Not Exactly Roughing It

They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing. And although it can get uncomfortably hot during the summer, the weather is what most would consider ideal during the rest of the year.?
????So it’s no surprise that outdoor or "summer" kitchens have caught on, often rivaling their indoor counterparts in both fashion and function.?
????Just as indoor kitchens have for generations been where friends and family congregate, outdoor kitchens are now becoming the focal point for entertaining, dining, socializing and relaxing.
????Such backyard getaways came into fashion about five years ago in the warm-weather states of California, Florida and Arizona. The trend then quickly spread across the country.?
????Homeowners, particularly baby boomers with disposable income, have been adding summer kitchens to their homes as upgrades ever since.?
????"More than ever people are staying in their homes and upgrading," says Greg Bolanowski, appliance manager for Ferguson Kitchen & Bath. "Everyone likes to entertain and cook outside, and we’re seeing some truly spectacular summer kitchens being built."
????And it certainly hasn’t hurt that the return on investment for summer kitchens is 100 percent—or even more—in many real estate markets.
????In fact, Northeast Florida remodelers say summer kitchens are at the top of many homeowners’ lists when they’re planning an upgrade or remodel.
????"People are beginning to live more and more in their outdoor spaces, and we’re seeing a significant amount of requests for really elaborate summer kitchens," says Katrina Hosea, owner of BeeTree Homes. "We’ve put in tongue-in-groove ceilings and installed stone fireplaces or wood burning stoves with copper accents focused around kitchen appliances and workspaces that would make you drool."
????Michael Setzer, sales manager of Setzer’s, an appliance and fireplace dealer, agrees. "Our temperate climate makes outdoor living a year-round opportunity," he notes. "Landscape architects and summer-kitchen designers are teaming with remodelers to create open-air rooms that function much like their interior counterparts, but without room-size constraints. Homeowners are comfortable making this investment because they know they can expect a great rate of return when they sell their home."?
????Indeed, as the demand for outdoor accoutrements has risen, manufacturers have reaped the rewards.?
????The outdoor furniture and grill industry, for example, reached sales of $6.2 billion last year and is projected to continue its growth, according to studies published by home-products manufacturer S.C. Johnson.?
????But increasingly these are not your father’s creaky, rusty old grills or smokers. You can get a more-than-adequate freestanding island unit for under $1,000. But you can also pay as much as $50,000.?
????And don’t forget refrigerators, beer taps, lighting systems, stereos, plasma screen televisions (the kind that can be hosed down) and comfortable seating and dining areas that truly make your backyard an extension of your home.
????Outdoor kitchens have become so mainstream that many big-box retailers have added outdoor living showrooms. Even furniture stores are stepping up their inventory of patio and garden offerings.?
????But before you set your sights on that perfect summer kitchen and all the goodies that go with it, better do some homework.
????Determining a budget is, of course, the logical first step. Outdoor kitchens can span the price gamut depending upon how elaborate a setup you require.
????"To get a few basic pieces, like a grill, a side burner and maybe a small refrigerator, it costs a couple thousand dollars," says Bolanowski. "For a custom island with granite countertops, a refrigerator and a large grill, you can expect to pay at least $10,000. For a completely accessorized setup, people are spending at least $30,000 to $40,000. Homeowners are spending more on their outdoor kitchens than they are on their indoor kitchens these days."
????Once you’ve decided how much you can spend, decide what type of cooking and entertaining you’ll be doing and how often you’ll be doing it.?
????Will you eat outside or take the food inside? Will you be hosting only your small family or will you be using your outdoor kitchen for parties and larger gatherings as well??
????Then comes the fun part—choosing materials and accessories.?
????Intriguing twists on outdoor flooring include slate and cast concrete for a contemporary look, tumbled pavers or Travertine to give a Tuscan feel and brick or flagstone for a more traditional setting. Remodelers are designing outdoor countertops in porcelain, granite, or concrete.
????Cooking equipment, naturally, is one of the more important decisions you’ll make. Grills range from 27 inches to more than 48 inches and even come in coordinating colors. Weber now offers copper, dark blue and green along with the traditional black and stainless models.?
????The latest technologies include infrared burners and searing grates, which provide commercial-level heat similar to an upscale steak house. Pizza ovens and smokers can offer alternative methods of cooking.
????With proper options, alfresco chefs can do much more than just grill. They can prepare tasty meals using rotisseries, steamers, fryers, skillets, woks and infrared sear burners.
????"I like to set up four different areas when designing an outdoor kitchen to create a good flow," says Bolanowski. "You need a prep area, a cooking area, a serving area and an entertaining area. There are products made for each area."
????Last but not least, you’ll need a comfortable spot to dine and then recline when the cooking is complete and you’re spending time with family or guests.?
????Weather-resistant furniture materials include cedar, teak, wicker, wrought iron, aluminum and stainless steel. Pieces can be movable or can be permanently installed, depending upon how flexible you want your space to be.?
????And pillows, rugs and even artwork and wall hangings come in a variety of colors, styles and materials designed for outdoor living.?
????But it doesn’t matter how big or small your budget—a summer kitchen is a smart investment. No matter how elaborate or simple, experts say, it’s money well spent.