Choose the essential Outdoor Kitchen appliances for your dream outdoor living space

Creating the perfect outdoor kitchen goes beyond just installing a basic BBQ or grill. Today's outdoor living spaces now rival indoor kitchens in style and functionality - and your outdoor cooking appliances should do the same. With the right appliances, you can transform your patio into a culinary paradise that's perfect for entertaining important guests or simply enjoying great meals with family and friends

A Cubic C4 kitchen featuring a Flammkraft Generation 5 grill and three-ring gas hob.

Why Invest in Premium Outdoor Kitchen Appliances?

Before diving into specific appliances, it's important to understand that quality outdoor kitchen equipment is an investment in your home and lifestyle. And here's why:

Premium appliances

• Offer advanced features that make cooking easier and more enjoyable

• Last significantly longer than budget alternatives

• Perform more reliably in various weather conditions

• Add value to your home

• Reduce trips between your indoor and outdoor spaces

  
  

Now, let's explore the must-have appliances that will elevate your outdoor cooking experience.

1. A high-quality grill will become the heart of your outdoor kitchen.

No outdoor kitchen will be complete without a premium built-in grill. Modern grills offer features far beyond the basic models:

• Smart technology integration: Apps that monitor cooking temperatures and send notifications when food needs attention

• Multiple fuel options: Choose between gas, charcoal, pellet or hybrid models depending on your flavour preference

• Superior temperature control: Maintain precise cooking temperatures for perfect results every time

• Durable construction: Weather-resistant materials that withstand the elements year after year espically if you live near the coast.

• And don't forget the aesthetics!

  
  

Premium brands like Flammkraft offer innovative gas burners that aren't affected by grease or soot - and which take the guesswork out of grilling by maintaining ideal temperatures in different areas of the cooking space. Others can alert you when food is ready to be flipped or served.

2. Outdoor Refrigerators keep everything fresh and close at hand

An outdoor refrigerator eliminates constant trips inside for ingredients and beverages and will keep salads fresh and will protect your meats and fish.

Look for:

• Choose a fridge, not a beer cooler for food storage. Temperature matters.

• Weather-resistant construction, especially designed with weatherproof exteriors and electronics

• Enhanced insulation to maintain temperature control despite outdoor conditions

• Versatile options: from space-saving integrated models that fit under countertops or behind a cabinet door

• Specialised features: best are models with built-in freezers or ice makers

• Cubic offer a unique installation by Bosch, but also take a look a Blastcool.

• There's even a fridge/freezer in a drawer.

Having cold storage right in your cooking area keeps meats, vegetables, condiments, and drinks easily accessible, streamlining the outdoor cooking process.

3. Side Burners: versatility for meal preparation

Side burners expand your cooking capabilities beyond just grilling:

• Multi-tasking: prepare sauces, side dishes, and boil water while grilling

• Placement flexibility: can be installed separately from your main grill for a customised workflow

• High-performance options: premium brands offer ceramic infrared searing systems for faster cooking

• Safety features: quality side burners minimise flare-ups from dripping grease

Brands like Beefeater & Napoleon offer superior side burners that with your help can deliver restaurant-quality results right in your backyard.

4. Teppenyaki griddles or Induction hobs will expand your menu options

These appliances enable cooking items that would fall through traditional grill grates such as fish, shrimp prawns and langoustine:

• Versatile cooking surfaces: perfect for eggs, pancakes, stir-fries, and more

• Temperature zones: Premium models offer variable heat areas for cooking different foods simultaneously

• Even heat distribution: Ideal for cooking multiple portions of the same item

• Space efficiency: Many models can be built into your outdoor kitchen counter

• An induction hob can replace a side burner, so you don't need another gas cylinder

A flat-top grill or griddle will significantly expand your outdoor menu beyond traditional grilled meat items. Take a look at Indu+.

5. Kamado smokers and slow cookers: enhance flavour profiles

Smokers will add dimension to your outdoor cooking repertoire. Big Green Egg is the best known brand, but take a look at Monolith or Kamado Joe, too.

What do they bring?

• Unique flavour development: Infuse meat and vegetables with delicious smoky notes

• Low and slow cooking: creates tender, juicy results similar to a slow cooker but with enhanced flavour

• Versatile fuel options: choose from natural gas, propane, charcoal, wood, pellets, or electric models

• Size flexibility: From full-sized units to smaller countertop models

Wood chips in flavours like maple, mesquite, and hickory allow you to customise the taste profile of your smoked dishes.

6. Ice-making machines: essential for entertaining

An ice maker ensures you never run out of ice during warm-weather gatherings:

• Continuous supply: fresh ice always available without running to the kitchen

• Space-saving options: available as standalone units or integrated

• Different ice types: some models offer various ice shapes and sizes for different drinks

• Convenience factor: eliminates the need for ice coolers that take up space and create mess

These appliances are particularly valuable during summer entertaining when cold drinks are in high demand. We recommend Hoshizaki.

7. Pizza and outdoor ovens: beyond basic grilling

An outdoor oven dramatically expands your cooking possibilities:

• Higher cooking temperatures: create restaurant-quality pizzas in minutes

• Versatile cooking methods: bake or roast a wide variety of foods

• Authentic flavour: Wood-fired options offer distinctive taste profiles

• Check out hybrid gas/woodburning models

• Design flexibility: Choose from modern styling such as Delivita, stainless steel models from Alfa Forni or custom builds using clay-lined stone or brick

• You can even cook great steaks with a Delivita oven!

Pizza enthusiasts particularly appreciate the ability to achieve the high temperatures needed for perfect crusts that indoor ovens simply can't match.

8. Outdoor bars & gin centres: elevate your entertaining game

A dedicated beverage centre keeps drinks organised and accessible:

Cubic's Bar in a Cupboard.

• Specialised storage: designed specifically for various types of beverages

• Temperature control: maintains optimal serving temperature for different drinks

• Integrated designs: may be seamlessly built into your outdoor kitchen cabinetry

• Organisational features: keeps glasses, mixers, and accessories in one convenient location

  
  

These pieces of real furniture are particularly valuable for those who enjoy entertaining and serving various cocktails or beverages. The top of the line Cubic Outdoor Living brand offers three top-end models - the Kitchen in a Cabinet with a sink & fridge, Bar in a Cupboard and the something new and very special coming in Spring.

9. Dishwashers and Sinks: Complete the Kitchen Experience

Cleanup is a crucial part of any kitchen, and outdoor versions make it convenient:

• Immediate cleanup: wash dishes, utensils, and cookware without trips inside

• Clutter reduction: keeping countertops clear during food preparation and serving

• Specialised design: built specifically to withstand outdoor conditions

• Multiple uses: sink plumbing can connect to ice makers and beverage centres

• Hot water from a Quooker tap or an electric boiler in a cupboard.

• Cubic Outdoor Living offer an integrated dishwasher behind a cupboard door and also an amazing dishwasher in a drawer.

By having access to fresh water and cleaning capability when cooking outdoors, it will truly complete the kitchen experience.

If you're considering transforming an outdoor living space today ...

Talk first to your garden designer or architect.

By investing in quality outdoor kitchen appliances it will create a great aesthetic and a functional, enjoyable space that will extend your living area and enhance your home's value. Whether you're an avid entertainer or simply enjoy cooking in the fresh air for the difference it brings, a luxury outdoor kitchen and these quality appliances will elevate your outdoor cooking experience.

Ready to create your dream outdoor kitchen? For a personalised design consultation, contact our team of outdoor living experts in Cubic Design Stores in strategic locations throughout the UK. They'll help you select the perfect appliances for your space, cooking style and budget.

Call us or fill out our online form to start planning your ultimate outdoor kitchen.

Design professsional, interior designer or developer? Please start here.