An outdoor kitchen is proof that sometimes the best things in life really are the simple pleasures, like good food and the great outdoors. (And hopefully, even better company!) Luckily, for at-home gourmands who prefer the open air and an open flame, the capabilities of an outdoor kitchen have graduated from the humble grilling station. Today’s outdoor kitchens rival their air-conditioned counterparts thanks to advancements in technology and material design. See for yourself; here are some of the latest and greatest finds on the market.
Master of Multifunctionality
When you think of the brand Ninja, you may picture beloved, innovative appliances like the Crispi (air fryer) or the CREAMi (ice cream maker). But the company is taking things outside with the debut of their Woodfire collection, which proves you don’t need a ton of square footage to achieve al fresco cooking — just a little countertop space. For example, with the Premium XL model, you can grill, smoke and air fry, and control it all via smartphone app.
Keep Drinks Cold — and the Mess Outside
Ruvati crafts marine-grade stainless-steel sinks that are as suitable for the back yard as they are for a boat deck. Thanks to a two-sided design, the insulated ice chest/sink combo from their “Merino” collection pulls double duty during parties, acting as both beverage bar and cleanup station. The sink’s double-walled insulation can keep ice frozen for more than 24 hours, so you’re more likely to run out of drinks than find them bobbing in ice water hours later.
Make It Modular
Whether you need space to tend to your herbs or a bar at which you can muddle them into a mojito, the A La Carte collection from Loll Designs allows you to create an ultra-custom outdoor workstation. With the modular storage system comprising everything from simple trays to 4-foot-wide cabinets, you can piece together a humble bar cart or dream up a full-on kitchen.
Brains, Brawn & Beauty
Porcelain is the perfect solution for fusing functionality with customizable aesthetics for outdoor floors, countertops and more. Makers like Daltile offer robust collections (pictured: Commissary Proxy Grey) that mimic the look of stone, concrete or wood, reinforcing natural aesthetics while offering modern benefits. In addition to being non-porous, low-maintenance and slip-resistant, porcelain can stand up to heavy foot traffic and extreme weather.
Bring Climate Control Outside
Heatsail, a Belgian company, has fused heating, lighting and importantly, aesthetics, in their collection of high-end heat lamps. The 100 percent electric “Dome” lamp is rust-free and waterproof and can warm a radius of roughly 16 feet, so it’s perfect for shoulder-season dinner parties for six or so guests. The lighting (dimmable!) and heat functions can be used separately, so the fixture deserves a place on your patio year-round.
