if not dealt with right away, so it’s important to have a professional assess the situation as soon as possible. With their expertise, they will be able to tell you the best way on how to unclog a downspout.
4. Shield small appliances when they’re not in use.
Have a cover on hand to cover up possible mini-fridges, anything plugged in, stovetop, etc. This can help prolong the appliances’ longevity and protect them from damage and then work improperly.
5. Wear proper clothing when operating in the outdoor kitchen.
Ditch the loose and baggy clothing when you’re cooking in your outdoor kitchen. These clothing styles are at an increased risk of catching on fire or getting burned. Instead, pull sleeves up, make sure to tie your hair back and concentrate on what you’re doing.
6. Ensure the area and all outdoor kitchen tools are cleaned regularly and thoroughly.
Ensure your quartz countertops, prep areas, dining tables and everything in your outdoor kitchen area are cleaned regularly. In addition, clean the grill and utensils to prevent any cross-contamination from happening. Make sure as well to conduct regular pest control services such as ant removal services and maintenance. In addition, if you are planning to put up a pest control company, you might want to use the best pest control software available, you may view it now here.
You can also check out online the best pest control services to opt with your pest issues and concerns.
Quick Recap of Outdoor Kitchen Safety Tips
Maintaining cleanliness and safety is very important when operating an outdoor kitchen. With the increased amount of variables impacting the food, you need to be ultra-aware of cleanliness. Following these six simple outdoor kitchen safety rules will prolong the life of the kitchen and keep everyone safe.
- Make sure your outdoor kitchen has proper and adequate ventilation in the right locations.
- Be sure to build and design with safe materials for outdoor use.
- Make checking for leaks part of your routine. This can help to avoid any surprises.
- Shield small appliances with covers. This will help take care of the appliance and avoid any unnecessary damage from the weather.
- Wear proper clothing when operating your outdoor kitchen. Avoid loose, baggy materials and anything that hangs should be removed or tied back.
- Clean your outdoor kitchen regularly. You want the space to stay sanitary and awesome. If it’s not clean, bacteria can build up, and you might notice an influx in bugs.
But wait..
It might appear like there are many rules and boundaries to keeping your outdoor kitchen safe, but it’s not that hard. You’ll quickly find yourself falling into a routine, and before you know it, it will come automatically.
We’re not sure if it needs to be mentioned but… having an outdoor kitchen is very cool. It is very trendy and a fantastic way to incorporate more outdoor time. There are many ways to design it, so be sure to think of functionality, space, and location and of course, safety.
