Burgers on the grill, paper plates, and a few lawn chairs might work for the average cookout, but the latest outdoor kitchen designs are anything but average. Granite surfaces and all-weather cabinetry anchor the designs, while sophisticated appliances move from the indoor kitchen to outdoor living.
One appliance category getting more outdoor attention has little to do with cooking, but everything to do with kitchen environment. Adding a rangehood to an outdoor setting may seem unnecessary, but when outdoor kitchens are covered — and many are — clearing smoke and heat from high-temperature grilling areas is essential.
New damp-rated outdoor rangehoods from Best by Broan help to reduce smoke and protect patio ceilings from flashovers and fire. The hoods are 27 inches deep for full coverage of grilling areas and are ideal for 8-foot to 10-foot ceilings.
Outdoor refrigerators keep ingredients and drinks handy
Under the counter, a new selection of refrigeration units helps keep fresh foods, and even wine, cool and convenient. And while outdoor refrigeration isn’t brand new, Perlick is offering what it says is the industry’s first outdoor freezer/refrigerated drawer unit. Also available are a dual-zone refrigerator/wine unit and a dual-zone wine reserve. Each unit is 24 inches wide, which means multiple units side by side can complete a stylish and upscale outdoor kitchen.
—Lauren Hunter is the senior products editor at REMODELING. Find her on Twitter at @LaurenHunter_HW or @RemodelingMag.
