As winter begins to fade away, we can’t help but get excited about the upcoming summer season. Are you ready to transform your outdoor space this year and give yourself a summertime oasis right in your own backyard? We can help! 

If you want the most fabulous backyard on the block, it doesn’t get better than having an outdoor kitchen. Keep reading to discover the best outdoor kitchen trends of 2023. 

The 5 Best Outdoor Kitchen Trends To Try

Whether you’re an avid cook, an entertainer, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of outdoor living, these outdoor kitchen designs can elevate your outdoor space to new heights and give you a “resort” type of feeling in your own backyard.

1. Various Cooking Methods

When it comes to cooking in the great outdoors, it’s no longer just about traditional grilling. One of the latest outdoor cooking trends is exploring and incorporating various cooking methods.

Wood-fired ovens have gained tremendous popularity in outdoor kitchens, allowing you to cook various dishes, from pizzas with a crispy crust to succulent roasts and bread. Outdoor kitchens with smokers offer a fantastic opportunity to indulge in mouthwatering dishes that are tender, juicy, and bursting with smoky goodness. And the addition of an outdoor range can allow you to make sauces and sides that will compliment your meal.

At Vanderwall Brothers, we are massive fans of outdoor pizza ovens. There’s no better way to make memories with friends and family during the summertime than by making homemade pizzas and enjoying them in the comfort of your backyard. We recommend the Forno De Pizza Oven from HPC Fire. 

2. Multi-Level Outdoor Kitchen Designs

In recent years, outdoor kitchens have evolved from simple grilling stations to elaborate culinary spaces. One trend that has gained significant popularity is incorporating multi-level outdoor kitchen designs. These designs provide a visually appealing layout, enhance functionality, and create a dynamic atmosphere for outdoor cooking and entertaining. 

Multi-level outdoor kitchen designs effectively use vertical space, allowing you to maximize the available area. By incorporating multiple levels, you can separate various functional areas, such as cooking, dining, and entertaining, creating a sense of organization and purpose. 

You can include a bar or a countertop with seating on one level, allowing your guests to socialize and enjoy drinks while you prepare meals on a different level. The multiple levels can also accommodate additional amenities like built-in grills, pizza ovens, refrigerators, and sinks, providing convenience and accessibility to both the cook and guests.

3. Customized Storage Solutions

When you install an outdoor kitchen, you’re likely to get very excited and buy new accessories to go with it, such as plastic plates and cups, placemats, cooking utensils, and more, but where will you keep it all? Your indoor kitchen is probably full already, with limited additional storage. 

Here’s the solution – customized storage solutions in your new outdoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are becoming more functional, with homeowners opting for storage options that can hold everything from cooking utensils to outdoor tableware.

Built-in cabinets and drawers, as well as open shelving, give you plenty of places to store supplies outside. Here at VanderWall Brothers, we recommend products from Stoll Industries such as their outdoor kitchen islands with built-in storage. Their custom kitchen kits make them easy to install in a configuration that works in your space.

4. Outdoor Heating

While in the middle of summer, you may not think about needing any additional heat on those hot nights, but adding a heating element, either a fire table or outdoor heating unit, can lengthen the time you are able to use your outdoor kitchen and entertaining space by two or three months. While other people are sitting inside in the early spring or late fall, you can enjoy your outdoor space longer. 

We recommend Bromic heaters for your outdoor kitchen due to their performance and reliability. They work on a variety of fuel sources, including electric, natural gas, and liquid propane. They can be hung above the dining table or can be purchased in a portable option so you can move it to where you are most comfortable. They even have heaters that are rated for marine use and can be placed near a pool or if you are lucky enough, lakeside. These sleek heaters blend in with their surroundings and can be used with a remote or added to your smart home technology.

5. Versatile & Functional Spaces

By creating spaces in your outdoor kitchen that serve more than one purpose, you can maximize the functionality of your outdoor living space. For example, if you love using fresh herbs and vegetables in your cooking, consider adding a garden area to your outdoor kitchen design. Incorporate raised garden beds or vertical gardens nearby to grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers so you can always harvest fresh ingredients. 

Combine your outdoor kitchen with a comfortable lounge area to create a multi-functional cooking, dining, and relaxing space. Add comfortable seating, an outdoor fireplace, and a TV to create a cozy outdoor living space that can be used year-round. You can even install Bromic heaters to extend your time spent outdoors into the nighttime.

Add a little something extra with a table top gas lantern by Outdoor Great Room. Incredibly easy to install, they fit right where the umbrella would go on your patio table. Powered by a small propane tank they are set up to create a small whirlwind of flames.  They safely transform the space to create a warm ambiance with some interesting flare. 

VanderWall Brothers Is Here To Help

Are you ready to open up a world of possibilities and elevate your culinary adventures to new heights? Contact VanderWall Brothers about creating a one-of-a-kind outdoor kitchen and entertaining space. We have everything you need, from grills to ovens to storage solutions to fireplaces. Visit us online to stop by our showroom to learn more! 

Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits can transform your deck, patio, or yard into additional living areas, providing a cozy ambiance for you and your guests as the temperature drops. The warmth and crackle of a fire can create a relaxing atmosphere that makes you feel as if you’re on vacation in your own backyard. If you’re considering installing an outdoor fireplace, it’s essential to understand the key factors that will help you determine the ideal setup for your needs.

4 Important Things to Know About Outdoor Fireplace Installation

If you’re new to outdoor fire options, we’re here to help set you up for success and familiarize you with outdoor fireplace installation tips. Before you purchase the fireplace, consider the following factors:

1. Gas vs. Wood vs. Electric

One of the first important things you must consider when choosing an outdoor fireplace is whether you prefer gas, wood, or electric. 

• A traditional wood fireplace captures the unmatched cozy feeling that comes to mind when you imagine sitting around the warm glow of a wood fire. However, wood-burning fireplaces produce significant smoke, which comes with increased regulations. 
• On the other hand, outdoor gas and electric fireplaces don’t emit ash and can generate the heat necessary to create a warm, welcoming backyard ambiance. You need to remember that to hook up a gas or electric fireplace, you’ll need a gas line or outlet. 
• One unique fireplace option to keep in mind is a smokeless firepit. Here at VanderWall, we’re proud to carry the Breeo Smokeless Fire Pit. What sets it apart from other options is that when it gets hot enough, it will reburn the smoke, resulting in a more pleasant atmosphere without smoke chasing you around. Plus, they’re made in the USA with high-quality stainless and corten steel. 

2. Location and Space

Determining the fireplace’s location is also an essential step during this planning stage. Fire structures come in various shapes and sizes, so choosing the right style and finding the perfect place for your outdoor living space is crucial. 

• Consider seating and proximity to the home when choosing the fireplace location. You might want to be able to walk right outside and sit by the roaring flames. Or, you might prefer that it’s further away from your house to prevent noise from outdoor gatherings traveling into your home. 
• One of the most critical considerations is local regulations regarding outdoor fires. Check your area’s guidelines and laws before setting your heart on the spot for your new fireplace. 
• If you’re installing a wood-burning fireplace, there are additional measures you should take. You need to keep the location away from structures, trees, or other flammable materials, ensure proper ventilation, and install a spark arrestor or spark screen on the chimney to prevent sparks from escaping. Plus, the fireplace must be built on a sturdy, fire-resistant base, such as a concrete slab or fire-resistant pavers. 
• Don’t forget to cover electric units outside and keep them protected from the elements. They can not be exposed directly to the rain or snow. 

3. Necessary Upkeep

Each outdoor fireplace will require a different amount and type of upkeep. Consider how much time you’re comfortable spending on fireplace upkeep before choosing a style.

• Fire pits that burn wood require ash removal, scrubbing, and rinsing. Owners should also check for creosote buildup, maintain chimney cracks, and install a spark screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping the fireplace.
• Gas fire pit maintenance focuses on keeping the gas line clean and annually checking for leaks. You’ll also need to keep the artificial logs, glass, and burners clean and check that the pilot light is working properly. To protect the fire pit year-round, you can store it inside in the winter or keep it covered and put it somewhere where the metal won’t get damaged. 
• The interior of electric fireplaces needs to be inspected for any debris or buildup that could cause a fire hazard. You’ll also need to test the heating element before using the fireplace for the season by turning it on and letting it run for a few minutes, ensuring it’s heating up properly.

4. Fire Safety

One of the most important things to know before installing an outdoor fireplace is the set of fire safety procedures to keep yourself and your family safe. We have sporadically mentioned some safety tips throughout this blog, but there are still more to keep in mind. 

• For starters, anything flammable should sit at a distance or be protected from embers, flames, and gas, including outdoor furnishings, lawns, and plants.
• Homeowners need to keep a fire extinguisher of the correct fire class nearby in case of an emergency and should maintain it yearly to keep it up to date.
• Store wood in a dry place away from the elements to keep it dry and prevent mold or rot. You should only burn dry, seasoned wood in the fireplace, as wet or green wood can create excess smoke and soot buildup.

High-Quality Outdoor Fireplaces With VanderWall

With style options, placement, and safety regulations in mind, you can take the next steps in choosing your ideal fireplace or fire pit. Before you know it, you’ll have an outdoor oasis right at your own home! Contact VanderWall today to get started with your outdoor fireplace installation. We know all the ins and outs of this process, and we can’t wait to help you.