If you’ve ever hosted a cookout and missed out on most of the fun because you were running back and forth between your kitchen and the patio or porch, you already know the benefits of adding an outdoor kitchen to your living space. When you have a well-equipped outdoor kitchen, you can entertain and feed a group without missing a moment.
If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home but don’t know where to start, the appliance experts at Garner Appliance and Mattress have created a list featuring the most useful appliances for any outdoor kitchen. We love helping customers choose the perfect appliance for their outdoor kitchens. Customers often tell us which outdoor appliances they couldn’t live without and which ones they wish they’d installed in their outdoor kitchens years ago, and we’re delighted to pass that knowledge on to you.
Top 8 Appliances to Include in Your Outdoor Kitchen
1. Grill
Even if you already have an outdoor grill, it’s worth upgrading to a built-in grill if you’re serious about creating an ideal outdoor kitchen. Built-in grills are available in a variety of fuel sources, so whether you prefer to use natural gas, liquid propane, charcoal, wood pellets, or a combination of fuel sources, visit your local appliance store to check out the selection of high-quality built-in grills that will last for years.
2. Refrigerator
An outdoor refrigerator makes entertaining a breeze since you and your guests can easily access drinks, condiments, and cold foods without having to go back into the house. Adding an outdoor refrigerator also opens available storage space in your indoor refrigerator, which is particularly useful when you’re hosting a large outdoor gathering.
3. Sink
Including an outdoor sink as part of your outdoor kitchen is essential if you plan to handle food, especially if you are handling raw meat. An outdoor sink is also useful for washing vegetables and cleaning dishes, so go ahead and invest in an outdoor sink and faucet. Your future self will thank you.
4. Dishwasher
An outdoor dishwasher can really revolutionize your ability to entertain, because you can clean up after the meal without having to pop back inside. An outdoor dishwasher means you won’t have to balance stacks of dirty plates as you try to open the sliding glass door; instead, you can just load those plates into your outdoor dishwasher as guests finish eating.
5. Storage Space
Many people overlook storage space when they start planning their outdoor kitchens, but if you want to get the most out of your outdoor kitchen, you need to include outdoor cabinets and drawers so you have a place to store your outdoor dishes and utensils.
6. Side Burner(s)
You can really expand your outdoor cooking possibilities if you add a side burner (or two) to your outdoor kitchen. With a side burner, you can boil water for noodles while tending to the chicken on the grill. Side burners don’t take up much space and can be installed just about anywhere in your outdoor kitchen as long as you have access to a fuel source and proper ventilation.
7. Wine Cooler
Adding a wine cooler to your outdoor kitchen is a classy way to guarantee that your white and rosé wines are always at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to pour a glass.
8. Ventilation Hood
You might wonder if you really need an outdoor hood since you’re cooking outside, but adding a ventilation hood can improve your outdoor cooking experience by removing excessive heat and steam from your cooking space.
If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, stop into the closest Garner Appliance & Mattress to check out our selection of outdoor kitchen appliances and outdoor kitchen storage options. Garner Appliance & Mattress has convenient Triangle locations, so stop by our Garner or Raleigh stores today!