Many diners struggle with “menuflation,” since menu prices are rising at many eateries.
A previous report indicated that the cost of baked goods and cereal is up 29% compared to the start of 2020. Eggs? They’re up 52%. Food costs are up worldwide due to factors like supply-chain disruptions and war. You’ve no doubt noticed this when buying groceries.
Another reason for higher menu costs is the trend toward higher wages. Someone has to foot the bill, and that would be, of course, restaurant patrons.
If you love eating at your favorite establishments but can’t keep up with the rising costs, one option is to make dining at home more enjoyable. Whether investing in an outdoor kitchen, outdoor pizza oven, or outdoor pellet grill, you can enjoy great food and company at home.
Here’s a look at how to make cooking and eating at home so enjoyable that you won’t miss cutting back on discretionary spending at restaurants around town.
Outdoor Kitchen
The global outdoor kitchen market was worth $20.1 billion in 2021 and $21.81 billion in 2022. It is on pace to expand at an 8.5% compound annual growth rate and reach $38.6 billion by 2030.
Interest in outdoor kitchens took off during the COVID-19 lockdowns when people were forced to spend more time at home. Many homeowners spend money on their outdoor living spaces, and the trend continues. It’s the sort of investment that can be well worth it.
When it comes to an outdoor kitchen, you go big, small, or somewhere in between. Many homeowners want an outdoor kitchen that gives them the convenience of their indoor kitchens. That can mean sinks, running water, cupboards, counter space, a fridge, and more. An outdoor kitchen can make meal prep, cooking, eating, and socializing much more fun at home.
So, an outdoor kitchen is a good idea if you want to pursue a home improvement project that makes dining at home fun, enhances your outdoor living space, and boosts your home’s value.
Outdoor Pizza Oven
A pizza party is always in order. But how will you get the pizzas your guests expect in plentiful quantities? Ordering a bunch of pizzas from a pizza eatery will cost an arm and a leg. And no one wants frozen pizzas tossed into the kitchen oven for their pizza party. They want something more authentic — the type of product made fresh with the finest ingredients.
One option worth exploring is getting an outdoor pizza oven and cooking made-to-order pizzas for your guests. An outdoor pizza oven means cooking pizzas that are on par with the offerings at your favorite pizza joint in town. Outdoor pizza ovens can reach insanely high temperatures to cook your pizzas to perfection without anyone having to wait around.
Outdoor Pellet Grill
If you want to host outdoor cooking gatherings from time to time, consider a pellet grill. Check out reviews of the best pellet grills. There are different types of pellets. Choosing the right one means selecting the right wood used to make the pellets — and you can be sure that the right type for someone else might not be the right type for you. You’ll also want to determine the right size, cooking area, maximum temperatures, features, internal and external materials, and more.
When reading reviews, consider the pros and cons to make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse. The right pellet grill will enhance your outdoor living space and make dining and entertaining at home a blast.
These options can make it easier to enjoy food and company in your outdoor living space. Supporting local businesses is a good thing. But menuflation means you may have to make going to eateries around town an occasional treat rather than a regular habit.