The lure of outdoor kitchens

With longer days and warmer weather, many of us long to spend more time outdoors, and that includes grilling some veggies and/ or burgers on an outdoor grill and relaxing on the deck.

For outdoor kitchens, the only real must-haves are a great grill and a sink, and some counterspace, of course! But when budgets allow, undercounter refrigerators and pull-outs for garbage are nice.

Cabinetry must be water and insect-proof, so stainless steel is a common outdoor kitchen material, but teak, cedar and cypress also can be used.

Comfortable seating is important, so family and visitors can relax while eating or waiting for the food. Outdoor fire pits or fireplaces are an added attraction – there is something comforting and hypnotizing, sitting with friends and watching a crackling fire.