5 Reasons To Choose a Custom Outdoor Kitchen

Custom Outdoor kitchen VS Modular Unit 

We look at 5 reasons we are the pro custom outdoor kitchens and why you should be too.

1: Custom Cabinetry is Made to Measure.

One of the most significant benefits of a custom kitchen is just that. They’re custom. It doesn’t matter what your space is, shape, size or location between walls, galley style, L-shape or Island. When designing a custom kitchen, you’re planning a kitchen with your space and what you need in mind. When buying a modular unit, you’re buying set-sized components that will be best placed in your alfresco area.

This isn’t to say a modular kitchen isn’t practical; it will get the job done; however, when designing your kitchen, you’re going to be able to address your concerns as opposed to a generic off-the-shelf item. That freedom of choice stands as the biggest attraction for a custom-built outdoor kitchen because if you love a big cook-up with the lot, then a modular unit with generic appliances may not be the answer.

You know your home, and you know better than any manufacturer what will work best for you. Modular units have their benefits, but you lose the ability to make cabinets that reflect how you want to use your space.

2: A Wider Choice Of Outdoor Appliances.

Following the freedom of choice theme is the ability to compare, mix, match, and choose the right appliances for your Outdoor Kitchen. We have seen many combinations of instruments and designs. Not too many are the same, and not too many people have the exact needs. We have clients who have a metre long space, with the only request being a barbecue and some purpose-built cabinetry to contain particular items.

We can tailor a BBQ to suit the space and needs of each happy customer. Already have a barbecue, or have your eye on one in particular? Both are easily incorporated into a design so that you won’t be doubling up and spending unnecessarily. We use barbecues as an example as this is the most common item used. However, this can be applied to any appliance you already own or wish to build. Modular units come with a range of barbecues and fridges and maybe something extra if you’re lucky and willing to pay a bit more.

We keep coming back to the freedom of choice in many of our points in this post because that is an essential factor that affects almost every concern you’ll encounter when looking for something to fill the space in your alfresco area.

3: Add Real Value to Your Home

With a custom solution, you’re designing a kitchen specifically for the space it will live in. Everything is hooked up, and you have a custom piece of joinery that has instantly added value to your home. With outdoor living a significant factor for new home buyers, a fully functional Outdoor Cooking Centre will add considerable value to your biggest asset. A pretty good investment.

The Australian BBQ culture is only growing, and a fully functional kitchen that blends seamlessly into the home's design will make you envy neighbours and friends alike. Modular units can be removed upon sale and therefore are not seen as adding the value of custom-made built-in units.

4: Design Choice - Colours & Finishes

Whilst modular set-sized units generally have very few limited colour and finishing choices. Cabinet doors alone have a vast range of 60 colours and the option to powder coat a unique colour if you were feeling something incredibly distinctive. The finishes can also have a significant impact on your kitchen's overall look and feel. With a gloss finish, your cabinets will reflect light, opening up your space, whereas a matte finish is the opposite, reflecting no light.

A matte finish is a more modern and warmer feel with the added benefit of opening up the option of darker colours without the fear that it will soak up all the light and make your space feel small and cramped. A modular unit? You guessed it; it doesn’t have this freedom of choice. It may offer a finish for your cabinets, but you’ll get what you’re given. Corian and Dekton have an even more comprehensive range of options for your benchtop. 

5: Tailored Storage Solutions

Many people who come through our doors are surprised with their ability to tailor their storage to suit their personal needs. Yeah, you can do that. Like to store wine bottles? Or want to keep Instagram-worthy rows of organisational drawers for your cutlery and utensils? These are things that can be designed when you sit down to consult with a specialist. Because, honestly, this is the point of a custom outdoor kitchen. It’s not a generic unit rolled straight from the factory floor; it’s entirely 100% custom-made for you.

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We’d love to hear what you think on this topic. If you have any comments or questions, you can leave a comment or check out one of our social channels for more info.

Get a start on your Outdoor Kitchen by downloading our Outdoor Kitchen Design Guide Checklist: