As the temperatures heat up, outdoor entertaining soars. Whether you are hosting friends for an intimate gathering or throwing a gala special occasion event, the right outdoor kitchen items make it that much better.
Features of This Summer’s Top Outdoor Kitchen Items on Everyone’s List
Today’s outdoor kitchens are so much more than a grill and dining table. Fully stocked with supplies, high-end appliances, and all the modern conveniences of home, they are an extension of your home.
As such, they should carry the same level of craftsmanship and quality as your indoor furnishings. Don't settle for inferior outdoor kitchen items that just get the job done; instead, look for pieces made to high standards with premium materials, such as:
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Metal: copper, brass, and stainless steel are durable and attractive
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Natural wood: Maple, oak, teak, and walnut are dense woods that gracefully withstand outdoor conditions with the right care
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Smart features: Integrated lights, temperature settings, and media controls make outdoor entertaining more enjoyable
These must-haves for your outdoor kitchen have those features and more. Use them to complete your culinary space and elevate your outdoor living experiences this summer.
1. Built-In Gas Grill
The heart of your outdoor kitchen is an attractive, durable, and functional built-in cooking surface. Grills from top manufacturers offer powerful and efficient cooking with features such as slide-out grease trays, spring-assist hoods, and integrated lighting. Customization options include:
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Griddle tops
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Rotisserie kits
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Sear burners
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Temperature control systems
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Warming drawers
Remember, this is an investment in outdoor entertainment that you will have for many years. Look for durable materials, such as stainless steel, which are suitable for extended outdoor use.
Consider adding a customizable outdoor range hood for ventilation if your cooking space is in a pergola or other enclosed space. Your guests will appreciate it removing smoke, grease, and odors from gathering areas.
2. Outdoor Refrigerator
An outdoor kitchen is an extension of your home; it should function as a complete unit on its own. Dedicated refrigeration lets you keep food, drinks, and ice accessible to your guests without worrying about ice chests.
Luxury appliance manufacturers offer outdoor-rated refrigerators and beverage coolers designed to work year-round. These use weatherproof housing and extra insulation to counter high summer temperatures.
A refrigerator with dual-zone cooling or a dedicated beverage cooler makes it easy to have refreshments ready for unexpected guests. Wine drinkers will appreciate a wine chiller with UV-treated glass doors to keep their favorite vintages cool and fresh.
3. Prep Station and Sink
An upscale outdoor sink and food prep area marries elegance and efficiency. Materials like stainless steel, stone, and solid surface preserve hygiene and save you multiple trips into the house.
Pair your sink with a pull-down faucet and an integrated cutting board to make the space more functional. Make it an eco-conscious space by incorporating a built-in sealed compost bin for food scraps.
4. Weather-Resistant Storage and Cabinets
Keep your outdoor kitchen neat and ready for guests with durable, outdoor-rated cabinetry. Stainless steel shines again as one of the top material choices, though high-end polymers and powder-coated aluminum also work well. Include convenience features that make entertaining simple while adding to the luxury feel of your outdoor kitchen, such as:
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Hidden spice racks
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Soft-close drawers and doors
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Utensil organizers
Design Tip: Match the cabinets and counters to your home’s exterior to create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
5. Smokeless Fire Pit
Keep the party going when the sun’s heat wanes with a smokeless fire pit. Choose gas or wood-fired models that meld form and function without covering everyone in a haze of smoke.
Smokeless fire pits work by adding a secondary combustion chamber that burns smoke. The result is a design feature that creates an inviting atmosphere without the hassle of moving to accommodate the wind.
Modern firepits are completely customizable. You can choose from a variety of finishes, fuels, and decorative accents. Glass and natural stones add a luxury feel to gas fireplaces without the upkeep of keeping wood stocked and filled.
Include seating around your fire pit to encourage guests to linger there. You can also opt to add table tops to make them a functional piece of furniture when not lit.
6. Modern and Functional Lighting
A backyard kitchen isn't complete without proper lighting. Both cooking and seating areas should have sufficient lighting for guests to safely see their surroundings. Some ideas to consider include:
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Spotlights highlight special features in your yard
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Task lighting allows you to prep, cook, and serve food safely
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Under-counter lights are ideal for illuminating appliances and serving areas
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Wall lights cast a soft glow onto nearby spaces
When choosing lighting, be sure it is rated for outdoor use. A pergola or screen room does not provide the protection indoor fixtures need.
7. Bar and Wine Station
Having a dedicated bar gives guests a place to congregate without crowding cooking areas. Tables, bar-height seating, and wine chillers are key features of making this a functional space. Consider placing a long, narrow sink into one counter. It can hold ice and drinks when needed, yet is simple to drain as the ice melts.
8. Luxury Seating
Having an outdoor kitchen is great, but it isn't complete without dedicated seating arrangements where guests can gather. Vary heights by using some standard height tables, counters, and an outdoor bar. Customize the chairs to match the table heights you choose. This creates spaces that are perfect for relaxing, eating, and socializing.
When choosing outdoor furniture, choose colors that blend well with your home’s exterior, yet won’t absorb too much heat from the sun. Look for upscale outdoor tables that use durable materials, including metals, wood, and solid surface tops.
Finishing Touches
Turn your backyard into a summer entertaining destination by devoting the same attention to outdoor kitchen items that you do to indoor decor. Choose durable and attractive finishes that can withstand harsh weather conditions, match colors to your home’s exterior to increase fluidity, and add accents like stylish and comfortable seating, weather-resistant rugs, and decorative planters to make the space more inviting.
Choose Outdoor Kitchen Items That Elevate Summer Entertaining
The right outdoor kitchen items will elevate your backyard space and turn it into a natural and upscale extension of your home. CopperSmith craftspeople create customizable range hoods, sinks, tables, seating, and fire pits that can transform your outdoor kitchen. Contact CopperSmith to start designing.