Humor me for a moment.
It has been a long week. You arrive home on a Friday late afternoon from work.
Normally, what would you be doing?
I imagine it’s usually one of two things…
Order a pizza for the family. The kids may be happy but you’re really regretting those garlic knots. The carb load hits you and all you have the energy left for is putting the kids to bed and falling asleep in front of the TV with your spouse.
Or…
Take the family to Applebee’s or another chain restaurant. You wait for a table, eat food you really wish you didn’t, then decide to get dessert anyway. You come home smelling like greasy food, and just like last weekend, that carb load sends you straight to bed. Unfortunately, this sleep isn’t very restful considering your kids are bouncing off the walls from that ice cream sundae sugar rush.
Sound familiar?
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While this may have become your weekly ritual, I imagine this is not exactly… Fulfilling for you.
You want more out of your leisure time.
Imagine this…
You arrive home on a Friday after a long week of work.
You hop into some comfortable clothes and pour a glass of wine or crack open a beer.
6:30 rolls around and another family arrives. It’s time to fire up the grill in your outdoor kitchen.
By 7:15 you have a fresh, delicious meal ready. Everyone is seated together at the bar island. The sound of silverware clinking on plates is the main conversation – the food is so good there’s no need to talk. Even the kids are strangely… quiet.
After dinner, the guests strike up a few games of cornhole and the kids play in the yard while you shut down the grill and wrap up leftovers. It only takes a few minutes to clean up and you play a round yourself.
8:30 approaches and you’re enjoying a post-dinner cocktail or beer off the tap. It’s almost dusk, so you turn on your fireplace.
With full stomachs and hearts, the party drifts over to your fireplace. It’s a seamless transition. Friendly faces warmed by the fire and lively conversation last well into the night.
The glow of that evening persists throughout the whole weekend. Time with family and friends, breaking bread together is vastly more fulfilling than the usual Friday evening.
Best of all?
All of that community was achieved in the comfort of your own home.
And that’s just one reason you may want to consider adding an outdoor kitchen with fireplace to your backyard.
Read on to see more of these benefits.
FOUR BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN
There are many more than four benefits of an outdoor grill island.
Today, we want to focus on four benefits that stand out to the family wanting to make the best of their weekend time.
Let’s get started.
BENEFIT 1: THE EXPERIENCE OF COOKING USING AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Preparing food on the grill is an event.
First thought goes into what you want to prepare. Steak, burgers, thai peanut chicken kabobs, hot dogs, grilled veggies, etc. There’s a lot of room for culinary creativity when cooking outdoors.
Then veggies have to be chopped, meats have to be marinated, and there’s side dishes to be prepped.
You may be thinking, “that sounds like a lot of work”.
Believe me, it’s not!
Cooking with an outdoor kitchen will make an enthusiastic chef out of even the most reluctant home-cook.
There’s something about being and cooking outdoors that makes food preparation an almost meditative experience.
Shaping burgers and chopping vegetables feels as natural as the grass or stone you stand on. And, might I add, slicing onions is vastly less tear-jerking than doing so inside.
Plus, cooking outdoors is a family affair.
Cooking with an outdoor kitchen is a beautiful way to teach your kids how to cook. The time you share cooking together are memories your children will hold dear for the rest of their lives.
And maybe if they come to enjoy cooking… One day your kids will be making dinner for you! How’s that for a return-on-investment?
BENEFIT 2: OUTDOOR KITCHENS MAKE COOKING OUTDOORS EASIER
We all love a process made easy.
Having an outdoor kitchen makes the cooking experience more enjoyable and effortless.
If you simply have a grill in the backyard, you can probably relate to the annoyance of having to constantly run in and out of the house for things.
There’s no place to put uncooked/cooked food, nowhere to put condiments, no place for cooking utensils, and worst of all… No place to put your beer.
It’s simply a nightmare.
Don’t worry, I won’t make you fess up to the countless burgers that fell to the ground due to a lack of space… Then served anyway because, well, the 5 second rule and all. We’ll keep that between you and me.
The fact is, having inadequate space when cooking outdoors is disastrous. You drop things, you make a mess, food gets wasted, and you waste time. Sounds more stressful than enjoyable.
Compare this to an outdoor kitchen…
You have a full countertop with ample space to fit everything and more. Uncooked food, cooked food, side dishes, utensils, and of course, your beer.
Maybe you have a refrigerator to store condiments and refreshments.
Maybe you have a sink to quickly wash your hands after prepping dinner.
Maybe you have doors and drawers to store utensils and other cooking notions.
Sounds much better, doesn’t it?
You have everything you need, where you need it, when you need it.
With an outdoor kitchen, you end up spending less time and make less of a mess.
End result?
Better food.
Not only is the food better. It’s healthier.
BENEFIT 3: FOOD COOKED USING AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN IS HEALTHIER
Who loves food that tastes incredible and also happens to be healthy?
Everybody, that’s who.
When you cook your own food on your outdoor kitchen, you can kiss goodbye the nights laying awake regretting every bite you ate of that pizza.
Why?
You control the ingredients.
Despite all the marketing, restaurant food is riddled with unhealthy ingredients. Preservatives, MSG, thickening agents, unhealthy oils, excessive sodium…
The list goes on and on.
It’s all of those added ingredients and vegetable oils that make you feel like you got hit by a truck.
When you cook your own food using an outdoor kitchen, these ingredients are automatically eliminated. Obviously, steak and veggies are not a natural source of MSG and soybean oil.
The ingredients are more fresh, more pure, more healthy… And it just tastes… better.
Does it get any better than that?
Maybe.
If you’re thinking this possibly couldn’t get any better… Hold on. It does.
BENEFIT 4: COOKING USING AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN WILL SAVE YOU MONEY
You read that right.
Aside from the initial investment, in the long run, an outdoor kitchen will save you money on food.
Just think about it.
How often are you ordering delivery, takeout, or going out to eat? Depending on what you order and the tip you leave, you can easily spend $50-100 for a family. In one night.
That’s a big chunk of change.
For some households, $100 accounts for almost a week’s worth of groceries.
By swapping out your weekly restaurant outings with cooking at home on the outdoor kitchen, you can save a lot of money.
No gas spent driving, no overpriced food bought, no delivery guy or waitress to tip.
Just your family having a fun time at home grilling wholesome, fresh food that didn’t break your wallet.
Sounds like a good deal to me.
With all that money saved skipping takeout, perhaps you’re interested in adding an outdoor kitchen with fireplace to your backyard living space.
START PLANNING YOUR NEXT BACKYARD PROJECT
FOUR BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR Fireplace
Now that we’ve sung the praises of outdoor kitchens, it’s time to do the same with outdoor fireplaces.
Like outdoor kitchens, there are many more than four benefits.
We’re just giving you a taste to pique your interest.
Let’s dive in.
BENEFIT 1: AN OUTDOOR FIREPLACE IS THE FOCAL POINT OF YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
When you bring an outdoor fire feature to your backyard, it becomes the focal point of your outdoor living space.
People are drawn to the soft glow of a fire. It’s human nature.
Having an outdoor fireplace adds an elegance and refinement far above that of the typical bonfire pit. It elevates your outdoor living space, commanding attention from every angle.
An outdoor fire feature will create the luxurious aesthetic many of us crave.
Better yet, it’s ideal for entertaining.
BENEFIT 2: AN OUTDOOR FIREPLACE FOR GATHERING, ENTERTAINMENT, AND CONVERSATION
Seeing as the outdoor fireplace is the focal point of your backyard living space… It only makes sense that it will become the center of attention when you are entertaining.
Just like how hungry guests will hover over the outdoor kitchen, they will likewise circle around the fireplace as the evening progresses.
An outdoor fireplace is the perfect transition piece to keep the party going well into the evening.
Family and friends can all take a seat around the fire and chat the night away.
Some of the best memories are formed telling silly ghost stories to the kids around a fire. It’s pure summer bliss that allows us to soak up every possible moment of this too-short season.
Entertaining is simply a pleasure with the addition of an outdoor fire feature.
A fire feature isn’t just limited to entertaining, it is also quite soothing.
BENEFIT 3: AN OUTDOOR FIREPLACE FOR A SOOTHING AMBIANCE
Humans gravitate towards fire.
It’s a part of our nature passed on from ancestors for thousands of years. It’s a symbol of warmth, protection, and a source for cooking.
When gathered around a fire we give way to these primal instincts. Adults and children alike are fascinated by watching the flames dance.
The natural light emitted from a fireplace is soothing. The warm glow is easy on the eyes, helping to relax and calm our minds.
We can easily spend the whole night entranced by a fire. From my perspective, watching the fire with family is a far better way to unwind than sitting in front of the TV.
Watching a fire taps into our natural instincts and seems to unravel all the stresses we bear throughout the week.
When you finally decide to extinguish the fire and head to bed, you are perfectly calm. You notice when you wake up in the morning, you feel refreshed and ready to take on the day.
It’s a beautiful thing.
You know what else is beautiful about an outdoor fire feature?
BENEFIT 4: AN OUTDOOR FIREPLACE AS A SOURCE OF WARMTH AND COMFORT
I’ve already mentioned the deep connection between humans and fire.
Therefore, it is no surprise we value fire as a source of warmth and comfort.
I think the definition of the Danish word, “hygge” describes it perfectly.
Hygge: a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.
Imagine your family gathered around the fire, each wrapped in a blanket with slippers on and sipping on a warm beverage.
Doesn’t get much more cozy or ‘hygge’ than that!
Best of all, the addition of an outdoor fire feature to your yard extends the season.
Having a warm fire in your backyard living space makes it much more comfortable to be outside as the weather begins to cool down and fall sets in.
The more we can enjoy the outdoors, the better.
That’s why you may want to consider having an outdoor kitchen with fireplace in your backyard.
THREE BENEFITS OF AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH FIREPLACE
BENEFIT 1: AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH FIREPLACE EXPANDS YOUR LIVING SPACE
Contrary to what you may think, an outdoor grill island and fireplace actually increases your living space.
This isn’t about the amount of space they will take up in your yard.
It’s about the usable space you gain from installing them.
By adding an outdoor kitchen and fireplace to your yard, you effectively add another room to your home.
Your backyard is transformed into a kitchen / dining / living area that provides you with endless enjoyment… All in the beauty of the outdoors.
Expanding your living space is just the first benefit of having an outdoor grill island and fire feature.
BENEFIT 2: AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN FIREPLACE DESIGN INCREASES HOME VALUE
If you’re looking for an investment that will bump up the value of your home, look no further.
The market is competitive and you want your home to command the highest price possible when it comes time to sell.
An outdoor kitchen with fireplace is a unique and desirable feature that sets your home apart from the rest.
An elegant and refined outdoor living space will bump up the market value of your home and garner you a nice return on your investment.
You can be sure this is an addition to your home that will be well worth it in the long run.
Of course, an outdoor kitchen and fireplace isn’t all about home value. It’s about creating the ultimate entertainment space.
BENEFIT 3: AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH FIREPLACE AS THE ULTIMATE ENTERTAINMENT SPACE
Touching on a point from earlier, adding an outdoor kitchen and fireplace to your yard expands your living space. You effectively create an outdoor room.
This outdoor room becomes the ultimate entertainment space.
An outdoor grill island and fire feature pulls your family away from the TV and into the great outdoors.
We have genuine conversations and connect face-to-face. Instead of laughing over a sitcom, we laugh at each other’s jokes, truly engaging with one another.
Family and guests enjoy playing games in the yard under the summer sun as you grill a delicious meal.
As evening gives way, everyone mingles in the glow of the fireplace. The kids look up at the stars in wonder, trying to find the big dipper.
An outdoor kitchen island and fireplace allows you to fully enjoy what the outdoors has to offer.
To me, that is vastly more entertaining than an evening spent in front of the TV.
I’m sure you’d agree.
I know a QVC Designer that does.
QVC DESIGNER'S OUTDOOR ROOM
It’s for all the reasons explained above that a QVC Designer wanted an outdoor kitchen with a fireplace.
They love to entertain and she needed a space that would be both functional and practical for this purpose.
Also being an interior designer, they needed a company that would be able to adapt to her discerning eye.
RTA Outdoor Living was the clear choice for them, and we will explain why later.
For now, let’s take a closer look at their outdoor room.
This space comes complete with an L shaped outdoor kitchen, dining area, and outdoor fireplace with comfortable seating.
It’s absolutely gorgeous, right?
You can see from the way the space is designed there is a natural flow.
Guests begin by gathering at the outdoor kitchen, watching the action at the built-in grill. Then they travel over to the dining area to share a delicious meal together. Finally, guests relax around a fire to chat the evening away.
Doesn’t get better than that, now does it?
From this example, it is easy to see how a well-designed outdoor living space can add considerable value to your home.
Now, let’s learn why you should consider RTA for this project.
SKIP BEDELL'S OUTDOOR KITCHEN WITH OUTDOOR FIREPLACE
Like the QVC Designer, Skip Bedell of Spike TV’s ‘Catch a Contractor’ was drawn to the concept of an outdoor living space.
He loves to entertain, and wanted to maximize the use of his limited backyard space.
That’s where RTA comes in.
We were able to custom design an outdoor kitchen for Skip that fit perfectly in his space. Fully equipped with a pizza oven, grill, fridge, and storage, this outdoor kitchen provides everything for a dinner party Skip’s guests will never forget.
To top it all off, Skip recently added a fireplace to his outdoor room.
The addition of a fireplace really tied this space together. Just like with QVC Designer’s space, having a fire feature that matches your outdoor kitchen creates a beautiful flow. It completes the space.
There’s a spot for Skip’s guests to gather after an incredible meal, and the warmth of a fire extends the outdoor season.
Being able to enjoy your outdoor living space much longer is well worth the cost. Who doesn’t want more time in the outdoors?
Now, let’s learn why you should consider RTA for this project.
WHY RTA OUTDOOR KITCHEN KITS WITH OUTDOOR FIREPLACE KITS?
I’m glad you asked.
There are a lot of unique qualities about our product that makes RTA a cut above the rest.
I will only discuss the basics here, however, our website is a wealth of information. You can find whatever you need from our technology, grill options, appliance options, construction materials, pricing, design, design help, and more.
Back to the product.
RTA outdoor kitchen and fire feature kits are quick to build, durable, and easily customizable.
Let’s break it down.
WE MAKE IT QUICK
RTA outdoor grill islands and fire features are ready-to-assemble. What this means is that our outdoor kitchens come to you prefinished. The countertops and surround are finished and complete with cutouts for appliances.
Unlike most outdoor kitchen companies, we even send you the appliances. We’ve partnered with Coyote Outdoor Living for our appliances and they are top of the line.
Since everything comes to your door in one package, we’ve removed the typical barriers to building an outdoor barbecue island. There’s no need to bounce between multiple different vendors for sourcing and worrying that it will all work together.
We did the hard part for you.
Once your RTA outdoor kitchen arrives at your doorstep, all you have to do is assemble. You just need a friend or two and a power drill to put together our kitchens.
In one afternoon, you’ll already be grilling!
Order today and enjoy in as little as a week or two. Depending on the time of year, orders turn around in as little as 1-2 weeks (more for custom).
Compare this to other methods of building an outdoor kitchen. Usual turnaround times are anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Oftentimes, this means you end up completely missing out on prime barbecuing season.
This simplicity of assembly and quick turnaround time is not something you will find anywhere else.
WE MAKE IT DURABLE
RTA outdoor kitchen / fireplace components and material are selected with care. They are tested for performance and longevity even in the harshest of climates.
Our structural panels and countertops are made from engineered concrete composite and ultra high-performance concrete, respectively. These types of concrete are particularly durable and are made to last. A harsh New England winter is no match for ECC and UHPC concrete.
This concrete is so durable that our outdoor kitchen kit enclosures are backed by a lifetime structural warranty.
Click here to learn more about our ECC/UHPC concrete vs. other materials.
Durability was a huge draw for them in deciding to work with us on her outdoor living project.
The designer lives in Michigan with cold, harsh winters. She needed a product that can stand up to unrelenting icy and snowy weather. RTA was the clear choice, and a couple years later her kitchen still looks fantastic.
Quick assembly and durability aren’t the only benefits of RTA outdoor kitchens and firepits, however.
RTA has also partnered with one of the best premium outdoor grill, appliance and accessory manufacturers in Coyote Outdoor Living.
Like RTA, all Coyote products are made to perform outdoors.
All Coyote appliances feature 304 Stainless-Steel Construction, exuding quality over every square inch. Each offering is top-notch, durable, and reliable, providing you with convenience and enjoyment for years to come. From doors, to drawers, to power burners, to fridges and more, Coyote has everything you want to perfect your outdoor grill island.
Coyote boasts a full line of gas, charcoal and pellet grills that satisfy even the most discerning outdoor chef. Better yet, when you buy an RTA outdoor kitchen kit with Coyote appliances, you get both companies’ best-in-class customer service and warranty!
To learn more about Coyote appliances and grills, click here.
WE MAKE DESIGN EASY
RTA boasts many options that make customization of your outdoor grill island with a fire feature easy.
Our outdoor kitchens are offered in all shapes and sizes and we offer a layout that can fit anyone’s backyard. Straight, L-Shaped, U-Shaped, Galley, you name it. We can do it.
As mentioned earlier, options for appliances from Coyote are virtually endless. Pellet grills, charcoal grills, natural gas and propane grills, fridges, sinks, power burners, doors, drawers, and more.
Our fireplaces and fire pits offer even more in the way of variety. Depending on the fireplace / fire pit you choose, you can choose propane, natural gas, or wood for the fuel types.
Our linear fireplace is a sophisticated conversation piece for those looking to really elevate their backyard. Our rectangular and square fire pits offer elegant functionality for intimate gatherings.
All this variety is what allows RTA to be so flexible in terms of design.
Design is a huge step that often trips homeowners up when working on an outdoor living project. There is a lot to consider and many companies are limited in their ability to meet your needs.
Our aim is to be the best resource in helping you design, select, and order your outdoor kitchen. We work daily with homeowners to design an outdoor grill island that fits their backyard and budget.
That’s the beauty of the RTA system. It’s the nature of our product that allows us to be so customizable in design. We are able to create the exact outdoor kitchen and fire feature you imagined, without compromise.
In fact, we have a free online design software that is dedicated to this purpose. You can have your outdoor kitchen designed with a free quote on the way in just a few clicks.
A DESIGN PROCESS THAT COULD TAKE WEEKS CUT DOWN INTO THE SPAN OF ABOUT 5 MINUTES.
With all that time we’ve saved you, what are you waiting for?
You’ve got nothing to lose.
Get started designing your outdoor kitchen with fireplace today!
We are excited to help you build your backyard oasis.
