The Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Outdoor Kitchen Design Trends report has keyed in on four trends, including outdoor kitchens that are increasingly built under shelter; the explosion of available features in high-end outdoor kitchens; artisanal cooking techniques that require specialized equipment; and an influx of new design professionals from a broader range of disciplines.
Outdoor kitchens began as a trend of taking the indoors outside; homeowners are now putting a roof over their outdoor kitchens. A sheltering structure provides a location for lighting and ceiling fans which helps retain heat from radiant heaters on cool springs and fall evenings.
Outdoor kitchens are changing from grill-centric to true culinary work areas wherein specialized appliances, including separate wine chillers for whites and reds, freezers and freezer drawers, multiple beer keg tappers, pizza ovens, wok burners and specialized storage are used.
The artisanal cooking trend began in high-end restaurants and moved into people’s homes, with people opting for a versatile grill that allows them to cook over any combinations of gas, wood or charcoal and pizza ovens, thereby becoming a popular addition to the outdoor kitchen.
Once the domain of landscape architects and designers, outdoor kitchen design has seen an influx of new design professionals; in particular, interior designers are embracing the outdoors. In 2008, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet saw consumers turning to interior designers to create their outdoor living spaces. The company predicts more designers of different backgrounds to start combining their expertise to bring outdoor kitchens to a new level.
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet was founded in 1906 and is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, and builds outdoor cooking and entertaining equipments.
