Our Arizona climate is the perfect setting to enjoy outdoor soirees with close friends and families or switch up weeknight meals by dining al fresco. Like many Phoenix homeowners, we believe the backyard is just as much an extension of the home as the inside. But when it comes to designing a modern outdoor kitchen, sub-par appliances, and flawed planning can turn a great outdoor space into one that doesn’t live up to its full potential.
Think of it this way. Just like your famous BBQ ribs, outdoor kitchen upgrades are most successful when following a plan (a recipe, if you will). The truth is, it doesn’t take much to turn an uninspired backyard kitchen into a patty-flipping, dog-grilling, BBQ-roasting oasis that will earn you the title of neighborhood grill master.
Wondering where to start? We put together outdoor kitchen ideas that won’t break the bank in this backyard kitchen upgrade list, complete with recommended brands and products from our team’s most avid outdoor enthusiasts.
At a Glance:
Spice it Up with a Hearth Oven
Protect Your Bar from Hard Water
1. Add a Hearth Oven
Don’t get us wrong, in outdoor kitchens, a reliable grill is the star of the show (take a look at a Coyote grill to see what we mean!). But that doesn’t mean BBQ grills can’t share the spotlight. To satisfy all your family and guests, consider including an outdoor pizza oven in your open-air kitchen setup. What’s so great about a pizza oven (also called a hearth oven) is that it gives grillers the chance to cater to different flavor palates.
You can never go wrong with a pizza, but where’s the magic of popping one into your indoor kitchen oven? Instead, bring the heat and reveal an artisan pizza right from the wall — just like they do it in Italy.
One of the best outdoor ovens on the market is the Monogram Statement 30” electric hearth oven. From pizza to appetizers, precise electric heating delivers restaurant-grade foods to switch up your feast. Its handcrafted design fits seamlessly into a 30” space with a featureless front that says modern and luxury all in one.
2. Make Your Outdoor Space Drink Central
Straight up or neat? Whichever way you take your favorite concoctions, make sure to have a place to store them with an outdoor compact refrigerator. Unlike under-the-counter fridges made for indoor settings, beverage fridges for outdoor kitchens are reinforced with special stainless steel and insulation, so your drinks stay chilly and ready to enjoy.
Best of all, many models — like this recommended Coyote outdoor refrigerator — are freestanding. This gives you the freedom of a custom, built-in look (with the added cost of professional installation) or to simply join the rest of your outdoor kitchen suite as a solo add-on.
Either way, this Coyote outdoor refrigerator makes room for a variety of soda and hard drinks inside 4.1 cubic feet of capacity with three shelves and condiment trays. Enjoy peace of mind knowing this compact refrigerator runs automatic defrosting and uses front ventilation for easy maintenance when not in use during the off-season.
3. Keep Outdoor Spaces Comfy
Everyone loves the alluring aroma of barbecue roasting away, but even the best chef experiences a mistake now and then. While outdoor kitchens benefit from open ventilation, it’s still not a bad idea to consider a range hood as part of your outdoor cooking setup.
With that in mind, you might be wondering, “why do I need an outdoor range hood?” In short, grills are considerably more powerful than indoor cooking appliances. Without sufficient ventilation, the high output of a grill can cause grease to build up on surfaces and discoloration of surfaces like tile, countertops, and seating.
Not to mention, hood vents help channel heat from cooking appliances away from kitchen settings, keeping your dining area cooler. We love the statement this Coyote Outdoor Living 36” hood makes, which perfectly suits professional backyard kitchen designs. And with its powerful performance that moves up to more than 1,199 cubic feet of air per minute, you won’t be left in the smoke while you grill.
4. Play Your Listeners’ Requests
Is it really a celebration if there’s no music involved? Having a playlist ready for every mood is an easy and effective way to heighten the enjoyment of your al fresco kitchen. Place outdoor speakers around an open-air kitchen and press play to get the party started. With Bluetooth compatibility and customizable sound settings, you can play double duty as grill master and DJ without having to move from your spot.
5. Fit Your Bar with a Water Treatment System
Hard water is a problem we all are aware of in Arizona, and the problem only gets worse if you have a sink in your outdoor cooking area. When exposed to the elements, untreated water calcifies quicker, leading to limescale buildup and water spots. And even worse, your water supply will probably have an off-taste.
Luckily, the solution to the problem is simple. At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we specialize in water treatment systems designed specifically for Arizona’s desert climate. Upgrading your outdoor sink or bar area with a water treatment solution ensures drinkable water from the tap, plus it can help extend the lifetime of your outdoor appliances.
What Every Outdoor Kitchen Needs
We get it — upgrading an outdoor cooking space is a lovely idea, but budget is important, too. But regardless of how much you plan to spend, there are some core outdoor kitchen appliances that are a must-have in patio kitchens.
- Grill: This is where the magic happens, so it’s not a bad idea to splurge here.
- Refrigeration: Prioritize capacity, food preservation, and weather resistance.
- Ventilation: The biggest thing to pay attention to here is cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the number, the better a range hood is in keeping the environment comfy.
- Ice maker: Okay, this isn’t a necessity, but you’ll reconsider installing one after having to haul heavy bags of ice from the kitchen to outside.
Additional outdoor kitchen upgrades include:
- Cabinetry
- Sink
- Shade
- Seating
- Trash and compactors
Outdoor Appliance Brands We Love
Select the best outdoor kitchen appliances, and you’ll be sure to enjoy every moment you grill, dine, and entertain outside. Here are a few suggestions to consider for all your upcoming backyard kitchen upgrades.
Coyote
This California brand specializes in outdoor cooking appliances, and its lineup features some of the best outdoor kitchen appliances on the market. From refrigeration to grills to ventilation, everything you need for backyard kitchen upgrades can be found from this one brand. Manufactured with premium materials and sleek designs, these outdoor-rated appliances are sure to elevate the look and function of any outdoor kitchenscape.
Shop Coyote Luxury Outdoor Appliances
Envirotec
Spencer’s TV & Appliance is the only outdoor kitchen appliance store in Phoenix where homeowners can find Envirotec. These exclusively developed series of water treatment solutions are easy to install and purify even the smallest water pollutants found in our desert’s hard water. Give your family and home the gift of pure water and health by upgrading to a water treatment system today.
U-Line
U-Line is synonymous with high-quality refrigeration. After all, refrigerators are all U-Line makes, and since 1980, the brand has pushed the envelope on refrigerator performance for luxury experiences no other brands offer. Install a U-Line refrigerator into your outdoor kitchen for a reliable appliance that will serve you for years.
Shop Our Catalog of Outdoor Kitchen Products
Outdoor KitchenOutdoor Kitchen FAQs
Make sure your outdoor kitchen is a success. Consider the following before shopping for your next upgrade.
Does an outdoor kitchen increase home value?
If you would like to increase your home value, an outdoor kitchen is a great way to do so. Studies have found that the addition of an outdoor kitchen can significantly increase the value of a home. Many homeowners will see a return on investment of between 100-200 percent.
What’s the average price for an outdoor kitchen?
According to HomeAdvisor, the average price of an outdoor kitchen ranges from $5,489–$22,083.
Do you need a special refrigerator for outdoors?
Only outdoor-rated refrigerators should be used for patio kitchens and backyard cooking spaces. These specialty fridges are made with 304 stainless steel for superior protection against the elements.
Why Trust Us?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction have always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Outdoor Appliances at Spencer’s TV & Appliance
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop outdoor kitchen appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you find the best outdoor kitchen appliances in Phoenix. Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today!
Learn More: Outdoor Kitchen Grills That’ll Make Your Neighbors Jealous