Tag: outdoor kitchen

5 Must-Have Accessories to Complete Your Outdoor Kitchen in 2025

A luxury outdoor kitchen is much more than just a grill, it’s a dreamy cooking and entertaining space that lets you turn your backyard into an extension of your home. Love weekend barbecues or weekday grilling? Love entertaining on the beautiful deck or patio of your home? From keeping drinks cold to lighting up your night, these 5 must-haves are essential for any 2025 outdoor kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at what your space is missing and how to fill it, with the help of Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center’s expert guidance.

1.     Outdoor Refrigeration: Keep It Cold and Convenient

No proper outdoor kitchen would be complete without cold storage. An outdoor beverage center or built-in outdoor fridge means fewer trips in and out and more time enjoying your space. Whether you are having a BBQ party, making dinner, or relaxing in the sun, cold drinks and fresh food as close to your BBQ as possible makes everything a whole lot easier.

High-end brands like Lynx, DCS  and Hestan, engineer outdoor refrigerators that not only look good, but take on a heavy workload. For instance, a Lynx outdoor refrigerator has insulated doors, adjustable shelving, and soft-close drawers. Various models also feature LED lighting, along with digital temperature controls, which keep your groceries and beverages perfect chill.

Key features to look for

  • Weatherproof construction to withstand Southern California’s changing temperatures
  • LED interior lighting for better visibility at night
  • Adjustable shelving to fit everything from party trays to beverage cans
  • Digital temperature controls for precise cooling
  • Seamless design that blends into your outdoor island or cabinetry

If you are designing a full space, don’t forget about refrigeration, it’s a functional and luxurious component of an outdoor kitchen. Discover premium Hestan refrigeration appliances at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, and prepare your 2025 outdoor kitchen accordingly.

2.     Side Burners & Power Burners: Expand Your Cooking Capabilities

A grill can do a lot, but if you want to do more with your outdoor cooking space, adding an outdoor side burner is where the real magic happens. From boiling corn to sauteing veggies or stir-frying a quick side, with a dedicated burner, you can do it all without going back inside.

A power burner for outdoor kitchen set-ups will bring some real heat. These burners come with high BTU output to cook faster and produce better results. You can sear, simmer or even cook in a wok, right next to where you’re already grilling.

Top brands such as DCS, Hestan and Lynx make it easy to complement your existing setup with side burners that coordinate with the look and performance of your main grill. A DCS side burner, for instance, features stainless steel finishes, easy-clean surfaces, and weatherproof knobs ready to take on outdoor elements.

Why add a side or power burner

  • Cook sauces, sides, or boil pasta without crowding the grill
  • Strong BTU output for fast, even cooking
  • Durable, weather-resistant materials that perform year-round
  • Seamless fit with your existing grill island for a polished look
  • Handle full meals without heading inside the house

Check out the newest DCS models at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, and find out how an added burner can give the look of your outdoor kitchen the finishing touch.

3.     Outdoor Sinks & Prep Stations: Hygiene Meets Efficiency

An outdoor kitchen sink is without a doubt one of the best things you can invest in for your backyard cooking area. It allows you to prep food, rinse vegetables, and wash hands without having to go back inside, saving time and effort. This keeps everything clean and close at hand, contributing to a smooth outdoor kitchen workflow from start to finish.

A prep sink for outdoor use provides both cleanliness and efficiency to outdoor food prep. Great for everything from marinating meat to chopping salad components, you can keep it neat and tidy, right where you’re cooking.

Lynx and DCS are premier brands that build sinks to last. A good-quality stainless steel sink is well-equipped to withstand the heat, humidity, and mess of outdoor cooking, if made with weather-resistant materials. Additional features you will find with some models include built-in cutting boards, a soap dispenser, or tall faucets for easy cleanup.

Benefits of adding an outdoor prep sink

  • Keeps food prep clean and easy without going inside the house
  • Built from durable stainless steel that resists rust and weather damage
  • Includes useful accessories like cutting boards, strainers, and pull-out faucets
  • Pairs well with premium grill islands for a finished, functional layout
  • Improves kitchen hygiene by keeping raw food and utensils separated

Discover Lynx luxury sinks available at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, and pair your outdoor kitchen with the ideal sink and prep station for your outdoor living space.

4.     Weatherproof Storage Drawers & Cabinets

Having all the right tools to work with in your outdoor kitchen is just as important as keeping your outdoor kitchen organized. Outdoor kitchen storage provides space for everything from utensils and spices to cleaning supplies and grill tools, all protected from the elements and easy to reach. Good storage design makes the space tidy, allowing you to fully enjoy outdoor time.

With weatherproof drawers, you need not to worry about rain, sun, and dust damaging your essentials. These drawers are constructed of rust-free material, and sealed to protect inside from elements. Plus, soft close hinges, and full extension glides allow the doors and drawers to open and close softly and quietly, even if your hands are full.

Brands such as Hestan and DCS offer heavy-duty storage solutions that blend with the appearance of your grill and outdoor island, and provide a seamless look. From a single drawer to a full cabinet system, these options are designed to fit directly in your setup and can handle outdoor environments easily.

 

Why invest in outdoor storage drawers and cabinets

  • Rust-proof materials that hold up in all weather conditions
  • Soft-close features for quiet, easy operation
  • Full-extension glides for full access to every inch of space
  • Stylish designs that match premium grills and countertops
  • Perfect for tools, towels, spices, and more

Finish the look with Hestan storage accessories that are both durable and fashion-forward, keeping everything in its place and protected, so your outdoor kitchen stays clean, functional and ready to use all year round.

5.     Bonus Add-On: Pizza Ovens, Warming Drawers, & Lighting

If you want to take your outdoor kitchen to the next level, don’t stop at the essentials. Adding extras like an outdoor pizza oven, warming drawer for outdoor kitchen, and thoughtful outdoor kitchen lighting can make a big difference in how your space looks, feels, and functions, especially when entertaining.

A high-performance outdoor pizza oven lets you create crispy, fire-baked pizzas right in your backyard. It’s a fun and practical upgrade that guests love, and it also works great for baking bread or roasting meats.

A warming drawer for outdoor kitchen setups helps you keep cooked food hot while you prep other dishes or wait for guests to arrive. It’s also useful for warming plates, proofing dough, or keeping sides ready to serve.

And don’t overlook outdoor kitchen lighting. Proper lighting not only makes cooking at night safer, but it also sets the mood. Choose from task lighting over prep areas or ambient LED strips around counters and cabinets to create a cozy, upscale look.

Why these bonus features matter

  • Pizza ovens turn your kitchen into an outdoor pizzeria
  • Warming drawers keep food hot and ready to serve
  • Smart lighting adds safety, function, and evening ambiance
  • Elevates your kitchen’s style and usability at any hour

With these upgrades, your outdoor space becomes more than just a place to cook, it becomes a destination for relaxing, gathering, and making memories.

Visit Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center to Design Your Dream Outdoor Living Kitchen

Creating a perfect outdoor living kitchen involves more than just picking a grill, it’s about seeing how all the parts come together in real life. That’s why visiting a Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center’s outdoor kitchen showroom in Los Angeles can make a big difference. At our showrooms, you can explore complete outdoor kitchen setups in person, helping you make confident choices for your own space.

Each of Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center’s Southern California showrooms, located in Studio City, Calabasas, Santa Clarita, Costa Mesa, Torrance, and Mission Viejo, feature live displays that showcase grills, islands, and accessories from top brands like Hestan, Lynx, and DCS. These realistic setups allow you to see how appliances and layouts work together, which is especially helpful when planning your own backyard design.

Alongside grills and islands, the showrooms are filled with premium outdoor kitchen accessories like pizza ovens, warming drawers, lighting, storage solutions, and beverage centers. Seeing and testing these items firsthand helps you find the exact combination that fits your cooking and entertaining style.

Plus, Universal Appliance and Kitchen’s design experts are always available to walk you through the options and help you build an outdoor kitchen tailored to your space, needs, and budget. Whether you’re starting fresh or adding upgrades, we’ll guide you through each step of the process.

Explore what’s possible, View All Locations today and discover how Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center can help you design the outdoor kitchen you’ve always wanted.

The Takeaway

The right upgrades can truly complete your outdoor kitchen, turning it into a space that’s not only functional, but also enjoyable year-round. From keeping ingredients fresh with outdoor refrigeration to adding flair with pizza ovens and lighting, each accessory brings more convenience and comfort to your cooking and entertaining experience.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or upgrading an existing setup, Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center makes it easy to shop outdoor kitchen accessories that match your style and needs. With top brands like DCS, Hestan and Lynx  available, you’ll find everything you need to create a space that works for you.

If you’re ready to take the next step, our expert team is here to help you plan outdoor kitchen in LA with confidence and clarity.

Don’t wait to bring your dream backyard to life, Schedule Your Outdoor Kitchen Consultation today and get started with the experts at Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center.

Summer’s Coming, Time to Move Out into the Backyard

The backyard is no longer merely a place to keep a bit of garden furniture or your grill. Today, outdoor living areas are often an extension of your home, complete with living, entertainment and kitchen areas. You can even incorporate zone based entertainment and sound systems. As summer approaches, you can move out into the backyard without sacrificing style, comfort or amenities.

Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen

There are a number of factors to consider when creating your outdoor living space, but just like inside your home, at its heart should be the kitchen. The costs of outdoor kitchen areas can vary from a couple of thousand dollars to upwards of $30,000. So, you will need to consider your budget to determine what you can include in your design. Outdoor kitchens almost always include a grille and possibly an integrated refrigerator, but have you thought about plumbing in a sink or adding an icemaker?

If you want to take your outdoor experience to a whole new level, you may want to consider a rotisserie or pizza oven. Even if you want to stick to just using a grill, there are so many options available that can include roasting spits, griddles, burners, smokers and warming drawers. If you plan on using your outdoor kitchen throughout the summer, you may need storage space and prep counters, but don’t forget about a bar height counter for your guests and that all important sound system, so you don’t miss out on the fun when you’re cooking.

Create a Layout

Once you’ve planned your outdoor kitchen, you’ll need to start thinking about the rest of your space. You will need to think about how you want to use this space and how your plans can fit into your yard. The best approach is to divide your yard into zones and plan out potential traffic patterns. Knowing the flow of traffic will help you to design your space, planning for seating and creating pathways for any landscape elements or containers. Remember, that your layout can be complemented by splashes of color and texture, so allow space for pots and plants.

Choose a Fire

To properly define your outdoor space, you’ll need a focal point. In most cases, the best focal point is a fire. Your options can range from an outdoor fire pit up to a built up fireplace, but some form of fire will offer an aesthetic and practical feature. The right fire will create an enjoyable spot for reading or draw the crowds at the end of a gathering with friends. There are lots of options for fires from portable to permanent features, different fuel types and a myriad of styles. You will need to check the local zoning and building laws for fire safety and placement.

Think About Seating

Of course, no outdoor living space would be complete without seating. Your choice of seating is very important and needs to be both practical and attractive. Don’t just think about everyday use, but also the what will be needed for neighborhood gatherings and parties. While stools, benches, and lounges can provide excellent seating options, you can always add instant additional seating with some throw pillows on a low wall. Try to use a variety of types and sizes of seats as your space and budget allow, but pay careful attention to how the seating positioning will affect traffic. You can also use your strategically placed seating to define different spaces.

No outdoor living area is complete without the right appliances. There is a variety of popular outdoor appliances that can be used to create a fantastic outdoor entertainment area for gatherings, parties or even just relaxing and enjoying the sunshine.
Browse this online collection of outdoor appliances for a variety of superb products, or you could speak to a home appliance specialist for further help.

Would Your Home Benefit From Installing an Under Counter Beverage Center?

Today, the kitchen is the heart of the home more than ever. These days, many families use their kitchen to not only prepare and eat meals, but also to do homework, entertain and socialize. This means that the modern kitchen needs the best in home appliances to fulfill all of these functions. While a great oven and efficient dishwasher are often considered vital, you may not have considered how installing an under counter beverage center could benefit your kitchen and home.

Fantastic Flexibility

An under counter beverage center is small enough to install in any kitchen without the need to modify the layout. These appliances can fit beneath a bar or under a center island, providing more flexibility compared to a full size refrigerator. An under counter beverage center can also be placed in family rooms and other areas of your home, so you don’t need to keep going back into the kitchen when you’re entertaining. The more flexible the size of an under counter beverage center provides, the more the freedom to choose the ideal location for your new appliance.

Increased Convenience

As mentioned above, the size of an under counter beverage center means that you may install one practically anywhere in your home. This means that you don’t need to run downstairs whenever you need a drink. You can install a beverage center in your home office, den or even on your patio, so you always have a cool drink on hand. Since the appliances don’t take up a great deal of space, you can have access to cold drinks in any room of your home.

Maximize Your Guest Space

If you have a smaller kitchen or a breakfast nook for your guests, you may find yourself struggling for space. Fortunately, an under counter beverage center can serve as a smaller refrigerator. You can not only ensure that your guests have drinks, but you can also provide perishable treats and light snacks. This will maximize your space and allow your guests to have a little more privacy as they won’t need to pop into the kitchen every time they want a drink. You can even make a guest suite with a beverage center directly in the room, so any friends or family feel like they are enjoying the luxury of a hotel.

Outdoor Relaxation

As the warmer weather approaches, many of us start to think about grilling and enjoying our outdoor space. An under counter beverage center is an ideal addition to your patio to create a complete outdoor kitchen. The addition of this appliance will allow you to keep all your mixers, cocktails and soft drinks chilled, so you don’t need to go back in the house. This is particularly useful if you’re having a pool party and don’t want people going inside with wet feet and clothing. You can simply stock up your beverage center before your party and keep everything happening outside.

An under counter beverage center is a flexible option for any home. Whether you want to increase your chiller space in a busy family kitchen, want to create a more comfortable guest space, increase the practicality of your den or build a complete outdoor kitchen, a beverage center can be a fantastic tool. If you want to improve the convenience and practicality of your home, you may wish to consider the benefits of installing an under counter beverage center.

If you have thought about purchasing an under counter beverage center, you can explore the options with this online collection, or speak to a home appliance expert to answer any questions and provide a more specialist service.