Top 7 Outdoor Appliances to Complete Your Backyard Kitchen

Designing an outdoor kitchen is about more than countertops and cabinets. The right appliances make all the difference between a basic setup and a full-service cooking space you’ll actually use. In coastal climates like Jacksonville, durability matters, but so does convenience. At Calico Outdoor, we specialize in crafting outdoor kitchens built to handle humidity, salt air, and serious cookouts without sacrificing style.

Here are the seven outdoor appliances that bring a backyard kitchen to life—and make you want to cook outside more than inside.

Built-In Grill: The Heart of the Kitchen

Every outdoor kitchen needs a grill, but not just any grill will do. A built-in gas grill anchors your cooking zone and gives your space a finished, high-end look. Today’s premium models come with zone cooking, rotisserie kits, built-in lighting, and even Wi-Fi or app controls. That means searing steaks at 700 degrees while slow-roasting chicken on another burner—all without babysitting the flame. Look for models made from 304 stainless steel, as they resist rust and corrosion better than lesser grades.

A built-in grill also adds value to your home, both in usability and resale appeal. But more than that, it gives you a true chef’s station—something portable grills just can’t match.

Outdoor Refrigerator: Keep It Cold, Keep It Close

Nothing slows down prep work like running back inside for drinks, condiments, or ingredients. A compact outdoor refrigerator keeps everything within reach, right where you need it. Whether it’s marinated meats, cocktail mixers, or extra burger toppings, having chilled storage outside eliminates those mid-cook interruptions.

Outdoor-rated fridges are built to operate efficiently in fluctuating temperatures, even during the hottest Jacksonville afternoons. Some come with dual-zone cooling or see-through doors so you can check your stock without opening the unit. It’s one of those appliances you won’t realize you need until you have it—and then you’ll wonder how you ever got by without one.

Side Burner: The Unsung Hero

A side burner doesn’t get the same spotlight as a grill, but it plays a big role in making your outdoor kitchen feel complete. It gives you a place to simmer sauces, boil corn, or sauté veggies while the main course grills nearby. No more back-and-forth trips inside to use the stovetop.

Look for side burners with adjustable heat zones and heavy-duty grates. Some models even come in double-burner configurations or can be covered to act as counter space when not in use. It’s a small detail with big payoff, especially for more complex meals or when cooking for a crowd.

Outdoor Sink: Cleanup Without the Mess

An outdoor sink might not be the flashiest addition, but it’s one of the most practical. Rinsing produce, washing hands, and cleaning tools on the fly means a smoother cooking experience and less mess brought indoors. It also helps separate food prep from the dining and social zones, keeping everything more sanitary.

To get the most out of your outdoor sink, invest in a deep basin and quality fixtures designed for outdoor exposure. Tied to your home’s water lines and proper drainage, it creates a self-contained workstation. Pair it with a trash and recycle drawer, and you’ll wonder why you ever brought messy pans inside to clean.

Power Burner or Teppanyaki Griddle: Upgrade the Experience

For cooks who want to push the envelope, a power burner or teppanyaki griddle opens up new territory. A power burner brings serious heat—think boiling a low-country seafood pot or wok cooking with restaurant-grade fire. These burners are perfect for larger pots or high-output dishes.

On the flip side, a teppanyaki griddle adds versatility with a flat-top cooking surface that can handle anything from bacon and pancakes to hibachi-style stir fry. These additions take your outdoor kitchen beyond burgers and hot dogs into full-blown culinary territory.

Whether you pick one or both depends on your cooking style, but either option elevates your setup in a big way.

Outdoor Ice Maker: Chill Without the Chase

Hosting gets easier when you don’t have to drag out coolers or refill bags of ice. An outdoor-rated ice maker produces a constant supply of ice that keeps drinks cold and guests happy. Some models are fast enough to generate over 50 pounds of ice per day, which is more than enough for a weekend party or a long afternoon around the grill.

Choose a unit designed to withstand heat and humidity, and make sure it has a self-cleaning function to reduce maintenance. If your kitchen design includes a bar area, this appliance quickly becomes a favorite. No more running to the gas station for another bag of ice mid-party.

Pizza Oven: Bring the Fire, Bring the Fun

There’s something about a wood-fired or gas pizza oven that draws a crowd. It adds a social, interactive element to your gatherings and gives you a cooking option that’s fast, flavorful, and fun. Pizzas cook in minutes at over 700 degrees, but don’t stop there. These ovens handle bread, roasted veggies, baked pasta, and even desserts like fruit crisps.

Today’s outdoor pizza ovens come in compact countertop models or fully built-in versions. Wood-fired options deliver smoky flavor and an artisanal feel, while gas models offer easier temperature control. Either way, it’s one of the most memorable additions you can make to your backyard setup.

Bringing It All Together

A well-equipped outdoor kitchen isn’t just about cooking—it’s about creating a space you want to spend time in. Each of these appliances plays a role in making that possible. Start with the essentials like a built-in grill and fridge, then layer in features based on how you cook and entertain. Whether it’s a quiet dinner for two or a full house on a game day, the right appliances ensure you’re ready.

If you’re thinking about building or upgrading an outdoor kitchen in Jacksonville or nearby, Calico Outdoor can help you plan a setup that works hard and looks good doing it. From layout to finish options to appliance selection, we make sure your space performs in the real world—not just in renderings.

Your backyard should be more than a place to grill. It should be a destination.