Get your family and friends together this summer to enjoy the outdoors and backyard after your outdoor kitchen installation!

Outdoor kitchen installation is one of the most popular landscape design services available today. Whether you’re a professional chef, a summer BBQ enthusiast, or an occasional cook, an outdoor kitchen adds a welcoming vibe to Massachusetts’ residential landscape design.

Whether you’re looking for a small outdoor kitchen and prep area, or a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen that even Chef Gordon Ramsay would envy, it’s essential to ask yourself five key questions before installation begins. 

How are you going to use the space?

Some homeowners investing in outdoor kitchen installation only want a small grilling station with a countertop. Others are looking for a state-of-the-art outdoor kitchen with a bar, refrigerator, dry storage, and more. Some outdoor kitchen designs encourage gathering and socializing, while others are a simple cooking station. Understanding how you will use the space and explaining your vision to your landscape contractor is a great starting point before installation begins. 

How often do you plan on cooking outdoors?

How often you plan to cook outdoors is the second most important consideration in preparation for outdoor kitchen installation. Homeowners need to consider just how much they plan to use their outdoor kitchen to determine what type of investment is worthwhile. 

Are you an avid chef who loves cooking outdoors as much as possible, or are you a casual cook who may use an outdoor kitchen a few times during the summer months? Your individual or family cooking habits may require a large outdoor kitchen with all the bells and whistles, or a grill with a countertop may be enough. Ultimately, your outdoor kitchen is customized to fit your unique wants and needs.

What size grill do you want?

Most of our clients know what size grill they want after determining how much they plan to cook outdoors. Standard grill sizes are 36, 42, 48, and 54″, with the most popular and recommended grill being the 42″ option. 

The grill size you choose comes down to usage, budget, and whether or not you want a side burner. If you’re unsure what size grill is right for your project, ask your landscape contractor to better understand what’s typical for your type of project. 

What about dry storage? 

An outdoor kitchen is much more than a grill, countertop, or bar. Storage is a crucial component, especially for those who plan to use their outdoor kitchen consistently. Stainless steel cabinetry and polyethylene cabinets are common choices among homeowners, and each provide their own benefits. 

What’s your budget?

When you speak with your landscape contractor, it’s a good idea to have some understanding of your budget for outdoor kitchen installation. A state-of-the-art, large outdoor kitchen can quickly become an expensive investment that may not align with your budget. Still, a simple, good quality grilling station is available for as little as $6,000. Knowing what you’re willing to spend will determine how advanced your outdoor kitchen can be. 

To learn more about outdoor kitchen installation, visit the JM Mento Landscape Design Services page and schedule a free consultation today! 

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