Analysts expect the market for outdoor kitchen equipment to be worth $780 million by 2024. Are you among the growing number of Americans considering high-end kitchens outdoors?
An outdoor kitchen has many benefits for you and your home. From entertaining to enjoying time with your family, you can get more from your outdoor space with a kitchen.
Stainless steel kitchens have many advantages for use outside. Learn more about stainless steel and why it could be the foundation of your dream kitchen.
Benefits of Stainless Steel for Outdoor Kitchens
Stainless steel’s properties make it ideal for high-end kitchens outdoors. It is durable, easy to maintain, and environmentally friendly.
Excellent Durability
Your outdoor kitchen needs to withstand the elements and the wear and tear of cooking and everyday use.
Stainless steel is weather-resistant and will withstand UV rays.
Stainless steel is very durable. It won’t warp like wood, and it doesn’t allow moisture to seep inside.
Stainless steel is more rust-resistant than other metals. It resists impacts and corrosion, is fireproof, and can withstand very high temperatures.
Non-Reactive Surface
Stainless steel is a non-reactive metal. You can cook acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, and vinegar without damaging the surface, and stainless steel won’t change the food’s color, flavor, or fragrance.
This gives stainless steel an advantage over other metals like aluminum and iron.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
Stainless steel surfaces don’t absorb dirt, food, or odors. Oils, acids, drinks, and other substances that could mark wooden counters won’t set on stainless steel. You can clean stainless steel with mild soap and warm water.
You can use products intended for stainless steel to get the best shine and protection.
Good Hygiene
Stainless steel is non-porous. It resists germs and bacteria better than wood or plastic surfaces.
A clean surface can remove contaminants. Stainless steel resists external factors like dents and cuts that would allow germs to penetrate the surface. For these reasons, stainless steel is a popular choice for uses including commercial food production, industrial production, and medical equipment.
Environmentally-Friendly
Stainless steel kitchens are sustainable. Stainless steel is fully recyclable.
Its durability means you won’t need to replace your cabinets or countertops as often. You prevent material from entering the landfill.
Because stainless steel is easy to clean, you use fewer cleaning supplies. You can clean stainless steel using natural products like vinegar and hot water.
Types of Stainless Steel for Your Kitchen
When designing your new outdoor kitchen or kitchen remodel, different grades and gauges of stainless steel are available. If the metal doesn’t have the right hardness or thickness, you could end up with unsightly scratches or dents.
304 Stainless Steel
304 stainless steel is the most common for kitchens. The alloy contains a high nickel and chromium content, making it very corrosion-resistant.
It’s an austenitic grade of stainless steel, which means that in addition to its corrosion and heat resistance, it is not magnetic.
316 Stainless Steel
316 stainless steel is another austenitic grade. 316 steel contains molybdenum, which gives it even higher corrosion resistance than 304 steel. It will withstand salt water and other chemicals.
If you plan an outdoor kitchen for a coastal home, 316 stainless steel is usually the best choice.
Gauges of Stainless Steel
The gauge refers to the thickness of stainless steel. In contrast to what you might expect, a lower gauge is thicker.
For example, 14-gauge stainless steel is much more durable than 22-gauge stainless steel. The thickness of a 14-gauge stainless steel is 0.0751 in., while a 22-gauge stainless steel is only 0.0293 in.
Finishing Options for Stainless Steel
Outdoor stainless steel kitchens can add aesthetic value to your home and be practical and durable. You can choose from several finishing options.
Orbitally polished stainless steel has a warmer appearance. It makes fingerprints and minor scuffs harder to see. Brushed stainless steel has a similar effect.
A mirror finish is highly reflective. It has a brighter, more contemporary look.
Powder coating allows you to choose from a variety of colors or realistic wood grains. It provides a protective seal on the stainless steel surface and makes the surfaces easier to clean.
Using Stainless Steel in Your Outdoor Kitchen
You can feature stainless steel in many ways in the design of your outdoor kitchen. The options include stainless steel appliances, grills, cabinets, and countertops.
Several kitchen layouts work well for stainless steel kitchens outdoors. Depending on your available space, you may prefer an L-shaped, U-shaped, or island kitchen layout.
L-Shaped Kitchen
An L-shaped kitchen is a practical and timeless design. The basic L-shaped kitchen has two legs of base cabinets covered with countertops. One leg is usually shorter than the other, creating the “L” shape.
L-shaped kitchens are efficient for small and medium spaces. They allow minimal through traffic, making outdoor food preparation easier.
U-Shaped Kitchen
A U-shaped kitchen offers plenty of storage and counter space. It has cabinets and countertops on three sides, creating a “U” shape.
U-shaped kitchens are a good choice if two or more people will be cooking at the same time. They also work well for entertaining.
Island Kitchen
An island kitchen has a large work surface or storage area in the middle. You can design the island as a cooking surface, a food preparation area, a bar, or a place to enjoy meals.
Island kitchens let you create a natural traffic flow. The island can be a work and social area for your family and guests.
Cost of Stainless Steel Kitchens
A stainless steel kitchen is among the more expensive types of high-end kitchens you can choose for your kitchen renovation or new installation. The grade and gauge of the metal determine the price, as do the design and installation.
Stainless steel cabinets usually cost more than high-end wood varieties. Stainless steel countertops are around the same price as granite.
Stainless steel is a durable and long-lasting choice. By investing in it, you’re investing in quality you can pass on to your children.
Designing Your Outdoor Stainless Steel Kitchen
A new kitchen installation or kitchen remodel gives you the chance to design the outdoor kitchen of your dreams. Stainless steel kitchens have many advantages outdoors. You get durability, functionality, and timeless aesthetic appeal.
Whether you’re looking for a bar area or a gourmet chef’s kitchen, Dell Outdoor has the expertise to exceed your expectations. We know that high-end kitchens aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll work with you to design and install the luxury kitchen you’ve been imagining.
Contact us today or come visit our showroom and let’s create your ideal outdoor living space.