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Product Trend Report 70 | Kitchen & Bath Design News January 2015 Franklin concurs. "What good is having a suite of outdoor kitchen appliances if they cannot withstand varying outdoor weather conditions?" she asks. U-Line's Outdoor Series models are fully wrapped in stainless steel to protect from harsh outdoor elements and are UL rated and deemed suitable for outdoor use. Ruloph says it's important for designers to "walk the yard" to discover factors that might impact placement of outdoor kitchen elements. This could include looking for natural shade and, if necessary, adding some shaded areas; knowing where the wind blows, and making sure that the outdoor kitchen is set up to maximize a gorgeous view. BEYOND THE GRILL While a grill is often the cornerstone of an outdoor kitchen area, a wide range of other specialty cooking appliances are becom- ing more in demand as homeowners strive to create an area that meets all of their entertaining needs. Sinks, refrigeration and countertop space are also important in creating a workspace that allows for entertaining outdoors without constantly run- ning inside to prep or retrieve items. "Flexibility and accessibility in an outdoor kitchen is becom- ing increasingly more popular," says Franklin. People want food, beverages and ice conveniently located outside where they are entertaining, she says. "They want the fexibility to install these outdoor appliances anywhere in their outdoor kitchen, and not be restricted." She adds that people love the modular concepts, which allow them to choose custom set-ups to suit their needs. Specialized equipment is essential for those who like their food prepared in specifc ways, and more and more options are being used in outdoor spaces. "Specialty appliances and commercial-grade equipment continue to come to the fore," says Faulk. "Outdoor kitchens are becoming more capable, and more uniquely tailored to the particular needs of individual cooking enthusiasts." There are some essential, if not exciting, elements that should be considered as well, he says, including a sink and plenty of countertop space. Ruloph says, "The grill is still the must-have centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen, but multi-use, high-power burners have been really coming on strong. This is one of the products that has been driving the 'cooking station' trend." The outdoor bar has also evolved, he adds, and they are seeing full bars with refrigerated drawers, two types of ice makers, multi-beer taps and countertops for mixing drinks. Ginocchi says that they have seen a demand for hybrid ap- pliances that mix gas with charcoal, allowing for complete customization. He adds that the outdoor kitchen is starting to see more specialty amenities such as pizza ovens, wine refrig- erators and griddle attachments. Slater says more specialty appliances are being installed in kitchens than ever before, including high-intensity burn- ers, ceramic egg grills, Evo grills and other Teppanyaki-style cookers for griddle cooking. All-infrared grills are also being incorporated into outdoor kitchens with other grills, he adds. "We are seeing a mix of manufacturers' products, including mixed fuels, in the outdoor kitchens," he says. Homeowners are thinking beyond the basic barbecue and incorporating items such as warming drawers, pizza ovens and undercounter appliances that allow for additional prep space, says Hawfeld. "Undercounter appliances, refrigerators, warm - ing drawers and lots of prep space make it possible to have the full culinary experience outside," he says. "Homeowners can really entertain outside and enjoy friends and family, rather than running in and working from an indoor kitchen." As outdoor kitchens become an extension of the home, says Muraro-Gust, clients are also incorporating more refrigeration to serve diferent purposes. "Outdoor freezers keep the kids' popsicles cold, refrigerators chill a variety of beverages and preserve fresh food, ice makers produce crystal clear ice for cocktails – the list is endless," she says. "Ice makers are in high demand for outdoor kitchens. When you think of outdoor entertaining, cold beverages are high priority for outdoor enjoyment when temperatures heat up," adds Franklin. CORRESPONDING STYLES Just as interior spaces refect the homeowner's individual taste and lifestyle, so, too, must an outdoor kitchen design. There are plenty of options available to allow for a space to be just as the consumer wants it, and it's up to the designer to learn what that is and create just the right atmosphere. "Right now, outdoor kitchens are closely matching interior design trends. Many homeowners are looking to create timeless spaces that they then decorate with their own personal aesthet- ics," says Hawfeld. At Eldorado Stone, they see a trend toward light-colored, creamy stone profles, while modern but darker stone profles are also increasing in popularity, particularly in East Coast designs, he says. While styles run the gamut, Faulk sees an increase in modern kitchens with sleek lines and concrete countertops. At the same time, he says, there has not been a decline in the number of rustic or traditional designs. With the Evo Afnity 30G Gas Cooktop, foods can be prepared directly on the cooking surface. The 30G has a 30" diameter ceramic clad steel cook surface heated underneath by inner and outer gas tube burners. Circle No. 169 on Product Card Cabinets from Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens are fabricated with commercial grade 20-gauge stainless steel and are available in 24" and 27" depths. Cabinet features include: concealed stainless door hinges, solid core doors, trash pull-outs, fxed and sliding shelves, soft close self-close drawers and leveling legs. The pieces are available in 11 standard colors and eight standard wood-grain fnishes; custom colors are also ofered. Circle No. 172 on Product Card Part of the Outdoor Storage Solutions product line, the Dry Pantry from DCS by Fisher & Paykel ofers a professional design with premium indoor features that help create a functional outdoor kitchen. The design allows for storing of essential dry goods, cookware and anything stored in an indoor pantry. Circle No. 168 on Product Card Homeowners can choose the size and color options when creating an outdoor kitchen with the Cal Flame LBK BBQ Island Series from Cal Spas. Measuring 70.5"x40"x66", the island series includes options that suit lifestyles and backyard landscapes. Circle No. 167 on Product Card The Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine from Scotsman Ice Systems is based on The Original Chewable Ice machines of the food service industry. The residential model is 15" and fts in kitchens, bars and outdoor settings. Circle No. 171 on Product Card The ROHL Modern Architectural Pro Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet features a side metal lever, high-arc spout and dual-spray nozzle. The stainless steel construction provides durability against outdoor elements, and its clean, modern design works in most settings. The faucet ofers dual-spray modes with a 1.8 gpm output. Circle No. 174 on Product Card The Neolith brand of all-natural sintered compact surfaces from TheSize is expanding its Fusion product line with fve new patterns, including two granite-inspired shades. The collection, which draws inspiration from natural stones and minerals, will now include granite- like colors Nero Assoluto and Nero Zimbabwe, as well as muted shades Pietra di Luna, Pietra di Piombo and Pietra di Osso. Circle No. 173 on Product Card Ply-Gem Stone True Stack is a modular stone product that provides a stack-style look with time-saving installation. The rectangular pieces come in three diferent lengths that ft tightly together, with distinctive face textures from stone to stone. True Stack works well in outdoor kitchens and freplaces. Circle No. 170 on Product Card