The best outdoor kitchen appliances for hosting al fresco

The time is prime to kit yourself out with the best outdoor kitchen appliances. 

Not only will an outdoor kitchen see you through the impending winter of discontent, but it will also be an entertaining hub come summer.

Consider the type of food you'll be cooking al fresco and choose your appliances accordingly. From the best gas grills and pizza ovens to smokers and woks, there's a wide range of options available. 

"Barbecue grills are a personal thing and size matters!" says David Barnes, General Manager of luxury outdoor kitchen designers Hayden Scott. "Decide how many people you are likely to cater for and buy the right size for the job. Egg-style BBQs are our go-to choice, especially as there aren't many integrated charcoal-fuelled models available."

Barnes also recommends glass-fronted drinks fridges, such as those from Blastcool, Beefeater and Caso, along with stainless steel cupboards and drawers for keeping all your gear close by. 

Let's light up the barbie!

Fyra Wood-Fired Outdoor Pizza Oven, Ooni Pizza Ovens

(Image credit: Ooni Pizza Ovens)

Pizza party anybody? Cook tasty 12-inch pizzas in just 60 seconds with this carbon steel, gas-powered pizza oven. Compact and stylish, it's a doddle to assemble - simply fold out the legs, attach the chimney, pop the rustic baking stone inside and light it up! Ready to go in 15 minutes, it's also great for roasting fish, vegetables and sizzling sides.

Force 2 Burner Gas Barbecue, Everdure by Heston Blumenthal

(Image credit: Weber)

This versatile, easy to use gas barbecue will bring sophistication to your outdoor set-up. It ignites in record time, providing instant intense heat, with minimalist controls giving you control of the flames for the perfect sear. The high hood helps infuse your dishes with flavour and the body won't rust when not in use. 

Open Kitchen 100 Gas Grill X, Röshults

(Image credit: Roshults/Chaplins Furniture)

This barbecue grill by Swedish brand Röshults is beloved by star chefs for its expansive grilling surface and adjustable heating zones. It'll set you back to the eye-watering tune of £8,411.40 (and that's in the sale!) but it's the status cornerstone of any designer outdoor kitchen. Pair it with the matching side table, sink and garden trolley for Scandi-style perfection.

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Cordless 5-Cup Chopper, KitchenAid

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

No electricity in your garden? Panic not. KitchenAid's first cordless collection includes a hand blender, hand mixer and 5-cup chopper. The latter can slice up to 40 onions on a full charge, so your hot dogs will never be lacking! It whisks and purees a treat, too, so you can whip up fresh dips in front of your guests. Choose from matt black or empire red.

Extra-Large Big Green Egg, Big Green Egg

(Image credit: Big Green Egg)

If you regularly entertain more than 10 to 12 people (in pre-Covid times, anyway), then look to the extra-large Big Green Egg, £1,450, which combines a grill, a smoker and an oven. It lets you cook low and slow for up to 24 hours and can handle 24 burgers, 11 chickens, 14 racks of ribs, a 21" pizza or a pair of Christmas turkeys, complete with all the trimmings! Smaller sizes are available, as are acacia prep tables with egg-size holes.

Quadro Small Wood-Fired BBQ, Quan

(Image credit: Quan)

Fire pit barbecues, like this £999 beauty by Quan, are conducive to cosy nights snuggled up by the flames, glass of red wine in hand. The teppanyaki-style hot plate hits 300-degrees in the centre (much hotter) than your average barbecue) and 100-degrees in the corner, giving you control over how quickly your food cooks. You can cook all sorts on this jazzed-up barbecue, so don't limit yourself to meat and veg!

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Modular Gas Outdoor Kitchen Barbecue, VonHaus

(Image credit: VonHaus)

This all-in-one kitchen on wheels, £449.99, will put an end to all that fretful running back and forth from the house. Designed to make cooking and hosting outdoors a breeze, it features a food prep section, barbecue gas grill, and a drinks trolley complete with an integrated ice bucket! It's made from matt black steel for a contemporary look that will suit any exterior style. Though currently out of stock, you can sign up to be notified of its return in the new year.

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Barbecue Cooler, Caso Design

(Image credit: Caso Design)

This robust, glass-doored fridge is designed for outdoor use, with blue LED illumination for that pool party feel. Priced at £583, it has removable shelves and can store up to 63 litres, or any food before you barbecue it. Time to get in the Prosecco...

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Paella Wok Set Pro-675, GrillSymbol

(Image credit: GrillSymbol)

Wow your guests with Asian dishes from spring rolls to stir fry using this deep steel, click-and-cook wok pan, £449.99. Often used by caterers at weddings, it runs on propane gas and comes with a triple windshield to keep the flame burning in all conditions. Handy for when the weather reminds you that you live in Britain, not Thailand...

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Vintage Metal Icebox on Castors, Maisons du Monde

(Image credit: Maisons du Monde)

Though not technically an appliance, we had to include this charming metal vintage icebox, £220, that also comes in trendy matt black. One for 1950s nostalgists, it has a built-in opener and ice bucket. Note that it's not connected to the mains, but it's the next best thing to a drinks fridge for your cans and champers.

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