Cooking Outdoors Safely
Outdoor Kitchen Means Fun
As the summer winds down people across America get ready for that magical time of year that brings families together to celebrate the greatest of American traditions. A time when all people come together regardless of their differences to celebrate a common bond. A time when all the cares of the year to date melt away and the focus is turned on something greater than the petty concerns of everyday life. I am referring of course to football season.
Nothing signifies the change of seasons more so than the first football game in September and even the most casual fan (and a handful of internet memes) will tell you, “One does not simply watch football”. There is a strict protocol that goes into your perennial pigskin preparation and while it may end on the gridiron it starts on the grill. No football gathering is complete without burgers, brats, or BBQ and there’s no better way to prepare them than a fully stocked outdoor kitchen.
Back in the days before face masks and free agents a simple charcoal grill may have done the trick but this isn’t your granddaddy’s NFL and your granddaddy’s grill won’t do either. But before you find yourself in a DIY nightmare there are some things to consider. There are 4 materials commonly used to construct frames (concrete, brick, wood, and steel) and all have different pros and cons. Concrete has the advantage of being molded into virtually any desired shape provided you have the equipment and the know-how to put it all together which makes it one of the more versatile materials to use. It also is very sturdy and durable and will not require much in the way of weather proofing. The downside to concrete is that most people do not want the concrete blocks to show and thus it requires additional decorative masonry which can be a time-consuming task. Brick is a nice alternative to concrete in that it offers similar durability and versatility without the additional decorative work assuming that a brick surface is what you want. Steel offers the most durability but can limit the customization a bit. Finally we have wood which can provide a beautiful natural look to your outdoor kitchen but requires weather treatment and fire-proofing (pressure-treated pine is always a good choice). Regardless of the material you use a stainless steel sleeve should always be used to properly encase your grill. Proper ventilation is extremely important to prevent your backyard barbecue from turning into a fall bonfire! Another step that goes a long way in preventing a very dangerous disaster is to make sure that you have immediate access to gas shut off valves in case of an emergency.
If this seems like too much to have to think about when trying to build this yourself that’s because it is! Building an outdoor kitchen is a complicated and potentially dangerous venture which is why you should always have a qualified specialized builder construct your garden galley. It is too easy to find stories of full-blown house fires caused by shoddy construction and careless contractors that have little to no experience with this type of work.
So this upcoming football season as you get ready to enjoy (or lament) your regular Sunday traditions always remember your basic culinary safety tips (never leave cooking food unattended, always double check that your heat supply is completely turned off after the cooking is complete) and make sure you call your local outdoor kitchen supplier to install your patio masterpiece and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the gridiron gourmet you’ve always dreamed of being!