According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association's (HPBA) 2013 study, 80 percent of households in the United States own a grill or smoker. A full 97 percent of grill owners reported that they actually used their grill in the past year. About 14 million new grills were shipped in 2013, said the HPBA.
Let's take a look at the various types of appliances one might find in an outdoor kitchen. Keep in mind that you won't need all of these.
1. Charcoal Grills
Cost: Ranges from $50 for a modest grill t o $500 or more for high-end models.
Traditionalists worship charcoal grills for what they believe is a more authentic, better "barbecue" flavor. At its most basic, charcoal can create a high temperature for searing, but also can be used
for slower cooking. A charcoal grill also can serve as a smoker.
Available in assorted sizes and shapes, charcoal grills range from small covered cookers with adjustable cooking grids, to kettle grills with domed lids high enough to cook a large turkey, to huge
powder-coated steel models.
If incorporating a charcoal grill into an outdoor kitchen, get the exact measurements and design specifications of the unit before finalizing plans. Make sure the charcoal grill is nearby before starting construction -- an exact fit is crucial for the efficiency of the grill and the design of the outdoor kitchen.
2. Gas or Propane Grills
Cost: Starting at around $150, average gas grills are about $750 to $1,200, while more elaborate stainless steel models go for as high as $5,000 to $10,000.
Gas grills are the most popular type of outdoor cooking appliance because of their convenience and cleanliness. Unlike charcoal, you just fire it up and it's ready to cook in 10 minutes or less. With gas or propane, it's easy to regulate the heat and even cook at several
different temperatures at the same time. More burners mean more cooking flexibility.
Available in various sizes, smaller gas or propane grills are ideal for condo terraces or city rooftop patios. Mid-range models are around 30 to 42 inches or longer, often in stainless steel. Add-ons and inserts offer more space and versatility. Stainless steel -- popular for indoor and outdoor kitchens -- is weather resistant, and stainless cooking grids, burners and other components are easy to maintain, resist rust and are more durable.
3. Electric Grills
Cost: Small models start at around $150, and sell for $2,000 or more, depending on features.
In the early 2000s, electric grills only accounted for about 3 percent of all grill sales. Thanks to improved technology, electric models have greatly improved and are as easy to operate as a kitchen stove. Small electric grills are smart options (and often the only option) for residents of apartments and condominiums.
It may seem obvious, but make sure there is an electrical outlet nearby, so you don't have to rely on potentially dangerous extension cords sprawled across your patio and kitchen area.
4. Smokers
Cost: Water smokers start at about $50 and are more expensive for stainless steel models.
Are you the type of outdoor chef that loves to smoke a whole turkey, hen, hog -- or just about anything that will fit? Freestanding smokers are portable -- they roll on wheels -- come in different sizes, and are available in gas and electric models. Ideally, you want one with a powder-coated steel body and chrome grates.
If you are truly serious about smoking meats in your yard, then you have probably considered a custom-built smoker -- either constructed by you, a brick mason, or other builder or handyperson. Smokers are usually built of brick or stone, which absorb and radiate heat better than metal.
Water smokers are gaining in popularity and are a smart choice for beginners because they are affordable, according to the HPBA. The most popular type of water smoker is charcoal.
Custom-built smokers feature a firebox for building a smoking fire, a smoking chamber for the food, and a stack to ventilate and draw smoke from the firebox over the meat and out of the unit.
5. Pellet
Cost: Range from about $600 to $2,500 or more
With the rise of gas prices, pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular. Energy and heat is provided by small wood pellets, which come in a variety of flavors such as hickory, mesquite,
and oak, and infuse food with smoky flavor.
Pellet grills are appealing to eco-minded consumers because they are energy efficient and clean burning. Some pellet grills have a dual-fuel unit that can switch over to gas -- which can reach higher temperatures than pellets.
6. Ovens
Fueled by wood, charcoal or gas, outdoor ovens can cook the same things as your indoor oven -- with radiant heat. Popular outdoor oven types include Indian tandoors and Italian pizza ovens -- all operate via fire-heated ceramic that radiates heat evenly and intensely.
Outdoor oven-making kits are available, but many outdoor ovens are custom built, either by a skilled DIYer or a professional.
7. Rotisserie
A rotisseries is that steel rod pierced through a body of meat, which turns slowly for an even cooking and browning. Some units conveniently mount directly into a hooded grill.
8. Side Burners
One of the main points of having a complete outdoor kitchen is that the entire meal can be cooked outside: the meat, vegetable, potatoes, breads, and other side dishes.
This is where side burners come in. Available in single or double units, they attach directly to the grill or can be inserted into a counter. Materials and components to look for include heavy-duty porcelainized grates with stainless supports and bowls for quick and easy cleaning. Also look for solid-brass valves and output of 15,000 BTUs or more.
9. Ventilation Hood
Ventilation -- outdoors? Isn't that one of the advantages of cooking outside -- where fresh air circulates? If the grill or kitchen is under a patio roof or some type of shelter, it's definitely needed, especially if the grill doesn't have a cover or hood. An outdoor ventilation hood will vent smoke away from the cooking area. An added bonus: it provides light for nighttime cooking and protects against flares or fire.
Again, most ventilation hoods are constructed of stainless steel, although porcelain-coated steel is also available.
10. Sinks and Faucets
If doing prep outside, an outdoor sink is handy, allowing you to rinse food, wash hands, while providing access to hot and cold water. It also helps with quick cleanups.
While most outdoor kitchens feature the ever-popular stainless steel sinks, pretty much any type of sink will not be affected by changes in temperature, including enameled cast iron or composite. Any type of faucet (other than plastic) will also work, although some are sold for indoor/outdoor use.