For homeowners looking to elevate their outdoor living space, an outdoor kitchen is the ultimate luxury addition. More than just a place to grill, a well-designed outdoor kitchen becomes the heart of your backyard entertainment area, adding both functionality and value to your property.
Before you begin searching for outdoor kitchen installers, it's important to understand what features will best suit your lifestyle and space. At Cedar Creek Design, we've helped countless Westmoreland County homeowners create stunning outdoor cooking environments, and we've compiled this guide to help you make informed decisions for your project.
Full Value Return: A well-designed outdoor kitchen can pay for itself – averaging a 100% return on investment at resale (NAR data shows a $15K outdoor kitchen often adds about $15K in value.) This underscores that spending on the right features – like durable appliances and layout – is financially smart.
1. High-Performance Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
The appliances you choose will determine both the functionality and versatility of your outdoor kitchen. While a grill is often the centerpiece, today's outdoor kitchen appliances offer so much more.
Consider including:
- Built-in grills - These provide a seamless look and can be fueled by propane, natural gas, or charcoal
- Pizza ovens - Perfect for entertaining and adding culinary variety
- Refrigerators and ice makers - Designed specifically for outdoor use to withstand weather conditions
- Side burners - Offer versatility for preparing side dishes or sauces
- Warming drawers - Keep food at optimal temperature when preparing multiple courses
When selecting outdoor kitchen appliances, look for marine-grade stainless steel that can withstand our Pennsylvania seasonal changes, from humid summers to freezing winters.
2. Durable Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets
Quality outdoor kitchen cabinets are essential for both storage and the overall aesthetic of your space. Unlike indoor cabinetry, outdoor versions must be designed to withstand extreme temperature variations, moisture, and UV exposure.
Popular material options include:
- Stainless steel - Extremely durable and resistant to rust and corrosion
- Marine-grade polymer - Won't warp, rot, or fade in the elements
- Masonry cabinets - Offer a substantial, built-in appearance and excellent durability
- Teak or other weather-resistant woods - Provide natural beauty but require more maintenance
When we design outdoor kitchens at Cedar Creek, we help clients choose cabinetry that complements their home's architecture while providing the durability needed for Pennsylvania's climate.
3. Weather-Resistant Outdoor Granite Countertops
Your countertop material is critical for both functionality and visual impact. Outdoor granite countertops remain one of the most popular options due to their combination of beauty and durability.
Other excellent countertop options include:
- Concrete - Can be customized with colors and textures for a unique look
- Porcelain - Extremely low maintenance and resistant to staining
- Quartzite - Natural stone with excellent durability and heat resistance
- Soapstone - Naturally antimicrobial and develops a beautiful patina over time
When selecting your countertop material, consider how it will perform during Pennsylvania's freeze-thaw cycles and choose a material that can handle the thermal shock without cracking.
4. Functional Outdoor Kitchen Layout Ideas
The layout of your outdoor kitchen significantly impacts both workflow and entertainment value. Before finalizing your design, consider how you'll use the space.
Popular configurations include:
- L-shaped - Maximizes corner space and provides a natural workflow
- U-shaped - Creates an efficient work triangle with plenty of counter space
- Straight line - Works well for narrow spaces or along existing structures
- Island - Allows for 360-degree access and encourages social interaction
We often recommend including designated zones for preparation, cooking, and cleanup. Also consider traffic flow—you'll want enough space for the cook to work while guests can mingle comfortably nearby.
5. Convenient Modular Outdoor Kitchens
For homeowners who want flexibility or have budget constraints, modular outdoor kitchens provide an excellent solution. These pre-fabricated units can be arranged in numerous configurations and often install more quickly than custom-built options.
Benefits of modular systems include:
- Scalability - Start with essential components and add more over time
- Relocation potential - Can be moved if you redesign your outdoor space
- Cost-effectiveness - Often less expensive than fully custom installations
- Shorter installation time - Much faster than traditional built-in kitchens
Many of our clients in Irwin and throughout Westmoreland County appreciate the versatility that modular components offer, especially when planning their outdoor living spaces in phases.
6. Specialized Outdoor Cooking Stations
Beyond the standard grill setup, dedicated cooking stations can transform your outdoor kitchen into a culinary paradise tailored to your specific entertaining style.
Consider adding:
- Smoker stations - For slow-cooked barbecue and smoked delicacies
- Kamado grill areas - For versatile cooking with ceramic charcoal cookers
- Griddle surfaces - Perfect for breakfast foods or hibachi-style cooking
- Rotisserie setups - For slow-roasting meats to perfection
- Prep sinks and cutting areas - For convenient food preparation
At Cedar Creek Design, we find that many of our clients who love to entertain prefer specialized outdoor cooking stations that showcase their culinary interests and make outdoor meal preparation a true experience.
7. Comfortable Seating and Dining Areas
No outdoor kitchen is complete without thoughtful seating that encourages guests to linger and enjoy the space. The right seating transforms your outdoor kitchen from a cooking area to a full entertainment destination.
Options to consider include:
- Bar-height counter seating - Creates casual dining right at the kitchen
- Adjacent dining tables - For more formal outdoor meals
- Lounge seating nearby - Allows for pre-dinner drinks or post-meal relaxation
- Built-in benches - Can maximize space and provide storage underneath
We recommend choosing materials that complement your kitchen while standing up to the elements, from our hot, humid Pennsylvania summers to our cold, snowy winters.
Finding the Right Outdoor Kitchen Installers
Creating your dream outdoor kitchen requires experienced professionals who understand both design principles and the technical requirements of outdoor construction. When selecting outdoor kitchen installers, look for:
- Portfolios showcasing similar projects
- Experience with your preferred materials
- Knowledge of local building codes and permits
- Understanding of proper drainage and utility connections
- Proven track record of quality craftsmanship
At Cedar Creek Design, we specialize in creating custom outdoor kitchens that seamlessly integrate with your existing landscape while providing the functionality and durability needed for year-round use in Pennsylvania's climate.
Final Thoughts
An outdoor kitchen is more than just an addition to your home—it's an investment in your lifestyle and property value. By carefully considering these seven key features, you'll create an outdoor cooking and entertaining space that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Whether you're looking for a simple setup with essential appliances or a comprehensive outdoor kitchen with all the luxury features, we're here to help bring your vision to life. Contact our team at Cedar Creek Design to schedule a consultation and start planning your perfect outdoor kitchen today.