Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ outback or throwing food on the grill and eating inside, there are numerous ways to enjoy your BBQ foods and keep cool this summer. A home’s architecture is generally designed with the kitchen overlooking the backyard, porch, lanai, or summer kitchen. There is also often a designated space for a kitchen window that lets you enjoy the beauty and ongoings of the outdoors without melting in the summer heat.
Perhaps your kitchen is lacking a window and you have been scouring Pinterest and DIY boards to find the perfect kitchen renovation inspiration. Installing the right kitchen window for your home’s architectural design and lifestyle is just one aspect of the hundreds, if not thousands, of possibilities available when renovating your kitchen.
Though a kitchen window design often takes the back seat to cabinets and countertops when renovating your kitchen, these installations have a great influence on the general feel, openness, and lighting of the space.
Your kitchen is unique and your windows should complement its function and beauty.
5 Popular Kitchen Window Styles For Your Summer BBQ
To help you decide on which window style makes the most sense for your space, and your summer BBQ, the following are a few popular kitchen window styles that may be the perfect fit for your home.
#1: Slider Window
Slider windows are a perfect summer BBQ window option because of their glass pane that horizontally glides along a track to open and close allowing you to easily pass plates and BBQ essentials from the kitchen to out back.
Pros
- Easily operable
- Simple seals
- Often the least expensive window choice
- Simple to meet local building code’s egress requirements
Cons
- Perceived as being less sophisticated for aesthetics
- Can require some muscle to open and close
#2: Casement Window
This window style is hinged on either the left or the right side and opens outward by turning a crank.
If you want the delicious aroma, ventilation, and natural illumination of the outdoors and food on the grill, without the hindrance from framing, this is the perfect window for your kitchen.
Pros
- Ample natural light
- Easier operation
- Energy efficient
Cons
- Aesthetically different from single or double-hung installations
#3: Picture Window
Picture windows will allow for maximum natural light in your kitchen, or any space for that matter. However, if you were hoping to pass plates through from the kitchen to out back, these may not be the right installations for your space. But, if you want to have a beautiful view of your outdoor space from the inside these are the perfect installations for the job.
Pros
- Less prone to air leakage
- No mechanical parts that can break or malfunction
- Less expensive
- Available in a variety of shapes and sizes
Cons
- Glass panes can lose or gain a lot of heat
- Less ventilation as they are inoperable
#4: Double-Hung Window
One of the most popular window styles in a home is the double-hung window. They have two sashes that allow you to vertically open the window from the top or the bottom. If you are looking for a more traditional look in your kitchen space while being able to pass items through the window, this is a great kitchen window choice for your home.
Pros
- Better ventilation
- Highly sought-after aesthetics
- Customizable to complement most architectural designs
Cons
- Can require a little more effort to operate the window panes
#5: Single-Hung Window
Another, equally as popular as the double-hung window style is the single-hung window. The only difference is how they operate. The single-hung window only has one sash and the bottom pane is the only operable part allowing you to vertically move it up and down.
Pros
- Less expensive than double-hung windows for the same aesthetics
- Fewer moving parts
Cons
- Less air circulation in contrast to its double-hung counterpart
Which Summer BBQ Kitchen Window Style Will You Choose?
There are several ways you can renovate your kitchen space including updating your window. These installations, though often overlooked when renovating a kitchen, can greatly influence the entire ambiance and functionality of the space.
Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ, ventilating your home while cooking, or allowing the cool and crisp fall breeze to pass through, there is a window style that is perfect for your kitchen.
It is also important to keep in mind that when you install a high-performance window in your home you are often creating a tighter seal which can lead to some condensation at first. Click the button below to download our guide and learn more about how you can combat condensation when upgrading your windows and doors.
