Outdoor dining is a special treat in summertime, but summer can also be the enemy of fresh food. Mayo-based salads, meats and many other dishes can spoil quickly in hot weather. You’ll want to find ways to keep them cold and safe with your outdoor remodeling plans, so here are some outdoor kitchen ideas to consider.
If you don’t have a lot of space outside, think small-scale. Outdoor-safe appliances come in compact sizes, and custom-built kitchens can be as versatile as your imagination. Maybe you’re in the market for a whole new kitchen outdoors, or you only want to perk up the outdoor kitchen you’ve already got. You’ll also want to be sure your kitchen changes compliment your outdoor decorating scheme for summer entertaining.
When the temperature rises, these 4 outdoor kitchen ideas can keep your food fresher, the party safer, and everyone happier all season long.
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas & Keeping Food Cold
Refrigerators aren’t just for indoors. Outdoor-safe appliances (check out appliances at BBQGuys.com) are more common now than ever before. A small fridge on your patio or deck can keep cold food fresh until you’re ready to cook or serve.
A refrigerator outside also saves you steps. There’s no more running back and forth to the kitchen inside the house. With salads, grilling meats, vegetables, fruits, and sauces close at hand you can stay with the party instead of walking back inside again and again.
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Keeping Drinks Cold Include Creative Ice Bins
There’s never enough cold storage for food or drinks in summertime. How about creating a built-in ice bin to take some of the load off your outdoor refrigerator? An ice bin can be created from almost anything. You can build one up using stones or bricks, or cut out a section from the center of a table (check this one out) or bar to drop in a removable ice bin.
Drainage will be important for any ice container. You’ll want to build a permanent bin with a drain that directs water away from the patio or deck, and far away from electrical sources. An alternative is a stopper in a removable ice bin that lets you drain off water the same as you would with a portable cooler.
Using Drapes to Keep Flies and Mosquitoes Out
Flies and mosquitoes are more than annoying pests. They can carry contaminants to your food and water, and mosquito bites can also cause encephalitis. Patio drapes are one way to help keep those pests out of your food, and off your skin.
Drapes also add a luxury appearance to your outdoor dining area. (Read: Decks to Die For) When closed you have volumes of fabric tied off at posts and corners. When open, you have a more intimate dining area. If you don’t like the look of heavy drapes, sheer netting fabric does the same job with a lighter appearance. You’ll want drapery weights sewn into the hemline to keep drapes and netting from blowing around too much.
A Sink and Temperature-Regulated Grill are Outdoor Dining Pluses
A clean kitchen is a healthy kitchen, and a sink helps make that possible. Even in the smallest outdoor kitchen remodel, a sink lets you wash your hands and clean utensils without making trips into the house.
Some people prefer charcoal, but a temperature-regulated grill is a safer way to cook. You can use mesquite chips to add the smoky flavor that gas doesn’t have. A temperature-regulated grill gives you most of the heat control you have indoors.
Your outdoor kitchen isn’t like anyone else’s, and it’s not supposed to be. Whether you’re working with a tiny patio or an expansive deck, try incorporating some of these outdoor kitchen ideas to make your summer happier and healthier.
This is also about convenience. You already have ways to keep food fresh inside the house. But installing things like a mini fridge and sink outside let you enjoy the party, instead of running back into the house.
Are you gearing up for an outdoor kitchen remodel? We would love to hear the ideas you’re dreaming about!
The post 4 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas to Keep Food Cold & Safe appeared first on Home Tips for Women.