March 10, 2025

The Best Appliances to Complete Your Outdoor Kitchen

An outdoor kitchen can turn your garden into a functional cooking space, making outdoor dining more convenient and enjoyable, but choosing the right equipment matters. If you’re wondering what appliances for outdoor kitchen setups work best, this guide breaks down the essentials and optional extras to help you build a well-equipped space.

Essential Appliances

Outfitting your outdoor kitchen with the right appliances makes cooking outside more convenient and enjoyable. The essentials should focus on functionality, durability, and ease of use. These key pieces will form the foundation of your outdoor setup, allowing you to prepare meals efficiently while enjoying your outdoor space. Choosing the right essentials ensures your kitchen is well-equipped for different types of cooking and entertaining.

Grill

A grill is the centrepiece of any outdoor kitchen, allowing you to easily cook various foods. The right choice depends on your cooking style and how much maintenance you’re willing to do.

Gas Grill: These heat up quickly and provide precise temperature control. They are ideal for those who want a fuss-free cooking experience and consistent results.
Charcoal Grill: Charcoal grills take longer to heat up, giving food a smoky flavour. They’re ideal for those who enjoy the process of grilling and don’t mind handling charcoal and ash cleanup.
Combination Grill: This grill offers the best gas and charcoal cooking. It allows flexibility to switch between quick gas grilling and slower, flavour-rich charcoal cooking as needed.

Sink

Having a sink in your outdoor kitchen makes food preparation and cleaning much easier. It gives you a place to rinse ingredients, wash utensils, and keep things tidy without going back inside. A model with a hot water option can be useful, especially for washing greasy cookware.

Refrigerator

An outdoor fridge keeps food fresh and drinks chilled, which is especially handy in warmer months. Standard indoor models aren’t built to handle temperature fluctuations, so it’s worth choosing one designed for outdoor use. Look for a weather-resistant model with good insulation to keep it running efficiently year-round.

Optional but We Highly Recommended Appliances

Beyond the essentials, certain appliances can expand your outdoor kitchen’s capabilities, making cooking and entertaining even more enjoyable. These additions aren’t strictly necessary, but they add flexibility and convenience. If you frequently cook outside or host gatherings, these appliances can improve your setup by allowing you to prepare a wider range of meals with ease.

Choosing which of these optional appliances to include depends on your cooking preferences and available space. A pizza oven could be a worthwhile investment if you love making homemade pizza. A smoker might be the right choice if slow-cooked meats appeal to you. These appliances can help tailor your outdoor kitchen to suit your lifestyle.

Side Burner

A side burner gives you extra cooking space for sauces, side dishes, or anything that doesn’t need to go on the main grill. It’s particularly useful if you like cooking meals with multiple elements at the same time. A separate burner means you don’t have to juggle space on the grill, keeping the main surface free for larger cuts of meat or other grilled items. It also allows for more precise heat control, making it easier to simmer delicate sauces or boil vegetables without overcooking them. If you often prepare meals with different components, a side burner can make the cooking process much more efficient.

Pizza Oven

A pizza oven isn’t just for pizza—it can also be used for baking bread, roasting vegetables, or cooking meats, giving you a versatile cooking option beyond traditional grilling. Wood-fired models provide a distinct, smoky flavour and high heat for quick cooking, while gas-powered versions offer greater temperature control and convenience. If you enjoy outdoor entertaining, a pizza oven can be a great focal point, allowing you to cook fresh, homemade meals while engaging with guests. Its ability to handle a range of dishes makes it a useful and enjoyable addition to any outdoor kitchen setup.

Smoker

A smoker lets you cook meats and other foods slowly, infusing them with deep, smoky flavours. It’s a good choice if you like barbecuing and want to experiment with different wood chips to get varied tastes. The slow-cooking process helps break down tough cuts of meat, making them tender and juicy while absorbing the rich, aromatic smoke. Many smokers come in different fuel types, including charcoal, electric, and pellet models, each offering its level of convenience and control. If you enjoy hosting gatherings, a smoker can be a great way to prepare large portions of food with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on entertaining while the smoker does the work.

Teppanyaki Grill

A teppanyaki grill is a flat cooking surface that allows you to prepare a variety of foods quickly. It’s great for stir-fries, pancakes, and grilled meats, offering a more interactive cooking method. The even heat distribution makes it ideal for precise cooking, whether searing seafood, cooking eggs, or sautéing vegetables. Many teppanyaki grills also come with grease management systems, making cleanup easier. This type of grill is especially popular for entertaining, as guests can watch the cooking process and even participate in preparing their meals, making it a fun and practical addition to an outdoor kitchen.

Other Considerations

When planning an outdoor kitchen, it's not just about cooking appliances. Other factors contribute to a fully functional space that makes outdoor cooking easier and more enjoyable. These considerations can make a big difference in how well your kitchen works, from storage solutions to lighting.

A well-organised outdoor kitchen will save time and effort, keeping everything within reach and protected from the elements. Planning layout, materials, and convenience will help create an efficient and comfortable space.

Storage

Enough storage in your outdoor kitchen keeps everything organised and accessible. Cabinets and drawers provide space for utensils, cookware, and non-perishable ingredients. Choosing weather-resistant materials like stainless steel or marine-grade polymer helps prevent damage from moisture and temperature changes.

Countertop Space

Ample countertop space makes food preparation easier and allows you to serve meals efficiently. It’s worth selecting durable, weatherproof materials such as granite, concrete, or stainless steel that can withstand exposure to the elements.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting makes evening cooking and entertaining much easier. Task lighting helps illuminate work areas, while ambient lighting adds atmosphere. Solar-powered or LED options are energy-efficient and long-lasting.

Choosing the Right Appliances

Selecting the right appliances for your outdoor kitchen can make all the difference in how enjoyable and efficient your cooking space is. It’s important to consider your cooking habits, available space, and budget before purchasing. The right appliances will improve functionality and add to the overall outdoor cooking experience.

Many options are available, so focusing on durability, ease of maintenance, and how well each appliance fits into your overall design is helpful. Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant appliances ensures they last longer and perform well in various conditions.

Consider Your Cooking Style

Think about what you like to cook and which appliances will make that process easier. A high-quality barbecue is essential for achieving consistent, well-cooked results if you grill often. Gas grills offer convenience with precise temperature control, while charcoal grills provide a richer, smoky flavour. A smoker might be worth considering if you enjoy slow-cooked meats, as it allows you to prepare tender, flavourful dishes with minimal hands-on effort.

Assess Your Budget

Outdoor kitchens can range from simple setups to fully equipped cooking spaces, so it's important to set a budget early on. Consider how often you’ll use your outdoor kitchen and which appliances offer the best balance of practicality and enjoyment. High-end options may include built-in grills, pizza ovens, and refrigeration, while a more budget-friendly setup might focus on a quality standalone grill and a small prep area. You can create a space that meets your needs without overspending by prioritising the appliances that align with your cooking habits.

Evaluate Your Space

The size of your outdoor kitchen will determine which appliances you can fit. Compact spaces benefit from built-in or multipurpose appliances that maximise functionality, such as combination grills or under-counter fridges, without taking up too much room. Larger areas offer more flexibility, allowing for dedicated cooking zones, additional prep surfaces, and specialised appliances like smokers or pizza ovens. Thoughtful planning can help you make the most of the space, whether working with a small patio or a spacious outdoor setup.

Prioritise Durability

Outdoor appliances must handle different weather conditions, so choosing durable materials is important. Stainless steel is popular because it resists rust and corrosion, making it suitable for year-round use. It holds up well against rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations, which can cause lesser materials to degrade over time. Additionally, stainless steel is easy to clean and maintain, helping to keep your outdoor kitchen looking great while ensuring long-term performance. Investing in high-quality, weather-resistant materials is a smart decision if you want appliances that last.

Conclusion

Selecting the right appliances for your outdoor kitchen makes cooking outdoors more enjoyable and practical. From grills and fridges to extra features like pizza ovens and side burners, each piece of equipment adds to the functionality of your space. By considering your cooking habits, available space, and budget, you can create an outdoor kitchen that suits your needs and lasts for years to come.