There’s no better time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air than during the spring and summer. One of the most popular warm weather pastimes in the United States is cooking outdoors. There are many ways to cook outdoors, but many families have chosen to do it with outdoor kitchens. Have you ever considered adding an outdoor kitchen to your home? Here’s why you should.
Outdoor Kitchen Benefits
An outdoor kitchen is a place outside of the house where you can cook, prepare a meal, and easily clean up afterward. This space requires some sort of heating element such as a stove, a cooktop, a grill, or even a pizza oven. It also usually has an area where dining can be done.
Most homeowners have at least thought about installing an outside cooking area. But, despite an increased demand for backyard cooking areas, some have hesitated. Truthfully, this type of cooking solution can be expensive, leading to questions like, are outdoor kitchens worth the money? While it may not be a necessity, an outdoor kitchen is a practical addition to your home that can provide a number of benefits.
Lowers Energy Bills
Your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit is one of the most power-hungry appliances you use. To keep bills down, it’s best to use your HVAC sparingly. Leaving it on auto mode can help you save money as the system will only kick on when the indoor temperature reaches the limit you set.
When you use your indoor kitchen during the hot summer months, it increases the temperature inside. This means every time you use your kitchen, your HVAC is going to turn on because you’re artificially raising the indoor temperature. As a result, you unintentionally increase your electric bill to keep your home comfortable. Cooking and preparing meals outdoors can reduce your energy bills by avoiding artificially raising the temperature inside.
Increases the Value of Your Home
Homes that include an outdoor cooking area are highly sought after in the market. Because of their popularity, outdoor kitchens can lead to a high rate of return on homeowners’ financial investments. However, the value isn’t limited to the money you could make back.
Most of today’s grills and other patio appliances are made from stainless steel, a durable material that can withstand weather and temperature changes. Stainless steel is also desirable because it is easy to clean. When you have a functional outdoor kitchen, you have an investment you can use and enjoy for many years to come.
Extends Your Outdoor Living Space
If you like hosting lively parties or intimate dinner get-togethers, an outdoor kitchen can make it easier. Adding an outdoor cooking space can provide more room for your guests to gather while providing them with a nice, relaxing outdoor atmosphere at the same time. If you live in an area where weather can change from one day to the other, you can install a roof to keep the party going even in inclement weather.
Saves Money on Eating Out
It’s always tempting to go to one of your favorite restaurants to dine or get takeout. It’s easy, no one has to cook or clean, and the food is delicious. However, going out for a meal can be expensive. If you have a deck or patio with a dining and cooking area, you are less likely to give in to that temptation, which can save you money.
Allows You to Eat Healthier
Grilling not only gives food that delicious, smoky taste everyone loves, but it can also make the food you’re eating healthier. For example, imagine you’re cooking ground beef to make some burgers for your family. Most indoor cooking techniques don’t allow fat and grease to escape. What you’re left with is an oily burger that may taste good, but it’s rather unhealthy.
Now compare that to grilling the ground beef. With a grill, the fat and grease from the meat is able to drip off into the grill itself. The result is a leaner burger that’s still juicy. Not to mention, nothing beats grilled vegetables.
Liven Up Your Home’s Exterior With an Outdoor Kitchen
Add a beautiful outdoor kitchen to your backyard today with the help of TWT Exteriors and Roofing. No matter what your dream outdoor cooking space looks like, we can build it. From initial concept design to final installation, we work hard to turn your dream project into reality.
If you’d like to learn more about our services, give us a call.
