8 Reasons You Should Add an Outdoor Kitchen to Your Backyard

Outdoor kitchens are becoming all the rage. They were the most sought-after kitchen trend of 2022. According to Grand View Research, the global market for outdoor kitchens was valued at $19.64 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.3% from 2022 to 2030.

In this article, we’ll explore what all the hype is about by explaining the benefits of adding an outdoor kitchen to your home. Here they are:

1. Spend more time outside

When you have an outdoor kitchen, you tend to spend more time outside. Why cook dinner inside when you can cook while enjoying the sunlight and fresh air? By having an outdoor kitchen, you and your family can switch things up, take advantage of nice weather, and create lasting memories.

2. Gain new space for entertaining

Entertaining guests can be fun. But it’s hard when the number of people in your home grows too large and there’s not enough space for everyone. Nobody wants to feel cramped or like they’re imposing. With an outdoor kitchen, you can extend your space for entertaining and allow people to spread out more. If the inside of your home gets too crowded, an outdoor kitchen can help pull people outside. 

Outdoor kitchens complete with outdoor furniture are great for socializing and hanging out with the cook, whether you host a birthday party, holiday gathering, or some other event.

3. Double your kitchen resources

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your home also means doubling your kitchen resources. All of a sudden, you can cook twice as fast and twice as much because you have double the oven space, cupboard space, sinks, fridges, and more. For example, your outdoor kitchen might include an outdoor flat top grill so that you can cook dinner outside while using the inside kitchen space for preparing dessert. Then when the meal is over, you can get the dishes done twice as fast with two sinks.

Having an outdoor kitchen also means you don’t have to cram all your kitchen utensils and appliances inside your house. You can spread them out between your two kitchens. 

4. Increase the value of your home

Outdoor kitchens also make a great investment. According to some estimates, they can give you a 100% to 200% return on your money. Why? Because an outdoor kitchen is a substantial addition that can extend the living space of your home. This allows you to charge a higher price when you eventually choose to sell. Plus, it’ll help make your house stand out from the competition. 

5. Lower your utility bills

Believe it or not, an outdoor kitchen can help you lower your utility bills. When you cook inside in the summer, for example, your kitchen generates a lot of heat that requires your AC to work harder to keep indoor temperatures cool. In contrast, outdoor kitchens don’t heat your home, so it’ll take less energy to keep the inside cool. The result? Lower utility bills.

6. Keep the food mess outside

Few people enjoy cleaning up, especially when it involves food crumbs on the floor, grease on the stove, or sticky counters. When you use an outdoor kitchen, however, you can keep most of the mess outside where it’s better concealed and easier to clean.

7. Save money on eating out

Another reason you should consider getting an outdoor kitchen is that it helps you save money on eating out. Why go to a restaurant when you can cook a gourmet meal on your patio and eat in your backyard? In short, an outdoor kitchen can make staying home for meals more appealing so you’ll be less inclined to eat out. This will save you money in the long run and, in most cases, be better for your waistline, too. It’s a win-win!

8. Keep the food smells outside

Lastly, it’s no secret that some foods can let off strong smells that can linger in your home for days. Think fish, bacon, or deep-fried foods. An outdoor kitchen can help you keep these smells outside where they won’t linger or stink up your house. That way, you can keep your home smelling fresh.

Outdoor kitchens provide a ton of benefits, but ultimately the decision to invest in one is up to you. Consider your budget and then do some research to find an outdoor kitchen contractor that suits you. Just remember, this is a long-term investment. A little upfront cost now may yield a lifetime of memories and financial benefits later.