What Outdoor Kitchen Appliances are Best for My Family?
After years of rigorous research, hands-on testing, and careful evaluation, The Collective Outdoors has assembled what we believe is the finest selection of outdoor kitchen appliances available in the Fort Worth area. Every brand and product we carry has been thoroughly vetted—not just for performance, but for durability in our challenging Texas climate, ease of maintenance, and long-term value.
Outdoor kitchen and pergola built in Lake Country by The Collective Outdoors and Panther City Arbor and Patio.
As spring settles in across Fort Worth, many homeowners are turning their attention to that slice of paradise just beyond their back door, and we're eager to share what our extensive experience has taught us about creating truly exceptional outdoor cooking spaces.
Choosing the Right Appliances for Your Cooking Style
The perfect outdoor kitchen starts with understanding what and how you love to cook. Throughout our recent email series, we've explored various cuisines that should guide your appliance selections:
THE GRIDDLE
Different cooking appliances excel with different types of food. For lovers of Asian and Greek cuisine, a flat cooking surface is essential. Griddles are perfect for:
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Pancakes (which, surprisingly, originated in Greece!)
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Hot sandwiches
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Stir fries
The single cooking plate makes griddles especially practical for dishes where all ingredients eventually come together.
THE SMOKER
Meanwhile, for American and Caribbean cuisine enthusiasts, a smoker brings out those classic BBQ flavors. Smokers excel with:
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Classic BBQ
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Ribs
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Smoked cheeses
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Texas-style brisket
THE CLASSIC GRILL
For those who prefer American and Brazilian dishes with their emphasis on grilled meats, a traditional grill with temperature-controlled resting areas provides the perfect setup for:
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Burgers
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Steaks
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Rotisserie meats
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Kebabs
Matching Appliances to Your Entertaining Style
Your outdoor kitchen should reflect how you entertain. Our team of experts have identified key configurations based on your hosting style:
Intimate Gatherings (5-8 people)
Outdoor kitchen and pergola built in Arlington by The Collective Outdoors and Panther City Arbor and Patio.
For smaller patios and gatherings, we recommend keeping it simple but versatile:
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32-inch Delta Heat or Blaze Grill
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Mini ceramic smoker like the Mini Big Green Egg
This setup provides excellent cooking capability without overwhelming your space
Family Hangouts (8-15 people)
Outdoor kitchen and gabled patio cover built in Annetta by The Collective Outdoors and Panther City Arbor and Patio.
As families grow, so do taste preferences. A versatile setup that pleases everyone includes:
This combination creates maximum cooking flexibility for those picky family members we all have!
Large Parties (15+ people)
Outdoor kitchen built in Lake Worth by The Collective Outdoors and Panther City Arbor and Patio.
When entertaining crowds, no one wants guests leaving hungry. A comprehensive setup includes:
For those with additional budget, consider adding:
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Power burner (cutting cooking time in half)
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Smoker for additional flavor options
Outdoor kitchen and patio cover built in Grand Prairie by The Collective Outdoors and Panther City Arbor and Patio.
The Value of Versatile Accessories
Sometimes, the most valuable additions to your outdoor kitchen aren't full appliances but accessories that enhance versatility:
Griddle Plates & Rotisseries
Both Blaze and Napoleon offer excellent accessories that are compatible with almost all other grills. The Blaze griddle plate gives you the option to cook on a flat top or use the grates, though be aware these can be heavy and difficult to store.
Napoleon's rotisserie basket is compatible with all grills. Our team recommends using a foil pan underneath to catch drippings, making cleanup much easier.
The "Pizza Oven" That Does Much More
Despite its name, the Blaze "pizza oven" functions as a true outdoor oven, perfect for:
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Pizza (of course!)
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Reheating sides
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Baked chicken
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And much more
With its rotating ceramic pizza stone, you get a built-in rotisserie for cooking specialties like beer and chicken. This appliance is perfect for the cook who enjoys entertaining but wants to spend more time with guests than manning the grill.
The Humble Smoker Box
For those who want a smoky flavor without investing in a separate smoker, a smoker box provides exceptional value:
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Conserves space while adding robust smoky flavor
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Costs a fraction of a separate ceramic smoker
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Simple to use: just fill, place on the grill, and enjoy the results
This accessory delivers impressive results with minimal effort, making it one of our team's favorite recommendations.
Making Your Selection
Outdoor kitchen and hipped patio cover built in Lake Country by The Collective Outdoors and Panther City Arbor and Patio.
As you plan your outdoor kitchen, consider visiting our 10,000 square foot showroom where you can see, touch, and feel the quality of each option. Our staff is trained on all our products and can help guide you toward the perfect combination based on:
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Your cooking preferences
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Entertainment style
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Available space
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Budget considerations
By approaching your outdoor kitchen design with these factors in mind, you'll create a space that delivers exceptional value and enjoyment for years to come.
Remember, the perfect outdoor kitchen isn't just about having the most expensive equipment—it's about creating a space that enhances your lifestyle and brings family and friends together over amazing food.
Stop by our showroom at 621 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX to explore our selection and speak with our knowledgeable team. Whether you're planning a complete outdoor kitchen or simply adding a versatile accessory to your existing setup, we're here to help write the next chapter of your outdoor living story.