A grill and a few seaters usually qualify as the essentials for the outdoor kitchen but many other ingredients go into making this space functional and effective. Outdoor kitchen accessories — from must-have basics to creature comforts — make cooking and entertaining much easier. Think: a mini fridge that keeps all your beers chilled; a kitchen cart so your bar can be mobile; a trash can so your backyard is always clean; stools so you're always comfortable. The list can go on, depending on the size of your backyard and how well you want it to be equipped.
A good way to decide how many accessories you need is by assessing the frequency of use of the outdoor kitchen. If this is the secondary socializing spot in your home (whether it's for a few months, or all year round), consider equipping it with items that will make working and lounging here a breeze. Chart a realistic budget, and calculate how much each item will cost, and how long it will last. You want this space to be so well fit out, that you do not need to keep darting in and out of your indoors to bring things that are missing outside.
'By incorporating accessories, you can create a fully equipped and stylish outdoor kitchen and dining space that's perfect for entertaining and enjoying outdoor living,' says interior designer Kerrie Kelly.
If you're in the mood to enhance your outdoors, refer to this curated selection I've made. I spoke to experts and browsed the internet for the best products and deals on outdoor kitchen accessories. Take a look and start shopping.
What Outdoor Kitchen Accessories do I need?
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Price: $126.99
29.37'' H X 23.6'' W X 15.75'' D
For the most well-functioning, outdoor dining and kitchen, consider an outdoor kitchen cart on wheels. This handy accessory will add extra counter space for chopping and also provide storage for small spaces. The unit has open shelves for placing pots, pans, bowls and more. Within the cabinet is space for spices, glassware, or even bottles. Plus, the handy towel rack helps keep things clean. 'The outdoor kitchen must have a durable working surface area, whether it's a counter or a flexible cart, with good ventilation directed away from your home,' says Jane Lockhart, founder of Jane Lockhart Design. 'These add functionality and even style to the outdoors.'
Price: $445
18.0"Hx 10”Wx 3.5”D
'When it comes to creating a well-equipped outdoor kitchen and dining space, there are several key accessories that I highly recommend,' says Kerrie. 'The Hestan Culinary NanoBond cookware is particularly noteworthy as it can be used not just in indoor kitchens but also directly on the grill, adding versatility to your outdoor cooking experience. Hestan's grills feature an integrated rotisserie system, allowing for effortless summer meals that are both delicious and easy to prepare.' The dish is the perfect accompaniment to the outdoor BBQ, can take up to 1050°F heat, and is ergonomic. The product is in stainless steel, making it resistant to scratching, staining, and salt pitting.
Price: $30
Powder coated metal
Along with a well-fitted grill, you also need those small accessories that assist the cooking and chopping. An outdoor grill caddy is a nifty addition to the backyard kitchen. This can be placed on the outdoor kitchen countertop or hung next to the grill, holding all the tools needed. This particular product has four compartments with two paper towel roll holders, four hooks, and a removable napkin holder. One side of the partition can store forks, spoons, knives, plates, napkins, condiments, grill tools, and other supplies, ideal for a cutlery caddy. 'It would be great if your grill caddy or outdoor storage had a drawer or hook to hang all your cleaning tools as well, so they are ready for use the next time,' says Jane.
Price: $15
12L x 19.75W x 5.75H in.
To cook the most delicious meals and meats, you need a great outdoor grill...and a skillet. This kitchen accessory is ideal for, well, most everything. You can cook pancakes, bacon, burgers, shrimp, and even toast some bread on it. The product allows for even cooking. Choose one crafted from durable iron, as the material will last many grilling seasons. The black plastic handle on this product is removable, so you can use this versatile grill skillet directly on the grill or in your oven. What's better, on days of heavy rain or snow, when it is impossible to cook outside, this product can be used indoors, and it'll give the same charring effect to meats as your outdoor grill would. A total win-win.
Price: $99
19.8" H x 21" W x 18.7" D
If you're trying to fit an outdoor bar into a small backyard, or even a kitchen, don't forget to make space for an outdoor, mini fridge. 'A small outdoor refrigerator keeps drinks and perishable items cold without the need to run back and forth to the indoor kitchen, and makes outdoor time convenient,' says Sarah Brady, founder of Salt Design Company. Use this small unit to add a design touch to the outdoors, especially since fridge designs have seen a big change in recent years. Newer colors, shapes, and more have cropped up; this particular piece is a great buy. Its retro design catches attention, and its built-in side bottle opener has enough room to store your favorite foods and drinks, while not taking up a lot of space. Plus, the freestanding design allows for ease of placement.
Price: $100
10.17"W x 12.02"H x 9.1"D
'You need a good outdoor trash bin or receptacle for easy cleanup,' says Sarah. 'Also, do also pay attention to adding proper outdoor dining lighting so the space can be cleaned and used after dark.' If you're taking the pains to create a smart, timeless outdoor space, choose a bin that matches the aesthetic. I like the idea of bins that have seperate sections for waste and recycling. Ones in pop colors too look great. I like this pedal bin with rounded edges, finished in black. Its soft close function prevents it from unpleasant slamming. It can hold about 1.25 gallons of waste and its removable plastic bucket is easy to clean.
Price: $24
9"D x 16.5"W x 3"H
'Any induction or gas-powered burner is helpful, especially if you like boiling, or making delicious sides; these are great for creating stand-alone items such as corn on the cob,' says Jane. 'Also, don’t forget to have a drawer or hook to hang all your cooking tools, so they are ready for the next time in use.' This lightweight and easy-to-use product can be conveniently moved around in the house and placed on any worktop. The two burners allow you to simultaneously cook, saute, or warm meals while grilling. The plates are nonstick and easy to clean with a damp cloth or non-abrasive sponge. The product has a light, non-skid padding to ensure the burner remains stable during use.
Price: $249
32.2" L x 17.07" W x 18" H
Looking for a premium ice retention and fridge-temp dry storage unit? A great, compact unit that doesn't take much space is this dry and food-safe ice cooler by Ninja. The 50-quart capacity cooler fits up to 80 cans or 50 bottles, so there's plenty of room for accommodating most of your favorite drinks. What's better, it can hold ice for up to six days and its heavy-duty, and highly durable construction with three inches of insulation ensures that the contents remain safe and fresh. It's lightweight which means it can be easily carried around the outdoors and inside. Its easy lid mechanism means it's convenient to dig through ice without any issues.
Price: $79.95
Cotton material
'When it comes to setting the table, Williams Sonoma's vibrant table linens and melamine dishes are ideal for an outdoor dining setup,' says Kerrie. 'Their selection of outdoor-friendly table linens, serving ware, and place settings add the perfect touch of style to alfresco dining.' This one in particular, featuring intricate motifs inspired by the natural world is the perfect way to add color and prints to your outdoor seating area. The piece is made from sustainably sourced cotton, and coated to resist spills and stains while maintaining a soft, supple drape. It looks especially nice with natural tableware — think jute placemats, linen napkins, and more.
What are some must-have outdoor kitchen accessories?
If you want to comfortably dine al-fresco, it's important to have a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. While an outdoor grill or an oven is essential to this space, it's also great to have some accessories that aid in easy cooking. Consider a compact refrigerator to store drinks and meats. Plus, you won't have to keep running inside to get ice for your cocktails. For your grill, have a ready caddy that contains a skillet, brushes, pans, meat knives, and more. Ice makers and wine coolers can be great, fancy additions. Don't forget a tall trash can that can save your space from critters and odors.
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