Outdoor Kitchen Appliances
When you select outdoor kitchen appliances, remember that "form follows function." What is the function? Cooking and entertainment!
Below is a list of our most requested appliances for outdoor kitchens. For coastal areas, look for appliances in marine grade stainless steel. Stainless steel can and will rust under the worst of conditions, but not all stainless steel is made of the same alloy. The alloy determines the level of rust resistance. To avoid rust, buy marine grade (316) stainless steel. A powder coat finish also protects against corrosion, as well as adding decorative color.
Beyond the selection of material, maintenance will make a huge difference in the life of your appliances. You should clean your stainless steel on a weekly basis to protect against corrosion.
"Form follows function" also applies to the arrangement of the outdoor kitchen. The concept of a "work triangle" is helpful in laying out an outdoor kitchen, just as it is inside. However, that is a subject for another blog!
If you want to know more about outdoor kitchen appliances or coastal outdoor kitchens you can find us at:
https://rivieraoutdoordecor.com/
1) Outdoor Grill
When considering your outdoor grill, the first choice you need to make is what kind of fuel? Each have their own pros and cons and the correct choice depends on your own needs and habits. There are five basic choices: Propane, Charcoal, Wood Pellet, Electric and Natural Gas. (Watch for our coming blog comparing the pros and cons of each!)
One of my favorite grills that is growing in popularity is the social grill that you see in the right corner of the picture above. Perfect for stir fry and breakfast pancakes in the morning with the family.
Two words for proper maintenance of your grill- clean and cover!
2) Refrigerator
In an outdoor kitchen for a coastal area, your refrigerator cannot be too big. Get the maximum size that you can fit to store drinks and items needed for your grill. In an outdoor refrigerator, quality is of utmost importance due to the range of ambient temperature. Unlike our interior refrigerators where the surrounding temperature remains pretty consistent, an outdoor refrigerator is subject to the fluctuations between day and night, summer and winter, sun and storm. A morning temperature can be close to freezing, only to turn to shirt-sleeve weather by the afternoon. This is true especially for a coastal area where cool fronts tend to blow in suddenly. At Riviera Outdoor Decor, we offer a premium line of marine grade outdoor refrigerators that can cover the range of temperatures we encounter on the coast. It is food safe and comes with the longest warranty in the industry.
3) Ice Maker
What to consider when purchasing an outdoor icemaker?
One of the first questions is what type of drain, gravity or pump? With a gravity fed drain, as long as there is uninterrupted downward path gravity will pull it to the bottom. Or, Drain Pump? If you can connect with drainage nearby the drain pump may be a better option.
A second question is whether to have a freezer compartment. Many outdoor icemakers only make the ice, but do not have a freezer compartment to keep it frozen; the ice drops into an insulated bin, where it will melt if not used. Other models do include a freezer, which allows you to keep a larger quantity of ice on hand. If you expect to host large parties, consider whether an icemaker without a freezer will be able to keep up with that peak demand.
The shape of the ice cube is icing on the cake. You can find an icemaker that creates cubes, crescents, nuggets, or the all time favorite - gourmet. The 'Top Hat' shape melts slowly and cools quickly.
Just like the refrigerator, quality is important for an outdoor icemaker due to the extremes in ambient temperature.
4). Outdoor Kitchen Trash Cabinet
5) Outdoor Kitchen Sink
A sink will make your outdoor kitchen fully functional. Just as you could not imagine your indoor kitchen without a sink, the same is true for your outdoor kitchen. The convenience of an outdoor kitchen sink cannot be understated. It simply allows you to prep all in one place without having to run inside. Unlike other outdoor kitchen appliances, many indoor sinks can be used outdoors. They can be under mounted or traditional drop ins Outdoor sinks can be can be either single, double, triple or even beverage centers. The majority of outdoor sinks are made of stainless steel.
6) Warming drawer
When dining alfresco is delayed or you are waiting on other food to finish, a warming drawer is handy to have.
7) Retractable Screens
Okay, so this is not an outdoor kitchen appliance, strictly speaking. But it is difficult, if not impossible, to enjoy an outdoor kitchen or dining alfresco without a retractable screen. Have the screens closed when the wind, sun or mosquitos are intense, and open when the conditions are favorable.