Fire Magic Grill as part of a complete outdoor kitchen design. Photo: Fire Magic
Building an outdoor kitchen is a major investment, requiring detailed layout planning, proper hardscaping, and top-notch appliances. From fully-equipped, high-end plans to the simplest backyard patio, one common factor remains: a grill. Don’t let your time, money, and hard work go to waste with inferior appliances. Invest in a quality grill for your outdoor kitchen to guarantee great BBQs and gatherings for many years.
Design Considerations
Before scouring the market for the perfect grill for your outdoor kitchen, consider where and how you plan to install it. Would a standalone model work best, or would it be smarter to incorporate one into existing (or future) hardscaping? Take into account, too, how many people you generally cook for. A standard rule: your grill top should have 100 square inches per person. For most homeowners, this typically yields a grill of about 600 to 900 square inches.
DCS Grills offers professional grade outdoor kitchen components for Hudson Valley homeowners serious about outdoor cooking. Photo: DCS Grills
Material
For guaranteed durability, choose models with grill hoods and cook boxes made of cast iron, cast aluminum, enamel bonded steel, or stainless steel graded 304. Any and all handles should be strong and heat-resistant for safety. If you opt for a standalone grill, make sure casters are constructed of stainless steel and contain wheel locks.
Gas versus Charcoal
The gas-charcoal debate seems as old as backyard barbecuing itself. Each grill type has its own set of pros and cons:
GAS GRILLS
A gas grill is best suited for individuals who require quick-heating, easy-clean solutions. Most gas grills come with temperature control knobs for precise cooking methods. Fuel types come in two options: propane or natural gas. Propane is ideal for movable grills, as these fuel tanks are portable, easily purchasable, and may be effortlessly refilled and stored. Natural gas, on the other hand, requires a pipeline which must be installed by a professional; it is, however, the cheaper fuel. Although gas is a great option for fueling a quality grill for your outdoor kitchen, it won’t satisfy die-hard fans of the smoky flavor only charcoal can provide.
CHARCOAL GRILLS
Charcoal grills are easy to use and impart a mouth-watering taste to foods. Although these models take longer to heat than their gas-powered counterparts, charcoal grills reach much higher temperatures that are optimal for larger cuts of meat. Levers and cranks designed to adjust grill bed heights offer some temperature control, albeit not as precise as gas types provide. If you do go for charcoal, perfect the art of slow barbeque with cast iron grill gates, which conduct heat better than stainless steel.
Must-Haves
Regardless of design, material, and power-type, there are a few essentials you need to look for when investing in a quality grill for your outdoor kitchen. Among the necessities are:
- Grill cover
- Professional spatula and grill tongs
- Built-in thermostat
- Burners with a minimum of 12,000 BTU
Don’t forget family and good friends in this category. What would a grilling experience be without your favorite people to create fond food memories with?
Choosing a quality grill for your outdoor kitchen doesn’t have to be a daunting task. For complete outdoor kitchen design and installation projects, hiring a professional contractor is essential to a great finished project. Contact the outdoor kitchen specialists at Harmony Hill Landscaping in Fishkill, NY today to chat about your project—we are happy to help!
