Table of Contents
Introduction
It might not feel like it, but summer is just around the corner. The winter season presents the perfect opportunity to plan and envision your ideal outdoor entertainment kitchen. Here at The Range Hood Store, we aim to help you create a well-designed outdoor space where culinary skills meet the serene beauty of the outdoors, offering a unique experience for both the cook and their guests. This blog is dedicated to showcasing the transformative potential of your outdoor area, focusing on essential outdoor kitchen appliances that promise to elevate your outdoor space.
Assessment and Planning
When renovating an outdoor space, especially when creating or upgrading an outdoor kitchen, it's crucial to ask yourself a series of questions to ensure the space meets your needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some key questions to ask yourself in the planning stage:
What is my primary goal for the outdoor space?
Are you looking to entertain guests, enjoy family dinners, or have a peaceful retreat? Understanding your main objective will help guide all other decisions.
How often will I use the outdoor kitchen?
What is my budget?
Knowing your budget upfront can help you prioritize which features to include and identify where you might need to make compromises.
What cooking activities do I plan to do outdoors?
This influences the choice of appliances and layout. For example, if you're into baking pizzas, an outdoor pizza oven would be essential.
How much space do I have available?
The size of your outdoor space will dictate the scale of your renovation and the layout of your outdoor kitchen. Consider the flow of movement within the space, the location of seating areas in relation to the cooking area, and how the space connects to your indoor living areas.
What are the weather conditions in my area?
The weather will affect the materials you choose and the type of shelter you might need for your outdoor kitchen.
Products to Enhance Your Outdoor Space
With all the options available, we want to help narrow your search for the best outdoor kitchen appliances. Here are our staple products to enhance your outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor Pizza Oven
A unique outdoor kitchen appliance that you may not think to add to your outdoor kitchen is an outdoor pizza oven. An outdoor pizza oven serves as a focal point and offers a versatile cooking method. Perfect for gatherings, it allows you to bake artisan pizzas and other delicacies with a touch of wood-fired flavor.
The Empava Pizza Oven is a perfect option for outdoors because of the use of high-quality #430 Stainless Steel with a large oven cavity ready for more than just pizzas. We especially love this model in red to add a pop of color to your outdoor kitchen.
Empava 25 in. Outdoor Wood Fired Pizza Oven in Stainless Steel with Red Accents (PG06)
$2,040.98
Empava PG06 wood-fired pizza oven has an Italian vintage style exterior and multi-functionality in cooking. It is an outstanding product for your backyard and the most elegant one among the 5 kinds of Empava outdoor pizza ovens. Durable Materials: If… Read More
Outdoor Refrigerator
An outdoor refrigerator is a staple for your outdoor kitchen, providing convenience and efficiency. It ensures your ingredients and refreshments are within arm's reach, enhancing the overall cooking and entertainment experience. For the most integrated look, we recommend going with an undercounter refrigerator. ZLINE’s line of Touchstone Wine & Beverage Fridges is our favorite option for all-around functionality and style. These fridges feature a fully wrapped stainless steel exterior with an anti-sweat design perfect for outdoor installation.
ZLINE 24 in. Touchstone 151 Can Beverage Fridge With Satin Stainless Steel Glass Door (RBSO-SN-24)
$2,549.99
$2,999.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 24 in. Touchstone 151 Can Beverage Fridge With Satin Stainless Steel Glass Door (RBSO-SN-24) features an outdoor-compatible cooling system and an integrated Satin Stainless Steel glass door,… Read More
If you are looking for a customizable option, ZLINE also offers its Touchstone line with panel-ready glass doors equipped to install your own custom integrated panel and handle to create a truly unique look for your outdoor kitchen. Plus, the Touchstone Series now includes refrigerator drawers and ice makers.
Explore ZLINE Touchstone Wine & Beverage Fridges
If an undercounter refrigerator is not ideal for your outdoor space, we have other options available to fit your needs.
Outdoor Fire Pit/Grill Combo
An outdoor fire pit/grill is a dual-function appliance that serves as both a cozy fire pit and a high-performance grill. It's perfect for creating a warm ambiance while also catering to your grilling needs. Grilling is the heart of outdoor summer gatherings; it ensures a memorable dining experience under the stars, making every meal an event to look forward to.
The Arteflame Classic Black Label Grill reimagines the outdoor fire pit and grill with its distinctive circular design, artfully blending form with function. This innovative shape enables the cooktop to radiate heat from the center outward, creating an ideal cooking surface where a multitude of dishes can be prepared simultaneously at varying temperatures.
Elevating your outdoor grilling experience involves not just the grill itself but also the accessories that enhance functionality, convenience, and versatility. Here are some accessories that can take your outdoor grilling to the next level:
- Grill Covers
- Meat Thermometer
- Grill Baskets and Pans
- Grill Cleaning Tools
- Grill Mats
- Insulated Grill Gloves
- Rotisserie Kit
To go perfectly with the Arteflame Classic Black Label Grill, the Arteflame Barbecue Grill Rotisserie is an accessory that you will want to elevate your outdoor space. This model not only allows you to roast chicken but also turkey, kabobs, or hang foods that are sure to impress your guests.
Outdoor Grill Hood
A grill is one of the most common outdoor kitchen appliances in any outdoor kitchen, which makes an outdoor grill hood essential to ventilate smoke and odors away for a comfortable cooking environment. It's essential to choose a grill hood approved for outdoor use to ensure durability and resistance. ZLINE manufactures some of the top-rated grill hoods on the market, designed to integrate into any custom patio or outdoor setting and stand up to all weather conditions while easily reducing smoke and odors commonly made from powerful grills. Depending on the layout of your outdoor kitchen, you will want to determine if a wall-mounted or island grill hood will work best.
Outdoor Sink and Faucet
A high-quality outdoor sink and faucet are key for food preparation and cleanup. When selecting your sink and faucet, keep in mind finishes that are best for outdoors.
Combine this with a durable Satin Stainless Steel sink for the ultimate outdoor kitchen setup. Satin Stainless Steel is ZLINE’s exclusive industrial-grade and rust-resistant stainless steel, which will be the best option for outdoors. ZLINE offers many styles of sinks with this finish; our personal favorite is the ZLINE 15 in. Boreal Undermount Single Bowl sink is perfect for even the smallest outdoor kitchens.
If you are looking for a sink with more capacity, we recommend the ZLINE 33 in. Meribel Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen. This model comes with a bottom grid for added protection from scratches and improved drainage.
Explore ZLINE Satin Stainless Sinks
Start creating your oasis with outdoor kitchen appliances today!
Transforming your outdoor space into a culinary haven is not just an enhancement of your home but an investment in a lifestyle that brings together the joys of cooking, entertainment, and the beauty of the outdoors. From the strategic planning stages to selecting the right outdoor kitchen appliances, each element plays a pivotal role in creating a functional and inviting outdoor kitchen. As summer approaches, there's no better time to start planning your outdoor kitchen refresh. Embrace the opportunity to craft unforgettable memories in the comfort of your upgraded outdoor kitchen.
Still not sure how to tackle your outdoor space, or looking for more information on outdoor kitchen appliances? Let us be the experts, and sign up for a free design consultation.
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FAQs
What appliances are considered essential for a well-designed outdoor kitchen?
A functional outdoor kitchen typically includes a dedicated cooking appliance such as a grill or pizza oven, reliable outdoor refrigeration, proper ventilation, and utilities like a sink and faucet. Together, these elements create a space that supports food preparation, cooking, cleanup, and entertaining without constant trips indoors.
Why is planning so important before building an outdoor kitchen?
Outdoor kitchens are long-term investments that must account for space constraints, climate exposure, cooking habits, and budget. Early planning helps determine whether the space is primarily for entertaining, casual family meals, or serious outdoor cooking, ensuring the appliance selection and layout support how the space will actually be used.
What makes an outdoor pizza oven a valuable upgrade?
An outdoor pizza oven adds versatility and serves as a focal point for gatherings. Beyond pizza, these ovens can handle breads, roasted vegetables, and proteins, offering high-heat cooking that traditional grills cannot replicate. Models like those from Empava are designed with durable stainless steel construction suited for outdoor environments.
Why should outdoor kitchens include a dedicated refrigerator?
An outdoor refrigerator keeps ingredients, beverages, and condiments within reach, improving convenience and reducing indoor traffic during gatherings. Undercounter models are especially popular because they integrate seamlessly into cabinetry while maximizing usable space.
What makes ZLINE Touchstone refrigerators suitable for outdoor use?
ZLINE Touchstone undercounter refrigerators are designed with fully wrapped stainless steel exteriors and anti-sweat technology, allowing them to withstand outdoor conditions. Their front-venting design supports built-in installation, making them ideal for patios, pool houses, and outdoor bars.
Are there alternatives if undercounter refrigeration is not practical?
Yes. Depending on space and layout, freestanding outdoor refrigerators or beverage centers may be better suited. These options offer flexibility in placement while still providing the cooling performance needed for outdoor entertaining.
What is the benefit of a fire pit and grill combination?
A fire pit and grill combo provides both cooking functionality and ambiance. It allows the outdoor kitchen to transition seamlessly from meal preparation to social gathering, making it useful beyond traditional grilling hours.
Is an outdoor grill hood really necessary?
Yes. An outdoor grill hood helps control smoke, grease, and odors, making the cooking area more comfortable and protecting surrounding surfaces. Outdoor-rated hoods are specifically engineered to handle higher heat output and changing weather conditions.
What should be considered when choosing an outdoor grill hood?
The layout of the outdoor kitchen determines whether a wall-mounted or island-style hood is appropriate. The hood should be rated for outdoor use, sized correctly for the grill’s BTU output, and constructed from weather-resistant materials.
Why include a sink and faucet in an outdoor kitchen?
An outdoor sink simplifies food preparation and cleanup, reducing the need to move between indoor and outdoor spaces. It also improves hygiene and workflow, especially during larger gatherings.
What materials are best for outdoor sinks and faucets?
Rust-resistant stainless steel finishes are ideal for outdoor use. ZLINE’s exclusive Satin Stainless Steel is specifically designed to resist corrosion and wear, making it a strong choice for sinks exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Can outdoor kitchens work in smaller spaces?
Yes. Compact appliances, such as smaller pizza ovens, undercounter refrigerators, and single-bowl sinks, allow even limited outdoor areas to function efficiently without feeling crowded.
Are outdoor kitchens only for summer use?
While most commonly used in warmer months, well-designed outdoor kitchens can be enjoyed year-round with proper materials, weather protection, and heating elements, depending on regional climate.
Is an outdoor kitchen a worthwhile investment?
An outdoor kitchen enhances both lifestyle and property value by expanding usable living space and creating a dedicated area for entertaining. With thoughtful planning and durable appliances, it becomes a long-term extension of the home rather than a seasonal novelty.
Where can homeowners get help designing an outdoor kitchen?
Professional design consultations can help align appliance choices, layout, and materials with budget and lifestyle goals, ensuring the outdoor kitchen performs as well as it looks.
