10 Unique Appliances To Include in Your Outdoor Kitchen

Do you crave a culinary paradise outdoors and indoors? Homeowners who adore regularly entertaining guests and showcasing their cooking skills will love the addition of a custom outdoor kitchen.

But there’s more to know when bringing this vision to life. The cooking appliances determine the space’s appearance and performance. Discover ten unique appliances to include in your outdoor kitchen.

1. Pizza Oven

A pizza oven’s high heat and even cooking surface offer results that a standard grill can’t achieve. A dedicated pizza oven reaches higher temperatures, ensuring a crisp, perfectly cooked crust.

However, this appliance isn’t limited to cooking pizza; you can also use it for baking bread, roasting vegetables, and cooking a variety of meats. A pizza oven’s versatility makes it an invaluable addition for those who love experimenting with different cooking techniques and entertaining guests.

Furthermore, the visual appeal of a well-designed pizza oven adds a rustic charm to your outdoor kitchen. It’s a centerpiece that will always catch your guests’ eye.

2. Built-In Grill

Integrating the grill with countertops and cabinets is an incredible way to upgrade your entertainment space’s elegance. With this dedicated grilling station, you’ll have the luxury of ample cooking space. You can also socialize with guests as you grill.

Your guests will be in awe of your amazing setup. The grill’s convenience, functionality, and attractive appearance will make them eager to assemble their own outdoor kitchens.

3. Outdoor Cooktop

Including a grill is an obvious choice, but incorporating an outdoor cooktop is brilliant! Sauté vegetables, boil pasta, or simmer sauces without leaving the fresh outdoor air. You can manage multiple cooking tasks simultaneously when serving elaborate meals for dinners with your family or hosting a large group.

4. Vent Hood

A vent hood is indispensable for any professional-grade outdoor kitchen. This diligent appliance extracts smoke, steam, and odors produced during cooking to maintain a pleasant outdoor environment.

Beyond purifying the air, a vent hood reduces grease buildup on surfaces and appliances, simplifying cleaning and maintenance. It also minimizes the presence of airborne particles that could detract from the dining experience. A vent hood ensures superior air quality, whether you’re grilling burgers or searing steaks on a hot summer day.

5. Warming Drawer

A warming drawer is a practical addition with the perfect solution to keep food warm until it’s time to eat. This appliance ensures you and your guests enjoy every dish at a delightful and safe temperature.

A well-designed warming drawer seamlessly integrates into your outdoor kitchen setup. It complements other appliances and increases your cooking space’s efficiency. Its versatility and functionality make it an invaluable tool for enhancing the overall dining experience in your outdoor kitchen.

6. Sink

Don’t cause a hassle by carrying every plate, piece of cutlery, and pots and pans into the house to wash after preparing, cooking, serving, and enjoying the meal. Including a sink with running water in your outdoor kitchen is a helpful solution.

You can install the sink near the built-in grill or install a separate island with barstool seats that simultaneously accommodate the appliance and guests. A deep basin paired with a high-arc faucet will easily suit large pots and pans easily.

7. Mini Fridge

Adding a mini fridge is a quick and easy way to store cold drinks, snacks, and ingredients for cooking. Everything stays chilled, so you don’t have to run back inside for the items that you need.

Incorporating a mini fridge also ensures a seamless and cohesive design for your outdoor kitchen. Custom cabinetry and countertops can encase the mini-fridge. It’s close to the cooking station for easy access and develops an organized appearance.

8. Freezer

The same concept applies to the freezer. Hot summers call for a constant supply of ice pops, ice cream, and ice to cool down drinks. Installing a freezer beside the mini fridge brings every feature you love about the interior to the outdoors.

9. Ice Maker

Now that you’ve included the big components in your outdoor kitchen, you can start thinking about other unique appliances, such as an ice maker. You should purchase large bags of ice for drinks before guests arrive. You’d be spending the whole event going back and forth to fetch ice.

An ice maker eliminates this inconvenience. You’ll elevate the entertaining experience with a constant supply of ice at your fingertips for perfectly chilled beverages.

10. Lighting

Illuminating your outdoor kitchen is crucial as the evening sets in and natural light fades. Proper lighting establishes a bright space for cooking and easily navigating the kitchen area. Start by installing an overhead light above the cooking station and dining area.

An outdoor chandelier, rows of string lights, or hanging lanterns will create an inviting atmosphere with substantial clarity. Use spotlights on the island to highlight key preparation and cooking zones. Doing so ensures tasks such as chopping vegetables or plating food are clear and precise.

Adding lighting at the base of the kitchen to enhance safety by illuminating pathways and reducing trip hazards is particularly beneficial when visibility is low.

Bonus Feature: Fireplace

A fireplace isn’t necessarily a cooking appliance, but it’s an incredible feature to include in your custom outdoor kitchen. An outdoor fireplace offers numerous benefits, from extending your outdoor season into the cooler months to providing a unique area for social gatherings. The warm glow and crackling sounds of a fire can foster a sense of comfort and relaxation.

Choose a style that aligns with your outdoor theme, whether it be modern, rustic, or traditional. Then, pick a central location that doesn’t hinder the space’s flow.

Choose Think Green To Design Your Outdoor Kitchen

Located in Scottsdale and Phoenix, AZ, Think Green prides itself on local expertise. We are at your beck and call, eager to guide you through the process of creating an outdoor kitchen that lives up to your expectations. It’s an opportunity to let your creative juices flow, collaborating with our skilled designers to create an inviting, convenient, and unique outdoor culinary haven.

Meet with a design consultant, describe your vision, and discuss the budget for the project. Then, you’ll watch your vision come to life in a 3-D rendering. We carefully consider appliance placement that complements features such as the appliances, kitchen islands, pergolas, and fireplaces.

Your backyard needs a makeover, and we’re ready to help! Contact Think Green today and get started on your custom home design journey with these ten unique appliances to include in your outdoor kitchen.