Outdoor kitchens have become an increasingly popular addition to many homes, providing a perfect space for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying the great outdoors. With advancements in outdoor cooking technology, the possibilities for creating a luxurious and functional outdoor kitchen are literally endless.
Ryan Maltbie of BBQs.com, one of the leading sources for barbecue grills and other outdoor amenities summarized the growing trend recently on the Pool Magazine podcast when he said, “An outdoor kitchen is always paramount to the success of a backyard. Anytime that you are entertaining or catering to family and friends in your backyard parties and events, an outdoor kitchen just brings everybody together.” He also give us a list of the hottest products that will be trending in the backyard this season.
As we look toward another great summer we want to take this opportunity to introduce you to some of the top brands in outdoor cooking and appliances, and discuss how to plan and design the perfect outdoor kitchen for your home.
Planning an Outdoor Kitchen With an Island Barbecue Grill
Planning an outdoor kitchen with an island barbecue grill can be an exciting and rewarding project for any homeowner who loves to grill and entertain guests. An island grill is a popular choice for outdoor kitchens as it serves as the focal point, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing centerpiece for the outdoor space.
The first step in planning an outdoor kitchen with an island barbecue grill is to determine the location and layout of the island. Consider the available space in your outdoor area and the flow of the overall space. The island should be strategically positioned to allow for easy access to the grill, as well as ample counter space for food preparation and serving. Consider the orientation of the island in relation to the prevailing wind direction to ensure that smoke from the grill does not blow towards seating or dining areas.
Next, consider the size and type of island barbecue grill that best fits your needs. The size of the grill should be proportionate to the overall size of the outdoor kitchen and the number of guests you typically entertain. Look for a grill with features such as multiple burners, a rotisserie, and a side burner for added versatility in cooking options. Consider the type of fuel for the grill, such as propane, natural gas, or charcoal, based on your preferences and availability.
When designing an outdoor kitchen, think about the functionality and aesthetics of the space. Include ample counter space for food preparation and serving, as well as storage for grilling accessories, utensils, and other supplies. Consider adding a sink, refrigerator, and other amenities to enhance the functionality of the outdoor kitchen. Choose materials that are durable, weather-resistant, and easy to clean, such as stainless steel, stone, or tile, to ensure that the island withstands the elements and requires minimal maintenance.
Consider the overall design and style of the outdoor kitchen and island barbecue grill to create a cohesive look that complements your outdoor space and personal style. Choose a design that integrates seamlessly with the existing landscaping and architectural features of your home. Consider adding lighting, seating, and other amenities to create an inviting and functional outdoor living space that is perfect for entertaining friends and family.
Products We Recommend
Coyote is a premium brand that offers a range of island barbecues with features like stainless steel construction, powerful burners, and ample cooking space. Their grills are designed to withstand the elements and provide a reliable and efficient cooking experience. Bull Barbecue is another top brand that offers island barbecues with innovative features like rotisserie burners, infrared burners, and integrated lighting. Summerset is also known for their high-end island barbecues that feature sleek designs, advanced cooking systems, and ample storage space.
Coyote C-Series 28-in. Propane Gas Grill, 2-Burner Built In Grill, 40,000 BTUs
The Coyote C-Series Outdoor Built-In Portable Grill is the ultimate centerpiece for your outdoor kitchen. Made from 18-gauge 304 grade stainless steel, this grill is built to last and provides performance-enhancing features such as heat control grids that minimize flare-ups and ensure even heat distribution across the 640 square inch cooking surface.
The grill features a double-walled canopy and a continuously hand-welded grill box with seamless edges for a sleek and durable design. Powered by two durable cast stainless steel Infinity burners, this grill delivers up to 40,000 BTUs of cooking power. The removable rack allows you to keep your food heated until serving time, while the integrated thermometer on the unit lets you easily monitor the inside temperature of your grill.
Bull Outdoor Products BBQ Angus 75,000 BTU Grill Head
Designed for outdoor kitchens, the 75,000 BTU Bull Drop-In Outdoor Grill is a powerful and versatile addition to any outdoor kitchen or built-in application. With four cast stainless steel bar burners and a rear infrared burner, this grill delivers even heating and trouble-free cooking, perfect for searing your favorite cuts of meat.
Constructed from durable 304 stainless steel, the grill features a single piece dual lined hood and solid stainless steel grates for long-lasting performance. The cooking surface boasts 810 square inches, including a warming rack, providing ample space for your grilling needs. The reliable Piezo igniters on every valve, plus a twin lighting system, ensure easy and convenient ignition. The grill also comes complete with a 15,000 BTU back burner and rotisserie kit for cooking whole birds and other large pieces of meat.
Summerset Sizzler Pro Series 32 Inch Built-in Propane Gas Grill
The Summerset SIZPRO32-LP Sizzler Pro Series 32-inch Built-in Propane Gas Grill is a top-quality option for completing your outdoor kitchen.
Made with solid #443 stainless steel construction, this grill is built to last with durability and longevity in mind. The heavy-duty burners are crafted from #304 stainless steel, ensuring long-lasting performance.
The four main grill burners are rated at 12,000 BTU each, while the unique captured briquette trays distribute even, radiant heat across the 740-square-inch cooking surface, eliminating hot and cold zones for consistent cooking results. Additionally, this grill features an infrared back burner rated at 15,000 BTU, and the 8mm thick stainless steel grates offer a professional-style grilling surface for perfect grill marks.
High-End Brands: Hestan, Fire Magic, and Al Fresco
For those seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance, high-end brands like Hestan, Fire Magic, and Al Fresco are worth considering. These brands are known for their top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen products that offer unparalleled performance and durability.
Hestan is a renowned brand that offers premium grills with unique features like infrared burners, rotisserie systems, and precise temperature control. Their grills are designed to deliver restaurant-quality results and are crafted with high-quality materials to ensure long-lasting performance. Fire Magic is another top brand that offers high-end grills with advanced features like sear stations, smoker boxes, and griddle plates. Their grills are built to last and provide exceptional cooking performance. Al Fresco is also known for their high-quality grills that offer powerful burners, advanced cooking systems, and stylish designs.
Hestan Outdoors 110000 BTU 42 Inch Wide Liquid Propane Built-in Grill
The Hestan Aspire 42-Inch Built-In Gas Grill boasts high-performance features including three tubular U-burners and a variable ceramic infrared sear burner, delivering up to 23,000 BTUs per burner for a total of 92,000 BTUs across the expansive 774 square inch grilling surface.
Lighting up is a breeze with the one-push automatic hot surface ignition, ensuring quick and reliable ignition every time. The ceramic infrared sear burner is perfect for searing thick cuts of meat, sealing in the juices for mouthwatering results.
To keep foods warm after cooking, the grill also includes a convenient 147 square inch removable warming rack. The stainless steel rod grates ensure even grilling surface temperatures, thanks to the radiant ceramic disk briquette tray system that can be easily flipped over for effortless cleanup.
The Fire Magic Choice C540i Natural Gas Built-in Grill
The Fire Magic Choice C540i Natural Gas Built-in Grill is a top-of-the-line grilling option that offers exceptional performance and durability. With heavy-gauge tubular stainless steel burners, this grill delivers powerful heat for quick and efficient cooking.
It boasts the largest cooking space compared to other grills of the same size, allowing you to cook a large amount of food at once. The high BTUs per square inch ensure that the grill heats up fast and stays hot for perfect grilling results.
The 16-gauge stainless steel flavor grids are designed for durability and even heat distribution, ensuring consistent cooking performance. The integral and removable oven warming rack is perfect for light cooking or keeping food warm until serving. The 9-volt electronic ignition and hot surface ignition make lighting the grill a breeze. The analog thermometer allows for easy monitoring of the cooking temperature, while the stainless steel manifold with brass valves ensures durability and reliability. Additionally, this grill has an extensive line of complementary accessories available, making it a versatile choice for outdoor cooking enthusiasts.
Alfresco Built-in Grill with Rotisserie and Sear Zone
Upgrade your outdoor kitchen with the high-performance Alfresco Built-In Grill with Rotisserie and Sear Zone. Crafted from durable 304 stainless steel, this luxury grill features three 18-SR stainless steel main burners producing 82,500 BTUs, with 660 square inches of grilling area.
Truly a high end product, the Alfresco’s Sear Zone infrared burner is idealing for outdoor cooking enthusiasts and reaches temperatures up to 1500°F, using up to 50% less fuel. Pyramid-shaped ceramic briquettes ensure even heat distribution, while premium cooking grates with a nonstick finish create professional grill marks.
The integrated rotisserie system features a quiet motor, a rear ceramic infrared burner, and a dedicated wood smoking drawer. Other convenient features include an adjustable warming rack, SafeTouch technology, hood-assist, push-button ignition, halogen work lights, LED knob lighting, and a matching grill cover.
Outdoor Pizza Ovens
Outdoor pizza ovens have seen a surge in popularity in recent years for a variety of reasons. One of the main factors contributing to their increased popularity is the desire for authentic, Neapolitan-style pizza. Traditional pizza ovens reach extremely high temperatures, allowing for a quick cook time that results in a crispy crust, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked toppings, creating a flavor profile that many pizza lovers crave.
Purchasing an Outdoor Pizza Oven
The cost of purchasing an outdoor pizza oven can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the type, size, material, brand, and features of the oven. In general, outdoor pizza ovens can range from relatively affordable to quite expensive. Brands like Ooni and Cru are known for their high-quality outdoor pizza ovens that offer superior performance and versatility at an attractive price point.
Ooni is a renowned brand that offers compact and portable pizza ovens that are perfect for outdoor entertaining. Their ovens are designed to reach high temperatures quickly, allowing for fast and efficient cooking of pizzas and other foods. Cru is another top brand that offers premium outdoor pizza ovens with features like stainless steel construction, precise temperature control, and ample cooking space.
Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Outdoor Pizza Oven
Introducing the Ooni Karu 16, the ultimate pizza oven for authentic Neapolitan-style pizza right in your own backyard! With multi-fuel capabilities, you can fire it up with wood or charcoal for a subtle wood-fired taste, or use gas with the Ooni Gas Burner (sold separately) for maximum cooking flexibility. The Karu 16 heats up to a scorching 950°F / 500°C in just 15 minutes, allowing you to cook a fresh flame-cooked pizza in as little as 60 seconds.
The innovative ViewFlame technology with a full glass oven door lets you keep an eye on your creations while maintaining oven temperatures, thanks to improved insulation. The Ooni Karu 16 is one of the most advanced pizza ovens yet, featuring optimized airflow engineering for temperature control and fuel efficiency, a carbon steel shell with a high temperature-resistant powder-coated finish for improved insulation and weather resistance, and many more innovations that make it the most advanced oven in its class.
Cru Ovens Model 30 Outdoor Stainless Steel Portable Wood-Fired Pizza Oven
Elevate your outdoor cooking game with the Cru 30, a premium stainless steel oven handmade in Portugal. Built to last with 304 stainless steel, the Cru 30 can reach temperatures of over 900F in just 15 minutes, allowing you to cook with the irresistible flavor of fire. With a generous 17″X13″ cooking surface, you can create perfect 12″ pizzas or cook a variety of other delicious dishes like breads, meats, seafood, and vegetables.
The Cru 30 runs on wood and/or charcoal, giving you flexibility in fuel choice. Plus, it comes with accessories including a pizza peel and embers rake, so you can start cooking right away. Choose the quality and craftsmanship of the Cru 30, handmade in Portugal for a lifetime of use and enjoyment.
Outdoor Refrigerators, Wine Chillers, and Coolers
An outdoor refrigerator can be a great addition to your outdoor living space, providing convenient access to cold drinks, snacks, and perishable items while enjoying the outdoors. One of the main reasons to purchase an outdoor refrigerator is the convenience it offers, allowing you to keep your beverages and food chilled without having to constantly go inside to access your indoor refrigerator. It can enhance your outdoor entertainment experience by providing a convenient storage solution for your outdoor gatherings, BBQs, and parties.
When choosing an outdoor refrigerator, there are several considerations to keep in mind. First, durability is key, as outdoor refrigerators need to withstand exposure to the elements, including rain, sun, and temperature fluctuations. Look for a refrigerator made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel or weather-resistant materials that can resist rust and corrosion.
Temperature control is another important factor to consider. Make sure the refrigerator has a wide temperature range suitable for storing both beverages and perishable items, and that it has a reliable temperature control system to ensure consistent cooling performance in varying outdoor conditions.
Size and capacity are also crucial considerations. Measure the available space in your outdoor area and choose a refrigerator that fits well in that space while providing enough storage capacity to meet your needs. Consider how much space you need for beverages, snacks, and other items, and choose a refrigerator with adequate shelving, drawers, and door compartments.
Other features to consider include energy efficiency, ease of installation, and additional functionalities such as interior lighting, lockable doors, and adjustable shelving. Additionally, look for reputable brands with good customer reviews and reliable warranties to ensure you’re investing in a quality product that will last.
High-end brands like Perlick, U-Line, and Azure are known for their outdoor refrigerators, wine chillers, and coolers that offer superior performance and durability.
Perlick offers a wide range of outdoor refrigeration options, including built-in and freestanding refrigerators, freezers, wine chillers, and beer dispensers. Their products are designed with advanced features like precise temperature control, UV-resistant glass doors, and stainless steel construction to ensure durability and performance in outdoor environments.
U-Line is another top brand that offers a variety of outdoor refrigeration options, including undercounter refrigerators, wine chillers, and ice makers. Their products are designed to provide exceptional cooling performance while also offering sleek designs that complement any outdoor kitchen. Azure is known for their high-quality outdoor refrigerators that feature durable stainless steel construction, ample storage space, and energy-efficient cooling systems.
Azure 24-inch Beverage Center with Stainless Trim Glass Door
Keep your beverages cool and easily accessible with this stylish beverage center featuring a glass door with stainless steel trim. With its blue back-lit digital display control, LED interior lighting, and 4 glass shelves and 2 wine racks with wood front, this beverage center offers both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The pre-drilled mounting holes for overlay make installation a breeze, and the auto-defrost feature ensures low maintenance
Research The Right Products Before You Buy
Planning the ultimate outdoor kitchen involves careful consideration. When planning your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to think of your specific needs and preferences, as well as the available space and budget. Researching and selecting reputable brands that offer high-quality products will ensure that your outdoor kitchen is not only functional but also luxurious and built to last.
With the right equipment and appliances, you can create the ultimate outdoor kitchen that will be the envy of your friends and family, and a perfect space for outdoor cooking, entertaining, and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the top brands consumers are choosing for their outdoor kitchen this season. Happy grilling!
