Deciding Between a BBQ Area and a Full Outdoor Kitchen: What’s Best for You?
Deciding between a simple BBQ area for casual weekend grilling or going all out with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen is an exciting yet daunting task. Perhaps you’ve been contemplating a cosy corner for your beloved BBQ with some shelter and seating, but are now wondering whether you’re better off taking the plunge and investing in an area that accommodates this as well as being a whole outdoor entertaining space. Before diving into the transformation, there are essential aspects to think about to make sure your outdoor cooking space matches your lifestyle, budget, and entertaining needs. Here are our foundational tips to guide you through the decision-making process…
Assess Your Current Outdoor Space
First things first, take a good look at the outdoor area you plan to transform. Consider the size, the existing elements (like patios or pools), and how the sun hits different parts of your garden throughout the day. A successful BBQ area or outdoor kitchen must fit seamlessly into this space, enhancing its natural flow rather than obstructing it.
Define Your Cooking Style
Are you the king or queen of grilled steaks and burgers, or do you lean towards wood-fired pizzas and smoked delicacies while enjoying a chilled drink? Your preferred cooking style will dictate the grill, smoker, or pizza oven type you’ll want to invest in and what workspace and facilities you’ll need. Remember, the best BBQ area will suit your cooking style and make cooking and entertaining outside a pleasure, not a chore.
Consider your Entertaining style
Are you someone who loves to host? Whether it’s for family events or just friends, the ability to accommodate more people in an outside area can create a unique experience for your guests and keep the mess that comes with entertaining outside – especially when children are involved! In this case, an outdoor kitchen over a modest BBQ area will provide the infrastructure you need to create a perfect entertaining zone. An outdoor kitchen tends to offer features conducive to entertaining more readily, i.e., adequate seating, drinks fridges, lighting, music, and even outdoor heating.
Budget Considerations
However, your budget is going to be a significant consideration. A basic BBQ area can be relatively affordable depending on what you already have and might only need a helping hand to elevate the space. A full outdoor kitchen, with appliances, plumbing, and custom builds, can be a significant investment.
Long-Term Perspective
Finally, consider the long-term impact on your home’s value and lifestyle. An outdoor kitchen can be a significant investment that adds value to your home and enhances your ability to entertain effortlessly. Also, think in advance about whether you are likely to upgrade later. It can be much harder to provide services to the area after groundworks. If you think you might want to move to a kitchen further down the line, bringing services to the area now might be a better option.
Making Your Decision
To decide whether a BBQ area or a full outdoor kitchen will suit your needs better, weigh up each of these factors carefully. Consider drafting a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves, and consider the compromises you’re willing to make. It can also be helpful to consult with a professional who can offer insights based on your specific situation, helping you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
At Clifton Outdoor Kitchens, we’re more than equipped to guide you through every step of this exciting journey. From initial advice on choosing between a BBQ area and a complete outdoor kitchen to designing your perfect outdoor entertaining space and onto the final installation, we have you covered. Specialising in all things grilled and on fire, we bring a wealth of knowledge and a passion for outdoor entertaining to every project. As a family-run business, we’re built on a deep understanding of creating functional, beautiful outdoor kitchens that meet each homeowner’s unique needs. Contact us to see how we can transform your outdoor living space into your dream cooking and entertaining area.
