| California Wine Country residents have enjoyed | | | | The heart of the outdoor kitchen is the grill, and |
| outdoor kitchens for years, and now this once | | | | experts recommend purchasing the best you can |
| considered luxurious trend is riding a wave of | | | | afford. Top of the line outdoor grills made of high |
| popularity in warm weather states across the nation. | | | | grade stainless steel, such as Lynx grills and Twin |
| As gasoline prices soar, more homeowners are | | | | Eagles grills, come with lifetime warranties and |
| investing in amenities for enjoying good food and | | | | provide professional grade heat output, restaurant |
| friends at home, including high quality grills, outdoor | | | | style searing marks, and special amenities, including |
| furniture, outdoor fireplaces, and outdoor lighting. | | | | griddles and side burners for whipping up breakfast |
| Creating an outdoor kitchen in your own backyard | | | | alfresco on the weekends. These upscale grills are |
| also adds to your home's value, though you probably | | | | fueled by gas or propane. Budget conscious |
| won't want to part with your custom kitchen | | | | homeowners will find fueling with bottled propane the |
| alfresco and may even find yourself out there grilling | | | | least expensive choice with no need for running |
| on weeknights too. | | | | costly gas lines from the house to the outdoor |
| Today's outdoor kitchens come complete with built in | | | | cooking area. |
| grills that include stovetop style burners, roasting | | | | Efficient layout is just as important when building an |
| spits, and griddles; bar and service centers with sinks | | | | outdoor kitchen as it is with indoor kitchen design. |
| and refrigerators; storage space for cooking gear and | | | | Grilling with ease makes the outdoor cooking |
| dishes; counters for prep work; even built in lighting | | | | experience all the more enjoyable. Design experts |
| and stereo systems. Patio umbrellas, custom designed | | | | suggest that the grill and sink flank the food prep |
| awnings or arbors protect cooking and food prep | | | | area, and that an outdoor refrigerator or food cooler |
| areas. Outdoor carpets and special rubber chef's mats | | | | be available to keep ingredients fresh as you |
| cover the "floor" for standing comfortably while | | | | assemble your meal. Providing for even the smallest |
| cooking. Outdoor fireplaces, patio heaters, and fire | | | | storage space will cut down on trips inside to retrieve |
| pits provide warmth on cool days and evenings. | | | | barbecuing accessories, cooking gear, and serving |
| "Exterior decorating" includes wall art and sculpture, | | | | dishes. However, a short and easy path to your |
| and weather resistant outdoor dining sets, couches, | | | | indoor kitchen may be an important consideration, |
| and ottomans complete the comfy indoor feel. | | | | especially if you often entertain large groups, requiring |
| What you include in your outdoor kitchen will depend | | | | use of both cooking areas. Making the most of a |
| on your budget and how much you enjoy grilling and | | | | pleasant view and providing shaded seating may also |
| outdoor dining. Cost ranges from about $2,500 for | | | | be important considerations. |
| the basics: a high quality free standing grill and patio | | | | To create an outdoor kitchen on a tight budget or |
| dining set, to well over $25,000 for a top of the line | | | | enjoy the outdoor cooking experience in a less |
| built in grill, bar, sink, service center, and more. More | | | | permanent way before installing built in appliances, |
| elaborate outdoor kitchens include automatic | | | | outdoor kitchen designers recommend opting for a |
| dishwashers and special wine refrigerators. Outdoor | | | | freestanding grill with rollers, side trays, and storage. |
| "cabinetry" is stocked with top quality grilling | | | | Pair with a comfy outdoor dining set, and you'll have |
| accessories, grilling spices, and wine tools, and all | | | | the basics in portable form while considering the |
| indoor cooking necessities are included, right down to | | | | kitchen and dining layout best for you. |
| the paper towel holder. | | | | |