Outdoor Kitchens Become the New Heart of the Canadian Home
More and more homeowners are bringing the heart of their home into the great outdoors with an outdoor kitchen, giving new meaning to al fresco dining. What was once considered a backyard luxury has evolved into a fundamental extension of interior living space, driven in large part by a fundamental shift in how Canadians relate to their outdoor environments.
A Pandemic-Driven Transformation
“The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way people interact with their outdoor spaces,” says Ken Williams, president of Caesarstone Canada. “Canadians began investing in their backyards, just as they had previously invested in their interiors.”
Daniel Albo, president of Outteriors, Outdoor Kitchens & Cabinetry in Vaughan, echoes this sentiment, describing the outdoor kitchen as the “final frontier” for almost every custom-built home. “Architects, designers and landscape architects have recently started incorporating outdoor kitchens into all of their floor plan drawings, which is something we’ve never seen before,” he says.
According to Albo, COVID-19 lockdowns and social distancing measures were key catalysts for the category’s growth, as homeowners sought ways to host outdoor events and accommodate larger gatherings. “Designers feel more comfortable working with Outterior’s Alumina outdoor kitchens as they follow the traditional design language of indoor furniture and are so much easier to design and approach than ever before,” he says.
Designing With Purpose and Lifestyle in Mind
“How Do You Entertain?”
The biggest mistake people make when designing their outdoor kitchen is treating it like an indoor kitchen that just happens to be outside, warns Williams. “Before you even think about interior design, think about how you actually live. How do you entertain? How does the space connect to your interior space?”
Williams emphasizes that sun and shade patterns are more important than most people expect. “A nice room baking in the afternoon sun will go unused,” he cautions. Early budget clarity is also critical, as costs can escalate quickly when factoring in gas lines, electricity, and drainage. And especially in Canada, year-round planning is essential — not just for the four months of summer and part of the off-season.
Materials Built for Canadian Seasons
When planning an outdoor kitchen, materials are one of the most important considerations. Albo highlights the advantages of Alumina cabinets, which are made from powder-coated, marine-grade aluminum that requires no maintenance or covering. “Alumina outdoor kitchens are made here in Canada for the Canadian elements and all seasons — no covering or winterization required,” he says.
He also recommends thinking about how the finishes complement other exterior architectural details of the home. Bolder choices tend to work well outdoors, while natural tones and textured finishes age beautifully and blend seamlessly into a landscape setting.
Williams adds that non-porous engineered surfaces are ideal because they don’t absorb moisture, meaning there’s no cracking or damage from freeze-thaw cycles. “Beyond material selection, proper drainage, equipment covers and winterizing your water pipes are common practices,” he says. “Caesarstone porcelain’s high heat resistance and durability make it well suited for operation in any Canadian season.”
The Essential Components of an Outdoor Kitchen
What Experts Consider “Non-Negotiable”
Williams lists the non-negotiables as a quality grill, plenty of counter space for prep, storage, and a sink with running water. Long-lasting worktops are equally important. “User-friendly surfaces that are easy to cut, scratch and heat resistant make all the difference when serving hot food from the grill,” he says.
Albo agrees that a quality built-in grill and a great refrigerator are the two most important components of an outdoor kitchen. “A hand sink would be a component that is difficult to implement in most outdoor kitchens, but something that would be really nice,” he adds.
Beyond the basics, outdoor kitchens may also be equipped with side burners that serve as an outdoor gas stove, high-output burners for boiling large quantities of water for cooking corn and lobster, and pizza ovens. A dedicated outdoor refrigerator, bar stations, and drink stations are becoming increasingly popular and can truly transform how the space is used. “Most people wish they had installed these the first time around,” notes Williams.
Budget, Location, and Year-Round Use
Albo recommends paying close attention to how much space you have and what your budget allows, as this depends on the scope of your project and factors such as size, quantity, and quality of equipment. “The smallest kitchens we typically see are about six feet long, but can be much larger. Budgets range from $20,000 and up depending on size and appliances,” he says.
Location plays a crucial role in how often the outdoor kitchen gets used. Albo finds that if the outdoor kitchen is close enough to the house, most homeowners will use it year-round. “I personally use my outdoor kitchen at least five days a week all year round,” he says.
Williams confirms that with the right materials and proper preparation, outdoor kitchens hold up remarkably well through Canadian winters. “The good news is that with the right materials, they hold up really well,” he says, adding that thoughtful planning and quality construction make it possible to enjoy these spaces well beyond the traditional summer months.
