By Lori Luechtefeld

People are staying home now more than ever and outdoor kitchens are a main source of entertainment as well as an investment.(Courtesy of Aquascape Inc.)

In a climate of economic slowdown such as that currently seen in the United States, spending in luxury product and service categories often dwindles. Deidra Darsa, media and public relations manager for Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association in Arlington, Va., said economic factors generally affect the outdoor kitchen market in the same way as similar industries. “If folks can afford it,” she said, “they’ll build one.”

Businesses can point homeowners toward existing alternatives for people who hesitate to splurge on full outdoor kitchen set-ups in times of looming recession. “For others who want to move slowly, there are grills for every budget,” Darsa said. “Many can be added onto as finances allow.”

Frank Raethke, owner and president of Outdoor Kitchens in Portland, Ore., agreed that all industries suffer at least a little bit when the economy goes sour. The outdoor kitchen market, however, is somewhat unique. “Outdoor kitchens often go through a lengthy planning process — sometimes one that takes years,” Raethke said. “People are staying home more now, so they’re looking to spend more money on their own back yards. Homeowners who were already in the middle of that [planning] process are going through with their plans.”

In fact, Scott Cohen, a garden artisan with The Green Scene and www.OutdoorKitchenDesignIdeas.com, based in Los Angeles, has seen increased interest in outdoor kitchens over the past year. “With the housing market the way it is now, a lot of people are stuck in their current homes,” he said. “An outdoor kitchen is something they can add on to their existing home if they’re looking to make improvements. On the West Coast especially, outdoor kitchens have become an absolute necessity. Both husbands and wives can agree that it’s a good investment.” <HOME>