With springtime around the corner, it’s time to think about outdoor kitchens. Whether you’re designing a new outdoor kitchen or updating an existing one, having the option to cook and dine al fresco is just one of the many perks of living in the South.
There are benefits to cooking outdoors. Summertime heat keeps the ACs blowing full blast, even without the additional heat from a stove or an oven. Cooking outdoors keeps smelly food odors outside. And it’s nice to enjoy nature.
Brandon Moss, manager of Ace Hardware in Chamblee, is also known as “the Grill Guru.” He has some tips for us as we think about cooking outdoors.
Grills
Brandon says there are three types of grills to consider.
Charcoal – The Kamado Style cookers are the most versatile. This includes many brands and price points, including Big Green Egg that offers a Lifetime Warranty.
Pellet – Known for its ease of use
True Offset – Can be time-consuming
Location of the grill
If considering the popular natural gas grill, Brandon says to make sure the natural gas line runs to the spot where you want your grill. When adding a natural gas line, think about where you want your grill before you run the line.
Consider ventilation and adequate space from any structures to avoid fire or discoloration from smoke. And if you’re going to use any type of technology integration, make sure there’s covering to protect the grill and technology from rain and other elements.
Grill Accessories
A Rotisserie Unit
Infrared Searing Station
Basket
Roasting Pan
Having these accessories allows you to use the grill when cooking a wide variety of foods. Side burners are available for cooking vegetables and foods not suitable for grilling.
Thermometers
Instant Read Thermometers are used for cooking meat, poultry, and fish. This thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking while reading the temperature of the food in record time. Brandon calls this the number one tool to have in any kitchen, inside or outside.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Thermometers – Brandon says Bluetooth versions have an average range of about 30 feet, while top-end versions have a range of about 100 feet. Wi-Fi versions connect to the cloud and have no limit. It’s a matter of need, price, and preference.
Other Outdoor Cooking Must-Haves
Pizza Ovens
Who doesn’t like to make their own pizza with their favorite toppings? Brandon says the important things to look for in pizza ovens are temperature and how it cooks. Types of pizza ovens include gas, pellet, and wood fired. Brandon says gas versions tend to be the most popular because of convenience.
Griddles
Brandon says outdoor griddles can be purchased as free-standing units, while some grills have griddle inserts that can be purchased separately. Griddles are great for cooking foods like pancakes, fried rice (think hibachi), and more. They are easy to use, but they need to be maintained similar to cast iron.
Fire Pits
Brandon recommends a smokeless fire pit, so you can carry on a conversation while sitting by the fire. You can also purchase grates that cover the top of the fire pit so you can use it like an open grill. And as an added bonus, get out your skewers and roast some marshmallows for dessert!
Grilling Tools
Brandon suggests a number of grilling tools to use. They include a good pair of gloves that can withstand high heat, a set of tongs, a good spatula, a baster, and a nylon brush or scrubbing pad for cleaning your grill after use.
For more information, visit acehardware.com/store-details/16956.
"Big Green Egg is the most versatile grill on the market." Brandon Moss, Ace Chamblee
