Ladies and gentlemen, the pleasures of the grilling season are upon us. Can you think of anything more satisfying than cooking in an open space full of life and laughter?

Bringing the conveniences of an indoor kitchen to your backyard, outdoor kitchens allows you to prepare meals, cook and even clean-up without missing out on the fun, entertainment, and relaxation.

But what do you really need out there? As the interest in outdoor kitchen trends continues to grow, experts have noted a tremendous variety of products flooding the market for entertainment and specialty. One of the more exciting developments in outdoor cooking appliances is that the makers of high-end indoor devices have now extended their expertise and product lines to include the outdoor kitchen - so you get brands you trust, more space for them, and now more specialized products.

Naturally, the overarching trend in the design and creation of outdoor kitchen appliances are durability and performance. After all, an outdoor kitchen refrigerator still has to keep your supplies fresh and operate quietly, even in the blistering heat or freezing cold we get here in the western PA area.

So without further ado, here are five outdoor kitchen appliances that deserve some thought.

1. Brazilian-Style Rotisserie Grills

Brazilian-style rotisserie grills are fast becoming a must-have outdoor kitchen appliance, allowing homeowners to reproduce the Brazilian steakhouse experience in their backyards. Perhaps the best part of owning a Brazilian-style rotisserie grill is the fact that it frees you from the limits of what a typical grill can and can't do. Often, these appliances allow you to step away and entertain while you meat cooks away. What's more, Brazilian-style BBQ grills are gaining popularity because of their health benefits; apparently, this popular outdoor cooking appliance can eliminate the carcinogens that come with char grilling.

2. Pizza Ovens

There's nothing like a home-baked pizza with a crisp base and perfectly cooked toppings; it provides the ideal shared meal and is a reliable crowd pleaser. Besides, why heat the house up in the summer when you can bake outdoors? The Kalamazoo Artisan Fire Pizza Oven, has gained popularity in the past year by bringing world-pizza oven cooking to the contemporary outdoor kitchen with a stainless steel gas-fired pizza oven. This modern outdoor cooking appliance can attain cooking temperatures in less than 20 minutes and can bake a Neapolitan-style pizza in just 3 minutes!

3. Infrared Grilling

Infrared is a heated stainless steel surrounding the burner that radiates intensely high heat to the foods surface. Think of it as a broiler because that is how it functions. Needless to say, the results are significant; infrared grilling provides quick and even heat that allows food to be grilled and browned but not dried out or unevenly cooked. The intense heat also cooks food fast to retain nutrients and flavor. And although gas grills with infrared have a reputation for cooking steaks, they are also incredible for seafood, vegetables and nearly every food that requires intense heat.

4. Slow-Cooking Warming Drawers

Warming drawers give you the versatility of a slow-cooker, an oven, and bread-maker in one. Not only can you cook your food slow and low in a warming drawer, but you can also warm plates, slow roast vegetables, and proof bread. Imagine cooking before your guests arrive and then keeping the food safely warm as they arrive - and you're not tied up at the grill!

5. Fire Pits

Fire pits or fire tables provide the perfect combination of form and function, allow you to combine your dining experience with fire as the focal point. Fueled by liquid propane gas or traditional wood, fire features are the latest appliance since they can double as a stovetop. Think dutch ovens, salt stones, griddles, and woks.

The end goal of any outdoor living space is to extend the functional square footage of your property. However, always keep in mind that having an outdoor kitchen doesn't always have to be about expensive appliances or elaborate set-ups. Instead, it should be about the great pleasures of cooking outside while enjoying the company of family and friends, so happy cooking!

-Image Kalamazoo

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