When people spend a lot of time, energy, and money on perfecting their backyard, they want to end up with an outdoor space they can actually use. And few things make a yard more usable than outdoor cooking options. Even in Phoenix, where the outdoor temperatures can soar to miserable heights, outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity.
But these days, there are so many options for outdoor cooking that it can be hard to know which cooking method is right for your family. Today we are comparing three of the most popular options on the market today, to help you make an informed decision when you’re ready to upgrade your yard.
BBQ grill.
The most classic option, the BBQ grill has been a backyard staple for decades. Of course, BBQ grills have evolved quite a bit from their early days. Now, you can choose anything from small, portable charcoal grills to large, built-in, gas-powered grills with all the bells and whistles a chef could ask for.
This is the best thing about BBQ grills: options. You can easily find a grill that fits in your price range and your space and that uses your preferred heating method. Whether you’re typically going to be feeding a small family or a large crowd, there’s a grill out there that can get the job done. Most grills are also easy to use, making it simple to light, adjust the heat, and cook any food to perfection.
Pizza oven.
The pizza oven is not a new concept, but the backyard pizza oven has only come on the scene in the past couple of years. These are usually smaller outdoor ovens with a dome top that are specially designed to bake a perfect pizza crust.
Some pizza ovens are large, built-in, stone structures that serve as a focal point in the yard. Others are small, metal, and rest on a tabletop. Either way, these ovens are created with a specific purpose in mind: incredible pizza. That’s not to say that pizza ovens can’t cook other foods (they can cook vegetables, meats, and breads, just to name a few). But they probably aren’t your best option if you aren’t into making homemade pizza, or if you need to cook a large amount of food for a crowd.
Smoker.
Smokers have been around for a long time, but their backyard popularity has exploded recently. Unlike a grill, smokers use indirect heat to cook food, and they usually cook it at a lower temperature for a longer amount of time (“low and slow”). Also, the smoking cooking method infuses the food with that undeniable, irreplicable smoky flavor.
To many people, smoking is an art form. It takes practice and patience to smoke meat perfectly, but ardent fans insist that the result is well worth it. People who prefer smokers tend to really enjoy the process of preparing and cooking the food; they aren’t just looking to cook a bunch of food quickly. They also love that unique smoky taste they get from smoking.
So which option is right for you? It totally depends on your needs.
If you want a versatile option that can cook a wide variety of food and offers many different features in various price ranges, a BBQ grill is probably the right choice for you.
If you enjoy cooking homemade pizza, want to try something new, and aren’t usually feeding a crowd, a pizza oven is a great option for your backyard.
If you want to cook melt-in-your-mouth meats, enjoy the art of slow cooking, or want to get in on the latest trend, try a smoker.
No matter which option you choose, you’ll be enjoying your outdoor meals in no time! If you’re looking to transform your outdoor space into the perfect place for entertaining, contact Rustic Creek Landscaping today! Our team has several years experience creating beautiful custom landscapes and can work with you to make the yard of your dreams.
