hey guys. .. we already have a fireplace with tv above it on our back patio and are looking to do an outdoor kitchen of some type. the space im wanting to do this in is somewhat tight so im thinking of going with an "L" shape counter setup. Im looking to do an egg, a grill, and a mini fridge. Anyone done this recently and have any advice on must have's or things you would have done different? TIA!
Outdoor Kitchen/living - anything you would do different?
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Last: 6 yr ago by AgLiving06
Interested in this too. One specific question: is an outdoor fridge really worth it? Seems like maybe a waste to have that thing running all the time for relatively minimal use. We'll have an ice maker inside, so can easily fill up a cooler. But interested to hear opinions of those of you have have them... Any other necessary things other than grill, smoker (or place for one), storage and sink?
Refrig is worth it for sure if you have a pool. Personally I recommend them on all the kitchens we build, even if you don't want to spend $800 and up on an outdoor rated, go with a $300 one. It's convenient to have out there for sure.
Storage drawers and a pull out trash can are always popular and a lot of times not thought about.
I would avoid ice machine - high cost up front, high maintenance, and not if but when it will break.
Drop in ice chests take up too much valuable counter space.
Let us know if we can help. We design and build them and we have a full service retail showroom for any of the equipment with top lines and accessories.
www.creekstoneoutdoors.com
Storage drawers and a pull out trash can are always popular and a lot of times not thought about.
I would avoid ice machine - high cost up front, high maintenance, and not if but when it will break.
Drop in ice chests take up too much valuable counter space.
Let us know if we can help. We design and build them and we have a full service retail showroom for any of the equipment with top lines and accessories.
www.creekstoneoutdoors.com
We spend a LOT of time outside, and even moreso now with the pool, so we had a sink plumbed in ours. It also provided water for an icemaker. As for the usefuleness of an outdoor fridge, it completely depends on your patio usage. If you're entertaining alot, or simply like to drink, it's worth it. We didn't want cokes and beer taking up our kitchen fridge.
My biggest regret at this point is that we didn't have the undercounter cabinet spaces better built out (I store all kinds of stuff like cooking and cleaning supplies under there). I also regret the quality of appliances I bought. We had just spent a crap ton building the kitchen, so I skimped on the fridge and icemaker. We've had a bunch of problems with them. Some brands/models are better suited to outdoor use than others.
All of this above is under the assumption that this will all be covered. Don't put appliances out there if they're not under cover.
My biggest regret at this point is that we didn't have the undercounter cabinet spaces better built out (I store all kinds of stuff like cooking and cleaning supplies under there). I also regret the quality of appliances I bought. We had just spent a crap ton building the kitchen, so I skimped on the fridge and icemaker. We've had a bunch of problems with them. Some brands/models are better suited to outdoor use than others.
All of this above is under the assumption that this will all be covered. Don't put appliances out there if they're not under cover.
Thanks for the info. guys.
MCaggie02: Can you be more specific about the under counter storage? What specifically do you wish you would have done there vs. what you did?
MCaggie02: Can you be more specific about the under counter storage? What specifically do you wish you would have done there vs. what you did?
Get a sink for rinsing stuff off (whether what you cook, or pool related stuff, etc.).
Get as much storage as you can fit in. Drawers, cabinets, you name it. Drawers for your cooking utensils, etc., cabinets for things like the egg plate setter, your lump, etc.
Get as much storage as you can fit in. Drawers, cabinets, you name it. Drawers for your cooking utensils, etc., cabinets for things like the egg plate setter, your lump, etc.
Who makes the best outdoor bar fridge?
For the money and the 5 year warranty check out the RCS refr2. It's also unbranded so you can pair it with a different brand grill without competing brand logos.
MAS444: Most of these cabinets are just doors, built in to the middle of the structure face. So they're typically 6-12 inches above-grade. This means all your stuff is setting down on the patio, well below door face. I would have had them "floor it out" if you will...or at least set the trim at a level that would line up with a cinder block or certain stack of bricks so I could make the grade seamless.
And I echo above and below - drawers are a necessity.
All of the higher-end installed grill manufacturers sell cabinets and drawers. Mine are Lion.
And I echo above and below - drawers are a necessity.
All of the higher-end installed grill manufacturers sell cabinets and drawers. Mine are Lion.
We did a pretty minimal outdoor kitchen setup with just BGE, sink, and fridge. As others recommended, we went with an indoor-rated 4.4 cu ft fridge w/out freezer compartment, and it worked well for 9 years before needing replacement. It holds a surprising amount of beverages for the size. I think we paid about $400 for a Danby. I got a stainless farmhouse sink (online, not high end at all$200?) with visions of icing down drinks in it, but we really haven't used it that way. Had major issues with our faucet, I guess because of freezing temps, but not sure. Neighbors haven't had issues with their outdoor kitchen's faucet, but we have tried keeping a shop light on underneath to keep it from freezing, to no avail. It never made it through a winter without issues, so we haven't had a working faucet for several years. Therefore the sink is just mainly a leaf catcher. I just take pans inside to wash, but maybe someday we will try a different faucet.
Our cabinet setup was built custom by our contractor and gives us a pull out bin by the BGE for charcoal storage, and another one in the middle for a trash bin. We can store an ash can and all the Egg paraphenalia in the double door cabinet area. The drawers are handy, but I would do three deeper ones if I had it to do over again.
The granite was from a cheapo place and has held up great. It never gets sealed but has had no issues.
Hope you get as much use and enjoyment out of yours as we have ours!
Our cabinet setup was built custom by our contractor and gives us a pull out bin by the BGE for charcoal storage, and another one in the middle for a trash bin. We can store an ash can and all the Egg paraphenalia in the double door cabinet area. The drawers are handy, but I would do three deeper ones if I had it to do over again.
The granite was from a cheapo place and has held up great. It never gets sealed but has had no issues.
Hope you get as much use and enjoyment out of yours as we have ours!
How about outdoor fireplaces? Do yall actually use them? I want to include one in our new build, but not if we don't ever use it.
we are wrapping up a patio/deck build - furniture and TV on the way, then its on to new grill. My wife wants a coffee table with a little shiny rock fire pit in it - one that has a flat cover so it can be a full table if you want it. Something like this:
Its more for ambiance than anything, and s'mores. It might generate a bit of heat in the fall so we will find out.
Its more for ambiance than anything, and s'mores. It might generate a bit of heat in the fall so we will find out.
MAS444 said:
How about outdoor fireplaces? Do yall actually use them? I want to include one in our new build, but not if we don't ever use it.
We use ours a lot in North Alabama. Mostly in the fall, but definitely not limited to that. We've been out there when temps are in the 60's and in the 20's, just depends on how close we sit in front of it and how much of a breeze there is. Nature's TV...
If you use a kit, I don't recommend FireRock based on our experience. Have heard good things about Isokern.
Thanks. We have an Isokern inside and are happy with it. A builder buddy of mine recommended Heat n Glo as an alternative, which are cheaper than Isokerns.
EDIT: I meant Heatilator, not Heat n Glo.
EDIT: I meant Heatilator, not Heat n Glo.
Ed, Checkout Factory Builder Stores before you purchase your grill, outdoor fridge, and other accessories. We have a great selection of grills including the Big Green Egg, DCS, Lnyx, Coyote, Blaze and several other brands. Locations in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas & College Station. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.Ed Carter said:
hey guys. .. we already have a fireplace with tv above it on our back patio and are looking to do an outdoor kitchen of some type. the space im wanting to do this in is somewhat tight so im thinking of going with an "L" shape counter setup. Im looking to do an egg, a grill, and a mini fridge. Anyone done this recently and have any advice on must have's or things you would have done different? TIA!
I'm in the process of putting one in and I skipped putting in a gas grill and opted for a Blaze griddle instead to complement a Kamado Joe.
http://www.blazegrills.com/product/blaze-30-built-gas-griddle/
http://www.blazegrills.com/product/blaze-30-built-gas-griddle/
How do you like the griddle?Bayside Tiger Ag said:
I'm in the process of putting one in and I skipped putting in a gas grill and opted for a Blaze griddle instead to complement a Kamado Joe.
http://www.blazegrills.com/product/blaze-30-built-gas-griddle/
I am on the fence about getting a high end gas grill or opt for a cheaper one (or don't get one at all) and get a nice outdoor griddle. The Evo seems the be the best but over $4k.
Any trouble with food sticking or staining the surface?
I own 2 evo's and Sell them along with Blaze. I would recommend the Blaze griddle wth stainless steel die to lower maintenance. Shouldn't have any issues with any sticking or maintenance. Evo needs to be oiled after every use but still very easy. Just a little higher maintance and as you mentioned over double the price.
I usually have ours at our tailgate at heep but I don't think I'm taking this weekend. Gonna knock out a pork butt Friday and do pulled pork sandwiches Saturday!
I usually have ours at our tailgate at heep but I don't think I'm taking this weekend. Gonna knock out a pork butt Friday and do pulled pork sandwiches Saturday!
that's about what i'm going to do. blaze griddle and joe for sure...still thinking about throwing a blaze grill in, too just cause i don't want to regret not having one down the road.Quote:
I'm in the process of putting one in and I skipped putting in a gas grill and opted for a Blaze griddle instead to complement a Kamado Joe.
Are the griddles a pita to keep clean? How do you do it? I hadn't even thought about griddle instead of grill...but now considering...
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MAS444 said:
Are the griddles a pita to keep clean? How do you do it? I hadn't even thought about griddle instead of grill...but now considering...
I've had a blackstone stand-alone for two years. It's actially pretty easy to clean. After cooking squirt water on top then scrape. Lightly oil then cover.
Thanks for the replies everyone.
So if you had to rank these 3, what would be your order or importance:
-mini fridge
-sink
-storage
I just assumed we were going to do a sink but it seems like I've talked to more people who've opted out of it I've also heard the freezing issue mentioned above more than once
So if you had to rank these 3, what would be your order or importance:
-mini fridge
-sink
-storage
I just assumed we were going to do a sink but it seems like I've talked to more people who've opted out of it I've also heard the freezing issue mentioned above more than once
Ed Carter said:
So if you had to rank these 3, what would be your order or importance:
-mini fridge
-sink
-storage
Was going to rank fridge first, but if we just used ice chests to have drinks on the porch, that would be easier than having to tote from the garage all of the other stuff we keep out on the porch. We have a small shop vac, a trash can, ash can, plate setter, propane torch, various hardwood charcoals, grill gloves, wasp spray, light bulbs for the outdoor low voltage lighting, bottle openers and koozies, and a few other things I'm forgetting, all stored in our outdoor kitchen cabinets and drawers.
So, I would rank the storage first, fridge second, and sink third.
I would have storage/fridge tied...in our world, both are minimums. We've bought outdoor standalone cabinets, a buffet, and a small plastic drawer bin to keep all of our stuff. But we have a pool, so that adds a bunch of junk.
You can take or leave the sink, especially if you have a hose spigot nearby. I just hate bringing filthy cooking trays and stuff inside.
You can take or leave the sink, especially if you have a hose spigot nearby. I just hate bringing filthy cooking trays and stuff inside.
I'm building an outdoor covered kitchen and pool in my back yard and want to have a smoker, griddle, and grill. What kind of thoughts or experience does anyone have on an in counter charcoal grill? I really don't enjoy cooking on gas grills and don't think a ceramic is going to let me do multizone cooking. I've seen some in counter smoker/grill combos that look decent but would love to hear if anyone has experience with anything other than in counter gas units. Thanks!
Put a fridge, grill, and kegerator in my outdoor kitchen a few years ago. Can't beat having beer on tap by the pool.
Regrets: not running gas to the grill, and not having a sink (but didn't really have the space)
Regrets: not running gas to the grill, and not having a sink (but didn't really have the space)
I would nix the fridge. We put one in 3 years ago and we literally never use it at all.
What about TV's?
I've heard if you have a sheltered area on your patio, and the TV mounted there will literally never get wet or be in direct sun but is subject to temp year round, you should not get an outdoor TV. Just get a relatively cheap TV and plan to replace it in 3-4 years.
I've heard if you have a sheltered area on your patio, and the TV mounted there will literally never get wet or be in direct sun but is subject to temp year round, you should not get an outdoor TV. Just get a relatively cheap TV and plan to replace it in 3-4 years.
What about a dish washer? Could be useful.
We use our fridge a lot. It's always full of drinks.
Also have a cheap tv under the patio. Definitely no need for an outdoor tv if it's under a patio.
Also have a cheap tv under the patio. Definitely no need for an outdoor tv if it's under a patio.
We regret not doing a griddle on ours. Sink is nice, but we really don't use it much at all. Frig is a must, we keep cold water, beer, and gatorades stocked at all time. Its awesome to have even when you are not grilling but out back with dogs or working or even watching a game. Big cheap tv is a must, bought a 400 dollar one thats 46 inch I think. Its under a covered area, but gets wet when we are spraying off the walls and back porch all time. Had it out for almost 5 and do not even put a cover on it and still works fine. We added a bunch of industrial hanging fans on all sides of the porch, and that was probably our biggest bang for the buck. Storage is a must, we did the stainless two door one under the grill and then another 3 drawer one under the sink. We could use more. If we had the room I would add a griddle and a built in trash can. We have a real heavy stand alone pit off to the side that we use for smoking.
GIG 'EM
Sam, are y'all going to see a significant price increase in Blaze products here soon? I keep seeing 25% thrown around, but curious if that's what it's going to be across the board for sure. I don't need the griddle/grill for a few months but may pre-buy if the increase is going to be material.AggieSam02 said:
I own 2 evo's and Sell them along with Blaze. I would recommend the Blaze griddle wth stainless steel die to lower maintenance. Shouldn't have any issues with any sticking or maintenance. Evo needs to be oiled after every use but still very easy. Just a little higher maintance and as you mentioned over double the price.
I usually have ours at our tailgate at heep but I don't think I'm taking this weekend. Gonna knock out a pork butt Friday and do pulled pork sandwiches Saturday!
Sorry just saw this. Not sure how I missed it.
Blaze price increase goes into effect 11/1 but we can place orders thru 11/15 at old pricing. Most everything went up 10-15% but there are rumors of a second increase 1/1/19. Not sure if there's truth to that but we are getting them on all brands across the board due to the steel tariffs.
The griddle, however, is American made and did not increase this round. I wouldn't wait though. It's only a matter of time and I'm guessing sooner than later.
Blaze price increase goes into effect 11/1 but we can place orders thru 11/15 at old pricing. Most everything went up 10-15% but there are rumors of a second increase 1/1/19. Not sure if there's truth to that but we are getting them on all brands across the board due to the steel tariffs.
The griddle, however, is American made and did not increase this round. I wouldn't wait though. It's only a matter of time and I'm guessing sooner than later.
Any recommendations on a contractor in the Boerne area?
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