Experts Share New Outdoor Kitchen Ideas And Trends

“Outdoor luxury kitchens are a high growth category,” according to a new study just published this month by the National Kitchen & Bath Association. The reasons driving this surge include people entertaining more at home because of Covid, a desire to connect with nature for wellness, new products exciting homeowners, and a keeping up with the neighbors imperative: “Luxury outdoor kitchens have become an expected ‘standard’ for new luxury home builds,” according to the study.

One participant declared that her firm would never again design a home without an outdoor kitchen. Another pointed out that these spaces are about creating memories using elements you can’t easily add indoors, like pizza ovens and smokers, but with the same level of finishes, materials, style, entertainment options and the all-important comforts.

Quality Expectations

Kimberly Kerl of Kustom Home Design in Greenville, South Carolina agrees. “In my Southeast area, the demand is always high for outdoor living spaces,” she noted in an email, adding, “Most homeowners expect to have a refined outdoor living space today.”

Clients are looking toward a level of quality in their outdoor spaces that’s traditionally found inside, she shared. “As indoor kitchens have evolved into more luxurious spaces with elevated levels of design, so too have outdoor kitchens,” describing the new outside kitchen standard as “resort-esque.”

Outdoor Technology

Along with indoor-level style and entertaining standards come the expectation of – and need for – enhanced technology. Ian Bryant, operations manager for Jackson, Wyoming-based Premiere SAV technology integration firm, commented in an email that outdoor kitchen clients now expect great lighting, automated shading, smart outdoor appliances and, of course, the necessary technology components to make it all work. Plan accordingly — and early, he recommended.

Outdoor Cooking

“Technology in appliances continues to grow in this space but none more than the BBQ,” wrote Bryant. Grills now connect to your network, provide push notifications on your mobile device when things are too hot or not hot enough, when your food is nearing done, or just to give the grill master an opportunity to step away, he added.

The technology pro also noted that grill centers are much better lit than in the past, making the grill master’s job easier. “Under cabinet lights, task lighting, down lighting, accent lighting are all key to make an inviting and easy-to-use space,” he suggested.

Covering these spaces also helps the host (and guests). “Automated pergolas and shades can make for a much more relaxing and comfortable experience in the outdoor kitchen, the technologist suggested. “These shades make it easier to see what you are doing if the sun is glaring in, cool things down in the heat of the summer, and can be installed in a track so that no bugs can get into your outdoor kitchen space.”

Bugs aside, “There’s something heartwarming about cooking outside. Not only does one’s outdoor cooking environment provide fresh air and overall good vibes, but there’s an inherent mindfulness when preparing food in nature – especially with fresh produce and herbs at the ready,” shared Jessica Petrino Ball, editorial director at online appliance and fixtures retailer AjMadison. (She also noted in her emailed response that there are many options below the luxury level for those without resort-style properties or budgets. “Outdoor kitchens are more attainable than ever before!”)

While 90% of outdoor cooking spaces center around a grill – most often a gas model – there are many types to choose from, and many newer cooking appliances and accessories to consider, Ball observed. “Gas grills are a top choice because they cook food quickly and are relatively easy to maintain,” she suggested. ”Look for models with enough capacity (measured in square inches) as well as versatile features like sear stations, charcoal cooking, rotisserie, and smoker boxes for extra flavor.”

“Alternate-fuel grills have come a long way in the last few years” the AjMadison executive wrote, and are often specified as add-ons to gas grill purchases. “These appliances are all about flavor and expanding one’s menu. While smokers and pellet grills are best for slow-cooking proteins, ceramic kamado-style grills provide a natural convection baking effect,” she explained. Some provide smart capabilities to teach users how to master them.

“Side burners have made a comeback in the form of power burners and griddles,” Ball added. She recommended 70,000 BTUs for boiling a large pot of water. “To expand one’s menu, we’re seeing more demand for outdoor griddles.” There are models with separate cooking zones for more flexibility. “This surface can take on a lot of food, freeing up extra space on the grill,” the appliance pro pointed out. Pizza ovens have been top-of-mind for outdoor kitchens too. There are gas, wood-fired and infrared versions to consider. There are also warming drawers to keep foods hot between courses, games or laps in the pool.

One appliance you should definitely not overlook is a ventilation unit when needed. “With the rising trend of covered outdoor kitchens, it’s important to move unwanted odors and cooking residue out of the living space. If a hood is needed, it’s a good idea to oversize the vent to maximize the capture area and get as much power as possible. While covered spaces look beautiful in pictures, be mindful that grilling naturally causes smoke, grease, and cooking odors,” Ball cautioned.

Outdoor Entertaining

When it comes to outdoor entertaining, “the key is to limit trips in and out of the house,” advised the AjMadison executive. “Every outdoor kitchen needs four zones: Cooking, cooling (or cooler storage), storage, and clean-up.” That cooling center may be part of a multi-purpose outdoor bar fixture. “Also known as a cocktail station, this multipurpose appliance combines a sink, faucet, ice bin, space for garnishes, and more, meaning that all wet bar essentials are easily accessible in one place.” That cooling zone can also include refrigerator and freezer drawers, ice maker, beverage center and outdoor-rated wine fridge.

Storage has gotten much more sophisticated in recent years too, with refined finishes and built-in organizers. As outdoor kitchens have grown and gone upscale, so have expectations of outdoor living overall. “Outdoor spaces are becoming key entertaining areas,” Kerl noted. They’ve also become larger and multi-generational, she said, with clients seeking “outdoor bars for a party atmosphere and pizza ovens for pizza parties, comfortable lounging areas often centered around a flame or water element.”

Outdoor cooking and lounging areas are likely to be enhanced with speaker systems, Bryant wrote. These are often tied into outdoor-rated home entertainment packages with audio and video elements.

Outdoor Security

All of these enhanced outdoor kitchen spaces call for enhanced protection. “Security around a home is still on top of everyone’s mind these days,” Bryant pointed out, “and with AI, machine learning cameras and network video recorders (NVR) have the ability to do things like never before.” Motion sensing has gotten far more precise, he commented, identifying if your cat, a raccoon or a stranger is roaming around your outdoor kitchen.

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Author’s Notes

There will be a sequel next week looking at related outdoor living spaces and the many amenities connected to outdoor kitchens.

Contributors Ball, Bryant and Kerl will be sharing more water feature insights in an hour-long Clubhouse conversation tomorrow afternoon (May 17, 2023) at 4 pm Eastern/1 pm Pacific. You can save the date and join this WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS discussion here. If you’re unable to attend, you can catch the recording via Clubhouse Replays here or the Gold Notes design blog here next Wednesday.