Dining Out

Expert tips for cooking up the perfect outdoor kitchen.

When the days get long and the weather starts to change, everyone wants to take their usual activities outside. And dining is no exception. But when you’re trying to host a barbecueor dinner party outdoors while your kitchen and supplies are indoors, you’ll likely spend more of your time dashing back and forth than enjoying your company.

To remedy this problem, consider upgrading your home with an outdoor kitchen. To achieve an outdoor kitchen that functions well and looks great, too, you don’t need to break the bank buying all the latest and greatest cooking appliances and electronic gadgets. In fact, you only need a few essentials to add extra space and value to your timber home.

“An outdoor kitchen expands the living spaces in your home by creating a new spot to enjoy time with family and friends in a relaxed, backyard setting,” says Lee Anne White, author of Outdoor Kitchen Ideas That Work and Outdoor Living Idea Book. “I’ve seen outdoor kitchens really pull families together. Plus, there’s just something special about food cooked on the grill. It tastes better, and it’s fun to prepare.”