OMAHA HOME: room spotlight Story by Linda Persigehl Photos by minorwhitestudios.com
(Outdoor Kitchen)
Gourmet
Outdoor Kitchens It seems every good party ends up in the kitchen, and more often these days, that means outdoors. Elaborate outdoor kitchens allow master grillers to work their culinary magic, without sacrificing convenience, creature comforts, or the company of mingling guests! We asked local outdoor kitchen retailers for their tips on creating an ideal outdoor cook space. Here’s what they came up with: • First, decide if you want to build a custom grill island on site, or buy a prefabricated island. Prefab islands need only be installed, come in a variety of island sizes and configurations, and generally cost less than paying a contractor for a custom-build. (Of course, you can always build one yourself! Tutorials are available online.) Cultured stone, stone veneer and brick are popular exterior finishes. • Several lines of drop-in grills are on the market, ranging in size from 24” to 60”. These grills fit right into your custom or prefab grill island, and can be tailor-made with different components to meet your cooking needs, including electric burners, searing burners, a rotisserie, etc. • DO NOT scrimp on the grill components! Opt for premium quality. They’ll offer heavier-duty burners and cooking grids, more substantial handles
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and trim pieces, and a more polished finish on the welded seams. These features will help the grill look and perform better over the years and save you on repairs. • In positioning your gas grill, be certain to place it at least 3 feet from the house, and 8-10 feet if using a charcoal or wood pellet-burning grill. Avoid facing the back of your grill to the north. Strong winds can push high heat toward the front of the grill, causing your control panel and electrical system to melt. Also, be certain to allow sufficient space between the grill and any covering above. A hood vent, UL-approved for outdoor use and mounted above a grill, will help redirect moisture and smoke away from the house/patio cover and may be required. • Ample prep/work space and serving space on/ adjacent to the grill island is key. Hard, nonporous granite makes the best countertop material for outdoor use, as it provides easy grease cleanup and stands up to the elements. Concrete countertops,
treated with a liquid sealant twice a year, are also a good option. The island should also include drawer or cabinet storage for cooking utensils, plates and glassware, serving dishes, etc., for easy, buffet-style eating. • Outdoor refrigerators and sinks are not must-haves for a grilling island, but are recommended for convenience and food safety’s sake. Bartending centers, including “keg”erators, food warmers and pizza stations are just a few of the other amenities available for your outdoor kitchen. Position a few comfy patio chairs nearby, install a backyard sound system and set out a couple of appetizers, and you’ll be sure to have company while you cook! Thanks to Dan Gould of Outdoor Kitchen (Bel Air Plaza) and Todd Lewis of Outdoor Room (Rockbrook Village) for contributing information for this article.
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