There is something about grilling outdoors that just makes your meals taste better.
That freshly seared burger with the grill marks is so much juicier and meatier than anything you can whip up indoors. And eating meals al fresco lets you breathe in the crisp air and savor the fresh ingredients.
No wonder outdoor kitchens are gaining in popularity. The National Kitchen & Bath Association recently reported that 60 percent of homeowners are planning to add outdoor kitchens to their yards, and Better Homes & Gardens named outdoor kitchens No. 1 on its list of 2021 outdoor living trends.
You might have a lone grill on your patio, but you’re longing for more of a full-on outdoor kitchen space with all the bells and whistles so you no longer have to keep bringing your indoor utensils and accessories outside to prep your food. You want to create your gourmet meals all in one great, grand space, while listening to the birds sing and enjoying the view of sunshine and green and growing plants.
We don’t blame you. Outdoor kitchens are a passion of ours, too. And, as you’re planning your outdoor kitchen, it’s a great idea to determine all the elements you want to ensure you end up with a complete space that is going to best meet your needs.
To assist you in your custom outdoor kitchen vision, here are some of the latest upgrades and add-ons taking center stage in these spaces today.
Outdoor pizza oven
As you're whipping up meals for your guests in the summer, pizza will naturally come up as a great dish that everyone loves. And you can amp up the gourmet factor with unique and fun toppings.
That’s why more custom outdoor kitchens today include pizza ovens. A pizza oven becomes a statement piece that delivers that crispy crust your guests will drool over. Plus, heating things up to create your gourmet pizza is much more fun to do outdoors.
Wine coolers, kegerators and ice makers
A compact refrigerator is one thing. But when you want to keep bottles of your favorite vintage chilled to a precise temperature, a wine cooler is the ultimate custom outdoor kitchen accessory for you.
More of a beer drinker? Keep your craft beer chilled in a kegerator designed for the outdoors.
To go with any drink, ice makers are a convenient outdoor kitchen accessory so you always have cool cubes to chill your cocktails.
Herb gardens
Constantly adding sweet and savory spices to your dishes? Adding a small herb garden or containers full of herbs to your custom outdoor kitchen can give you instant herbs when you need them.
Just reach over and trim some rosemary for your pork tenderloin or fennel for your ribeye. Your meals just got tastier.
Built-in bar
When your custom outdoor kitchen is equipped with a built-in bar, that extra casual seating becomes a place for family and friends to mingle and chat while you finish crafting the meal.
This way, you don’t miss out on conversation while you’re cooking.
Pergolas and pavilions
During the summer months, the heat of the sun, as well as the occasional storm, can dampen your outdoor dining plans.
But if you plan ahead for all weather conditions by adding a pergola or pavilion to your custom outdoor kitchen, you’ve now extended the usable hours you can grill in your gourmet space.
Ready to design that custom outdoor kitchen in your Washington, D.C. area backyard? Contact Rossen Landscape. We’d love to bring our custom landscape design experience and eye to your outdoor kitchen. Learn more about gardens we’ve designed here or contact us for a consultation about how we can give you the perfect grilling space for your needs.