An Introduction to Summer Kitchens
A summer kitchen is an additional, detached cooking area typically located outdoors near the main house. Summer kitchens are designed to perform most normal kitchen duties like cooking, cleaning, and food preparation during warm weather months.
The main purpose of a summer kitchen is to keep the main house cooler by moving hot ovens and stoves outside. Before air conditioning, summer kitchens prevented overheating indoor spaces during summer's peak heat.
Brief History
Summer kitchens first emerged in the late 18th century on farms and large estates. Wealthy homeowners and plantation owners used separate summer cooking spaces to escape brutal summer heat. These summer work areas kept main homes cooler without indoor fires and stoves running.
Early summer kitchens also afforded extra space for food preparation when serving large gatherings and seasonal harvests. Multiple functions like cooking, cleaning, and laundry took place in these rustic outdoor sheds or detached kitchens.
Main Purposes and Functions
- Outdoor cooking during summer months
- Preventing main houses from getting too hot
- Providing extra space for food preparation
- Allowing messy or smelly cooking outdoors
- Giving households more flexibility and options
Key Features and Attributes
While varying in size and style, most summer kitchens share characteristic features that suit their specialized purpose.
Outdoor, Detached Locations
Summer kitchens sit outdoors, normally in backyards or patios, separate from the main home. This detached position prevents cooking fires, smoke, and odors from filling indoor living areas.
Independent Cooking Facilities
Equipped with full cooking setups, summer kitchens function apart from main home kitchens. These dedicated spaces boast appliances like grills, stoves, ovens, sinks, iceboxes, and sometimes dishwashers.
Extra Preparation and Storage
Summer kitchens offer ample countertops, tables, and storage for tackling large meal preparation. From butchering livestock to canning produce, these spaces accommodate major cooking projects.
Other Notable Attributes
- Helps regulate interior temperatures
- Adds flexibility for households
- Creates separate entertaining area
Benefits and Advantages
Beyond cooling homes, summer kitchens offer numerous benefits that explain their continued appeal over centuries.
Outdoor Cooking in Nice Weather
Summer kitchens let households enjoy pleasant outdoor cooking during warmer months without heating up indoor kitchens.
Accommodating Large Gatherings
Spacious summer kitchens easily handle major cooking for events like family reunions, holidays, or harvest celebrations.
Keeping Main Kitchens Clean
Smelly, messy duties like canning vegetables or preparing game stay confined to summer kitchen spaces.
Increasing Property Value
As unique home features, summer kitchens can boost real estate value for households that maintain these rustic spaces.
Providing Extra Entertainment Space
Beyond cooking, summer kitchens create flexible outdoor gathering spots for casual dining, parties, or relaxation.
Considerations and Drawbacks
While offering perks, summer kitchens also come with downsides to weigh before installing one.
Added Upfront and Maintenance Costs
Building a fully-equipped secondary kitchen represents a major investment, especially factoring in ongoing upkeep.
Furnishing and Stocking Another Kitchen
Households must purchase extras of appliances, tools, dishes, utensils, and pantry items to outfit summer kitchens.
Limited Use in Cold Weather
In cold northern regions with long winters, summer kitchen utility spans only late spring through early fall.
Keeping Multiple Kitchens Organized
Two separate cooking spaces can mean double the cleaning and organizational duties for households.
Insect and Pest Considerations
Outside locations make summer kitchens more vulnerable to ants, flies, mice, and other summer pests.
Design Elements and Options
Summer kitchen style and layouts tailor to needs, budgets, climates, and preferences. Here are main elements to address when designing one.
Size and Dimensions
Summer kitchens range widely from 100 to over 1,000 square feet. Consider factors like property size, usage demands, and number of desired amenities.
Doors, Windows and Ventilation
Ensure adequate airflow, lighting, and visibility via screened doors and windows. Add exhaust fans, vents or chimneys to manage smoke.
Functionality and Workflow
Map out an efficient kitchen triangle between main appliances, prep surfaces, storage areas, and serving spaces tailored to cooking habits.
Cabinetry, Counters and Islands
Include durable wood or weather-resistant surfaces for food prep, storage, clean up and ornamental touches.
Sinks, Faucets and Plumbing
Incorporate deep sinks, commercial faucets, and supply lines for water access (hot or cold) to support all culinary tasks.
Appliances and Amenities
Outfit with suitable stoves, ovens, grills, refrigerators, dishwashers, cabinets, lighting and electrical based on entertaining needs.
Building Materials and Construction
Summer kitchen structures suit both rustic and refined aesthetics using various finishes and building methods.
Wood, Brick and Stone
Rough-cut lumber, weathered brick, local stone or river rock exude a charming cottage or pastoral vibe.
Stucco, Tile and Concrete
Sleek stucco, ceramic tile, concrete, steel offer clean, contemporary alternatives with durability.Doors, Windows and Skylights
Install exterior-grade doors, screened windows and skylights to control climate factors like sunlight, airflow, bugs and rain exposure.
Insulation and Weatherproofing
Incorporate insulation, caulking, overlapping roof materials to maintain comfortable temperatures and protect interiors from elements.
Following Codes and Regulations
Adhere to zoning laws, homeowners' association guidelines, inspection requirements, and safety best practices for outdoor buildings.
Budgeting and Planning Costs
Constructing fully-functional summer kitchens constitutes a significant yet gratifying investment when built properly.
Size and Site Feasibility
Evaluate location variables like sunlight, views, distance to main house, and terrain challenges affecting project scope and pricing.Construction and Labor
Building a sturdy, lasting structure represents the largest cost component, spanning permitting, materials, excavation, foundation, framing, utilities, finishes, etc.Appliances and Equipment
Outfitting with stoves, sinks, cabinets, lighting, countertops and other gear can run tens of thousands depending on quality and styles selected.Furnishings and Decor
Further customize the space with attractive seating options, pendant lights, tile backsplashes, area rugs and ornamental exterior touches.Ideal Placement and Location
Pinpointing the optimal site and positioning enhances summer kitchen functionality and enjoyment.
Nearby Entertainment Areas
Build close to existing pool, patio, deck, garden or gazebo spaces to easily monitor kids playing while cooking.Favorable Sun and Wind Orientation
Factor in sunlight, breezes, views and noise to create the most comfortable setting for lingering outdoors.Away from Dense Woods or Brush
Allow adequate distance from overgrown areas prone to snakes, mice and insects from encroaching.Within Emergency Exit Radius
Ensure temporary sleeping quarters meet codes and safety standards regarding proximity to home exits.Creative Summer Kitchen Uses
Beyond cooking, innovative homeowners discover versatile applications for their outdoor kitchen spaces.
Al Fresco Dining
Furnish with a dining set, countertop bar stools, or casual seating to host outdoor breakfasts, dinners or happy hours.Cooling Off During Summer
Add ceiling fans, misters or loungers within summer kitchens to create refreshing respites from the afternoon heat.Crafting Food Preserves
Tackle labor-intensive canning, pickling and jarring projects in properly ventilated outdoor kitchens.Safe Firework Displays
The detached outdoor location allows for safer personal firework shows away from main homes on Independence Day or New Year's Eve.Creative Studios
Repurpose older summer kitchen spaces as art studios, music rooms, or tech-free reading nooks.Guest Houses or Bunkhouses
Some feature living accommodations above the cooking area for visiting relatives or additional dwelling quarters.Comparisons to Similar Spaces
At first glance, summer kitchens resemble other outdoor living spaces. Upon closer inspection, key differences emerge.
More Than Just Patios or Decks
Summer kitchens serve specific culinary functions beyond basic grilling, dining or lounging areas.Not Interchangeable with Gazebos
While gazebos accommodate outdoor relaxing, they lack built-in amenities for extensive cooking or storage.Different from Pool Houses
Pool houses mainly offer changing rooms, restrooms, and pool gear storage rather than full-scale kitchens.Distinct from Grilling Stations
Grilling areas feature simpler charcoal or gas grills compared to summer kitchens equipped with ovens, stoves, sinks, etc.Not Just For Gardening Like Sheds
Potting sheds house gardening tools and soil rather than cooking tools, appliances and prep areas.Determining if One's Right For You
As alluring as summer kitchens appear, they necessitate careful reflection around needs and long-term plans.
Considering Climate Conditions
Gauge your region's average summer temperatures, humidity, winds, and rain patterns first when deciding.Evaluating Lifestyle and Needs
Determine if your family hosts frequent large gatherings needing generous cooking capacity.Prioritizing Budget and Costs
Weigh all construction, maintenance, operation and convenience costs against expected benefits.Starting Small vs. Future Expansion
Consider initiating simpler grilling stations now with potential to add appliances and amenities later as needs grow.In summary, summer kitchens offer households supplemental cooking, prep and entertainment spaces during warmer months. These purpose-built outdoor structures prevent overheating indoor living areas. They accommodate larger gatherings through expanded capacity from extra appliances, generous countertops and storage. Summer kitchens do represent notable investments in terms of upfront building costs and ongoing maintenance. However, homeowners who regularly host large groups, cook extensively, or value rustic outdoor spaces may discover their unique advantages outweigh any extra costs and duties.
Through thoughtful design and strategic placement, modern summer kitchens continue demonstrating their practicality first pioneered back in 18th century homes. Their flexibility to serve many functions, from spill-over party spaces to hobby studios to bunkhouses, reveal why summer kitchens remain cherished additions among homeowners despite modern cooling and grilling conveniences.