Outdoor kitchens are a perfect and elegant addition for any homeowner to make to their Ontario home. The ability to both prepare and enjoy a full meal outside allows you, your family, and all your guests to relish every part of the outdoors. We’ll highlight and explain some of the top outdoor kitchen trends we’re seeing incorporated by modern homeowners around the GTA and in southern Ontario.
Modular Design
Every home has a unique backyard, and each homeowner has their own perfect kitchen layout. To accommodate both, modular design has become a trending choice in outdoor kitchens. Certain brands now provide built-in grill components to install a main BBQ or grill and other cooking elements in the layout you want. You can pick a built-in Napoleon Prestige BBQ, a burner to the right, a beverage center on the island, and cabinets wherever desired. Big Green Egg provides built-in units and Eno also offers full modules and sinks so you can become the outdoor chef of your dreams.
Multi-Functional Spaces
Modern interior design has embraced open areas to create multi-functional spaces. We’ve seen the same trend develop in outdoor kitchens. It’s the perfect option for backyards with less space. Rather than just dedicating the area to cooking, the kitchen can have seating and/or a fire table for guests to gather around.
Beyond the Grill
The BBQ or Grill is often the focus of an outdoor kitchen in Ontario. We’ve recently seen a trend of Ontario homeowners going beyond the grill for some international inspiration in their modern designs. First, there’s the Big Green Egg Kamado. Based on Japanese charcoal ovens, this can be used as a grill or smoker. Pizza ovens have become a popular option, and the sleek designs from Ooni can fit into any outdoor kitchen. Planchas from France by Eno are an especially recent trend and offer an incomparable sear. All of these add versatility to your outdoor kitchen design. That means only more reason to dine outside!
Technological Advances and Conveniences
Grills and outdoor cooking might be timeless, but that doesn’t mean they don’t benefit from technological advancements. Modern designs and smart features are helping Ontario homeowners enjoy their outdoor kitchen. Traeger has certainly led the charge in both fronts. Their WiFire technology allows you to monitor and control your grill from an app on your phone or even your Apple Watch. Their Ironwood and Timberline series also come with cleaning convenience thanks to the EZ-Clean™ Grease & Ash Keg.
Less cleaning is always convenient. That’s why Napoleon’s Prestige Pro line of grills have dual level, stainless steel sear plates to prevent drippings from reaching the burners. This keeps the BBQ cleaner and maintains its performance. That means less maintenance and more convenience for the homeowner.
No Matter Sun, Rain, or Snow
Cooking outside is often seen as a summer pursuit for those warm and sunny days. It doesn’t need to be, and modern homeowners have recently been designing their outdoor kitchen to endure Ontario’s colder and less mild weather. It might be a little chillier, but with a heater or fire table, it’s charming to cook and dine outside watching the snowfall or listening to the raindrops. Designing the outdoor kitchen with a roof and pergola helps to shelter the area, making it usable all year long.
The Modern Outdoor Kitchen
Our homes’ interiors provide comfort and luxury to help us fend off the outdoors, but modern design and conveniences have made outside an enjoyable space. Current trends in outdoor kitchen design show how your backyard can become an extension of your home and the space you live in. Custom designs and new cooking technology define the outdoor kitchen of a modern Ontario home. If you’re ready to embrace the outdoors of your own backyard, be sure to contact us to start designing your custom kitchen. You can also browse our store to start creating that perfect modular design. As always, we recommend getting inspired by visiting one of our showrooms in Ajax, Scarborough, Toronto, and Whitby.
