The beautiful long summer days in Toronto make the perfect setting to spend your entire day in the sun. Why bother heading inside to make lunch or dinner when you can have all you need to cook up a feast right in your own backyard? An outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to soak it all in before the chilly winter days approach.
Choosing the Best Location for Your New Outdoor Kitchen
Use these 6 hacks to figure out the best spot for your new favourite place to make dinner!
- Convenience: Are you a master chef that needs all sorts of utensils and gadgets to cook up your masterpiece? If you are, a location closer to the house may be a good idea. This gives you easy access to anything you may need from inside without worrying about your steak turning to charcoal before you return with a clean plate for serving.
- Space:Obviously to choose the right location for your outdoor kitchen you need to assess the amount of space available. Maybe your space only permits an island with a drop in grill and some counter space on either side. For someone with a more spacious property things can get a bit more elaborate. More counter space, cupboard space and perhaps a fridge to keep a few cold ones?
- License and Permits:The less exciting, but surely important thing to think about is where you’re actually permitted to build this dream kitchen of yours. Check in with your municipality to figure out how close or far your outdoor kitchen needs to be to comply with city regulations.
- Safety: Another very important thing to consider is safety. When installing your outdoor kitchen, you must be sure to include some safety measures so you don’t incinerate yours and potentially your neighbour’s backyard. Having a fire extinguisher nearby is always a great idea just in case things get a little too heated. Be sure that you don’t place anything like a grill or other sorts of cooking equipment under trees or things like phone lines. Something else to consider is the clear path you should have out of your house in case of a fire evacuation. These are all precautions that will most likely save you time and money in the long run!
- Electric and Hydro: Now to avoid pipes and power lines littering your backyard, it’s probably in your best interest to keep your outdoor kitchennear the power sources it will be using. This will make the whole process easier and helps you avoid having a massive underground system throughout your precious oasis along with decreasing the costs of running power through your yard!
- Aesthetic:Finally, the best part is making sure it’s aesthetically pleasing! You want your outdoor kitchen to be in a spot that works perfectly with the layout of your whole space. Whether you’ve got a slick, modern set up or a rustic refuge you need an easily accessible kitchen. You don’t want to go rock climbing just to get to your new spot. Make sure it’s not obstructing any walk ways or that the grill is so close to a window that your home becomes a smokehouse. Give yourself some shelter so the rain doesn’t ruin your fun. Choose materials that will withstand the elements and most importantly make sure it all coordinates well with your already beautiful backyard.
Location for a new kitchen will vary from place to place based on so many factors. Using this guide you will surely find the perfect place for your outdoor kitchen and be throwing the best dinner parties in Toronto in no time!