Fall may be upon us, but we refuse to give up on being outside! With the right set-up, you can be grilling and spending time outdoors well into the Fall and early Winter (or beyond!) You only need the perfect outdoor kitchen (and some grilling foods) to spend more time outdoors.
Here are some tips on what you need to build the best outdoor kitchen and patio space for your family.
Protection from the elements
Whether it's protection from the sweltering sun in the Summer, rain in the Fall and Spring, or snow in the Winter, having protection outside is a must. If you already have a covered outdoor area, it makes spending time outdoors more enjoyable.
Consider building a covered patio or gazebo where you can BBQ and spend time outdoors, regardless of weather or season.
Warmth, with heat lamps
On cooler evenings, the heat from a heat lamp can help you take the edge off while outside. You can get a fire table or an infrared heat lamp. We like infrared because the heat it emits is unaffected by wind, so you get a consistent temperature, even in a breeze.
Choose a good BBQ
No backyard kitchen is complete without a BBQ at its heart. You have no end of choices depending on how many people you cook for and your power/heat source:
- Propane or gas flame: great for portability and fast cooking.
- Wood pellets and smokers: great for slow cooking but can also cook to sear. An electric Traeger smoker that's great for smoking and grilling.
- Charcoal: great for slow cooking and the taste it imparts to the food.
Your BBQ will become the centrepiece of your outdoor entertaining space. Consider adding built-in countertops around it so you can also do your outdoor grilling prep. Just be mindful of the heat output of the BBQ and make sure no meltable (like house siding) or flammable materials are placed too close to the grill.
Check out the BBQs and outdoor grills available at WCA.
Get a Patio Fridge
An outdoor fridge on your patio is great for many reasons. The primary reason is to have all your grilling supplies close at hand without needing to run inside every time you need something. Fill it with your vegetables, meats, condiments, and beverages. On a warm day, you’ll be grateful for having a cold drink within reach.
Check out these outdoor-rated fridges for your patio.
Need an outdoor freezer?
Consider having an outdoor freezer on your patio. You can store your frozen meats or a few frozen adult beverages there.
Did you know that when making homemade, ground meat burgers from scratch, it's often recommended to freeze the patties to help them keep their form when you grill? With your freezer on your patio, you’ll be able to access them immediately and get them on your grill with minimal thawing.
Check out these spacious outdoor freezers for your backyard.
Add an outdoor side burner
Many outdoor cooks loathe having to run back into their kitchen to cook their sauces and side dishes on their indoor stovetop. Instead, add a side burner to your existing BBQ and cook everything at once without running around. Some BBQs come with side burners as standard, or you can add one to many popular models.
An alternative is to get a portable induction cooktop and plug it outside for fast, even cooking of your side dishes.
Check out these outdoor cooking sideburners.
Install a vent hood for inclosed, outdoor spaces
If you've added an outdoor space with hard- or soft-sided walls and a roof, you’ll want to add a vent hood to vent fumes, smell, and smoke from your outdoor space. Outdoor vent hoods are designed to withstand outdoor moisture and heat; some come with underlighting to light your cooking surface.
Where to get deals on outdoor kitchen appliances
Hestan currently has several promotions for their outdoor kitchen appliances, including:
- Buy any Hestan Built-In Grill from August 1 - December 31, and get a $400 cash rebate. (expires December 31, 2023)
- Buy any Campania Pizza oven and get a Free Aspire Undercounter Refrigerator (expires December 31, 2023)
- Three separate deals for a free outdoor fridge with the purchase of select Hestan BBQs. (Promo 1, Promo 2, and Promo 3 all expire on December 31, 2023)
How to enjoy your outdoor kitchen year-round
Let's face it: cooking outside isn't always easy or fun when the weather is less than cooperative. However, if you have some protection from the elements and well-designed and functional outdoor kitchen space, you can BBQ up a storm, even in December or January!
When choosing any outdoor appliances, be sure they are rated for outdoor use. You can’t always put any appliance outdoors and expect it to withstand the elements (it might even void your warranty). Your best bet is to ask an outdoor appliance expert for their recommendations.
If you're building a complete outdoor kitchen from scratch, show your appliance expert pictures and measurements of your space. Let them know if you want a spring- or summer-only kitchen or a 4-season kitchen, and they can help you pick the best outdoor appliances for your needs and budget.
Browse the outdoor appliances at West Coast Appliances and start building your dream 2- or 4-season outdoor kitchen today!
Social and Newsletter
Grilling season doesn't have to end when summer does. Learn how to design an awesome outdoor kitchen space that can be used throughout the year.
What makes a great outdoor kitchen? Get our recommendations on must-have outdoor appliance and design for a 4-season outdoor kitchen and patio.