Some of the greatest joys in owning a home come from creating fabulous feasts for friends and family right in your backyard. Much more than a landscape feature, the outdoor kitchen can be viewed as a lifestyle decision, asserting that you will spend your free time gathering with loved ones and sharing a meal. As you add to your landscape and expand what your backyard can offer, will you be adding an outdoor kitchen in Harrisburg and State College, PA? Don’t forget to consider these appliances.

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Proper Refrigeration

The classic chest cooler may be portable and a fixture of outdoor gatherings, but it really doesn’t fit the level of luxury and consistency that a backyard deserves. You’ll need a good outdoor refrigerator to make sure everyone is comfortable and can grab a cold drink anytime on a hot day without going into the house. There are many kinds of refrigerators that are rated for outdoor use. Consider adding a specialized kind of refrigerator for some of your favorites, such as a wine cooler, freezer, or kegerator if bigger gatherings are your preferred way to entertain. Don’t forget to install a refrigerator that makes ice cubes to battle that summer heat!

Grill and Smoker

There’s something about standing over fire with tongs in hand and letting the flavors of various foods develop in front of your eyes. Grilling meats and vegetables for outdoor dining is another classic activity in the backyard. Every type of grill has its pros and cons and we can help you decide between charcoal, propane, or the unique egg-shaped kamado grill which is an incredible addition to an outdoor kitchen. Make sure to include a smoker attachment for slow cooking that results in unbelievable flavors.

Brick Oven

The best chefs of the world will tell you what kinds of incredible foods can come from a wood-fired brick oven. From the bubbly pizzas to casserole dishes to braised meats to breakfast skillets and more, there are a huge range of foods made possible by this gorgeous masonry structure. 

Since it will already create a considerable amount of heat, a wood-fired pizza oven is usually best combined with an outdoor fireplace. Both fire chambers can be held in the same structure and on opposite sides to keep your outdoor kitchen and seating areas close together. As a bonus, you’ll want to enjoy your outdoor kitchen later in the season thanks to the warmth this combination oven/fireplace puts out.

Basin Sink

While it’s necessary to have a sink in your outdoor kitchen for handwashing and hygiene, not every outdoor kitchen is equipped with a larger basin sink for washing dishes. Basin sinks make outdoor kitchens even more versatile and visually appealing. Without one, your trips to and from the house will become more frequent and more cumbersome.

Dishwasher

Of course if you can’t bear the thought of hand-washing dishes and you frequently cook large meals outdoors, consider an outdoor-rated dishwasher.

Ceiling Fan

If your outdoor kitchen is sheltered under a pavilion, you may want a ceiling fan to help disperse the heat. 

Vertical Garden

Adding fresh herbs to your cooking will heighten the senses and make your food more delicious. Growing your own herbs near your outdoor kitchen is possible with the inclusion of a vertical garden. For best results, add an automatic drip irrigation system so you don’t have to worry about forgetting to water your herbs.

Related: REMODELING AN OUTDOOR KITCHEN? VISIT OUR MASONRY SUPPLY IN HARRISBURG, PA

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