A wok burner, beverage center and warming drawer are just a few of the components found in this alfresco kitchen by Viking.

AWESOME APPLIANCES
Bigger, better and bolder seem to describe the current direction of alfresco cooking. “The outdoor kitchen has become so much more than the grill and sink,” observes Mulmed, adding that appliances are geared toward a wider range of cuisines and lifestyles than in the past. Below are a few products that are at the forefront of outdoor kitchen amenities.
• Pizza ovens. Our experts point to pizza ovens as being high on their clients’ lists of must-haves. Often constructed in a beehive or half-moon shape, these ovens can be gas- or wood-fired. A few manufacturers to consider include Forno Bravo and Kalamazoo. Bergin says cooking pizza outdoors is a “marvelous social activity.” If you aren’t able to incorporate a pizza oven into your design, he recommends using a 12- to 16-inch-wide marble slab to prepare pizzas on a grill.
• Smokers. The C4 Cooker by Viking is Mulmed’s favorite new appliance. She says its design, which features a temperature range of 150 to 750 degrees and a ceramic interior to retain heat, allows homeowners to prepare a variety of foods, from fish and smoked turkey to baked breads and cheese and olive dishes. For those looking for a more traditional smoker, Knott suggests options from BBQ Pits by JJ. “They add a wonderful element to an outdoor cooking area with a Western feel,” the designer says of the custom-made smokers.
 

Cooks can bring another dimension to their meals with this drop-in steamer and fryer by Alfresco that also can be used for boiling foods.

• Grills. The TruSear Infrared Griller by Viking would be an essential element in Bergin’s outdoor kitchen. He comments that the burner produces an intense heat that is ideal for searing. The product is available in 15- and 24-inch-wide models, with the larger unit emitting 43,000 Btu when placed on its highest setting.
• Others. If you entertain frequently or have several members of the household who like to cook, consider Evo’s 30-inch-in-diameter circular burner, says Knott. The cooktop can be accessed from all sides to accommodate multiple chefs. Chipley likes wok burners, which allow cooks to broaden the types of dishes that can be prepared outdoors. Refrigerators and ice-makers also are sought-after items, she says. Other popular appliances include ovens, rotisseries, griddles, wine cabinets, beverage centers with beer dispensers, teppanyaki grills and warming ovens.