How to Maintain Your Outdoor Kitchen

As the weather starts to heat up, more and more people are enjoying their beautiful outdoor kitchens in the sun. While most kitchen sets are relatively low maintenance compared to our everyday primary kitchens, it is still important to take care of it to make sure everything operates as normal. While outdoor kitchens see less use than indoor kitchens, they require special care in a few areas as they are always out being weathered.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your outdoor kitchen will ensure you get many, many years of enjoyment out of it, and most things you could do are pretty simple! Below are a few tips you can start doing today to care for your outdoor kitchen.

1. Remember to Clean the Grills

While it’s easy to give your grill a quick brush and maybe a swipe before tossing on some burger patties, it is important to make sure the other parts of the grill are also operating as intended. Parts such as burners, valves, and hoses should be checked up on occasionally, especially if you have a gas grill. Use a stiff brush to clean particles off the burner after cooking.

Depending on the material, grill hoses can contract and expand in response to changing seasons even if they aren’t being directly exposed to the elements of nature. Be sure to check them for any splits or cracks before cooking.

2. Check Up on Your Fireplace

If you’re lucky enough to have a fireplace to your outdoor kitchen, make sure to devote some time to maintaining it. Your fireplace may never be completely “clean”, and that’s fine, but you should make sure it is free of debris. Regularly remove ashes from your fireplace to insure they don’t get weathered in. Also consider purchasing a cover for your chimney to protect it from potential water damage and debris. For good measures, we recommend cleaning out the chimney once a year, or at least give it a thorough inspection.

3. Wipe Down the Countertops

Probably the easiest thing on this list, be sure to wipe down your countertops after a good grilling session. If your kitchen employs materials such as granite or marble, make sure to wipe the whole surface down, not just the area that was in use. While granite or marble surfaces may look smooth, they are porous, meaning they have tiny holes in them and can more easily stain. While rain and sun can prevent staining, it is best practice to wipe the countertops after every use.

A beautiful outdoor kitchen is not only a sound financial investment to increase the value of your home, but also a commitment to spending quality time with friends and family. If you need any assistance with maintaining your outdoor kitchen or are looking to expand it, feel free to give us a call. We have had over 20 years of experience working with outdoor kitchen and can cater you to your every need!