It’s easy to bemoan it, but the sunshine tax is, well, kinda worth it. Outdoor living is a luxury we can claim year-round—so why not make it truly fabulous? We asked Michael Rounds, general manager of Solana Beach retailer Native Coast Appliance Gallery, to shout out cookers, coolers, heaters, and gadgets that make al fresco dining, entertaining, and lounging a beautiful breeze. If you’ve got the square footage and the means, here’s an aspirational outdoor arsenal for you. Rounds gives us his top picks for crafting an outdoor kitchen that’ll be the envy of the neighborhood.
A fool-proof recipe for easy outdoor entertainment? Batched cocktails and homemade pizza. Gozney’s sexy, domed ovens gently char crusts and melt cheese in around a minute. “With rapid heat-up times and incredible heat retention, they make gas and wood-fired cooking effortless,” Rounds adds.
Courtesy of Everdure
Everdure by Hestan Kamado Grill
This cute little pod will do it all: grill, smoke, and help you ace your audition for The Great British Baking Show. A take on the classic kamado, known for sustaining low temperatures, this model locks in heat with insulation that also keeps the exterior cool, so kids, pets, and tipsy guests stay safe.
Courtesy of OFYR
OFYR Cooking Units
If a chill strikes, gather round OFYR’s sculptural fire pit— and get a ribeye going, since it also doubles as a grill. “[The brand’s] signature corten steel models develop a rich, weathered patina over time,” Rounds says— meaning the products only get better with age.
Courtesy of Hestan Grill
Aspire by Hestan Grill
Sure, you’re rocking a punny apron that your mother-in-law actually guffawed at, but it’s really all about what’s under the hood—and maybe a little about what that hood looks like, too. These grills not only boast powerful burners but motion-activated lighting and a robust stainless-steel build, paired with a palette of 12 different colors, from classic stainless to vibrant blue and center-of-the-universe yellow.
Courtesy of Bromic Heating
Bromic Heating
When a chunky sweater just won’t do, take an architectural approach to hygge with Bromic’s gas and electric heaters. The products’ undulating curves put those rickety restaurant patio lamps to shame, allowing you to extend the outdoor season without sacrificing looks.
Courtesy of Kamado Joe
Kamado Joe Konnected Joe
Gadgetry and gastronomy combine in this cooker with smart technology, letting you fire it up and adjust temps remotely. Why slave away in front of a flame when you can be sipping vintage vino and taunting East Coasters in the group chat with pastel sunset pics? A vast temperature range (225 to 700 degrees Farhenheit) lets you smoke brisket low and slow or turn up the heat to get a sear on tuna steaks.
Courtesy of True Manufacturing
True Residential Beverage Centers and Ice Makers
“Built for durability and performance, True’s outdoor-rated appliances ensure you have perfectly chilled drinks and an endless supply of ice, no matter the weather,” Rounds says. The brand’s colorways go beyond the standard stainless steel with hues like sleek matte black and a statement-making cobalt blue.
Courtesy of Urban Bonfire
Urban Bonfire Outdoor Kitchen Storage
Modular and customizable, Urban Bonfire’s products add a swagger that run-of-the-mill cabinetry lacks, with lustrous finishes that still manage to hold up against the elements. You can play with various permutations to create the perfect fit between appliances (and your inevitable stack of charcoal-coated BBQ tools).
Courtesy of Home Refinements by Julien
Julien Outdoor Refinements Cabinets
Julien’s stainless-steel outdoor cabinets offer an unobtrusive, weather-resistant storage solution. “With customizable configurations and a luxurious finish, they bring a high-end touch to outdoor kitchens,” Rounds says. When neighbors start coveting your spice drawer, you know you’ve made it.
Courtesy of Evo America
Evo Affinity Drop-in Grill with Seasoned Cooksurface
Bring the back-of-the-house feel to your backyard with these top-line, flat-top cooking surfaces that will have you flipping shrimp Benihana-style and searing steaks like a chef de cuisine.
Danielle is a freelance culture journalist focusing on music, food, wine, hospitality, and arts, and founder-playwright of Yeah No Yeah Theatre company, based in San Diego. Her work has been featured in FLAUNT, Filter Magazine, and San Diego Magazine. Born and raised in Maui, she still loves a good Mai Tai.
