Selecting Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

Depending on your wants, needs and budget, your outdoor kitchen appliances can be purely functional, or they can add a touch of luxury to your outdoor living area. You will need a granite countertop, grill and side burners if you want to cook outdoors, but if you also want to serve drinks, add a bar, ice maker or a refrigerator.

If you really want to go all out, possibilities for outdoor kitchen appliances include a gas fire pit, low-voltage lighting, water features, television screen with surround sound, dishwasher and an electric stainless warming drawer. A high-power burner will be on the list for serious chefs.

This video by Texas Grill Masters shows the construction of an outdoor cabana with Viking outdoor appliances including a grill, side burner, ice machine and refrigerator.

For homeowners who are conservative and just want to install what’s necessary, consider the distance between your indoor and outdoor kitchens. You will probably not want to make frequent trips between them to get the things you need for cooking. Ideally, cooking utensils, dishes, ice, refrigeration and running water should be available outdoors.

An outdoor kitchen is a big investment. You should plan on spending about $1,000 to $1,800 per linear foot, which includes everything from rough installation to the outdoor kitchen appliances to final granite polishing. An outdoor kitchen provides a”big bang for the buck”, however, if you frequently entertain lots of people outdoors throughout the year.

Here are some suggestions for outdoor kitchen appliances:

• Pre-finished Designs: The Grilling Station, Chef’s Station (includes a refrigerator) and the Entertainment Station (includes a cocktail station and refrigerator) are options available from Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens.
• Dry Storage Pantry: This Alfresco product stores dry goods and cookware and features interior drawers and an adjustable wire shelf. It is completely sealed and keeps out pests and rain.
• Pizza Oven: The Outdoor Artisan Pizza Oven by Kalamazoo is made of stainless steel and bakes bread as well as pizzas.
• Grills: Team Grill’s Patio Series MVP Gas Grills feature the logos and colors of college teams. The Big Green Egg sells a unique all-in-one smoker and grill in five sizes. Kalamazoo’s Outdoor Gourmet Hybrid Grill allows you to cook with wood, gas and charcoal at the same time.
• Television: SunBrite TV’s All-Weather Outdoor LCD Television can withstand extreme temperatures, bugs, dust and rain and features an anti-glare screen.