This
Guide To Outdoor Kitchen Appliances shows you all the appliances you
need for a fully functional outdoor kitchen.
We'll also take a look at some luxuries beyond the grill
that make cooking outdoors more fun.
Almost everything costs
a lot these days, including outdoor
kitchen appliances.
But
your imagination counts for more than what's in your wallet
when you're sidestepping high costs without scrimping on style,
quality, comfort or function.
So don't let high prices stand
between you and your outdoor kitchen dreams.
You're sure to find
inspiration for all the outdoor kitchen appliances that fit your
needs and budget.
The
first rule of outdoor kitchen appliances is to choose
materials that hold up to the rigors of weather
changes.
If need be, have a professional install the gas and
electric lines and outlets for your outdoor kitchen appliances,
lights, and sound system.
Make sure all
pipes are properly installed and winterized when the weather turns
cold.
Plan for a
roof, awning, or customer covers to protect your
outdoor kitchen appliances, accessories, and cook zones.
You'll also
need built-in or freestanding storage for your utensils and
dishes.
Refrigerators
Ultra modern
outdoor refrigerators have stainless-steel good looks.
They can be
full-size stand-alone models, or compact units that fit
underneath your counter or island.
In either
case, these outdoor kitchen appliances can come outfitted with wine
coolers and ice makers.
Wine Coolers
Wine coolers
are not just for the serious wine connoisseur. They keep any
beverage refreshingly cold.
Remote units
can be stand-alone, but they don't have to be electric at all.
There are
baskets with waterproof rings that snuggly fit 4 bottles. You just
fill the basket with ice, and hold your bottles place with
the rings.
Ice
makers
With an
outdoor ice maker, you'll never have to run to the house because
you've run out of ice.
These can
also be stand-alone models, or integrated into your
refrigerator.
Wood-Fired Ovens
Wood-fired ovens are all the
rage.
Their radiant heat, hypnotic
flames and aromatic smoke imbue your outdoor kitchen with
ambiance.
Use them to grill, seer, roast or smoke meats, bake breads,
pies, pizzas, tarts and casseroles and to brown
vegetables.
Beverage Carts
Think of beverage carts as islands on
wheels.
Use them
as workstations or serving carts or as temporary or permanent
storage units.
Beverage Centers
Both built-in and modular units
give you outdoor convenience with a stainless steel look.
Look for these to include a
sink, covered ice container, bottle storage, bottle opener, and
towel hanger.
A drop-in
unit is designed to be dropped into an outdoor counter top
or island. A modular unit can have wheels or be
built-in.
Blender Units
You can't make blended beverages without a
blender. Right?
Blender units are tricked out
versions of your standard blender.
These units have stainless
construction with sliding covers. Look for them to also have
covered GFCI-protected 120 outlets.
Infrared Burners
These seal in juices, cook at
higher temperatures, and heat up fast.
You'll see them built
into grills and as stand-alone or drop in units.
Pizza Cart
Pizza carts, as the name
implies, are pizza ovens on wheels.
They can be designed
as gas-fired and as drop in units.
Prep Carts
No one likes to cook in a
cramped kitchen. So use a prep cart to expand your
workspace and for mobility.
With a large cutting board, dual flip top work
areas, built-in vegetable trays, storage drawers, cabinets, and a
towel rack, you'll have everything you need.
These are so versatile they can also be used as a bar
or buffet.
Side Burners
A side burner is a versatile
piece of outdoor kitchen equipment.
They're handy when you need a gas-fired
burner or two for more conventional cooking like steaming, sautéing,
frying or general heating.
These drop in conveniences have all the features of a
standard cook top, including electric ignition and high-capacity
burners.
Smokers
A dedicated smoker is
ideal for cooking dishes that have long cook times at low
temperatures.
Your smoker
can burn charcoal or gas, or you can have an electric model
with temperature controls, upper and lower vents, and lots of
headroom for smoking large turkeys, hams, and roasts.
Warming Drawers
Warming drawers are versatile,
too. Use them to keep food warm or hot and for
heating serving and eating dishes.
They come as under-counter units or built into
high-end cart-mounted cooking centers.
Wok Burners
Get stir-fried perfection with an outdoor
wok burner.
These
are specially designed burners that hold round-bottomed cookware and
come with custom-fitted woks.