Now that you are ready to turn your dream of an outdoor kitchen into a reality, you understandably want your space to be perfect in every way. You don't want to build your kitchen only to regret not having certain features available. While the highlight of our outdoor kitchen will be the grill, other features are equally important. One of the must-have features for an outdoor cooking area is a hydration station. Why should you include this feature in your design?
1. Hydration
Whether you are enjoying a quiet lunch outdoors with family or you are entertaining your friends and neighbors, you need plenty of water to stay hydrated. While sodas and alcoholic beverages may be part of your entertainment plans, you will need to hydrate with water as well. With a hydration station, water is only a few steps away. Everyone has easy access to water when they want it and without leaving the festivities.
2. Personal Hygiene
Personal hygiene is just as important outdoors as it is indoors. When you are cooking, washing your hands is essential for your health. You need to wash your hands before you start cooking as well as after handling raw meat. Often, people walk away from the grill for a few minutes to play catch with the dog, toss a frisbee with friends, or enjoy the outdoors in other ways. Washing hands afterward and before you handle the food again is important for the sake of hygiene.
3. Food Prep
In addition to washing your hands while cooking in your outdoor kitchen, you usually need water to actually do the cooking. Water is a common ingredient in many side dishes is necessary for rinsing veggies before tossing them on the grill. In addition, water is needed to rinse off cookware in between uses, such as if you are using the same spoon or fork for two different dishes.
4. Cleaning Up
Whether you prepare a cheeseburger for one or a barbecue feast for a dozen of your closest friends, you will have at least a few dishes to clean afterward. These include the cookware and utensils used to prepare the foods as well as the utensils and plates used by you and your guests. A large sink is the perfect place to wash up after the party ends.
5. Convenience
When you are entertaining or simply relaxing outdoors with loved ones, the last thing that you want to do is traipse back and forth each time you need water. Between filling up water glasses to stay hydrated, washing your hands after putting the burgers on the grill, accessing water to prepare a few side dishes, and more, you could be in and out of the house numerous times instead of outdoors with your family and friends.
Your new outdoor kitchen will transform how you enjoy your backyard. A hydration station enhances the functionality of your kitchen and elevates comfort and safety outdoors. As you plan your outdoor kitchen design, choose features that add true value and function to the space.
