It’s that time of the year, again. It’s cold, but in less than two months the weather is going to take an expected turn for the better. Instead of below-freezing temperatures, we’ll be greeted with warm weather and the sunshine. If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait.
And what does warm weather bring? Cooking outdoors! There’s never a better time to get out in your Olathe outdoor kitchen and whip up some delicious eats.
Outdoor Kitchen Trends to Watch in 2017
With the excitement of the spring grilling season in mind, let’s look at some changes in cooking outside. Here are four Olathe outdoor kitchen trends to watch in 2017:
- Fun and Functional
Gone are the days of prepping the food inside and then bringing it outside to grill. These days you can set up your Olathe outdoor kitchen so you can get all of your cooking done with nature. And how can you do it? By adding functional zones to your outdoor kitchen.
Add more counter space. When designing or adding on to your outdoor grilling mecca, make sure you add more counter space than you think you need. Think of a plan that seamlessly flows from the refrigerator to the counters to the grill. If socializing is on the docket, don’t forget to include a bar area around the grill, too.
- Open-Flames and Ovens
Traditionally, the grill has been the focal point of the outdoor kitchen. Pretty much everyone knows this. However, things are changing in 2017. Outdoor cooking options are becoming more robust, and people want variety. Hot dogs and hamburgers are only tasty so many times in a row.
Enter open-flame barbecues and pizza ovens. Many people who love cooking outdoors have added one of these two options to their outdoor cooking areas. If you’re feeling really crazy, you could even add a wood-fired pizza oven to your outdoor kitchen to up the ante in the neighborhood.
- Cover Up
Olathe outdoor kitchens have been steadily evolving. At first, you probably had a grill, a few chairs, and an umbrella. Then people started adding counter space and stainless steel appliances. Now, it’s time to take things up a notch.
Some of the best outdoor kitchen designs we’ve seen have been incorporating open-air patio structures to protect their outdoor cooking haven. These covered kitchens feel outside, but still protect the space from rain, sleet, and snow!
- Entertainment Options
If you’re going to invest into your outdoor haven, then don’t forget about the entertainment options. Beer taps, flat-screen TVs, plush lounge chairs, and wine refrigerators have all been incorporated into modern outdoor kitchen designs.