Outdoor kitchens are a fantastic addition to any home, offering a unique way to enjoy meals and entertain outdoors. Many homeowners ponder the question: does an outdoor kitchen need to be covered? In this blog, we’ll delve into the major considerations and benefits that come with covering your outdoor kitchen, be it with a pergola, patio cover, pavilion, or other structure.
1. You’ll Need Appliance Covers If Your Kitchen Is Not Covered
If you choose not to have a permanent structure over your outdoor kitchen, you’ll likely need to invest in appliance covers. These will shield your grills, refrigerators, and other kitchen components from the elements, helping to extend their lifespan.
Appliance covers can be a cost-effective solution for portable grills or smaller outdoor kitchens. However, they are not the most elegant solution when your outdoor kitchen is not in use, especially if your outdoor kitchen is large and has multiple appliances.
2. Comfort and Experience:
A significant advantage of a covered outdoor kitchen is the comfort it offers. It protects from rain and provides shade, making the cooking and dining experience more pleasant. Plus, it eliminates the need for constantly removing and putting on appliance covers.
Overall, you get far more comfort and convenience by covering your outdoor kitchen area. This is especially true if you live in a place with high winds or heavy rain – Or if your yard receives plenty of heat, as grilling in the hot sun can quickly become an uncomfortable experience.
3. The Planning Point:
If you’re someone who loves planning outdoor gatherings in advance, a covered kitchen can provide stability and ensure these events go off without a hitch. On the other hand, if your use of the outdoor space is spontaneous and depends on the weather, a cover might not be necessary.
When considering a cover, think of your cooking habits and how often you intend to use the outdoor kitchen. If you can’t imagine an outdoor party without a rain plan in place, a covered outdoor kitchen is likely something worth investing in.
4. Initial Investment:
Covering your outdoor kitchen will involve an initial expense. Pergolas, pavilions, and other shade structures can vary in cost anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000, depending on the materials used, size, and complexity of the design. Nevertheless, it’s vital to remember that this investment can add substantial value and usability to your project.
If your outdoor kitchen is large and has multiple appliances, it is especially crucial to weigh the benefits of a fixed cover. Appliance covers may not provide the same level of protection to your appliances and can be tedious to handle regularly. As a kitchen grows in size and complexity, a pergola, pavilion, or patio cover makes more sense in the long run.
Conclusion: So, Do Outdoor Kitchens Need To Be Covered?
The decision to cover an outdoor kitchen with a pavilion or other structure ultimately boils down to personal preferences, budget, and how you intend to use the space. While there are undeniable benefits to having a cover, it also comes with a significant upfront cost.
To allocate your budget most effectively, it is vital to work with experienced outdoor kitchen designers, as they can guide you on the best layout, considering your budget, space constraints, and other important factors.
If you live in Chicago’s Suburbs and would like to add an outdoor kitchen to your home, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mitchell Construction for a free estimate!
