Outdoor Kitchens

Grill like a Pro with a New Outdoor Kitchen in Tampa

With year-round pleasant weather, Tampa, Florida homeowners have put a unique spin on dining and entertaining by investing in custom outdoor kitchens. We’re talking more than the traditional backyard grill but a fully functional island kitchen with countertops, appliances, cabinets and more that brings all of the conveniences of an indoor kitchen outside. Get to know more the benefits you’ll get from cooking and dining al fresco, and how to set it up with the help of a professional outdoor kitchen installer at Tampa Turf Grass.

How to Choose an Outdoor Kitchen

Ascertain your cooking style

Knowing how you operate in a kitchen will play a significant role in determining the features and appliances you will need in your custom outdoor kitchen. Are you an avid griller, a smoking pro or a slow-roasting enthusiast? If you’re like us, you enjoy the versatility of various cooking methods and experimenting with new spices and rubs. Do you cook on the run, preparing an entire meal at one time, do you work at a slower pace, fixing dishes sequentially, or try to cook food for the week in one session? Define your primary cooking preferences so you can factor it in the selection of your appliances and cooking surfaces.

Choose the right grill

A built-in grill is the heart of any outdoor BBQ kitchen. Consider your grilling style and components such as fuel type (gas, charcoal, wood chip, or pellet) and size (standard or extra wide). You may also want to gauge a grill’s versatility like the Big Green Egg which can sear steaks and burgers, and also bake bread and pizza. The grill should not only meet your cooking needs but also complement the overall aesthetic of your outdoor space. Specialty items like the Egg, a wood fired pizza oven or those cool new electric pizza ovens can easily be added into the design to make this space all your own.

Explore cooking surfaces

Will you be grilling for two or are you going to feed an army? Look for a grill that has a surface area to fit the needs of your dinner guests. A good rule of thumb is to devote 72 square inches of grill space for each person you cook for (a hamburger patty may require approximately 20 square inches which allows for a 1/2 inch of space on all sides for comparison). Typically, you can feed a family of four with a standard sized grill of 400 to 500 square inches, or a whole gathering of 8 to 10 friends with an extra-large cooking surface area between 650 and 800 square inches. The price goes up as you increase the cooking space on your grill, but you should start with what you’ll need because dropping in a larger grill down the road will be as complicated as trying to make space for a bigger fridge in your home’s kitchen.

Consider other appliances

Beyond the grill, some other appliances can enhance the functionality of your outdoor grill station. An outdoor fridge can keep ingredients fresh and drinks cold while being just an arm’s length away. An ice maker means you’ll never run out of ice and warming drawers will prevent food from getting cold and soggy. Stove tops are also popular and easy to add directly next to a four burner grill. Don’t forget an outdoor dishwasher that cleans dirty plates, glasses, utensils and grilling tools right on the spot. Regardless of your cooking choices, we can fit your grilling station with a sink to make clean up and prep work a breeze. No more carrying full marinade trays back into the house for washing when you can pour it down the sink outside. Unless you already have an outdoor setup, we’ll probably need to run lines for hot and cold water at your faucet along with a drain, gas the grill and electricity for your fridge or other items. Any of these utilities that already exist outside will save you time and money, but none are required. All can be done with the proper tradesmen.

Select the right materials

With your outdoor cooking area exposed to the elements, the materials used should be durable and weather-resistant to handle everything a Tampa climate can dish. These can include granite, concrete or natural stone countertops that are extremely sturdy, waterproof, and easy to clean. Stainless steel cabinets are resistant to forming rust while remaining functional and attractive. Stone or porcelain tiles can withstand exposure to bad weather, animals, and dirt while giving many design options. 

Decide on a design aesthetic

You can truly turn your island kitchen into an outdoor oasis by dressing it up to your specific design theme. We can build free standing islands on a tiled patio, a concrete patio, natural colored travertine tiles, stone work, plus other mediums to help create a custom look or match an existing motif you already have in your backyard. Your stone outdoor kitchen can be covered, opened, attached to the house, or separate. You can likewise opt for a rustic or organic aesthetic that emphasizes natural and earth-inspired elements for a warm and comfortable atmosphere. At the other end of the spectrum is the sleek and streamlined look of a modern outdoor kitchen, with industrial and metal furnishings for a sophisticated feel.

Why Build An Outdoor Kitchen

Elevate guest entertainment

Watch your outdoor cooking area turn into an entertainment hub as everybody hangs out by the grill to see what's cooking! Preparing dinner becomes part of the fun as everyone feels part of the process. Do you have a swingset or pool in your backyard that everyone flocks to? If so, you’ll be able to stay included in the party while getting the meal prep done simultaneously. Add some string lights and a speaker system to your outdoor grill station and you’ll have an entirely new entertaining space for family and friends. You are truly able to host guests instead of being holed up in the indoor kitchen alone, preparing the food and drinks.

Eat better and healthier

Cooking outside means there’s less fat on the food as it drips away while grilling, smoking or roasting. But the flavor and nutrients remain so you do not lose the good stuff! The open air environment also makes food taste better without adding copious amounts of sugar, butter, salt, and oils. You retain control over the entire cooking process, from ingredients to portion size, with built in storage space for all your grilling tools, refrigerated storage for easy access to cold drinks, sauces and condiments, and even shelf space for dish towels or cleaning supplies. 

Keep mess and smells outside

Somehow, crumbs on the counter, flour on the floor, and grease on the stove are not as dreadful outside as they would be inside. Your outdoor grill area will save you from making a mess in the house and spending time cleaning it. You can also avoid the strong scent of garlic, fish, and certain spices lingering inside the home, and sticking to furniture and clothing with the outdoor bbq kitchen’s natural ventilation system.

Save on energy and restaurant bills

Grilling, frying, baking, and roasting in the kitchen can raise your home’s temperature and force your air conditioning to work harder. By cooking outside, you can give your utilities a rest and lower your energy bills. You can likewise have your own outdoor restaurant experience without the check, while having the best seat in the house. With some clever lighting and a music system, you can create any kind of mood or atmosphere you like in your custom outdoor kitchen that is more appealing than dining out.

Enjoy more living space

With a professional outdoor kitchen design, you can effectively extend your living space to improve the overall functionality of your property. No more crowding in the limited indoor space by making use of the previously unused outdoor space as a dining area, living room and entertainment hub centered on an island kitchen. It expands your living dimension outwards while increasing the amount of usable space in your home.

Increase property value

An outdoor kitchen area is often considered a luxury feature that adds monetary, aesthetic, and functional value to a home. This perceived value contributes to a higher asking price, and serves as a key wooing point should you choose to sell your property. Potential home buyers often view outdoor grill areas as a desirable feature for entertainment and relaxation. It can help your house stand out, especially if it's an amenity not found in most houses in your neighborhood.

Connect with nature

Picture slow-paced meals surrounded by a sea of green while birds sing around you. An outdoor cooking area allows you to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of nature while enjoying a culinary experience. The relaxing setting with fresh air and natural lighting has been scientifically proven to boost mood and lower anxiety for physical and mental health. It can encourage your couch-bound family to spend more time outdoors and to adopt a “greener” lifestyle.

At Tampa Turf Grass, we can customize your outdoor kitchen to reflect your style and needs. You can choose your favorite grill, countertops, appliances and layout, or we can recommend some top notch models to turn your backyard space into a showstopping outdoor hub. As an outdoor kitchen contractor with years of experience in Tampa, we can help you navigate through the myriad of options and create your dream outdoor kitchen that seamlessly integrates your lifestyle and preferences.