Throughout time, humans have developed a liking for food for reasons other than its nutritional value. Food has evolved from providing us with nutrients to becoming a function of society. In almost every social gathering, food is involved.
As we have grown to love food, we have discovered plenty of ways to prepare it. Around two million years ago, our ancestors began to prepare food with heat. They mainly used open fires to cook whatever they wanted to eat. This type of preparation still lives to this day. In the 21st century, this is essentially known as barbecuing.
The Love for Barbecue
Barbecuing is when food, mostly cuts of assorted meat, is cooked over an open fire. This is usually done outdoors because of the smoke caused by the fire. This cooking method is loved by many and is usually a staple in plenty of holidays, especially the Fourth of July and Memorial Day.
In 2019, the market for barbecue grills was valued at around $2.54 billion in the United States. This is a tell-tale sign that Americans love barbecues. Barbecues are often done in backyards, and people gather there to have a great time with family and friends.
Given that our love for barbecue is thoroughly documented, it may seem wise to integrate this highly-enjoyed activity into people’s homes. This is essentially achieved by installing a barbecue station in backyards. But is this a beneficial undertaking for homeowners?
The Barbecue Station
As mentioned, barbecuing is an activity that plenty of Americans enjoy. This is mostly because barbecuing means cooking some of the most delectable meals outdoors, usually during a gathering. While barbecues are prevalent on holidays, anyone can do it on any day for any reason they please.
With that comes the idea of the dedicated backyard barbecue station. This is essentially an area in the backyard where homeowners can barbecue with ease and comfort. Food is part of our lives, and we will always be inclined toward eating good food. For barbecue lovers, this may become their favorite area in the home.
Having a barbecue station may help homeowners have an easier time attending to their barbecue during gatherings. This means they can do their barbecuing without any hassle and inconvenience. With that, let’s see what a good barbecue station looks like.
The Anatomy of the Perfect Barbecue Station
The perfect barbecue station is ultimately subjective. It will always depend on the preferences and needs of the homeowner. But several factors ensure it’s a barbecue station that everyone can enjoy.
The Barbecue Grill
Of course, it would not be a barbecue station without the main device for barbecuing. There are several types of grills that homeowners can choose from. Ultimately, it all depends on the homeowner. Of course, the stability of the grill is important. Homeowners need to make sure their stations are paved. So it’s best to consult residential paving services for this project.
Amenities
It would help to add several other kitchen amenities to this station. The amenities include countertops and a sink. A countertop provides an area where barbecuers can prepare their food.
Barbecuing can also get messy. This is where the sink will come in handy. Having a sink outdoors can ensure that they won’t have to go to the indoor kitchen every time they need to wash their hands. When barbecuing, they will need to wash their hands often.
Comfort and Protection
While cooking food for plenty of people (or yourself) is fun, it can also be exhausting. People who barbecue continuously check on their food for long periods. This can get tiring, especially under the scorching heat of the sun. With that, the barbecue station should be made to be comfortable. These stations should at least have a comfortable chair and a device to cool the cook.
Apart from that, note that these stations are outdoors. It will be practical to put some level of protection over the station. This means putting some roofing over the area. This helps protect the equipment from being damaged by the weather. Apart from that, it will also help the cook escape the heat of the sun and protect them against rain.
Good food is the way to everybody’s heart. It is a tool that improves our physical and social well-being. Outdoor cooking over an open fire may sound primitive, but it is a method that is here to stay. It has been a staple for plenty of people and has been bringing friends together for years.
