Summer Kitchen Question
 

For those of you with a summer kitchen, how big is the propane tank provided by the builder?

Can you also tell me how often you use the summer kitchen and how often you refill the tank?

Thanks.

The tank I was given was just a standard size like they have at Lowes and every where else. I later installed a 60lb tank buried under ground. I use my kitchen a lot and didn't like the hassle of taking the tank to get refilled. Suburban propane checks every few months and tops it off and sends me a bill.

Our tank is buried under the ground. It was installed in fall 2008 and last fall we had it refilled. It goes a long way. It's also for the pool but since we have solar panels I don't heat the pool. We only use it for the grill.

Thanks to the both of you for the feedback.

Tank capacity is 60 lbs, but Suburban will only fill with 45 gal of propane due to code...had it filled last July, cost around $120, it's about 60% full now. We use it at least once a week....seldom cook inside, except for breakfast.

Thanks for the info...

We are soon to be meeting with our designer and are interested in a summer kitchen but it has been mentioned to put one in after the house is built using an outside contractor; the cost will be substantially less. Any thoughts on this would be appreciated as well as a recommended contractor.

Sending you a PM

We did it after market. If you want to pm me, feel free. And yes, significantly less.

I'm sure it is less, but to save more $$ ask what can be pre-installed such as plumbing elec, the builder does those things at good prices.

I'm putting in my own spa, but will have them run 220V line and water source.

I am currently having a summer kitchen installed by TV, as I wanted it ready at close. Just did not want to deal with it later. The tank is underground and 65 gallons. Kitchen includes wall prep, 220 electrical, 110 electrical (4) plumbing, grill vent, grill, wet bar, wet sink w/ hot and cold, fridge, block windows, lighting, cabinetry..... Etc etc etc. Cost was over 20,000. Could it be done for less? Yes, probably, but when I get there it will be good to go! And it will be included in the TV warranty. Easy peasy...

Could it be done for less? I hate to say this but, yes...for half the price. T&D is making far too much on these summer kitchens.

I have to agree with hotrodgril. I went with TV, and we're really pleased with the results. When I priced out comparable equipment, I didn't think TV was completely out of line with their equipment - and I didn't want to hassle with working with an outside contractor after we closed.

Good luck with whatever decision you make.

If you want to use T&D after market, I believe it is less expensive than if you do it during the build. However, they put you at the bottom of their list :(. If you have the patience, and you want to save the money, there are outside contractors that can do this and do it right. It took me two tries, but I found a very professional team. The appliances can be gotten for less as well. For those who are not comfortable messing about with it after market, you can't go wrong with doing it with TV. And it is done Day 1!

I have to admit I was equally concerned with warranties, and would adding that aftermarket void any plumbing, electrical, structural from TV. I felt more comfortable with having it all done now, ready to use, and all work covered. Just my own opinion, and what I felt I could live with!