With an ever-increasing demand for convenience and time, people are looking for ways to streamline their daily routines and add a little bit of extra polish. When it comes to smaller spaces, the most effective way to maximize a limited living area is with an outdoor kitchen. These kitchens typically come in one of two varieties: freestanding or integrated into a cabin or home. And while both options have their perks, they’re also very different from one another. This article will give you everything you need to know about finding your perfect outdoor kitchen. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each type, as well as some things you should keep in mind before making your final decision.
What is an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is a kitchen that’s located outdoors. While indoor kitchens are certainly nothing new, outdoor kitchens are increasingly popular because they’re much more in sync with the natural elements. And with climate conditions resembling those in the tropics, it’s a win-win. Outdoor kitchens can be either freestanding or integrated into an existing structure. Freestanding outdoor kitchens are the most common type and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. They are typically built on concrete or outdoors. Concrete outdoor kitchens are the largest and most expensive, but they also last the longest, and can withstand all types of weather.
Freestanding Outdoor Kitchen
With freestanding outdoor kitchens, you’re completely free to choose your space. Whether you opt for a deck, balcony, porch, or patio, you’ll have plenty of room to work in your outdoor kitchen. Freestanding outdoor kitchens are typically built on permanent foundations, which means they can be used both indoors and outdoors. While you can certainly build them on a deck or patio, they can also be built inside a structure, like a basement or garage. This is especially helpful for people with limited space who want an outdoor kitchen that doesn’t take up too much space.
Integrated Outdoor Kitchen
If you prefer the convenience and simplicity of an integrated outdoor kitchen, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t have to choose between the two. Integrated outdoor kitchens are typically built right into a structure, like a deck or porch. This saves you the trouble of building an entirely new space, and helps you avoid the hassle of a freestanding option. On the other hand, you do lose some of the perks of a freestanding option, like mobility and the ability to easily move your outdoor kitchen. That being said, they are often more cost-effective, as you can simply add a small outdoor kitchen on to a large deck or porch without needing to re-do the whole thing.
Which option is right for you?
If you want to maximize your outdoor space, a freestanding outdoor kitchen is your best option. These are ideal for large patios, decks, balconies, and yards, where you have plenty of room to work with. Alternatively, if you have a smaller outdoor space and don’t want to compromise on your outdoor kitchen, an integrated option is the best option for you.
Learning from the pros of each type
Before making your final decision, it can be helpful to look at both options and see where the pros of each one lie. Here are some of the main advantages of a freestanding outdoor kitchen. – Mobility – A freestanding option can be moved, which means you can easily take it with you whenever you move. This is especially helpful if you plan on downsizing or moving sometime in the future. – Cost – A freestanding option is the most cost-effective. The only thing you need is a small space, and it doesn’t require much construction. – Flexibility – A freestanding option can be used indoors as well, if you have a small space that doesn’t allow for a full-fledged outdoor kitchen. – Space – A freestanding option takes the least amount of space out of any option, which makes it a great choice for smaller spaces. – Convenience – A freestanding option is generally the most convenient option as well, since you simply need to add a small kitchen onto an existing structure.
Final Tips
While it’s important to do your research and look at both options, don’t feel like you have to choose one right away. Once you know what you want, you can easily check out a few different options to see which one appeals to you the most. You can also wait until you find a great deal on a used kitchen that fits your needs. This will allow you to get a better sense of what you want, as well as what you can actually afford. Keep in mind that both freestanding and integrated options are viable, and it’s important to consider your space and budget when choosing the best outdoor aoskitchens for you. Once you’ve done a bit of studying, you can find the outdoor kitchen that best matches your needs.