Analysts expect the market for outdoor kitchen equipment to be worth $780 million by 2024. Are you among the growing number of Americans considering high-end kitchens outdoors?
An outdoor kitchen has many benefits for you and your home. From entertaining to enjoying time with your family, you can get more from your outdoor space with a kitchen.
Stainless steel kitchens have many advantages for use outside. Learn more about stainless steel and why it could be the foundation of your dream kitchen.
The properties of stainless steel make it ideal for high-end kitchens outdoors. Stainless steel is durable, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly.
Your outdoor kitchen needs to stand up to the elements. This is in addition to handling the wear and tear from cooking and everyday use.
Stainless steel is weather-resistant and will withstand UV rays.
Stainless steel is very durable. It won't warp like wood. It doesn't allow moisture to seep inside.
Stainless steel is more rust-resistant than other metals. It resists impacts and corrosion. Stainless steel is fireproof and can withstand very high temperatures.
Stainless steel is a non-reactive metal. You can cook acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar without damaging the surface. Stainless steel won't change the color, flavor, or fragrance of the food.
This gives stainless steel an advantage over other metals like aluminum and iron.
Stainless steel surfaces don't absorb dirt, food, or odors. Oils, acids, drinks, and other substances that could mark wooden counters won't set on stainless steel. You can clean stainless steel with mild soap and warm water.
You can use products intended for stainless steel to get the best shine and protection.
Stainless steel is non-porous. It resists germs and bacteria better than wood or plastic surfaces.
A surface clean can remove any contaminants. Stainless steel resists external factors like dents and cuts that would allow germs to penetrate the surface. For these reasons, stainless steel is a popular choice for uses including commercial food production, industrial production, and medical equipment.
Stainless steel kitchens are sustainable. Stainless steel is fully recyclable.
Its durability means you won't need to replace your cabinets or countertops as often. You prevent material from entering the landfill.
Because stainless steel is easy to clean, you use fewer cleaning supplies. Even better, you can clean stainless steel using natural products like vinegar and hot water.
Different grades and gauges of stainless steel are available when you're designing your new outdoor kitchen or kitchen remodel. If the metal doesn't have the right hardness or thickness, you could end up with unsightly scratches or dents.
304 stainless steel is the most common for kitchens. The alloy contains a high nickel and chromium content, which makes it very resistant to corrosion.
It's an austenitic grade of stainless steel. This means that in addition to its corrosion and heat resistance, it's not magnetic.
316 stainless steel is another austenitic grade. 316 steel contains molybdenum, which gives it even higher corrosion resistance than 304 steel. It will withstand salt water and other chemicals.
If you're planning an outdoor kitchen for a coastal home, 316 stainless steel is usually the best choice.
The gauge refers to the thickness of stainless steel. In contrast to what you might expect, a lower gauge is thicker.
For example, a 14 gauge stainless steel is much more durable than a 22 gauge. The thickness of a 14 gauge stainless steel is 0.0751 in. while a 22 gauge is only 0.0293 in.
Outdoor stainless steel kitchens can add aesthetic value to your home in addition to being practical and durable. You can choose from several finishing options.
Orbitally polished stainless steel has a warmer appearance. It makes fingerprints and small scuffs harder to see. Brushed stainless steel has a similar effect.
A mirror finish is highly reflective. It has a brighter, more contemporary look.
Powder coating lets you can choose from a variety of colors or realistic wood grains. It provides a protective seal on the stainless steel surface. It makes the surfaces easier to clean.
You can feature stainless steel in many ways in the design of your outdoor kitchen. Stainless steel appliances, grills, cabinets, and countertops are among the options.
Several kitchen layouts work well for stainless steel kitchens outdoors. Depending on the space you have available, you may prefer an L-shaped, U-shaped, or island kitchen layout.
An L-shaped kitchen is a practical and timeless kitchen design. The basic L-shaped kitchen has two legs of base cabinets covered with countertops. One leg is usually shorter than the other, which makes the "L" shape.
L-shaped kitchens are efficient for small and medium spaces. They allow minimal through traffic, so your outdoor food preparation is easier.
A U-shaped kitchen gives you plenty of storage and counter space. It has cabinets and countertops on three sides, making the "U" shape.
U-shaped kitchens are a good choice if two or more people will be cooking at the same time. They also work well for entertaining.
An island kitchen has a large work surface or storage area in the middle. You can design the island as a cooking surface, a food preparation area, a bar, or a place to enjoy meals.
Island kitchens let you create a natural traffic flow. The island can serve as a work and social area for your family and guests.
A stainless steel kitchen is among the more expensive types of high-end kitchens you can choose for your kitchen renovation or new installation. The grade and gauge of the metal are part of what determines the price. The design and installation are other factors.
Stainless steel cabinets usually cost more than high-end wood varieties. Stainless steel countertops are around the same price as granite.
Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting choice. You're investing in quality that you can pass on to your children.
A new kitchen installation or kitchen remodel gives you the chance to design the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Stainless steel kitchens have many advantages outdoors. You get durability, functionality, and timeless aesthetic appeal.
Whether you're looking for a bar area or a gourmet chef's kitchen, Dell Outdoor has the expertise to exceed your expectations. We know that high-end kitchens aren't one-size-fits-all. We'll work with you to design and install the luxury kitchen you've been imagining.
Contact us today or come visit our showroom and let's create your ideal outdoor living space.