12 Outdoor Kitchen Trends That Are a Total Waste of Money
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These days, outdoor kitchens are all the rage. Glossy magazines and TV shows show them looking fabulous, promising the perfect place to hold your summer barbecues and family get togethers. But after the excitement wears off, many homeowners discover that a lot of the features are more for show than they are practical. In fact, some outdoor kitchen trends are a total waste of money, resulting in regret, wasted space, and constant maintenance headaches.
Before you build (or update) an outdoor kitchen, it’s always a good idea to separate the “must haves” from the “nice looks.” Here are 12 outdoor kitchen trends that might seem like a good idea at first, but are actually more trouble than they’re worth.
Pizza Ovens
OK, a wood fired pizza oven would be a dream. Wouldn’t you like to have fresh homemade pizza from your own backyard? Realistically, how often are you going to use it? Unless you’re planning on making pizza every weekend, this expensive, space consuming appliance will end up as an outdoor decoration, rather than a usable feature. It also takes a lot of practice to get the temperature just right, and that can be a pain for a casual cook.
Built-in Kegerators
A kegerator that’s built into your grill may seem like the ultimate party centerpiece, but think twice before you spring for it. How often are you actually hosting keg parties? What happens when the newness wears off? Calling these machines is a thing, but they require cleaning, regular maintenance and constant supply of fresh kegs. Stocking up on bottles or cans is much cheaper, for the few times you might actually use them.
Luxury Grills
There’s nothing wrong with a good grill, but do you really need the top of the line, ultra luxury version that costs thousands? If you don’t want to shell out a lot of cash for a special grill, a standard high quality grill will do just as well for the job. Plus fancy grills with more extra features, are also more likely to require more repairs and upkeep in the long run, making it more of a burden than a blessing.
Outdoor Dishwashers
Washing dishes outside after a big cookout sounds pretty comfortable. Imagine now the plumbing and electrical work, not to mention the cost, you’d need to install one. Outdoor dishwashers are impractical at best, and when you consider you’ll still have to bring your pots, pans, and other utensils inside to really clean them, it’s clear why. Skip all that hassle and stick to indoor dishwashing the old fashioned way.
Full Wet Bar
A full wet bar complete with a sink, plumbing, and cocktail station sounds like a fun addition to an outdoor kitchen. But in reality, most people find they rarely use these spaces beyond a few big parties. The cost of installing plumbing outdoors and maintaining it through the colder months can add up quickly. Instead, consider a mobile bar cart that you can bring inside when it’s not needed.
Outdoor Wine Cooler
If you’re a wine lover, an outdoor wine cooler might seem like a great idea, but outdoor conditions aren’t ideal for storing wine. Even with a temperature-controlled unit, fluctuating weather conditions can affect the temperature inside the cooler, potentially ruining expensive bottles. You’re better off keeping your wine indoors and bringing it outside as needed.
Fire Pits With Built-in Seating
Fire pits are a popular feature for outdoor kitchens, but ones with built-in seating may not be as practical as they seem. The seating often ends up being uncomfortable, and it limits how you can arrange your outdoor space. Freestanding chairs and tables offer far more flexibility and comfort, making them a smarter investment for your patio or yard.
Outdoor Ice Makers
Like outdoor refrigerators, ice makers are another appliance that may not stand up to the elements. Outdoor conditions can cause frequent breakdowns, and they’re often more expensive to maintain than their indoor counterparts. For most gatherings, a few bags of ice from the store will do just fine without the ongoing hassle of an outdoor ice maker.
Fancy Countertops
Granite and marble countertops may be beautiful, but they’re also highly impractical for outdoor kitchens. They’re susceptible to weather damage, staining, and cracking. Instead, opt for more durable, weather-resistant materials like concrete or stainless steel that can withstand the elements and look good for years without needing constant care.
High-End Refrigerators
An outdoor refrigerator is a great idea until you think about the elements. The units generally are more expensive than a regular indoor fridge, but are equally susceptible to fluctuations in temperature and moisture damage. And if you add in the cost of regular maintenance, you might find it’s cheaper and easier to use a cooler or bring food out from the house when needed.
Permanent Outdoor TV Setups
Outdoor TVs might seem like the ultimate entertainment feature, but they’re not always a good investment. Weatherproof models are extremely expensive, and even they aren’t immune to extreme conditions or unexpected rain. In most cases, you’ll be better off using a portable projector or bringing out a TV only when you need it, then safely storing it inside.
Overly Complex Storage Solutions
Many outdoor kitchens feature elaborate cabinetry and storage solutions, but do you really need a whole set of outdoor drawers and cabinets? These features are often costly to install and can easily be damaged by moisture, insects, and weather. A simple storage bin or cart will suffice for most outdoor kitchen needs and can be easily moved or replaced if necessary.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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