A summer kitchen is a separate, outdoor kitchen space that was historically used to keep indoor kitchens cool during the warmer months – typically between May and September. It is typically located near a body of water, such as a lake or a pond, in order to have access to a reliable source of water and to ensure proper ventilation.
Summer kitchens are unheated and usually have a wood-burning stove or open hearth that allows for outdoor cooking without the worry of indoor smoke.
These outdoor kitchens can be as simple as an outdoor brick oven and a small workspace, or as elaborate as a large building with multiple cooking surfaces and separate compartments for food and utensils.
Common features of summer kitchens include racks, shelves, and cupboards to store food, a cooking table, and sometimes a bread-baking oven. Other features include the ability to hang smoked, cured, or dried food, to smoke, dry, and preserve items, and to store utensils and other small cooking items.
A summer kitchen is a great way to enjoy outdoor cooking and entertaining during the warmer months, as well as to breathe a bit of life back into an outdoor space. Not only can you use an outdoor kitchen to host friends and family for a summer backyard bash, but you can also use it to produce great-tasting meals for your family!.
Why did old houses have two kitchens?
In the past, many older homes featured a setup where they had two kitchens: a main kitchen and a secondary kitchen. This was common in both large and small residences, as it was seen as a practical way to handle the heavy workload of running a household.
The main kitchen was used for cooking for the family, while the secondary kitchen was used for cleaning or for the preparation of food items that did not require culinary skill.
Having two separate kitchens provided households with a few advantages. Firstly, the main kitchen could be kept free from smells, messes, and clutter that often plague an area used for food preparation.
This also allowed for multiple cooks to work in the kitchen with relative ease, as the two kitchens allowed for cooks to work in different areas. Additionally, the secondary kitchen could be dedicated to cleaning dishes, frying or boiling foods that needed to be delicately handled, and it could serve as a spot for additional food storage.
The need and purpose of having two kitchens has diminished over time as the size of households shrank and more compact and efficient kitchen appliances have been invented. Despite this change, some people still prefer the old two-kitchen setup because it allows for a greater level of organization and efficiency in their kitchen spaces.
Can you have an outdoor kitchen in cold climates?
Yes, you can have an outdoor kitchen in cold climates, as long as you are prepared for the specific challenges posed by this environment. It is important to keep your outdoor kitchen well insulated, for instance by using stone or brick on the walls and using a high-efficiency furnace or boiler.
Additionally, make sure to use weather-resistant or waterproof materials for all appliances and surfaces, including cookers, fridges, work surfaces, and seats. You may also want to consider installing a roof or awning to protect your kitchen from the elements.
Finally, take care to protect vulnerable areas such as the pipework from freezing, or use antifreeze products when necessary. With these considerations, you can enjoy all the benefits of having an outdoor kitchen in any climate.
What constitutes an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen typically features countertops, grills, and an array of additional amenities that can range from a built-in refrigerator to a custom bar area. In more elaborate setups, you can find many of the same items as you would find in a traditional indoor kitchen, such as cabinets and sink, making it easy to prepare a meal outside with all the tools you would expect to find inside.
Outdoor kitchen fixtures are typically constructed from stainless steel and are designed to withstand the elements. They are durable, weather resistant, and add a touch of class to any outdoor space.
For larger outdoor kitchen setups, areas for seating and entertainment can also be included, allowing for family and friends to hang out, cook, and socialize outside.
Does outdoor kitchen add value to your home?
Yes, an outdoor kitchen can certainly add value to your home. It can provide a great place for entertaining friends and families, and can significantly extend your outdoor living and entertaining space.
Additionally, outdoor kitchens can be tailored to your exact preferences, so you can create something that is entirely yours and will help increase the overall appeal of your home. With an outdoor kitchen, you can cook meals outside and enjoy the great outdoors while dining.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of grilling and barbecuing, as well as other outdoor cooking methods. Plus, you could even install an outdoor refrigerator and beverage station to keep your drinks and snacks cold throughout the day.
All of this extra convenience and entertainment will naturally add value to your home.
Does my outdoor kitchen need to be covered?
The short answer is: yes, your outdoor kitchen should be covered.
It is important to keep your outdoor kitchen covered for several reasons. First, a covered outdoor kitchen will keep rain and snow from damaging your cooking area. Rain and snow can cause rust, warping, and mildew, which can ruin your outdoor kitchen.
Second, a covered outdoor kitchen allows you to use the outdoor kitchen in any weather. You can barbeque in the rain or enjoy a cool summer night without worrying about the elements. Third, a covered outdoor kitchen will be protected from animals and pests.
Birds, insects, and other animals can damage furniture or spread dirt, which can compromise the cleanliness and safety of your outdoor kitchen. Finally, a covered outdoor kitchen can keep the cooking area clean and tidy, making it easier to cook and clean up afterwards.
In summary, it is important to cover your outdoor kitchen to protect it from the elements, animals, and pests, and to keep it clean and tidy.
Can I take the legs off my existing grill and use it like a built in grill?
No, you cannot take the legs off your existing grill and use it as a built-in grill. Built-in grills are made specifically to be built into an outdoor kitchen, while free-standing grills are made to be portable and can be moved around as needed.
Generally, built-in grills need to be installed securely into the countertop and wall, with a proper support system of stainless steel brackets and fasteners. In order to safely use a built-in grill, it is essential that it is installed correctly and to code.
For safety reasons, we recommend that you consult a professional if you are considering installing a built-in grill.
Can you put a BBQ against a wall?
Yes, you can put a BBQ against a wall. However, there are a few safety considerations to keep in mind when doing so. First, the wall should be non-flammable and located away from any combustible materials that could catch fire.
You should also leave enough room between the wall and the BBQ to allow for proper ventilation. Make sure all wiring is outside of the BBQ, and it is advised to have a heat shield between the wall and the BBQ.
Additionally, some areas may have local regulations or fire codes that require additional measures such as proper ventilation and heat shielding when placing a BBQ against a wall.
What does a summer kitchen mean?
A summer kitchen is a separate room, typically an outdoor space, with additional cooking facilities that is used during warmer months. In the days before modern refrigeration, having an outdoor kitchen during the summer months was essential for keeping the cooking areas in the main house cool.
Many homes even had separate buildings for their summer kitchens. These kitchens typically included ovens, hot plates, open fires, and areas for food preparation and cleaning. The food might be cooked in advance and then eaten in the main house, or dishes like pies, cakes and jelly were cooked in the summer kitchen to be eaten soon after.
Summer kitchens were also used for preserving food, like curing bacon and making jams and jellies. In many cases, a unique type of stove was used, such as a wood-burning stove which was located in the summer kitchen and used for cooking.
Today’s summer kitchens can include conventional counters, sinks and appliances, as well as wood-fired ovens and wood-burning pizza ovens, and are often used as outdoor entertaining areas.
Did houses have kitchens in the 1800s?
Yes, houses in the 1800s had kitchens. During the 1800s, most kitchens were located on the ground floor of the home and often accessed via a back door. Stove/fireplaces were usually located in the kitchen and were used as the primary cooking source.
Other amenities that might have been available in the kitchen of 1800s include wooden counters, open-air cupboards, various pots and pans, and stone sinks for washing up. Furthermore, many homes had either a wood fired or coal stove, with an oven and other cooking surfaces to allow for more efficient cooking.
As the 19th century advanced, kitchen design and function improved with advances in furnishings, technology, and products. This enabled the kitchen to become the main room in the home, as many daily activities were conducted and meals were served in it.
When did kitchens move into the house?
Historically, kitchens were often separate from the main living space, located outside or in a detached building. Early kitchens were often extremely basic, relying on wood or coal for cooking, with no running water.
As standards of living improved, the kitchen was gradually incorporated into the main house, and over the centuries, technology and design allowed for further refinements.
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when kitchens began moving into the house, but one of the earliest examples was during the Middle Ages, when clients and visitors were received in the main room, while the kitchen was kept off-limits.
By the Palladian period, kitchens were increasingly seen as a part of the household, and they tended to involve a much more sophisticated layout, often with multiple rooms, chimneys, and fireplaces.
The trend of bringing the kitchen into the main house continued through the centuries, with the Industrial Revolution seeing kitchens increasingly converted into a space which was both utilitarian and stylish.
By the late 19th century and early 20th century, the notion of the “modern kitchen” began to emerge, and cooking technology took leaps forward, with the introduction of gas, electric, and plumbing systems.
Ultimately, kitchens had become an integral part of the home by the late 20th century.
Is an outdoor kitchen worth the money?
Whether or not an outdoor kitchen is worth the money really depends on the individual situation and personal preference. On the one hand, having an outdoor kitchen can greatly enhance the outdoor living experience.
It provides the ability to cook meals without having to go inside and provides more room for entertaining guests. An outdoor kitchen also adds value to a home and can be enjoyable to use.
On the other hand, an outdoor kitchen can be an expensive undertaking. Depending on local regulations, a new outdoor kitchen can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.
They also require ongoing maintenance, such as replacing broken parts, cleaning, and protecting from the elements. Considering all these factors, an outdoor kitchen may not be worth the cost for everyone.
Overall, having an outdoor kitchen can be a great addition to any home, but it’s important to weigh the potential costs and benefits before taking the plunge.
How long do outdoor kitchens last?
The longevity of an outdoor kitchen will depend on the components used, the construction and weatherproofing strategies employed, and the amount of maintenance and care it receives. Quality materials and craftsmanship can extend the life of an outdoor kitchen far beyond its original designed lifespan.
Regular maintenance and weatherproofing, such as cleaning out the drains, resealing grout and countertops, and refinishing or replacing fixtures, will help ensure the longevity of an outdoor kitchen.
With proper care, outdoor kitchens can last many years or even decades. However, over time, certain components such as cabinets, faucets, and even the stone work may need to be replaced or updated.
How do I protect my outdoor kitchen from the weather?
The best way to protect your outdoor kitchen from the weather is to make sure that all appliances and cabinets are positioned away from direct sunlight and any other sources of excessive heat. You should also make sure you have adequate shelter from the wind and rainfall; a good covering, such as a canopy or awning, can be a great way to protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements.
If you have any grills or smokers, make sure they’re installed in an area that’s away from both strong sunlight and strong winds.
Also, consider using waterproof materials and finishes when building your outdoor kitchen, if possible. This can help protect your kitchen from the effects of rain, snow, and other forms of moisture.
For example, use appliances and hardware that are designed to be weatherproof. Additionally, make sure any materials you use are designed to handle the outdoor conditions in your area.
Finally, it’s a good idea to routinely inspect and maintain your outdoor kitchen to make sure that any exposed materials are in good condition. This can help ensure that you are providing adequate protection from the elements and maintaining the integrity of your outdoor kitchen.
Can you use a gas grill under a covered patio?
Yes, you can use a gas grill under a covered patio. However, you must be sure to follow any local ordinances that may apply to open flame grills, the gas grill should be in an open-aired area where the heat and flames can safely escape, and the patio roof should be constructed of non-flammable materials such as metal.
Additionally, always make sure to keep the gas grill away from sources of combustion such as walls, furniture, or large plants that can be ignited easily. To reduce the chance of injury or property damage, it is important to always use the grill according to the manufacturer’s instructions and to keep children and pets away from the grill.
Finally, never store LP gas tanks or refills inside a covered patio or under any combustible materials.
