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What are Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

Outdoor kitchen cabinets are cupboards located on the outside of the home such as on a deck near a barbecue. They can be made from many different materials, but unlike regular indoor cabinets, outdoor cupboards must be waterproof. Lower outdoor kitchen cabinets may feature a cooking area such as a grill on top.

Cook top cabinets may have shelves or drawers. Some cook top outdoor kitchen cabinets have warming drawers to allow batches of cooked food to stay hot when meals are being prepared for a large number of guests. Outdoor kitchens are usually featured in large backyards, such as those with a swimming pool. Kitchen cabinets are convenient to have near a barbecue and/or cook tops as dishes and other supplies can be stored neatly. Some people even store pool toys and towels in outdoor kitchen cupboards to keep the deck area tidy.

Outdoor kitchen cabinets are designed to be low-maintenance.
Outdoor kitchen cabinets are designed to be low-maintenance.

Storing tableware, napkins, barbecue seasonings and the like in outdoor cabinets saves homeowners the hassle of constantly transporting these items back and forth from the indoor kitchen to the sundeck. There are many storage options, as outdoor kitchen cabinets are sold in lower and upper styles. There are cabinets with recycling drawers built in, corner shaped cupboards and add-on shelf units that can fit on the side of an outdoor cabinet for extra storage. Lower cabinets with sinks allow homeowners the convenience of having an outdoor sink.

Some of the most popular materials used for outdoor kitchen cupboards include polymer, wood and stainless steel. Polymer is a strong acrylic that is available in many color options. Stainless steel outdoor kitchen cabinets can look stylish and the countertops may also be made of metal. Wood cabinets made for outside use tend to be available in white and lighter wood colors. Pale blue and taupe are popular outdoor kitchen color choices, but outside cabinets may be found in darker wood tones.

All of the different types of outdoor kitchen cabinets must be waterproof and feature weatherproof electrical sockets. Cabinets made for outside use also need to have tight-fitting doors and gutter type drainage areas on top. Outdoor kitchen cupboard units are designed to be low-maintenance. They're made to be hosed down or power washed to keep clean. Outside cabinet finishes need to be fade-resistant and stand up to the effects of rain, sun and wind.

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    • Outdoor kitchen cabinets are designed to be low-maintenance.
      By: Daniel Krylov
      Outdoor kitchen cabinets are designed to be low-maintenance.