People with outdoor kitchens love to be outdoors. They love to entertain, whether it’s their own family or a huge group of people. So packing everything up at night or if the weather turns chilly isn’t a great option. This is where something like an outdoor fireplace can really make the space extra usable. You can have a fireplace next to your built-in outdoor kitchen, or it can be a pit in the backyard where people can gather around on cool days or evenings and keep enjoying the party.
You can choose between a fire pit, a free-standing fireplace, or a fireplace that’s on a patio or deck that has to have ventilation installed through the roof. Obviously, the size of your budget will have a lot to do with your choice. The backyard fire pit is the least expensive, and can often be a satisfying do-it-yourself project. Building a small round or square pit is something that can be done in a day by someone with basic handyman and tool skills. There are plans and instructions for these pits from simple to complex, and from inexpensive to costly. A masonry fireplace that sealed tightly by closable fireplace doors will give you more control over airflow and the ultimate heat of the flame.
You can also build a backyard hearth or fireplace that’s freestanding. This takes a bit more know-how and skill, and lacking that you can purchase one already built. And then there’s the built-in option. If you have a covered deck or patio where you enjoy your outdoor kitchen setup and want a hearth, you can have one installed that vents up through the overhang and the roof, just like a regular fireplace. You can add any number of other fireplace accessories too for additional effect. This adds charm and beauty to the space and provides that cozy feeling when the weather’s cool.
It’s costlier because of the venting and because you’ll need professional installation to make sure it’s safe. But then you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor kitchen in cooler weather and even curl up in front of the outdoor fireplace while outdoors.