Recipe for Relaxation

"Taking it outside now means taking it to a different level," explains Ron Cook of Cook's Design Studio. "South Florida homeowners want to create beautiful living spaces outside and are willing to pay premium prices for the best quality in everything, from appliances and furnishings to décor, trim and accessories."

Cook is building custom cabinets out of cedar and staining them to match the home for many of his clients. Cabinets are elevated on legs, and toe kicks are created in tile, stone or even metal. Granite is first choice for counter coverings. Practically everything else demands stainless steel of a high grade, meaning higher nickel content and non-scratch surfaces.

"We like to do the hoods, sinks, faucets, grills, refrigerator andice maker in stainless," says Cook. "I recommend an undermount sink by Kohler, the Sub-Zero refrigerator/icemaker combo and a Wolf barbecue system. Wolf makes a high-end gas range featuring a 36-inch grill top, two 12-inch burners for your lobster pots and clams, an infra-red broiler, a smoker for the turkey, a rotisserie, a wok ring, everything. The unit is gorgeous and features the signature red knobs and dials. Customers just fall in love."

Warming drawers are one more feature worth considering, adds Eric Brown of Epoch Solutions in Bradenton;, and this option is offered through a company called Lazy Man. "The drawers are terrific because they allow you to prepare dishes inside the home and then keep them warm until the grilled food is ready," Brown explains. Some customers order multiple warming units, says Fred Ramirez of DeSears, and use one to warm towels for their pool guests. Side burners keep bread and coffee warm throughout the meal, and you can also specify special brass burners for a smart appearance. "Costs rise as the porcelain and plastic pieces are replaced with stainless steel," explains Ramirez. "But that's what ensures function and gives your outdoor living spaces that wonderful cabana look and feel." His recommendations for top-of-the-line appliances include those mentioned along with VieLuxe, Dacor, Monogram, Uline and Scotsman.

Outdoor kitchen spaces must be created as if you were building a boat, according to Brown. Each drawer slide, metal hinge, bolt or washer must be of marine-quality stainless steel. Woods must be solid wood, no veneer; and Brown recommends cedar, cypress or teak if wood must be used at all. During initial planning, Brown educates clients about corrosion, rust, exposure to rain and sun and creatures that crawl across the Florida landscape. He urges keeping cabinet-styled storage to the bare minimum or eliminating it altogether, opting for a rolling stainless steel cart on castors that can be moved in and out of its pre-planned parking place within the kitchen's perimeter. John Boos makes a wonderful storage cart in high-grade stainless, with ample space for anything needed while cooking in the outdoor kitchen.

Brown believes the ultimate outdoor kitchen is made with masonry bases covered in stone or tile and finished off by granite countertops, with designated spaces for appliances and storage cart. Guests can elbow up to a high bar with stools, while the cook prepares and serves food from a lowered countertop. In Brown's design, the massive hood becomes the kitchen's artistic focal point in textured and detailed stucco designs, hand-painted tiles or stainless steel. "No drawers, no doors, no spaces for animals to crawl inside," he says. "Your flatware and serving pieces can be stored indoors and brought out to the cart when it is time to entertain. And during cleanup, the entire outdoor kitchen can be hosed down." Brown likes Viking, Lazy Man, DCS and Sub-Zero for appliances.

Planks made of laminated marine-quality plywood with stainless steel hardware or coated ship's brass pulls offer the integrity to withstand Florida's climate and sea air, says Gary Jackson, sales consultant for Ray Routh, Inc. "One brand name is Seatique; we've had a good result in outdoor kitchens with water exposure," says Jackson. "The look is very clean and blends nicely with any style home décor. A good choice of colors and textures makes this material popular with clients." Viking and Thermidor stainless steel barbecue systems are both high-end products, says Jackson; and he also touts Sub-Zero as a quality choice.

Costs for al fresco kitchens vary wildly, based on size, choice of finishes and appliances. Homeowners can expect to pay from $15,000 to $30,000 for their basic kitchen with either masonry and tile or wood cabinets and granite countertops. A quality range will cost about $4,000; a stainless steel hood runs $1,800; a sink and faucet cost about $700 and the refrigerator/icemaker is about $1,200. If you desire an outdoor wine cooler, add another $1,200 and understand that imported tile can get very expensive very quickly. An outdoor fireplace will add at least $2,000 more to the budget, and that's base price sans detail or decoration.

Do it simply but beautifully, advises Brown. The best outdoor kitchens are functional, aesthetically pleasing and inviting. Be sure to transition easily from indoor space to outdoor kitchen by aligning the style and décor of exterior and interior living spaces. Buy only those appliances that you intend to actually utilize and only those accessories you really need. Offer ample seating for guests, a dining area and sufficient lighting. Now relax and enjoy.

Chef's Recommendations:

Opt for a larger sink-at least 24 inches or so-in lieu of the adorable little bar sink. This way, you can wash your oversized barbecue utensils and platters outside.

Invest in a quality water filtering system for outdoors so that you can play bartender and mix drinks.

Consider kitchen placement carefully, evaluating the position of the sun during different times of day. The chef will not enjoy a due west exposure at sunset without adequate shade.

Study appliance guarantees carefully before purchase. Products must be rated for outdoor u,se and warranties must cover appliances that are used specifically in outdoor kitchens.

Use undermount sink designs for ease of maintenance.

Spend the extra dollars for the highest grades of stainless steel. Low-end product will rust.

Maintain your outdoor kitchen with the same attention you give to your indoor cooking areas.