The overall maintenance of your outdoor kitchen is something to think about before committing to certain materials and appliances. What you're willing to commit to and the amount of effort you can fit into your lifestyle can affect your choices.
Benchtops, barbecues, fridges, and more are covered here, along with some of our recommendations. From general cleaning to the warranty and qualities of the appliance/material that will affect what will be required to maintain its performance and overall look.
To clean your benchtops for most residues, all you'll need is warm soapy water or ammonia basked household cleaner. Harsh cleaners aren't necessary on a Corian benchtop. Because of the quality of the material, you aren't working to maintain the appearance of a freshly installed benchtop. With a Corian benchtop, you're more keeping up a hygienic standard. Your benchtop can keep that just installed feeling with the proper care.
Corian's benchtops carry a ten-year Limited Residential Warranty. And, if you decide to sell your home, your warranty is transferable to the new owners. However, Corian's website advises against using window cleaners to clean your benchtop. It will leave a waxy build-up that dulls the surface. As well as water, if left to dry, can go into a film that builds upon the surface, numbing the look of the benchtop and making the finish appear blotchy and uneven.
To avoid this, it's essential to wipe the benchtop completely dry after spills and cleaning. Some Corian colours may require more frequent cleaning to maintain a uniform finish. Darker colours tend to require more attention than lighter colours. Over time, even with proper care, your benchtop will acquire a patina, changing the appearance of the finish.
If your benchtop does acquire a blotchy appearance or minor scratches from a build-up of water or harsh cleaners, Corian's website has this solution:
"Enjoy fast heat-up, superior heat retention and consistent cooking results with the cast grill and the cast hotplate. The cast elements are also simple to clean, so you can keep your barbecue looking its best for many years to come." A great way to cut your cleaning time in half is prevention. If you're diligent in keeping your grill as non-stick as possible, your grill won't need more than simple upkeep. The best way to stop food sticking to the grill is to ensure you've pre-heated your barbecue before use.
Never place food onto a cold grill, as this will cause food to stick. On top of this, using a light coating of cooking oil either on your food or on your grill adds an extra layer of protection against scraps of food sticking to the hotplate. However, spray your food or cooking surface before heating your grill if you're using a cooking spray. These sprays can be flammable and should never be used when the burners are alight.
If stubborn fat does build up on your grill, a great solution, without using chemicals, is to heat the grill to high heat and half a lemon. Dip both sides in salt and rub the two halves into the grill surface. The acidity and abrasiveness in the salted lemons will break down any fat and grease. Cleaning the hood of your barbecue can be just as simple. Both stainless steel and vitreous enamel can be cleaned with soapy water and a clean cloth. Make sure you're not using harsh cleaners.
If your model has a glass window, make sure only to clean when the hood is completely cooled down. Coldwater will crack your glass if it's still hot.
"The Beefeater cabinet has been tested to 43C in the shade and has a 304-grade stainless steel finish, making it ideal for usage in an outdoor environment." A Beefeater bar fridge is made for outdoor use, so heavy cleaning is not necessary to maintain its performance. As well as being well insulated, these fridges also feature heated doubled glazed glass doors. This prevents condensation from building up on the doors, which can drip down and potentially damage your floor.
This simple method is enough to maintain the hygienic surface and performance of your fridge:
It's a good practice to wipe away any spills before they have a chance to dry. It'll reduce the time spent cleaning and stop you scrubbing at a dried stain. A wet cloth is usually all you'll need. A gentle cleanser can be added if necessary. Aluminium Composite Panel Cabinets are water-resistant and significant within an outdoor kitchen.
Not only will this resistance protect your cabinets from weather conditions, but spills meet this resistance before the material of your cabinets. They make cleaning up after dinner or accidents much more accessible and prevent stains. They have a ten-year colour warranty for their matte colours and a three year UV warranty. Both aspects ensure your cabinets maintain their appearance for your kitchen's lifetime.
Regular maintenance and cleaning will ensure that your oven works effectively and that the food you cook doesn't take on any unwanted smells or flavours. Before starting any cleaning, ensure that your oven has completely cooled down first. A range still maintaining some heat level presents a severe risk of burning yourself. For more information about owning a wood fire pizza oven, we have an ultimate guide to answer all the questions you may have.
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