Hi, I’m Randy with BBQGuys.com!
Thinking about building your own outdoor kitchen?
We always have customers ask us what products we recommend they choose for their outdoor
kitchen.
Today we’re going to discuss the basic items that are very popular in outdoor kitchens
as well as introduce you to other items you might not have thought about, but can definitely
add to your enjoyment & entertainment.
We’ve made this video to help provide this guidance.
Let’s get started with the basics!
Almost every outdoor kitchen will start with a gas grill.
The gas grill is typically the focal point and an ideal place to start with the decision
making.
Next should be some stainless steel access doors for reaching your plumbing for the gas
grill.
This can also be used for storage of tools, cleaning supplies, ect.
Even the most basic of outdoor kitchens can include the functionality of your indoor kitchen.
And to keep yourself from running inside too much, side burners are a great addition for
heating sauces and sides.
Really just about anything you can cook on your indoor cooktop.
A sink for rinsing items and washing hands is quite common as well.
Lots of people use single access doors underneath sinks and side burners for easy access to
your gas & water plumbing.
Another popular component would be a trash bin conveniently placed near by to dispose
of garbage and any food waste.
Finally, you can’t forget an outdoor refrigerator to keep your beverages cold for your family
and friends when entertaining.
Along with a built in gas grill, many opt to purchase additional cooking appliances
for their outdoor kitchen.
Don't limit yourself with just a gas grill.
If you love fresh baked pizza as much as I do, installing a pizza oven in your outdoor
kitchen is a great way to make pizza night an instant family tradition.
In addition to a standard side burner, many people enjoy the additional heat output of
a power burner.
These are great for making stocks, boiling a large batch of seafood, or keeping messy
things like frying outdoors.
For even more cooking versatility, a flat top griddle is another excellent addition
for cooking things like crispy bacon breakfast or hibachi style meals in your backyard.
Steaks also come out delicious on the griddle with a beautiful all over sear.
If you love having that classic smokey flavor on your food, you may want to consider installing
a charcoal grill or kamado for that old school flavor.
We have found our customers love pairing Kamados with their gas grill, because of the versatility
they bring.
Their insulated, oven like design makes them not only work well as a charcoal grill, but
they also make incredible smokers for low and slow cooking.
Most would be surprised to know you can even bake cookies in a kamado.
If you want an easy way to smoke food without having to load a grill with charcoal, electric
smokers can also be a great cooker to consider building into your island.
When it comes to outdoor refrigeration within your outdoor kitchen, there are several options
to consider in addition to your standard built-in refrigerator.
For those that enjoy entertaining, kegerators & wine coolers are very popular.
Your guests will love having fresh beer on tap.. and keep in mind, some kegerators can
double as a refrigerator and keg holder when using smaller kegs.
If wine is more your taste, a dedicated wine cooler is perfect to keep your collection
of red and white wines at the perfect temperature.
Bar centers can also be a convenient way to add the functionality & storage you need to
keep all of the essentials to a great cocktail in one place.
If space is limited, Ice bins are a popular option for keeping ice close at hand without
taking up as much room as a beverage center.
A dedicated ice maker is another great addition to any outdoor kitchen, it’s always nice
to not have to run and pick up extra bagged ice for large parties.
To make the most of your outdoor kitchen, maximize your valuable counter space with
built-in storage units to keep everything you need organized and stored away.
A lot of our customers add a door/drawer combo under their grill so that they have concealed
storage as well as access to the gas line of their grill.
An additional set of storage drawers is always a good bet, I find most people underestimate
how much storage they will need in their outdoor kitchen.
Enclosed cabinets or pantries are great additions to keep pesky critters from getting to the
stuff you’re storing inside them.
Lots of enclosed cabinets include pull out drawers and shelving for easy accessibility.
It’s nice to be able to keep everything you need for grilling conveniently stored
in your outdoor kitchen, so it's ready for the next time you cook.
Remember, if you plan on adding a sink or sideburner, you'll want to add a separate
access door under those items to provide access to the plumbing.
Safety is a very important part of the outdoor kitchen building process.
You need to make sure you have plenty of ventilation and protection for your outdoor kitchen.
Ventilation can come in a couple of forms.
Island vent panels are an often overlooked necessity.
These serve as a way for trapped gas to escape, in the case that you have a leak in the plumbing.
You would be surprised how many outdoor kitchens get built without vent panels, so be sure
to confirm your contractor plans on installing vents to your island.
For outdoor kitchens fueled by propane, vented tank drawers are a good, safe way to house
your propane fuel near your appliance.
If your outdoor kitchen is built under a covered patio with limited airflow, you will want
to plan on installing a vent hood above your grill.
This will do wonders for clearing out the oftentimes thick smoke that grilling can produce,
allowing for a much more enjoyable experience for your guests.
Lastly, for those who are possibly constructing their island out of wood, or any other combustible
material, an insulated grill jacket should be purchased.
This creates an insulated barrier between your scorching hot appliance, and the structure
itself.
Keeping these things in mind when in the planning stage should provide peace of mind and years
of safe enjoyment.
Thanks for watching today guys!
If you need any help putting your outdoor kitchen together, give our experts a call
or visit us online, and remember..
at BBQGuys.com, we smoke.. the competition!