Best Outdoor Cooking Appliances for Any Space

From built-in grills to pizza ovens—find what suits your space and style

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Whether you're working with a sprawling backyard or a compact balcony, the right cooking appliance can completely transform your outdoor experience. From grilling classics to baking artisanal pizzas under the stars, today’s outdoor cooking tools are more versatile than ever—and there’s something for every layout, budget, and aesthetic.

This guide walks you through some of the best outdoor cooking appliances, so you can choose what fits your space and style—and start creating delicious moments right in your own backyard.

🔥 1. Built-In Grills: For the Serious Griller

If outdoor cooking is a staple in your home, a built-in gas or charcoal grill is the foundation of a fully equipped kitchen. These are typically installed in a fixed island or countertop space and offer features like side burners, rotisserie systems, and infrared sear zones. Our favorite picks are linked in the pics.

Best for:

• Large patios or outdoor kitchens

• Frequent entertaining

• Homeowners seeking a permanent setup

Style tip: Pair with stone or stainless steel finishes for a cohesive, high-end look.

🍕 2. Outdoor Pizza Ovens: For Artisan Flavor at Home

A pizza oven adds charm and serious culinary potential to your space. Whether it's a wood-fired dome oven or a compact propane-powered model, these appliances do more than make great pizza—they can roast vegetables, bake bread, and even sear meats. The Ooni Karu 2 is what we use in our home and absolutely love it. https://amzn.to/3Ip8hwa.

Best for:

• Foodies and experimental cooks

• Garden dining areas or patios

• Creating a rustic or Mediterranean feel

Space-saving option: Try a tabletop pizza oven that fits easily on an outdoor countertop or portable cart.

🥩 3. Freestanding Gas or Charcoal Grills: Classic and Flexible

For many, the go-to outdoor cooking solution is still a freestanding grill. Available in propane, natural gas, or charcoal models, these grills are movable, affordable, and come in a wide range of sizes. We have an Argentine Parilla Asado and a gas Napoleon Grill that we use regularly. The Parilla Asado we use for bigger cookouts and the Napoleon is used for the day to day dinners and quick cooks. Our Argentine grill is a ritual for me that requires connecting to the process which is why I love it during gatherings. Links are in the pics for our two must haves.

Best for:

• Small patios, decks, or renters

• Those who want flexibility or portability

• Casual weeknight grilling or summer cookouts

Style tip: Choose matte black or enamel-coated finishes to complement a modern outdoor design.

🌮 4. Griddles & Flat-Top Cookers: Versatile and Crowd-Friendly

A flat-top grill or outdoor griddle expands your menu options well beyond burgers. Think breakfast spreads, stir-fries, and smash burgers—all cooked quickly and evenly. Breakfast hash browns cannot be replicated anywhere else but on a griddle. Also when we do burgers, this is a must have, easy to maintain and pumps out the food in a hurry. Pit Boss is our go to for griddles and smokers (more on that later). Links are in the pics.

Best for:

• Families or large gatherings

• Entertainers who love variety

• Outdoor brunches or taco nights

Bonus: They’re easy to clean and often come with grease traps and built-in shelves.

🧺 5. Smokers: For Low-and-Slow Perfection

Love the deep, smoky flavor of true barbecue? A smoker brings that signature taste to your backyard—or wherever your adventures take you. Available in electric, pellet, or charcoal varieties, they’re perfect for slow-cooking ribs, brisket, or even smoked veggies. We love or Pit Boss Copper series vertical smoker, it has 5 racks that are removable, pellet fed auger, and plenty of space to load it up. We love to hang chicken inside and we can fit 10 racks of ribs no problem. https://amzn.to/402sE8F

Best for:

• Barbecue lovers

• Patience-required recipes

• Flexibility between home and campsite

Tip: Look for digital temp control to simplify the smoking process.

🧯 6. Electric & Infrared Grills: Compact and Apartment-Friendly

If you’re short on space or restricted by fire regulations, electric or infrared grills are compact, smokeless alternatives that still deliver satisfying sizzle. Ninja makes amazing and durable products and before kids and a bigger house we had an electric grill for our apartment living. This little grill packs a punch at 530F it can get the job done. https://amzn.to/3TiaHzb

Best for:

• Apartment balconies or urban patios

• Quick meals without the fuss

• Homes where open flames aren’t allowed

Perk: Many plug into a standard outlet and heat up in minutes.

🔥 7. Combo Grills: The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between charcoal and gas? Hybrid combo grills let you switch between cooking styles depending on your mood or menu. Some models even include smoker boxes or rotisserie kits. Oklahoma Joe makes a solid Dual Fuel hybrid grill, for those who love charcoal and convenience. https://amzn.to/4018PhV

Best for:

• Versatile cooks who want all options

• Mid-to-large outdoor spaces

• Weekend warriors and experimenters

💡 Final Tips: Choosing the Right Appliance for You

When selecting outdoor cooking appliances, consider:

• Size: How much space do you have, and how many people will you typically cook for?

• Portability: Do you need to move it often, or is this a permanent fixture?

• Fuel source: Gas is fast, charcoal adds flavor, electric is clean and easy.

• Maintenance: Stainless steel is durable and low-maintenance; cast iron may need more care.

• Style: Match the look to your patio aesthetic—modern, rustic, or minimalist.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Whether you're flipping burgers on a compact grill or crafting wood-fired pizzas in your backyard sanctuary, the right appliance brings joy, flavor, and functionality to your outdoor space. With options to suit every space and style, outdoor cooking has never been more accessible—or more exciting.

So fire it up, invite some friends, and let your backyard become your favorite place to cook.