Kitchen Renovation Tips: How To Survive Your Kitchen Renovation

Kitchen Renovation Tips: How To Survive Your Kitchen Renovation 

So you’ve decided to renovate your kitchen. Great! It’s time to ditch that drab splashback and replace it with a modern pop of colour. But don’t kid yourself – renovating is hard. Super hard. But it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. We’ve put together this handy guide so you can survive your kitchen renovation, and keep your sanity intact. 

Clean Up and Pack Up

Have a big clean out of your kitchen a few weeks before your renovation, and pack away any appliances you don’t use daily. Be ruthless - do you really need that second melon baller? Were you ever going to fix that broken blender? Not having to move all that extra equipment when your kitchen is finished will make your life a whole lot easier. 

Include Eating Out into Your Budget

Think about it – you won’t be able to use your kitchen, so how will you eat? Chances are there will be times when you and the family will just dine out, or order take away. So factor this into your renovation budget, and your wallet won’t take any more beatings. 

Think About Your Fridge  

You’re going to have to keep some essentials cold during your renovation – like milk or other dairy products. Can you make room for them in the outdoor fridge you use to keep drinks in? If that’s not an option, consider hiring a refrigerator, or even buying one-second hand. And remember to keep your new fridge out of the working zone – you’ll need to be able to access it freely. 

Make Your Own Kitchenette  

There’s nothing worse than stumbling out of bed and into the kitchen for coffee, only to realise that you’ve staggered into a gutted room and your coffee is nowhere to be found. Find a little nook out of the way and turn it into a kitchenette. Your kitchenette should have items you use every day like a coffee maker, electric kettle and grill, and a microwave. It will make your mornings a little more bearable. 

Need more advice about your next renovation? We’d love to help! Contact us here or read through our blogs to find out more.  

How Do I Clean My Outdoor Kitchen?

How Do I Clean My Outdoor Kitchen?

It’s the morning after the night before, and you’ve just hosted the best outdoor dinner party ever. Your once beautiful alfresco kitchen is now an absolute mess. It’s clean up time. But what’s the best way to do that? Read on to find out the best ways to tidy up your outdoor kitchen, and keep it as spotless as the day you got it.

Stainless Steel  

Just because it’s steel, doesn’t mean it should be treated roughly. Stainless steel is coated in a thin, protective film. If that film is scratched or damaged, your gorgeous outdoor kitchen becomes suppliable to corrosion. To keep your stainless-steel lush and shiny, never cut directly onto its surface, and clean it with soapy water and a soft cloth. Don’t forget to rinse and dry properly - or you may find some unsightly water stains.

If you really want to protect your stainless-steel kitchen from the elements, consider powder coating the surfaces. Adding this extra layer will prevent rust and keeps your kitchen easy to clean. Powder coating also comes in a variety of colours, so you can have a kitchen as unique as you.

READ: The truth about natural cleaning products

Appliances

Your appliances, like your barbecue, get the biggest workout after an outdoor party. So it’s important to keep them clean for proper maintenance. Wait until your barbecue has cooled down before you clean it, and then scrub the grill with a wire brush. Use soapy water and a cloth to wipe off any gunk. Use this time to check your barbecue’s other components – the burners, valves and hoses. A stiff brush and some elbow grease is the best way to keep these parts neat and tidy.   

Counter Tops

Your countertops are an essential feature to your outdoor kitchen’s look, so keeping them spotless should be a high priority. The way you clean your benchtop will depend on the material it’s made from – for example, a porous granite or stone top should be wiped down with soapy water to avoid any stains.

But the best way to keep your countertops in good nick is to add a roof over your outdoor kitchen. That way, your benches will stay clean all year round.

READ: BBQ cleaners you didn't know about

Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens love giving our clients useful tips and expert advice. Why not scroll through ourblog to learn more about what we can do for you.

Should I Powder Coat My Outdoor Kitchen?

Should I Powder Coat My Outdoor Kitchen? 

There’s an easier way to add a pop of colour to your entertaining area. Long gone are the days where powder coating was just for industrial factories – you can now have it in your outdoor kitchen! But is it the best option? We’ve pulled together all the benefits for powder coating your kitchen so you can make an informed choice. 

It’s Environmentally Friendly

Not only are you creating a fresh look by powder coating your outdoor kitchen, but you’re helping the planet as well! Powder coating produces less by-product waste than traditional liquid paint and doesn’t contain nasty volatile organic compounds (VOCs). And because it doesn’t give off any air-borne pollutants, it’s better for your health. Powder coating is also easy to dispose of because it doesn’t contain dangerous chemicals, so it complies with environmental regulations. 

It Protects Your Surfaces

Worried about your outdoor kitchen because you live in a windy, wet or even sunny area? Then powder coating just might be for you! Powder coating acts as a defensive layer between the elements and your surfaces, so your outdoor kitchen is protected from severe weather damage. It also safeguards any material that may otherwise breakdown when left outside. As a bonus, you’ll also be saving your outdoor kitchen from any chips, spills, stains and sticky fingerprints. 

It Looks Amazing

Your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be drab – add some distinctive colours with powder coating! Traditional liquid paint can leave a ‘painted on’ texture and can droop if it’s too runny. Powder coating is applied via spray method and then cured in an oven, so it can be painted in much thicker layers. This means you get the smoothest possible finish.

Want a pop of colour? No problem! Powder coating is a combination of pigment and resin, so you have your choice of different shades. So chose a colour as unique as you, and give your outdoor kitchen some real personality!

Still need more convincing? Maybe you just want some colour advice? Call us on  0437 658 850 or email justin@adelaideoutdoorkitchens.com.au. We would love to walk you through your options.

Stainless Steel Kitchen – How Rust Proof is It?

Stainless Steel – How Rust Proof is It?

We love the look of stainless steel, and it looks amazing in any outdoor kitchen. But is it as rust proof as you think? We’ve taken time to explain the pros and cons of stainless steel so that you can have a gorgeous kitchen all year round.

What is Stainless Steel?

We all know metals like iron and steel tarnish easily. That’s because they are what experts call ‘active metals’. An active metal is a metal that reacts strongly to other substances. In most cases, that reaction results in rust. Stainless steel is a ‘passive metal’, meaning that it’s mixed with other metals like chromium or titanium. So it doesn’t react to the elements like an active metal would. But does that mean it is rustproof?

So What Does that Mean?

Combining chromium with steel creates a thin film over the steel’s surface. It’s this layer that protects your stainless steel from eroding. So as long as that film stays intact, you should stay relatively rust-free. But remember, your stainless steel kitchen isn’t a get it and forget it deal – you’ll have to maintain it if you don’t want it to corrode.

Then What Makes Stainless Steel Rust?

If that film over your stainless steel breaks down, then you're going to get rust. Many things can damage that coating. Remember to:

• Avoid cleaning your appliances with steel pads or scrapers

• Not leave spilt water to stain – clean it up as soon as possible

• Keep anything with chloride, like salt or some household cleaners, away from your kitchen.

How Can I Stop It?

Your stainless steel outdoor kitchen is stainless, not stain proof. So you’ll still need to look after it if you don’t want it to rust.  Keep that protective chromium film over your kitchen’s surfaces by:

• Using only soft cloths to clean it

• Choosing cleaners with chloride in them

• Cleaning in the direction of the polish marks, and

• Air drying after cleaning

Following these simple rules will help keep your outdoor kitchen looking as good as the day you bought it.

Looking for more advice on what materials to use in your outdoor kitchen? Check out our online blog HERE.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Kitchen in 2020 - Outdoor Kitchens

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Kitchen in 2020 

It’s the start of a new year, so you must be well on your way to achieving those New Year's resolutions, right? Of course not! We won’t judge you. But the new year is a great excuse to start sorting things out in your kitchen. We know you’re busy - so we’ve thought up five new year resolutions that you can start in your kitchen today. 

Use Less Plastic

Ditch that cling wrap and plastic straws – 2020 is all about being green! Stock up on beeswax wraps and metal straws for your kitchen. Don’t forget your reusable bags when you’re at the shops. And start shopping at places that have bulk bins – you can bring your own container and save on packaging.

 Save More Water

Your kitchen is one of the rooms that use more water than any other place in the house. So start your water-saving resolution where it counts. Try the ‘eco’ option on your dishwasher, and only turn it on when it’s full. Use that old cooking water from your pasta or boiled veggies to water the garden. The environment, and your wallet, will thank you!

Be More Organised

Things getting messy in the kitchen? Use 2020 as the year you get your kitchen organised! Start with one drawer at a time whenever you have a spare ten minutes. Move things you don’t regularly use to a more out of the way spot, or throw them out altogether. Buy organisers for your pantry so you can always see what’s in there without rummaging around.

READ: Tips for organising your kitchen

Eat More Healthy Foods  

We know that eating healthy gets on the list every year, so why not make it easy in 2020? Steaming nutritious foods like vegetables or fish is a quick and convenient way to eat well. So consider buying a steam oven to make your meals as healthy as possible. Don’t have the room? Microwave streamers are far more compact and cost-effective.

Save Money for the Future

How many times have you bought a small fortune in groceries only to have them waste away before you can use them? Invest in a quality refrigerator in 2020 to keep your food fresher for longer. You may have to shell out initially, but you’ll save on your shopping bill all year round.   

READ: How to make your kitchen look and feel bigger!

Looking to renovate your kitchen in 2020? Get in touch with Adelaide Outdoor Kitchens for a FREE quote.

How to Host the Best Christmas BBQ Brunch

How to Host the Best Christmas BBQ Brunch  So, you’ve put your hand up to host Christmas. You thought it was a good idea at the time. But now you need to put your money where your mouth is and actually do it. Overwhelmed? We got you! Your BBQ can be the ultimate tool for the best Christmas brunch, and we can tell you how.

Be Prepared We can’t stress this enough – planning ahead of time will not only make sure that the big day runs smoothly, but will alleviate any stress for you. So start early and give yourself enough time to get everything ready. Make a budget and stick to it. Write a list of all the things you have, like table settings, and what you need. Try not to stray off your list.

Keep It Simple Think Christmas is the best time to try out that complicated pork knuckle with all the trimmings? Think again. Your BBQ can turn the simplest dishes into a Christmas brunch without the effort. So choose meat that is affordable and versatile. A shoulder of lamb rubbed with rosemary is easy and delicious. And make as much as possible the night before, or even earlier. 

Delegate You’re going to be busy enough with Christmas brunch, so don’t be afraid to delegate jobs to your guests. For example, everyone can all bring a side dish to share. Not only will this lighten your workload, but will make the day more affordable for you as well. Don’t forget to ask each of your visitors to bring different things so you don’t end up with six plates of curried eggs.

Set Up a Kiddies’ Table Worried the little ones might be bored during Christmas brunch? Create a table just for them. Use craft paper as a table cloth and leave some coloured pencils. The kids can make art while the adults enjoy their meal. For something really fun, put some art and craft supplies on the table and let their imagination run wild.

Have Outdoor Games Take advantage of the Christmas weather and organise some outdoor games. Classic games like Jenga and Connect Four come in jumbo sizes and can be bought online. Or get everyone on their feet with an egg and spoon race. Just make sure to play before everyone starts on the Christmas wine!

The Clean Up Everyone wants to be the perfect host, and for some, that means dealing with the clean-up alone. Christmas is not that time. Some of the best memories can come from family and friends are working together. So accept your guests’ offers of helping with the dishes and get it done quickly. This will leave you free to concentrate on other things, like hosting the best Christmas ever.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff We know you want this Christmas brunch to be the most memorable one yet, but don’t let that stress you out. Your home and food don't have to be perfect when you’re surrounded by your closest loved ones. Remember to have fun and enjoy the day. And don’t worry about small mishaps - everyone will be enjoying themselves too much to notice.