Whether you're improving your home for its resale value or for your family's continued use and enjoyment, the addition of an outdoor kitchen is a surefire way to spice up your yard and embrace an outdoor workspace.
To many, an outdoor kitchen centers around a grill; in reality, this is just the beginning.
Like your indoor kitchen, many elements including style, design and cookware are at play outdoors.
Viking offers a range of appliances which will greatly enhance your outdoor cooking experience.
When deciding what kind of elements you are going to use in your outdoor kitchen, first decide how large you want it to be.
If you have the time and money to spend, a large and elaborate kitchen full of outdoor-safe cookware, countertops, sinks and appliances can really make your outdoor space shine.
If, on the other hand, you prefer a smaller and more intimate cooking experience, you need only choose the smaller versions of these appliances, and some omissions won't necessarily take away from the functionality too much.
Luckily, Viking's appliances come in many price ranges and sizes, one of which is sure to fit your outdoor kitchen needs.
Once you've decided how big your outdoor kitchen will be, you're going to want to pick your grill.
If you plan on having outdoor counters and other cooking space, you may want to opt for one of the types without a cart, the kind that can be installed into smaller enclosures.
This both personalizes your kitchen and allows you to tailor the kitchen to fit the grill or vice versa.
One great example comes from the Viking E-Series of grills.
The E-Series grills have fantastic amenities like "Flavor Generator Plates," rotisserie burners and halogen canopy lighting, just to name a few.
Another huge advantage to using many of Viking's grills are that they don't require insulated jackets when they're installed! Continuing on the large-scale side of things, you're also going to want to consider having a smoker.
Smokers, being mainly and outdoor cooking element, can find their home perfectly among the amenities of your outdoor kitchen.
Viking produces outdoor smokers in both freestanding and portable varieties to fit your needs.
Consistent and tenacious stainless steel on your smoker will match that of your grill nicely, adding a bit of coherency to your kitchen.
Many of Viking's smokers include "Gravity Fed" Charcoal technology and an "Elliptical Airflow System," allowing you to smoke like a professional.
If you're really into cooking or you just want to be sure that you can prepare anything when you're outside, the addition of a range-top or even a wok cooker can bring new dimensions to your cooking potential.
Even an amateur chef will find uses for these devices, which many times are no more complicated than those in your primary indoor kitchen.
The advantage to using an outdoor range-top is that you don't necessarily need all the high-end ventilation equipment that you do indoors when your inner-chef fires up the burners to full blast.
Viking's outdoor range-tops even have removable drip-trays to catch that falling food when you spill a bit.
In addition to range-tops like these, you may occasionally want to use your outdoor kitchen for some more traditional oven cooking.
Thankfully, there are agency certified, built-in outdoor gas ovens for just this purpose.
Viking's ovens also have natural airflow baking functions, which allow you to make side-dishes and desserts to go perfectly with your grilled entrees.
If you decide that an outdoor kitchen close to your house or even under a deck is the best option, there are actually outdoor ventilation hoods that can help you circulate the air and keep heat from building up on certain parts of your home.
Viking's Outdoor Hood even has a heat sensor so it knows when to turn on or off.
Not to mention, it features the same stainless steel finish as the rest of Viking's appliances, giving a sharp and modern look to your kitchen.
If you're really brave and are completely building your outdoor kitchen on your own there are plenty of great do-it-yourself articles online that can guide you.
If all of this seems a little much to you, don't worry.
You can always get the same quality of grill on a cart.
Carts for grills nowadays can have amazing functionality to them, from simply a place to store propane to range space, counter-space on either side, and some even have smokers underneath them.
Once you have your cookware and countertop space figured out, don't forget to look at sinks and cupboards as well.
More under-counter space will let you keep more utensils, grill tools, plates and the like outside so you can make less trips back to the kitchen.
On the same note, you may also want to consider and outdoor sink.
Many of them are very easy to install and maintain and they let you wash and dry your dishes right at the site of usage.
If convenience is a high priority for you, then don't forget about the refrigerator.
Fridges come in many sizes, including small enough to fit under your countertops.
These refrigerators can hold your steaks, dogs and burgers until you're ready to cook.
They also work great for storing condiments and drinks while you're cooking.
All of these elements may not be entirely necessary for every situation but if you have the room and the budget you'll really want to go all out.
Remember to check prices online and comparison shop for your viking appliances and don't be afraid to ask the dealer to price match.
After you've figured out all of the actual cooking variables, don't forget about the most important part of that process: eating it! Select a table and chairs to match your new kitchen, and don't forget to leave a couple chairs for the neighbors that are sure to flock to the sight and smell of your new outdoor kitchen.