The Best High-End Appliances To Add To Your Luxury Outdoor Kitchen For The Summer

Outdoor kitchens have become a popular trend as more homeowners are taking advantage of their backyards. Apart from being the perfect place to cook all-time favorites such as barbeque and woodfired pizza, they're also ideal for entertaining guests and spending time with loved ones. A study by the National Kitchen and Bath Associations reveals that high end outdoor kitchens will continue to be in demand in the coming years since luxury outdoor kitchens have become an expected ‘standard’ for new luxury home builds. “New construction definitely includes outdoor living kitchens, pools, decks,” says Nar Bustamante of Nar Design Group. “It's a priority.”

If you already have an outdoor kitchen in your property, consider boosting its functionality and comfort this summer with some new, high-end appliances. The right devices will make your outdoor space look luxe, and they'll also make entertaining more enjoyable even when temperatures are high. Here are the best high-end appliances to add to your luxury outdoor kitchen this summer.

Luxury Ice Maker

Having plenty of ice onhand is a must, especially while having a barbeque party or a dinner party on hot summer days. If your freezer takes too long to make ice, or if it isn't freezing food like it should, call a technician to fix your home appliance. Remember to stay on top of refrigerator and freezer maintenance to prevent your appliances from breaking down. If you find that you need more ice though, consider investing in a luxury ice maker for your outdoor kitchen. This device can make 30 to 50 pounds of ice in 24 hours, and it doesn't take up too much countertop space, making it ideal for an outdoor kitchen. 

Some of the best luxury ice makers include the NewAir Countertop Ice Maker, which can produce 12 ice cubes in just 7 minutes, or about 50 pounds of ice in a day. If you prefer nugget ice– soft, chewable ice– to keep your drinks cold, there's the FirstBuild Opal Nugget Ice Maker or the Scotsman Brilliance Nugget Ice Machine. These make the perfect ice to cool cocktails or sodas since the ice absorbs the beverage and it won't dilute the drinks. 

Outdoor Air Cooler

Nobody wants to be in the backyard when it's hot and muggy outside. To cool the air and make your guests and loved ones feel more comfortable, think about adding a portable air cooler to your luxury outdoor kitchen and dining space. Using this device not only transforms your yard into the perfect entertaining area, but it may also help to prevent heat-related diseases and conditions, such as heat cramps or heat exhaustion. 

Most air coolers that are designed for the outdoors look a lot like portable air conditioners. The only difference is that outdoor air coolers have a reservoir which you fill with ice cold water or ice. The device then evaporates the water or ice and turns it into a cooling mist. A compact air cooler may effectively cool small outdoor spaces like a balcony, but for patios or backyards, you'll need a large model such as the Portacool Cyclone 140, which stands almost 5 feet tall, or the Hessier MC37M Evaporative Cooler, which can cool up to 950 sqm of space. 

Snowflake Ice Machine

Remember making snow cones with a snow cone machine when you were younger? Now, you can make delicious, icy desserts made from softer, fluffier ‘snow’ with a snowflake ice machine. This kitchen device is popular in East Asia and SouthEast Asia, where summers can be brutally hot. It may be a bit pricey, but it's easy to use as all you have to do is pour the beverage of your choice into the reservoir. The machine takes care of the rest as it transfers the liquid to a metal roller at the front, and once the liquid hits the metal, it instantly turns into ultrafine, soft ice flakes that's ready to eat. You can get this device from Amazon as the retailer carries several models of it. Try the Kolice Automatic Snowflake Ice Machine, which can produce 275 pounds of snow per day, or the Yovtekc Snowflake Ice Machine, which can make 176 pounds of snow within 24 hours.

Don't know what kinds of desserts to make with a snowflake machine? For kids, try using yogurt drinks to make yogurt snow, then top it off with some fresh fruit and a drizzle of condensed milk. Meanwhile, for adults who want a bit of alcohol in their icy treat, consider mixing up some watermelon or mango juice with a bit of white tequila or vodka, then pour the mixture into the machine. Serve the boozy, fruity snow with some fresh mint leaves and some watermelon or cantaloupe balls. 

Your outdoor kitchen deserves an upgrade this summer. Consider these luxury devices to cool down your outdoor area and your guests, and have an amazing time making meals and entertaining in your backyard.