Outdoor Kitchens in Colorado

In Colorado, summer is a blast, but as Halloween approaches, we all start to dread the first snow. And winterizing everything with plumbing outdoors. That’s why our approach to kitchen design and build is to maximize efficiency and plan designs accordingly to reduce maintenance and wear and tear of your beautiful outdoor spaces.

What is a Summer Kitchen?

A summer kitchen is a separate cooking space typically located outdoors or in a detached building adjacent to a main house. It's designed to provide a place for cooking and preparing meals during the warmer months, particularly in regions where indoor kitchens can become uncomfortably hot in summer.

Summer kitchens often feature basic cooking facilities such as a stove, grill, or open fire pit, along with counter space for food preparation. They may also include amenities like sinks, refrigerators, and storage cabinets. Additionally, some summer kitchens are equipped with seating areas or dining spaces to accommodate outdoor entertaining.

Traditionally, summer kitchens were common in rural areas or on large estates where they served as a practical solution for keeping the main house cool and minimizing indoor cooking odors during hot weather. However, in modern times, they are often built for recreational purposes, providing an enjoyable outdoor cooking experience for homeowners and their guests.

How is a Summer Kitchen Different from an Outdoor Kitchen?

A summer kitchen and an outdoor kitchen share similarities but also have some distinctions:

1. Location and Purpose:

   • Summer Kitchen: Historically, summer kitchens were designed specifically to provide a cooler cooking environment during the warmer months. They were often separate structures from the main house, providing relief from indoor heat and cooking odors.

   • Outdoor Kitchen: An outdoor kitchen is a more general term that refers to any kitchen space located outside the main house. While they can also be used in summer, outdoor kitchens are not necessarily designed specifically for this purpose. They can be used year-round for outdoor cooking and entertaining.

2. Structure and Design:

   • Summer Kitchen: Traditionally, summer kitchens were often small, simple structures with basic cooking facilities such as a stove or grill. They might have minimal amenities and were primarily focused on functionality.

   • Outdoor Kitchen: Outdoor kitchens can vary widely in size and complexity. They can range from simple setups with a grill and countertop to elaborate, fully equipped cooking spaces with features like sinks, refrigerators, pizza ovens, and outdoor bars.

3. Usage:

   • Summer Kitchen: Historically, summer kitchens were used mainly during the warmer months when indoor cooking would be uncomfortable. They were often less frequently used during cooler seasons.

   • Outdoor Kitchen: Outdoor kitchens can be used year-round, weather permitting. They're not limited to summer use and can be utilized for outdoor cooking and entertaining in any season.

4. Integration with the Main House:

   • Summer Kitchen: Summer kitchens were often separate from the main house, although they could be located nearby. They were designed to provide a distinct cooking space away from the main living areas.

   • Outdoor Kitchen: Outdoor kitchens can be integrated into various outdoor living spaces, including patios, decks, or poolside areas. They can be designed to complement the architectural style of the main house and blend seamlessly with outdoor entertaining areas.

In summary, while both summer kitchens and outdoor kitchens provide outdoor cooking spaces, summer kitchens historically served a specific seasonal purpose and were often simpler in design, while outdoor kitchens are more versatile and can be used year-round with a wider range of amenities and features.