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As summer quickly approaches, wrapping up your outdoor kitchen plans will likely become a priority. As family gatherings and parties start to pop up on the calendar, you will want to bring your dream outdoor kitchen to life so you can entertain and relax with your loved ones in a comfortable and functional setting.
The type of outdoor kitchen setup that you’re going for will determine a handful of factors that go into making your space just the way you want it. If you opt for a package deal such as those from URBAN BONFIRE™ or Kalamazoo, you won’t have to worry about as many details, since they offer a host of ready-to-go options that eliminate the need for much research.
However, should you lean more toward the customized route, you must consider all the small yet important factors that go into completing your space, such as choosing doors for BBQ grills and other outdoor appliances. It’s one of those small but essential details one may not even think about, since the big appliances tend to vie for your attention. But the small details are just as important to pull it all together.
In this article, we’ll cover the following topics that involve choosing the right type of doors to complement your outdoor kitchen:
Choosing doors for BBQ grills and the rest of your outdoor kitchen will get you closer to enjoying your outdoor space with the family and hosting that party you’ve been thinking about for a while. Let’s dive in and explore all the aspects of choosing doors that contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal, storage, and basic functionality.
Piecing together your dream outdoor kitchen takes precious time and energy, so investing in solid, durable, and functional doors that can withstand the elements and the test of time is essential. There are a few key reasons you will want to ensure your outdoor kitchen includes adequate doors and cabinets, ranging from protection from the weather to storage and organization.
Protection from the elements
Outdoor kitchen doors on storage areas are crucial to protect your belongings against the weather and to keep unwanted visitors, like pests, at bay. Depending on your location and the location of your outdoor kitchen in relation to your house, your setup can experience a wide array of weather conditions, including rain, sun, wind, and even snow. All of these harsh elements can wreak havoc on your things if you don’t have sufficient doors for your outdoor kitchen.
While open concepts seem like a fun idea, there are better ideas for an outdoor kitchen. You can go wild with that plan inside, but you will want to ensure you have solid doors for any of your appliances outside to extend the life of your equipment. One rainstorm could compromise your tools and belongings and open up a slew of problems like mold and excess humidity.
Enhanced aesthetics
The doors of your outdoor kitchen and BBQ grill can also contribute to the overall aesthetics of your space. If you own a particular BBQ grill, you can find an accompanying door and handle to streamline your appliances and accessories. When you match the same brand as one of your major appliances, it provides a seamless blend with your chosen design style, whether modern, rustic, or traditional.
Pay attention to the color, texture, and finishes of the doors. They should complement the rest of your outdoor kitchen and create a cohesive and visually appealing look. Take the Hestan Professional 36” Stainless Steel Outdoor Double Sealed Pantry Storage Door, for example. They offer eclectic colors that pop, such as teal, orange, white, red, and many other color options—but with much fancier, fun names. Their Recessed Marquise™ accented panels with commercial-grade handles look sharp and are functional.
Storage and security
Why run back and forth into the house for spices or equipment when you can store all of your outdoor cooking essentials within your outdoor kitchen? One of the best parts about having proper storage built into your outdoor kitchen is the convenience and accessibility it provides, to let you quickly grab whatever you need on the fly as you’re cooking and entertaining.
You can choose doors equipped with shelves, compartments, and hooks to effectively stow away your utensils, cookware, tableware, tools, spices, or whatever else you tend to reach for as you enjoy time with your family and friends outside. Having the right doors that suit your entertaining or cooking needs provides protection from the elements and enhances the efficiency of a seamless cooking experience.
It’s crucial to have doors that seal properly to promote a hygienic cooking environment so your things stay protected. These doors are the gateway to your outdoor cooking equipment and essentials, so you need a solid door for safety and security.
Some units, like the Lynx Professional 42” Stainless Steel Door Drawer Accessory, even feature a locking mechanism, latching drawers, and an illuminated interior for doors and drawers, for extra safety and security.
Most outdoor kitchens feature a BBQ grill. Depending on your gas source, you may need gas tank storage to house your propane tank. Solid doors with a sliding tank tray are an excellent option for those who frequently barbeque and need to access their tanks easily. Having your tank tucked away nicely is not only more aesthetically pleasing, but it is safer too.
The Lynx Professional Sliding Tank Tray is an excellent example of this type of setup. Their tray lets you quickly and conveniently get to your liquid propane tank and works with a 30”, 42”, or 54” freestanding cart.
Choosing the correct type of doors for your BBQ grills and outdoor kitchen components is crucial, especially considering how exposed they are to heat and moisture. While fancy-looking wooden storage units would look nice, they would not hold up to the elements. They also pose a fire risk and tend to warp, swell, or rot over time.
Stainless steel is your friend for any outdoor appliances and accessories, and the doors you choose are no exception. Outdoor cooking can be a messy endeavor, and having doors that are easy to clean and maintain is essential.
Keep a lookout for doors with smooth surfaces and finishes that are resistant to stains, grease, and heat. Materials like stainless steel, especially 304 stainless steel, are durable and easy to wipe clean, ensuring that your doors maintain their sleek appearance with minimal effort. Investing in high-grade stainless steel will save you money over time, since it lasts longer than its weaker counterparts that need to be swapped out more often.
Whether your outdoor kitchen features an island or is flush against a wall, you will want storage options to house non-perishables and cooking tools. Here are the most common outdoor kitchen storage options for your space:
Access doors
Outdoor storage drawers
Outdoor door and drawer combos
Outdoor pull-out trash bins
Outdoor pantries
You can’t mention outdoor cooking without Coyote Outdoor Living products popping up. They offer a wide range of outdoor kitchen accessories that are both functional and appealing to the eye. This Coyote Outdoor Living 26” Stainless Steel Double Access Door offers a great example of Coyote Craftsmanship, complete with commercial-quality hinges and handles. All their doors, drawers, combination storage units, and other products are proudly constructed with 304 stainless steel, giving you the durability you want in an outdoor kitchen.
Brands like Wolf have many options to accommodate most outdoor spaces and are flexible with their access doors by offering left or right hinges. Their ergonomic handles are sophisticated and designed for comfort and ease of use, like their Wolf 18” Stainless Steel Left Hinge Single Access Door. You can never go wrong with a Wolf product. They’re a part of the Sub-Zero family and have been in the kitchen business for decades.
Another popular player in the outdoor kitchen game is Lynx. They offer everything from single storage drawers to trash and recycle bins that blend in beautifully with your outdoor kitchen space. They provide a versatile combination of door drawers to suit a wide variety of island styles and needs, including left or right hinge options. They also have a snazzy paper towel drawer to keep your paper towels fresh and accessible.
Investing in high-quality, solid, and functional doors for your outdoor kitchen and BBQ grill is always a wise decision that will serve you well in the long run. Not only do they offer protection, safety, and organization, but they also contribute to the overall beauty and functionality of your outdoor cooking space. Be sure to measure your appliances and the island where you will be installing doors to ensure a snug fit, so you can enjoy your outdoor culinary adventures with peace of mind and style.
At Atherton Appliance & Kitchen, we love a good outdoor kitchen and cannot wait to help you bring your vision to life! Now that you know what kind of doors to get for your outdoor kitchen, you are one step closer to serving meals al fresco with your friends and family. Please stop by our showroom or contact us today for any guidance you need as you bring your outdoor kitchen to life.