At a Glance:
With the right outdoor setup, you can host events and parties on your patio throughout the year. From brunch parties in the summer and to curling up around a firepit in the winter, having the essential outdoor kitchen appliances ensures you get the most enjoyment out of your space.
If you are interested in turning your backyard into an entertainment space, start by thinking about food. Full guests are happy guests, so you need to make sure you have the right appliances to feed your friends and top off their drinks. Here are four outdoor kitchen appliances to consider if you want to elevate your patio and prepare it for parties.
1. An Outdoor Refrigerator
An all-weather refrigerator is essential for entertaining outdoors. Don’t underestimate how much stress you can save if most of your food is prepared and within reach of the grill.
Before your guests come, marinate some chicken and chop up your favorite veggies. Store these in your outdoor refrigerator along with other sauces and dinner essentials. When it’s time to start cooking, you can throw these items on the grill and return to socializing with your friends. You no longer have to keep running inside for ingredients or spend your party mixing, cutting, and cooking.
An outdoor refrigerator also keeps your guests from wandering inside. They can grab a beverage or a snack without having to walk through your kitchen. The whole party stays in one area.
While you might assume any compact refrigerator can be used outdoors, make no mistake: outdoor refrigerators are specially designed to resist the elements. Ideally, you’ll want a refrigerator with 304-grade stainless steel, plus reinforced gaskets that lock cold air in.
✔ Our Pick: Monogram 5.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Outdoor/Indoor Refrigerator
This option by Monogram is one of the top outdoor kitchen appliances you can buy. It is specifically designed for the outdoors, which means it will last longer than an interior refrigerator you place on your patio. This refrigerator comes with a range of temperatures and easy controls, so you can use it as a wine fridge or store delicate meat and fish dishes in the refrigerator before you cook them.
Check out customer reviews to see why people like this refrigerator. One positive review says, “We have had temperatures of over 100 degrees for several days and the internal temperature has only varied slightly. The exterior is easy to clean also. I am pleased with the interior shelves and the pull-out storage racks on the bottom.”
2. Outdoor Grills
It should come as no surprise that a grill is one of the top items you need for an outdoor kitchen. However, choosing the right model always clean-cut. Some grillers refuse to cook on anything other than charcoal or wood chips, claiming these heat sources significantly affect the flavor. Other outdoor home cooks love the ease of propane and the limited cleanup that comes with it.
Evaluate your different cooking options and where your grill will be placed when choosing one of these outdoor kitchen appliances. This can help you filter down your choices, so you choose one of the best brands and models for your needs. Regardless, splurging on a quality grill is one of the best investments you can add to a patio kitchen setup, such as the model below.
✔ Our Pick: Viking® 5 Series 30" Stainless Steel Built-In Liquid Propane Gas Grill
This built-in gas grill from Viking is one of the best outdoor kitchen appliances on the market. While you can find plenty of reasonably priced gas grills from various brands, Viking stands above the rest. This manufacturer creates commercial-style appliances for home cooks and amateur chefs. You can feel like you are competing in a Food Network challenge without having to leave your patio.
This is a built-in grill, not a freestanding model. Choose this option if you have a place to install the grill and hook it up to your gas line. Consider a freestanding option if you want to move your grill to different areas of the backyard or don’t have an existing gas hookup in your home.
3. Outdoor Pizza Oven
Pizza is a universally loved dish in American households. There’s nothing like biting into the cheesy goodness of hot pizza, whether they have kneaded the dough into a thin layer or a Chicago-style bowl. If you want to impress your guests while also cooking food that kids and adults alike will appreciate, consider adding an outdoor pizza oven to your home.
A pizza oven is a great way to add flexibility to your parties and events. Your guests can customize their pizza pies based on their personal preferences. One family member might use vegan cheese and vegetables to create their pizza while another adds so many pepperoni slices you can’t even see the crust. Pizza is great for a summer snack or a hot meal on a cold night, and the best way to enjoy it your out al fresco kitchen is with a pizza hearth.
✔ Our Pick: XO 28" Stainless Steel Wood Fired Pizza Oven
This pizza oven can make cooking effortless and exciting. Designed in Italy, it gives homeowners an authentic wood-fired pizza experience with a fire brick hearth. This model is manufactured with double-layered ceramic insulation that keeps heat inside. Not only does the insulation reduce the amount of energy needed, but it also allows you to stand next to the pizza oven without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.
This is one of the most unique-looking outdoor kitchen appliances because of the dome and the smoke stack. Your guests might not realize what it is at first, but they will be delighted to enjoy hot pizza as soon as you fire it up.
4. Outdoor Wine Cellar
A lot of the outdoor appliances on the market are meant for entertaining. However, you don’t need to throw a party every weekend to appreciate your patio; you can arrive home from work after a long day and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine outside when the weather is nice. Kick off your shoes, reach into your wine cooler, and spend a few hours relaxing with your significant other.
Wine fridges come in a variety of sizes and styles. Make sure you invest in one that is designed for the outdoors so it can withstand changes in temperature throughout the year.
✔ Our Pick: LYNX® Professional 2.73 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Outdoor Right Hinge Wine Cellar
This is a high-end outdoor wine cooler that can fit on almost any patio. You can place it next to your outdoor bar setup or keep it near your patio furniture, so it is easy to reach. This model has the capacity to store up to 24 bottles of wine, cradled on sturdy wine racks that are built into the cooler.
Invest in a wine cooler if you enjoy drinking various reds and whites at the correct temperature they are meant to be served. You can set the temperature for a few white wine bottles if you are planning to grill freshly caught fish during the summer and then adjust the temperature for reds before you fire up the pizza oven in the fall. Every meal can be accompanied by the perfect pour.
FAQs
Ready to shop for the best outdoor kitchen appliances? Make sure to review these answers our experts address when it comes to common questions about outdoor kitchens.
How much does an outdoor grill cost?
Outdoor grill prices will vary based on the style and brand that you choose. The most basic charcoal grills cost less than $100 and are meant to be loaded into the car and brought on picnics. Professional built-in grills that connect to your gas line can cost more than $10,000 depending on the model you choose. Decide what you want in a grill and then set a price range for it.
How far should you place grills from your house?
Unless you have a built-in model with appropriate ventilation, you should keep your grill at least three feet from the house. Some local governments require freestanding grills to be placed at least 10 feet from any buildings to reduce the risk of fires.
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Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Outdoor Kitchen Appliances at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop outdoor kitchen appliances online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you find the perfect outdoor kitchen appliances for your home, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
Learn More: How to Create a Luxury Backyard with Outdoor Appliances