Exterior Products Review: Outdoor KitchensOpen Air-Fare: Manufacturers help fuel the sizzling outdoor kitchen craze.

There was a time when the American home was divided into two distinct areas: inside and out. In climates with radical seasonal shifts, picnic tables and barbecue grills, like white clothing, were uncovered–or unearthed from garage or basement–on Memorial Day, at which time they became the center of social and family activities for the next three months. On Labor Day all was packed away for another year.

Times change. Like white, no longer limited to dress shirts year-round, backyards are morphing into open-air great rooms that are viable extensions of, even additions to, a home's interior ones. Not surprisingly, the old grill setup seems to be evolving into a residential phenomenon commonly referred to as the outdoor kitchen.

According to Viking vice president of sales Bob Woods, "It's a trend that started in the Sun Belt–more in the Southern California, Arizona, Nevada markets–where outdoor living is part of the lifestyle." Florida too appears to have embraced the concept. "I see it almost becoming a standard item offered by builders at a certain price point in that market," says architect Mark Johnson, manager of architecture and design marketing at KitchenAid, a post that keeps him in touch with national design trends.

Indeed, Gopal Ahluwalia, NAHB staff vice president for research, notes that preliminary findings from a study on the home of the future indicate that most every upscale home will have an outdoor kitchen in the next five years or so. "This is across the country," he says.

Charleston, S.C.-based custom builder Kevin Kalman reports that about 50 percent of his homes include an outdoor kitchen area. "It's about the entertaining value," he says. "It's not a heated and cooled space, but it sells as fast as a great master bathroom and [indoor] kitchen. It's very important."

So much so, corroborates Connecticut-based kitchen designer Mary Jo Peterson, that in the Southwest enclosed outdoor living spaces and kitchens are often calculated into the total square footage of new homes.

Forms of Function

The question remains, how does one define such a space? "The first basic element is a grill," admits Peterson. These days, the gamut of major appliance makers has upped the ante on cooking equipment. Most offer commercial-style looks and performance such as the Electrolux 57-inch Designer series outdoor kitchen, a model that Kalman and his team dubbed the "MacDaddy" of grills during a recent installation.

For those who require a chef's "tour de force," the industrial strength Talos from Dynasty by Jade is a collection of custom-built and configured modular appliances, fixtures, fittings, and accessories for outdoor applications.

Conversely, minimalism is rearing its head on the patio as well. Peterson is especially intrigued with Fuego's notion of the grill as island and social hub. This refreshingly contemporary design, created by award-winning industrial designer Robert Brunner, is available in one- and two-burner versions with cast iron cooking grates. In addition to its streamlined architectural silhouette, unique features include a retractable grill cover, interchangeable fuel options (gas, charcoal, and infrared), surface temperature probes, and wood and slate counters.

Similarly, Kenyon's electric All Seasons grill maintains the aesthetic appeal of an integrated European-style modular cooktop with its waterproof electronic touch controls on black ceramic glass and handsome 304-type stainless steel cover.

Beyond the main event, KitchenAid's Johnson recommends gas burners, either modular or integrated onto the side of a large gas grill, a sink with cold running water, and a refreshment center where homeowners can make drinks and store condiments and ice for chilling bottles of beer and wine. "The next thing would be appliances like the outdoor refrigerator and icemaker," he says. "Then you get full kitchen functionality outdoors."

Among other savvy manufacturers, KitchenAid caters to the design and building industries with such basics as its Architect series Outdoor Entertaining collection's freestanding and built-in gas grills outfitted with halogen lights and side burners, as well as water-resistant stainless steel refrigerators, icemakers, and refreshment centers complete with sinks, faucets, water filtration, ice bins, cutting boards, towel racks, and storage.

KWC project manager Jeff Boardman reports that his company's Waterstation also has become an outdoor favorite for food preparation and serving. Originally intended as an interior island, part of a built-in counter, or peninsula, its 16-gauge stainless steel construction is said to be able to withstand the elements.

On the refrigeration front, Perlick recently entered the luxury home market with outdoor counter-height stainless steel freezers as well as insulated glass door refrigerators and wine cabinets in 24-, 48-, and 72-inch heights; refrigerator and freezer drawers; even single- and double-barrel beer taps. U-Line, meanwhile, added UL-approved outdoor refrigerators, icemakers, a refrigerator/icemaker, and a refrigerator/freezer to its sleek Échelon series.

The Outer Limits

"Our clients are getting pretty elaborate with their outdoor spaces," notes interior designer Beth Scott Hauer of the Denver-based Associates III. To illustrate she cites examples of full outdoor kitchens and bars with flat-screen television sets within semi-enclosed areas complete with walls, ceilings, and sophisticated lighting, even heating and cooling–often in the form of freestanding space heaters and ceiling fans but also actual built-in systems and working fireplaces.

In particular, she describes a recent project for a family of six in Aspen, Colo. "It will have a lounge with outdoor seating upholstered in beautiful decorative fabrics, a pizza oven and grill, warming drawers, and refrigerator, and a TV."

Pizza ovens appear to be all the rage. Hauer says that she's had several clients install them. Designed for residential use, Earthstone Wood-Fire Ovens takes a traditional Old World approach, whereas Wood Stone offers gas-fired 30-inch models configured for simple, space-conscious installation.

For the TV, Cal Spas' weatherproof structure that can be built-in or stand alone, will house a 42-inch LCD or plasma screen that features an auto-rise/auto-lower mechanism as well as marine-grade surround speakers and DVD player.

Outdoor Cabinets

Regarding cabinetry, Hauer recommends stainless steel if you're doing a full-blown outdoor kitchen. "You would want to make sure that the cabinets you use could withstand the sun and elements," she cautions. To prevent the potential occurrence of rust in coastal salt-air environments, Viking's new outdoor cabinetry is fabricated in a low-iron non-magnetic stainless steel. Designed to house its outdoor grills and appliances, the line is available in the company's classic stainless finish as well as a selection of colors, and includes sink and grill bases, trash pullouts, oven cabinets, side panels, and filler strips.

For optimum customization and low maintenance, Lasertron offers what it claims is a fingerprint-resistant finish on its textured and traditional stainless steel outdoor cabinetry–in addition to glass door fronts.

Of course built-ins make all the difference when it comes to the latest indoor kitchens–an equally compelling feature outdoors. To keep food warm, Wolf's elegant 30-inch warming drawer has a newly acquired outdoor rating. And for buffet-style serving, Vintage offers a drop-in food warmer in addition to numerous modular accessories such as a waste chute topped by sliding cutting board, dish drainer drawers for chilling and defrosting, and a steamer/fryer insert for its numerous grills.

Under any circumstance, Peterson advises selecting surface materials that will not fade in the sun or be susceptible to freeze/thaw conditions. "A safe bet would be real stone or porcelain tile–in a honed finish," she says. For the Spanish manufacturer Keramia, the Tibet collection is a particularly generous selection of sizes for ground, vertical, and counter applications.

Fresh Air

Additionally, Peterson emphasizes that ventilation must be considered in partially enclosed outdoor rooms even if open-sided. "As soon as you put anything over the top of your area, you need to pay attention to how you're going to exhaust the smoke and odors," she urges.

Viking's outdoor ventilation hoods were engineered to handle damp environments and the high output of powerful grills, says Woods. "We try to make our products as bulletproof as we can," he explains. "The fun thing is, when you do an outdoor kitchen you have fewer restrictions like walls and windows. So your only really limiting factor is your imagination."

Evidently, this is part of the appeal. "Outdoor living is getting more popular," says the NAHB's Ahluwalia, whose research has not yet been quantified. "Qualitatively, though, what we have learned is that outdoor kitchens will become pretty standard in the home–the upscale home for sure," he claims.

Can it be long, muses Peterson, that production builders recognize the growth opportunity this new "room" in the house might provide as an upgrade option?

–BP

A Heated Issue

On a recent business trip, Viking vice president of sales Bob Woods met a Toronto dealer who claimed to do as many as 150 to 200 upscale outdoor kitchens a year. Perhaps, suggest Woods, "They want to live outside during the nice times of the year when they could enjoy the weather."

However, according to KitchenAid manager of architecture and design marketing Mark Johnson, the proliferation of affordable outdoor heating options is what is actually allowing this trend to migrate north. "People seem to be augmenting their outdoor kitchens with heating devices so they can extend the season," he reports.

In particular, he cites Heat & Glo's gas-fueled Twilight II indoor/outdoor see-through gas fireplace and Patio Campfire, both of which he used in two Michigan projects. For outdoor-only installations, the Vermont Castings 42-inch Al Fresco SuperHearth is available in wood-burning or gas versions. Hospitality-style heaters, like the Kenmore Patio Heater from Sears, are another readily available option, notes Johnson.

Any of these, says Johnson, will make it much more comfortable for people to enjoy an outdoor kitchen, and you will extend its annual life in any climate to at least three seasons–or four in the case of mild winters.

–L.C.L.

KitchenAid

KitchenAid. Engineered for freestanding or built-in applications, the Architect series outdoor entertaining collection includes 27-inch and 36-inch high-performance grills enhanced by built-in thermometers on the lids and halogen lighting, independent 22,500-BTU side burners, a stainless steel refrigerator with all-stainless interior, icemaker, and a refreshment center complete with sink, faucet, water filtration system, insulated ice bin, and more. 800-422-1230. www.kitchenaid.com.

Jade

Jade. The industrial-strength Talos outdoor cooking suite is an open-air version of a professional kitchen. Handcrafted, modular grilling products and options include a large-capacity rotisserie, dedicated InfraSear searing center, durable stainless steel griddle and preparation areas, sinks and faucets, butcher-block cutting boards, storage drawers, and a chilled beverage center. 800-884-5233. www.jadeappliances.com.

Earthstone Wood-Fire Ovens

Earthstone Wood-Fire Ovens. For a touch of Old World authenticity, the model 60 modular home pizza oven can be installed using concrete blocks (shown) or a steel-frame faced in tile, stucco, stone, or brick. A 4-inch-thick slab of concrete forms the base of the oven pieces. Serious home cooks will appreciate its 23-inch-by-26-inch interior cooking area lined with cold-pressed baker's tiles said to be extremely durable and heat retentive. 800-840-4915. www.earthstoneovens.com.

Sears

Sears. An increasingly vital element in outdoor kitchens and dining areas, this residential 40,000-BTU Kenmore Patio Heater measures 93 inches high and features a 33-inch-wide aluminum reflector, a 304-grade stainless steel emitter grid, a painted steel decorative liquid propane gas tank, a two-piece powder coated steel post and weighted base, and positive ignition system. 800-349-4358. www.sears.com.

Heat & Glo

Heat & Glo. Warm and evocative of amicable gatherings, the propane- or natural gas-fueled Patio Campfire can be installed in the optional 45-inch-by-16-inch-high unfinished FP45G Fire Pit Builder Set with a requisite adapter kit and trim ring. Designed to be customized with the likes of stucco, brick, rock, stone, or tile, this realistic heat source can be used in a variety of outdoor environments. 888-427-3973. www.heatnglo.com.

Electrolux

Electrolux. Also available in a 13-1/16-inch-high head-only version with a trim kit for built-in applications, for liquid propane or natural gas, the 57-inch Designer series Outdoor Kitchen comes 95 percent factory assembled and features 304 stainless steel double-wall construction, commercial-quality grates, two infrared burners, a built-in temperature gauge, dual 34,000-BTU sealed side burners, and a warming drawer. 877-435-3287. www.electroluxusa.com.

Vintage

Vintage. Beyond its array of outdoor appliances, the firm offers a series of commercial-quality modular features such as a steamer/fryer that drops into one of its grills, countertop food warmers for buffet-style serving, drawer drain inserts to keep foods on ice before preparing or serving, and a deluxe trash center/chute, and removable stainless steel cover. 800-998-8966. www.vintage-grills.com.

Viking

Viking. To house its extensive outdoor offering–grills, warming drawers, burners, ventilation hoods, gas ovens, electric smoker ovens, refrigeration, icemakers, beverage dispensers, and refreshment centers–the company introduced a line of exterior commercial-style cabinets available in stainless steel and select Viking colors. Features include marine-grade construction, adjustable legs, full-extension slides, fully concealed hinges, a sink base and trash pullout, and filler strips. 888-845-4641. www.vikingrange.com.

Wood Stone

Wood Stone. The 30-inch natural or LP gas-fired Bistro 3030 pizza oven is an installer-friendly–albeit weighty–hearth/dome that sits on a heavy-duty frame and optional stainless steel storage compartment. Accessories include a stack-mounted exhaust fan–a good idea because the Bistro should be vented using a chimney constructed and installed in accordance with all relevant local and national codes. 800-578-6836. www.woodstonehome.com.

Dacor

Dacor. Taking its cues from this company's indoor commercial-style ranges, the 52-inch Epicure built-in gas-fueled outdoor grill features 18-gauge stainless steel construction, two 18,000-BTU side burners with continuous grates, three 20,000-BTU central U-shaped burners, a heavy-duty rotisserie, Perma-Flame re-ignition, "burner-on" indicators, a canopy-mounted thermometer, warming rack, and halogen lighting for nighttime grilling. 800-793-0093. www.dacor.com.

Cal Spas

Cal Spas. Designed to integrate with this manufacturer's extensive home resort product offering, the 100-inch-by-38-inch Ultimate series U-9100 Barbecue Island al fresco home theater is made of 20-gauge galvanized steel and Wonder Board faced in stucco topped with stone or tile. Features include auto-rising/auto-storing housing for a 42-inch plasma/LCD TV, marine-grade speakers, DVD player, amplifier, subwoofer box, and remote control. 800-225-7727. www.calspas.com.

Perlick

Perlick. The undercounter Outdoor line offers what the company claims to be a technological first–insulated glass door refrigeration for exterior use. Single-zone refrigerator, freezer, and wine cabinet configurations are available in 24-inch, 48-inch, and 72-inch single, double, and triple stainless steel-wrapped units. Beer dispensers, refrigerator and freezer drawers, an icemaker, and countertop blender stations complete this collection. 800-558-5592. www.bringperlickhome.com.

Kenyon

Kenyon. The clean minimalist appeal of the electric Frontier All Seasons Grill comes from its sleek waterproof touch controls on black ceramic glass and low built-in profile measuring 21 inches by 12 inches by 4-1/2 inches. This easy-to-use–and install–cooking module features a non-stick aluminum grate (removable for cleaning), concealed element to prevent flare-ups, disposable grease trays, an optional griddle, and a 304 stainless steel lid (also removable). 860-664-4906. www.kenyonappliances.com.

Wolf

Wolf. At long last, this manufacturer certified its WD30 30-inch warming drawer for use in outdoor settings. Available in the company's classic, platinum, and carbon stainless steel finishes, as well as for integrated custom panels, this 450-watt unit sports a hidden electronic touch operation with preset temperature and shut-off controls, full-extension, ball bearing drawer glides, and stainless steel interiors. 800-332-9513. www.wolfappliances.com.

U-Line

U-Line. With an eye for stylish design, six new UL-approved outdoor appliances are part of the upscale Échelon series–two icemakers, one combination icemaker/refrigerator, two refrigerators, and one refrigerator/freezer. All feature full-wrap stainless steel bodies and doors and contoured handles, as well as digital touch controls. In addition, flush grill fronts have been recessed and finished to match the units. 414-354-0300. www.u-line.com.

Fuego

Fuego. The innovative Fuego 01 was designed to encourage interaction between chef and guests. Built-in or on four sturdy casters, this unique 42-inch grill features hybrid fuel options (infrared, gas, or charcoal), cast iron cooking surfaces with a retractable lid, handsome wood and slate prep areas, stainless steel surfaces with modular accessory storage, and optional electronic controls capable of gauging the cooking surface temperature. 415-558-7151. www.fuegoliving.com.

Lasertron

Lasertron. Designed for indoor and outdoor use, the product's fingerprint-resistant stainless steel cabinet doors and drawer fronts are said to reduce the potential of additional troublesome spots, smudges, and stains–especially important if exposed to the elements. Custom options include brushed, charcoal, or mirror finishes, as well as eight designer textures, and a durable titanium coating. Glass inserts also are available. 954-846-8600. www.lasertrondirect.com.

Vermont Castings

Vermont Castings. Convertible from wood-burning to gas, the Al Fresco SuperHearth fully insulated 42-inch outdoor fireplace sports the architectural appeal of stainless steel construction, along with a mesh screen, basket grate, and optional bi-fold glass door kit in that material, and a firebox made of classic concrete brick installed in an attractive herringbone pattern. 800-525-1898. www.vermontcastings.com.