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Written by Adam Coholan, an active blogger out of New York who writes about remodeling and exterior design based on his experience working with Fire Island rental properties for Elliman Real Estate. You can follow him on Twitter @Coho22.

For those who love to entertain outdoors, an outdoor kitchen is a great way to expand upon your traditional grill set up. By putting everything you need for cooking right at the scene of all the action, outdoor kitchens allow you to spend less time running back and forth between the grill and the kitchen, and spend more time with your family and friends. For those interested in adding value to their home, as well as adding to their own comfort and convenience, an outdoor kitchen is a sound investment.

Outdoor kitchens are most often added on to existing decks and patios, making it easier and more affordable to access gas, electrical, and plumbing lines. The barbeque is usually the main feature of an outdoor kitchen, and with the rest of the features revolving around. Grills can include a few simple propane burners, or can be enhanced with a rotisserie or a smoker. Storage should be the next priority, making sure there are cabinets or shelves with room for grilling utensils and lighters, charcoal and wood chips, all of the seasonings and rubs you'll be using. You could also consider using them for dishes, containers and linens you'll need for serving and eating.

Custom cabinets and countertops built specifically for the outdoors will provide storage solutions that are not only weatherproof, but designed to suit outdoor décor as well. Outdoor cabinets can either be constructed on-site using masonry with tile or stucco finishes, or can be purchased in modular components. Many include space to accommodate under-counter appliances like refrigerators, wine coolers, icemakers or ovens, and can easily be adapted for spaces to include a sink for easy clean up when you're done cooking.

Outdoor kitchens can be designed around a homeowner's personal hobbies and interests, and can include more extravagant features like a pizza oven or wine bar. Lighting could be provided by solar-powered LED lights, track lights, or even tiki torches. Outdoor living can be extended into the cold weather months with the addition of gas patio heaters, and you can protect the kitchen from the elements by using a pergola or awning.

While an outdoor kitchen doesn't need to be elaborate to be enjoyable, including amenities like a sink, oven and refrigerator not only boosts the ease of outdoor entertainment and provides a significant return on investment by helping increase the resale value of your home. If you already spend a lot of time grilling and you enjoy entertaining outdoors, start planning an outdoor kitchen to combine the best of both worlds.