KBB - April 2014 - 24

TRENDS

Outdoor
Kitchens:
Expanding the luxuries of gourmet
cooking from the inside out
Cooking outdoors has evolved from burgers and steaks on the grill to
more gourmet creations, made on far more sophisticated equipment.
From hybrid grills and infrared rotisseries, to sleek, sophisticated cabinets
and refrigeration systems - all designed to live outside - outdoor kitchens
now allow home cooks to whip up entire meals and exotic recipes beyond the hot dog and potato salad picnics of the past.
According to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association, nearly half
of all grill owners view their outdoor grilling area as a functional cooking
area of their home. What's more, 23 percent say it's a place where they
can rest and relax, and 29 percent view it as a place to entertain - all
of which helps explain why outdoor patios and decks have become so
much more than a couple of lawn chairs with a grill and a flood light.

Why the Move Outdoors?
What's with the shift outside? Well, experts say the outdoor living trend
began as a result of the past decade's economic downturn. When consumers had to cut back on vacations and travel, they looked for other
ways to "get away from it all." If they couldn't do it physically, they sought
to at least do it psychologically.
Gradual backyard improvement projects were more budget friendly
than blowout trips to Europe. So, homeowners began to add a fire pit here
and a built-in grill there, until eventually they had a complete living space
where they could relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Since cooking for
friends and family is how we entertain inside, the outdoor kitchen was the
most logical next step.
"Outdoor living is a rapidly growing lifestyle phenomenon," said Gina
Lathrum, brand marketing manager for DCS by Fisher & Paykel. "One of
the keys to outdoor living is bringing all the comforts of indoor living to the
outdoors, beginning with an outdoor kitchen complete with appliances
and storage solutions for cooking, preparing and storing food."
Thanks to companies such as DCS, and many other manufacturers that
have recognized an opportunity to market to this trend, outdoor kitchens
are becoming more like their professionally styled indoor counterparts.
"All of the capabilities of an indoor kitchen can finally be realized in
an outdoor setting," explained Lathrum, noting that other outdoor kitchen
products include storage drawers, warming drawers, beverage chillers,
pantry cupboards and recycling bins, which help create the ultimate outdoor kitchen experience.

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K BB

Clockwise from top: Perlick's 24-in. Signature Series Outdoor DualZone Refrigerator/Freezer Drawers (shown alongside a 15-in. Signature Series Outdoor Wine Reserve) feature two independently
controlled temperature zones and limitless options for outdoor entertaining. Circle No. 200 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo
Designed exclusively for outdoor spaces, Broan's Elite Outdoor
Range Hood comes with a 1,100 CFM blower for exceptional ventilation and an extra-deep, 27-in. hood to guarantee superior smoke
removal. Available in 36- or 48-in. widths, it includes baffle filters to
remove grease and protect patio ceilings. Circle No. 201 or visit
kbbonline.com/freeinfo
Looking for outdoor countertops that stand up to time and the elements? Ultra-compact Neolith from The Size is a high-performance
material that's resistant to heat, cold, stains, scratches, chemicals and
even UV rays. A popular architectural choice for exterior cladding,
the super-slim surface is also food safe, making it perfect for outdoor
countertops. Circle No. 202 or visit kbbonline.com/freeinfo

April 2014 / www.kbbonline.com / The Official Sponsor of KBIS www.kbis.com

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KBB - April 2014

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