12 Reasons to Have a Kitchen in Your Florida Outdoor Living Space

Advanced materials and manufacturing techniques now make it possible to create weatherproof, durable furniture and appliances, ensuring your outdoor kitchen addition is built to last, even in the Florida elements.

But why are so many homeowners opting for a custom outdoor kitchen, how much do outdoor kitchens cost, and what are some inspiring outdoor kitchen ideas for your home? You'll find these answers after reading about the benefits. Let’s explore!

Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen

Enhance Florida outdoor living with a custom summer kitchen for your Alachua County home. Need more convincing? Here are 12 reasons for building your own custom outdoor kitchen: 

1. It’s Absolutely Perfect for Entertaining

Outdoor kitchens are a lifestyle investment. They offer new opportunities for get-togethers, family celebrations, and just spending more time outdoors.

In addition to an outdoor kitchen, many homeowners opt to include a dining area and a lounge area. Consider adding a firepit nearby or a bar built on the outside of the kitchen to keep conversations going while you’re on the grill. 

2. Keeps the Mess of Cooking Outside 

By keeping the cooking and dining outdoors, your indoors will remain unscathed by all of the mess that comes with preparing a meal. If your outdoor kitchen includes a dishwasher, a fridge, and a separate set of cutlery and dishes, you can guarantee that your indoor kitchen will stay untouched from start to finish. Spills and splatters indoors won’t be a worry with an outdoor kitchen.  

3. Level Up Your Cooking Game

Cooking outdoors means that you can experiment with cooking techniques and equipment you may not want to use indoors because of mess and lingering odors.

Of course, using a grill isn’t an option indoors, but your outdoor cooking appliances could also include a deep fryer, a hibachi grill, a pizza oven, and a smoker. Make excellent birria tacos, wood-fired margherita pizza, chicken wings, and other dishes that you’d think twice about making in your main kitchen. 

4. Keep Odors Outside

We’ve all been there. You cook an amazing meal that everyone loves, but no one loves the smell that lingers in the upholstery for days afterward. Cooking outdoors alleviates any sacrifice you’ll have to make in order to cook your favorite foods. Keep the smells of grilling, roasting, or frying outdoors, where they’ll dissipate almost immediately. 

5. Host More People

Have you ever planned a special occasion or a casual gathering of friends and family, only to have to cap your invite list based on space? With an outdoor living space, complete with a kitchen, you’ll have the freedom to invite more of your crew over for outdoor hangouts.

Having an outdoor space for entertaining expands your indoor space drastically, especially if you install sliding glass doors or a pair of French doors that lead directly into your living room or indoor kitchen.

6. Expand Your Living Space

Speaking of connecting your indoor space with your outdoor space, connecting the spaces really does make your home feel twice the size. To really make the most of having these spaces side-by-side, incorporate lots of large windows on the wall between your indoor and outdoor living spaces, and have your designer include a large entry point, like a pair of doors. 

7. Increase Your Home’s Value

Outdoor kitchens are becoming wildly popular and add something special to your home in the eyes of a potential buyer. The ROI of an outdoor kitchen addition is anywhere from 55% to 80%, depending on your design and amenities. If adding value is a major factor, keep in mind what the average buyer is looking for in an outdoor kitchen. 

8. Increase Energy Efficiency Inside Your House

During the long, hot summer days in Central Florida, there are times when the idea of cooking a full meal in your kitchen and adding heat to your home’s interior sounds less than ideal. Outdoor summer kitchens solve this problem by keeping the added heat out of your home.

Without having to combat heat indoors, you’ll save on utility costs by not overusing your central cooling on a 90-degree day in August.

9. Spend More Time Outdoors

Everyone knows that spending more time outdoors is healthier than staying inside all day. However, that’s easier said than done when your backyard lacks activities that are worthwhile.

The mental health benefits of simply being outside as well as getting fresh air is enough to add some enticing features in your backyard. Take your regular activities outdoors with an outdoor kitchen, a sitting area with a TV, a firepit to sit around and enjoy the night sky, and some space for yard games. 

10. Feel More Connected

When you’re working to prepare food in your kitchen, chances are everyone else is in the living room or already outside on the deck. By incorporating your own custom outdoor kitchen into your outdoor space, you’ll feel more connected to your guests or family. Be a part of the activity and conversation while still getting your meal prepared. 

11. Increase the Comfort of Cooking Outdoors 

Chances are, you’re already grilling outdoors, but are also exposed to the hot Florida sun. With a covered outdoor kitchen, complete with fans and an exhaust fan to absorb some of the heat from cooking, you’ll be more comfortable doing something you already love. No more suffering in the heat to enjoy a good barbecue. You could also outfit your kitchen with heating to extend the usefulness of the space into the cooler months. 

12. Make Hosting More Comfortable

Let’s face it: hosting guests indoors can be a little uncomfortable. Outdoor hosting is inviting and less stressful than making sure every room in your home is spotless, has enough seating, and offers everyone entertainment. With a Bluetooth sound system and a TV in your outdoor living space, you’ll be able to keep your eyes on the food while socializing with neighbors and friends without all the pressure of hosting indoors. 

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Now that you know all of the benefits of having your own custom outdoor kitchen, you may be wondering what you would include in the space. Here are a few popular ideas for your Florida outdoor kitchen:

• Hibachi grill
• Smoker
• Dishwasher
• Plenty of storage
• Icemaker
• Bar
• Dining space for at least 8 people
• Range
• Surround sound for music or a television
• Pizza oven
• Teak, stone, or brick to frame and clad the kitchen

What Materials Are Best for Your Outdoor Kitchen in Florida?

The right materials can elevate both the beauty and functionality of your custom outdoor kitchen. Combining textures and finishes creates a personalized space that suits your style and withstands the Florida elements.

Mixing these materials adds character and practicality, giving you an outdoor kitchen design that’s both unique and built to last. Work with a design-build team to explore the perfect combinations for your dream space.

• For durability and a sleek look, stainless steel appliances pair beautifully with stone veneer or stucco finishes.
• Concrete blocks with stucco or paver blocks can create a sturdy base for your built-in grill.
• Travertine or tile adds elegance to floors and walls.
• For countertops, granite, soapstone, or marine-grade polymer ensures lasting strength against weather exposure.
• Natural stone and cedar accents further enhance the warmth and charm of your outdoor oasis.

Where Is the Best Place to Build Your Outdoor Kitchen?

The location of your custom outdoor kitchen should balance accessibility, safety, and style.

Consider traffic flow, proximity to existing structures like screen enclosures, and placement of components like a fire pit or built-in grill for proper airflow and functionality.

Ensure a solid foundation and account for weather conditions, trees or brush, and safety and maintenance requirements. Don’t forget permit approvals and HOA approval to keep the process smooth and stress-free.

How Much Does It Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen in Florida?

Determining the outdoor kitchen cost depends on size, location, and the features you choose. A basic patio setup might start around $5,000, while a luxury custom outdoor kitchen with high-end appliances and finishes can reach $50,000 or more. On average, homeowners invest about $15,000 in their Gainesville outdoor kitchen. 

Adding other structures, like a porch, pool house, or deck will of course add to your overall projects costs, but your quality of life will thank you!

Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Value?

In Gainesville, the ROI for an outdoor kitchen addition ranges from 55% to 80%, depending on the design and market demand. For a Florida outdoor kitchen, focus on balancing style and function—whether it’s for future buyers or your forever home.

Budgeting Tips for Your Outdoor Kitchen in Gainesville

When planning your custom outdoor kitchen, it’s essential to consider costs like plumbing and electricity, which will impact your budget but will likely be necessary to reach your design goals. Adding utilities for a built-in grill, sink, or refrigerator ensures functionality but requires proper planning.

Work with your design-build team to select cost-effective designs and materials while prioritizing key features that you don't want to skimp on, like durable outdoor countertops.

For a seamless addition, consider integrating a lanai screen enclosure or screened-in porch to enhance your outdoor oasis while boosting home value. 

Take Life Outside in Alachua County

Outdoor kitchens are becoming a staple of outdoor living in Central Florida. These outdoor spaces provide versatility in living, cooking, and entertaining, expanding your opportunities to make the most out of your home in Gainesville. 

Robinson Renovation & Custom Homes offers design-build services that can help you make a summer outdoor kitchen part of your lifestyle, whether you’re in the process of constructing a new custom home or remodeling your current home to increase its value, function, and overall appeal. Contact us to learn about the process and share your ideas for your own outdoor living dreams.