How to Choose the Right Appliances for Your Outdoor Kitchen?

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make for your outdoor kitchen is which appliances you’ll get. The types of appliances you install will dictate the functionality and range of the kitchen, while the individual models will dictate your overall experience and affect your budget.

How do you choose the best and most appropriate appliances for your outdoor kitchen?

Key Considerations for Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

When shopping for outdoor kitchen appliances, these are some of the most important considerations to bear in mind:

• Budget/price. Arguably the most important factor to consider is your budget, as it’s going to dictate what types of appliances you can buy and which models of appliances are most appropriate for your needs. The bigger your budget, the more types of appliances you’ll be able to install in your outdoor kitchen. A bigger budget will also entitle you to purchase the most robustly functional models from the most reputable brands. It’s not always the case that you get what you pay for in this space, but at the very least, a bigger budget will give you a wider range of options. If you’re working with a relatively tight budget, you’ll need to think strategically about which types of appliances are most important for your outdoor kitchen.
• Functionality. Next, you’ll need to think about functionality. What are you trying to achieve in your outdoor kitchen? Which foods are you trying to cook and how do you want to cook them? What do you need to store and how do you want to store those items? Do you want your outdoor kitchen to be a glorified grilling center, or do you want to use it exactly like you would in indoor kitchen?
• Space. The more appliances you add to your outdoor kitchen, the more space you’re going to need. If you’re working with a relatively tight space, certain appliances may not be reasonable to add to your outdoor kitchen design. And of course, some appliances are strictly bigger than others; you may not have room for the biggest grill on the market.
• Demands. Next, think about the demands of each appliance you add to your outdoor kitchen. Does this appliance require a dedicated utility line? If so, how difficult or expensive is that going to be to add? Also, don’t forget about maintenance! How much care and upkeep does this appliance require to continue working indefinitely?
• Reviews and reliability. Once you’ve decided on which types of appliances you want to include in your outdoor kitchen, you can start shopping for individual brands and models. To this end, it’s important to study reviews and determine reliability. Some brands and models are simply better than others, and maybe worth paying more for.

The Most Popular Options for Outdoor Kitchen Appliances

With all that in mind, these are some of the most popular options for people building outdoor kitchens.

• A built-in grill. A built-in grill is exactly what it sounds like, often serving as a centerpiece for your outdoor cooking oasis. These grills come in many different shapes and sizes and can use a variety of different fuels to cook your food to perfection.
• An outdoor burner. If you want to cook something on the side, an outdoor burner could be an inexpensive extension that dramatically increases the range of your cooking possibilities. Think of it as a single stove burner that functions as a companion to your grill.
• A full stovetop. If that’s not enough for you, and you want to mirror the functionality of your full indoor kitchen, you can consider getting a full stovetop for your outdoor kitchen. Both electric and natural gas models are available.
• An oven. Though it’s not especially common, you can also get an outdoor oven. Having an oven alongside a stovetop opens practically unlimited possibilities for cooking outside.
• A pizza oven. If you love the idea of making homemade pizza, consider getting an outdoor pizza oven. It can elevate your pizza game and make for very fun gatherings.
• Outdoor refrigeration. Want to have all your cold ingredients easily accessible? Get a refrigerator for your outdoor kitchen. Just make sure the refrigerator you get is rated for outdoor refrigeration.
• A sink and faucet. A sink and faucet make cleanup much easier and give you immediate access to water, which is important for many aspects of cooking.
• Storage. Though not technically an appliance, you’ll also need to consider the cabinetry and storage options available to you.

Choosing appliances for your kitchen can be tough, especially if you’re new to the world of outdoor kitchens. But once you have a clearer understanding of your needs and preferences, most of your appliance decisions should slide neatly into place.