An outdoor kitchen is a great investment that enhances your outdoor living space, providing a perfect place for entertaining guests or enjoying family meals in the open air. However, just like any kitchen inside your home, outdoor kitchens require regular maintenance and care to keep them functional and attractive over time.

At Bestway Portable Buildings Inc., we specialize in building custom tiki outdoor kitchens, crafting the perfect design to accommodate your appliances, plumbing and electrical setup needs. While we don’t handle the installation of these features, we can make sure that your outdoor kitchen is designed and constructed to seamlessly include them.

Regular Cleaning of Outdoor Cooking Surfaces

One of the most important aspects of maintaining an outdoor kitchen is keeping the cooking surfaces clean.

• Grills: After every use, it’s essential to clean your grill. For stainless steel grills, use a stainless steel cleaner or a mild dish soap solution to remove grease, grime and food debris. Avoid using abrasive pads that could scratch the surface. Ensure the grates are scrubbed down with a stiff wire brush after cooking to remove burnt food particles.
  
  
• Countertops: For countertops, the type of material will dictate how you clean them. Wood countertops or bar surfaces, like those on our custom tiki outdoor kitchens, should be regularly cleaned with a mild soap and water solution. A food-safe wood oil or sealant should be periodically applied to the surface to prevent moisture damage and stains. If you have stainless steel countertops, a stainless steel cleaner is best for wiping away smudges and stains. For stone countertops like granite or marble, it’s important to use cleaners specifically designed for these materials. Harsh chemicals or acidic solutions can break down the stone's sealant and cause long-term damage.
  
  
• Appliances: Just like indoor appliances, outdoor ones need regular cleaning. Be sure to wipe down any refrigerators, sinks or cabinets in your outdoor kitchen with a damp cloth and mild cleaner. If you have a refrigerator or freezer, clean the coils and vent grates regularly to prevent dust buildup.

Protecting Against Weather and Environmental Factors

The outdoor environment can be tough on kitchens. Sun, rain, wind and even salty air from the Gulf Coast can take a toll on your appliances, countertops and cabinetry.

• Cover Your Appliances: Protecting your appliances from rain and sunlight is critical. Consider investing in weatherproof covers for your grill, refrigerator and other appliances and cooking equipment. Stainless steel appliances, though durable, can rust over time when exposed to moisture and salty air. Covers are an easy way to add an extra layer of protection when the kitchen is not in use.
  
  
• Use Weatherproof Materials: When selecting materials for your countertops, cabinets and flooring, opt for weather-resistant options. Stainless steel, natural stone and weatherproof woods such as teak or cedar are excellent choices for outdoor kitchens because they resist moisture and temperature changes. Weather-resistant wood varieties can also be further treated with sealants and wood oils to further enhance their resistance.
  
  
• Apply Sealants: Countertops made from natural stone or wood require periodic sealing to protect them from the elements. Stone surfaces like granite or concrete should be resealed once or twice a year, depending on how much they are exposed to rain and sunlight. This sealant will help prevent moisture from penetrating the material and causing cracks or stains.

Preventing Salt Air Corrosion

The salty air in Panama City can speed up the corrosion process on metal surfaces. While stainless steel is resistant to rust, it’s not immune to the effects of saltwater.

One way to combat corrosion is by regularly rinsing your outdoor kitchen appliances and countertops with fresh water. There are also special anti-corrosion sprays and waxes available that can be applied to metal surfaces to create a protective barrier. These treatments are particularly useful for grills, stainless steel cabinets and refrigerators that are exposed to coastal air. Regularly inspect for any signs of rust or corrosion and address them immediately. If rust spots appear, scrub them away using a non-abrasive scrub pad and a stainless steel cleaner.

Protecting Plumbing and Electrical Components

Even though Bestway Portable Buildings Inc. doesn’t handle plumbing or electrical installation, making sure these systems are properly maintained is necessary for keeping your outdoor kitchen functioning well.

• Any electrical wiring or outlets should be properly covered and protected from moisture. GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets should be used in outdoor kitchens to prevent electrical shocks.

Managing Grease and Debris

Outdoor kitchens are prone to grease and debris buildup, especially around grills and cooking areas. Managing grease and keeping surfaces free of debris will provide safety and prolong the life of your outdoor kitchen.

• Leaves, dirt and outdoor debris can collect in and around your kitchen, especially in the corners of countertops or underneath appliances. Make it a habit to sweep or wipe down these areas regularly.

Scheduled Deep Cleanings and Inspections

Scheduling a deep cleaning and inspection at least twice a year is necessary for longevity. During this cleaning, every element of your outdoor kitchen should be inspected for wear and tear, rust, leaks and other potential issues. These are also good occasions to reseal countertops, lubricate hinges on cabinetry and make any necessary repairs.



The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen for Your Panama City Backyard

Ready to transform your Panama City yard with the perfect custom outdoor tiki kitchen? Contact us at Bestway Portable Buildings Inc. for a free consultation or give us a call at (850) 747-8974.