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Small grill area ideas


BBQ Design Ideas To Elevate Your Backyard Space

By Simona Ganea | Published on Reviewed by Lance Crayon

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BBQ design has reached new heights. Outdoor cooking technology has changed the way homeowners think of homemade BBQ. An outdoor BBQ provides space for you to enjoy your backyard with friends and family. 

If you’re not a fan of the grill perhaps something else catches your attention, like a pizza oven for example. Let’s have a look at some designs and see what other ideas they inspire. 

What Is The Best Outdoor BBQ Grill? 

Before you choose a BBQ grill, you should know about the different styles on the market today. 

Charcoal Grill

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The traditional charcoal grill is an iconic American image. When grilling over charcoal or mesquite wood, flavor is infused into burgers, chicken wings, and ribs. Charcoal grills are the cheapest grill option. They can be used to grill over the coals, or even to smoke meat. 

Briquettes, charcoal, or mesquite are the three most popular. Heating and cooling doesn’t happen fast because the grill retains heat.

Charcoal Kettle Grills

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Kettle grills are perhaps the most well-known sort of charcoal grill. They are simple in design, resembling a kettle: they have grill grates, stands, removable lids, and a rounded bottom.

Charcoal is placed in the grill’s bottom section. The grill uses a small grate to elevate the fuel source, thus allowing ash to drop away from the heat source. 

Gas Grills

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The most common outdoor barbeque grill is the gas grill. The grills are easy to operate. All you have to do is push a button and the grill turns on. They provide the cook a great deal of control over the temperature and heat of the unit via temperature control knobs.

They will not, however, reach the same temperatures as charcoal grills, as they normally reach a maximum of 400° F to 600°F. Grills that draw fuel from a propane tank require a 20-pound tank that lasts around 25 hours before needing to be replenished; natural gas grills require the installation of a natural gas line from the barbecue to your home. 

Pellet Grills

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Although pellet grills have been around for over 30 years, they have been a common option for grilling in the last five years as a convenient and delectable option. 

A hopper is loaded with food-grade wood pellets and an auger is used to transfer them to a burn pot. Depending on the temperature you select on your grill, the burn pot and thermostat function electrically to maintain the proper temperature on the grill. 

Since the electronic temperature controls automatically adjust to maintain the grill within the desired range, there are little adjustments required once the cooker is functioning according to your specifications.

Kamado Grills

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The shape of the kamado grill is more elongated, mimicking the shape of an egg, which explains why it’s called an “egg. ” They are heavier than kettle grills and composed of thicker ceramic material. 

While temperature and air flow are adjusted through the top and bottom of the grill, due to its thermal design, small grill alterations will cause temperature changes. 

The grill’s lid is attached to the grill’s base by heavy spring-loaded hinges. You’ll also need to consider adding a heat deflector to the grill. 

Electric Grills

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You will need to operate your electric grill in close proximity to an electrical outlet. To heat the grill, you will need access to a socket, either indoors or outdoors.

Many grills come with long cords that allow you to plug them in while keeping them at a safe distance from the heat. One significant selling point of an electric grill, and one worth considering, is its ease of use. There is no need to organize the charcoal each time you wish to use it. 

Where Should I Put My BBQ in My Backyard? 

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It’s important to remember that a BBQ is an open flame, and as such, you should always be aware of your surroundings. Maintain a safe distance from the house to the grill. 

Avoid placing the grill just outside the rear door if there are children running in and out. Always position grills on a flat, clean area away from any combustible waste, such as trash bins or mulch. Similarly, low-lying plants and hedges are prohibited.

Can I BBQ On My Patio?

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Only if the patio isn’t covered by a roof or if the deck doesn’t consist of flammable materials. Grills must be placed at least ten feet away from the side of a building, unless the manufacturer’s instructions specify otherwise. 

Can You Put A BBQ On Decking?

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When you’re firing up your BBQ, you should know there will always be a fire risk due to cooking over an open flame, but with the necessary safety precautions, a charcoal barbecue is completely safe to use on your patio.

Backyard BBQ Area Design Ideas

Encased in Stone 

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This beautiful bbq area is outfitted with a big Wolf grill which is the centerpiece of the whole setup. It’s nicely built into the stone island, with counter space to the left and to the right that’s ideal for prepping all the delicious food that needs to be put on the grill. There’s more space on the mini islands with lower tops and a similar stone base. 

Modern Wood Look

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If a modern style suits you better perhaps something like this would be to your liking. Notice the simple lines and lack of unnecessary ornaments throughout this whole bbq area and the wonderful choice of materials as well. This is a design done by studio Chicago Roof Deck & Garden.

Kitchen with Pergola

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A bbq area or an outdoor kitchen don’t need to be very large in order to be practical and to serve their purpose.

A small and simple setup like this one done by studio SJ Renovations seems just right for a regular-size backyard or patio. The style is traditional, with lots of exposed wood and a few distinct accent details. The grill is the piece of resistance and the counter has an interesting shape in order to also be usable as a bar.  

Related: Our Most Recommended BBQ Shelters – A Cover Story For Grilling In Any Weather Conditions

Ultra Modern Outdoor Kitchen

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Here the outdoor kitchen is covered and shares a strong connection to the indoor area that is directly adjacent to it, with only a glass wall in between.

The extended roof protects this space and gives the impression of a semi-indoor area. The overall design and decor are also inspired by the interior. This was part of a project by Bagnato Architecture & Interiors. 

Boxed In

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Although simple, this outdoor kitchen and bbq area has a lot of charm. The cedar cladding suggests a fairly traditional design approach but the built-in appliances, grill included, add a modern vibe to the space.

The result is a fairly eclectic setup with a classic aesthetic. It perfectly shows that compact designs have a lot to offer too. Check out studio Urban Bonfire for more outdoor kitchen options.  

Custom Stonework

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Fireplaces and fire pits are solid outdoor features. Here you can see that the seating area, the fireplace and the bbq area and by extension the kitchen have all been combined and the result is a very wholesome and inviting setup. All in all, a lovely creation by Copper Creek Landscaping. 

Doubled Up

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This time the strategy was a bit different. Rather than adding the bbq area to the deck and combining it with the seating area, Studio 6 Architects placed it some distance away, in the garden, surrounded by greenery.

There’s a nice little pathway connecting it to the house. This strategy is nice because it creates a distinction between these areas and it gives the bbq area a unique and special purpose. 

A Statement Piece 

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It may not be very large but it really fits the house and the site. The grill is the main feature and the centerpiece, with sleek stainless steel accents and other appliances to match.  

Pull Up Bar

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The bbq area and bar are parallel with extra space in between for the BBQ master. They have an earthy and organic color palette pair well with the stone pavers.

Spacious BBQ Area

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Open decks and patios can be a wonderful source of inspiration. This one stands out because of the way it’s designed to surround and to frame the house.

The geometrical designs and deck flooring create an asymmetrical feel. The bbq area is positioned at the far end of the deck, leaving plenty of room for casual seating and lounging furniture. Check out American Deck and Patio for more details about similar projects.

Everything You Need

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Here’s another beautiful BBQ area, this time integrated into a patio inspired by a craftsman backyard kitchen. The gray and blue hues compliment the stainless steel kitchen appliances.

This time you can see there’s also a backsplash which creates a dividing wall between this space and the adjacent land at the back. It was a project by JCI Construction Corp.

Vertical And Modern

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This design chosen by Michael Haverland Architect for this modern house in New York is very clean and simple. The backyard is small but it looks and feels like a natural extension of the indoor living areas. The wooden wall that acts as a backdrop for the BBQ area extends all the way across and is really tall for maximum privacy. 

Great For Entertaining 

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From studio Realm Architecture + Design, the outdoor kitchen design matches the support pillars.

Light And Airy

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The light and coastal color palette, finishes, and materials gives this space a modern appearance. Check out studio JODI FLEMING DESIGN for more details and ideas for inspiring projects. 

Sports Bar Design

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A curved patio bar offers style. The pergola roof follows the same contour, extending over the bbq, kitchen, and dining area. The result is a dedicated entertainment space. From Nature’s Touch, a masonry and landscape company, brought this vision to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ

How Close Can a BBQ Be To A Fence?

The consensus is that a BBQ needs to be at least three feet away from the fence. However, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission states that it’s best to keep the unit at least 10 feet away from structures. 

What Is A Good Firestarter?

Fatwood, which comes from the resinous stumps of pine trees, compressed cedar sawdust, and wax-coated wood shavings are proven firestarters.

What Can I Use A Galvanized Steel Oil Pan?

An oil pan can be used to hold hot coals for Dutch oven cooking. The pan serves as a good landing spot for hot items pulled right off the grill. 

BBQ Design Conclusion

Grilling food in your backyard is a rewarding experience. Grilling meat forces you to embrace the experience of cooking raw meat or smoking a turkey. The intriguing thing about cooking on a BBQ grill is how the results are never the same. Each BBQ is different and impossible to replicate. 

Live-fire cooking offers enjoyable challenges. Once you decide on a BBQ design, you can spend your life cooking outside. 

50 BBQ Area Ideas for Year-Round Grilling | Blog

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If you love to entertain friends and family in your garden, a great BBQ area is essential!

We’ve compiled a list of what we think are the top 50 ideas for incorporating a BBQ space into your backyard for those summer parties. 

Let’s jump in!

1. Cedar BBQ area

Wood is the first choice when preparing your garden for the BBQ season. Add a roof cover so you can still BBQ if the great British weather decides to take a turn for the worse. 

And spotlights mean you can carry on cooking after dark!

Image Credit: Flickr, Mike Carter

2. Long modern BBQ area

If you have the space, you could build a whole outdoor kitchen with work surfaces and a sink. You could even have matching planters to tie it in with the garden. 

Image Credit: Modern Realty Guam

3. Enclosed wooden BBQ area

Or if you’re short on space, create a cosy area on your patio for your BBQ so you can have your friends over for a grill.

4. Aerial marble BBQ

This modern, freestanding design adds an appealing corner to your house that’s dedicated to cooking and relaxing with friends.

5. Outdoor bar with BBQ

An outdoor bar area is perfect for serving lovely family meals, and some drinks along with them.

6. Outdoor cedar mini kitchen

You don’t need much space to build yourself a kitchen outdoors. This cute, compact version has everything you need for BBQs and parties to save you going back and forth to the house. 

7. Concrete cooking station

When talking about practicality, nothing beats concrete. You can shape it any way you like and it’s easy to maintain, plus it provides a modern finish to your outdoor cooking station.  

8. Secret BBQ area

When the door is closed, it just looks like a storage room in your garden. But open it up, and the magic begins! 

Plus the door will protect your cooking area from the elements when you’re not using it. 

9. Wood and plants

Add some soft lighting to set the mood, so your cooking area can become an amazing place to enjoy at night. This is a perfect setting for hosting the perfect BBQ party!

Image Credit: Flickr, Jeff Sandquist

10. Simple BBQ and bar

You don’t need a huge setup for your BBQ and a small bar to sit and have some drinks with your meal. 

11. Small white BBQ area

Incorporate your BBQ area into your raised garden beds to make it fit in with your garden theme. Have a seat and relax while the meat is on the grill.

12. Bar and BBQ Shed

Build your own garden bar and BBQ shed so you can enjoy garden parties in all weathers with your friends and family.  

Image Credit: Flickr, anoldent

13. Simple BBQ shack

Build your own shack for your BBQ so you can still cook even when it’s raining. 

14. DIY brick BBQ

Brick BBQs are a classic and they last forever. Plus they’re easy to build yourself!

Image Credit: Flickr, Jo Zimny Photos

15. Stone outdoor kitchen

Stones are also a great material for a durable BBQ area. Maybe even throw in a sink and for washing up or fill it with ice to keep your drinks cool!

Image Credit: Pxhere

16. Modern outdoor bar and BBQ

Simple, yet modern-looking. Perfect to have some friends over for an evening meal outdoors.

17. Backyard BBQ area

Add a pergola above the grill to avoid extreme sunlight or a little rain.

Image Credit: Flickr, Brisbane City Council

18. Small BBQ shelter

Maybe you don’t need a whole pergola or shed for your BBQ area, just something to cover the BBQ itself to protect it from the rain.

19. BBQ area on deck

If you have room on your deck, you can place the BBQ there and save some garden space. 

Image Credit: Flickr, John Coley

20. DIY gazebo for BBQ

You can easily craft the shelter for your BBQ yourself from wood and tin panels. Maybe make it a little bigger than your BBQ to give you space for a little bar or drinks area.

Image Credit: Flickr, Randy Greve

21. Small BBQ area with bench

Cooking on a BBQ can take some time, so place a small bench next to it, so you can rest while the food’s cooking.

22. Huge backyard BBQ area with canopy

If you have plenty of space on your patio area, add some comfy seating and spend whole afternoons back there.

23. DIY wood BBQ area

It’s great to have some space for chopping and serving your BBQ food. If you’re handy with wood you could even build your own to fit your space.

24. Small outdoor kitchen

The term “outdoor kitchen” sounds like a big space outdoors. But that’s not necessarily true; a small setup can go a long way, too.

This is an excellent way to add value to your property as well!

25. BBQ and fireplace area

Add a fire pit into your BBQ area to keep you warm during your evening gatherings in your garden. 

Image Credit: Pxhere

26. White and dark wood area

This classy BBQ area has stylish slate worktops and dark wood to fit with the modern garden theme. Add some useful cupboard space around the BBQ to keep some logs or coal and your BBQ tools. 

27. BBQ shack and bench

No need to have the whole kitchen outside if you don’t want it. But a little roof for your BBQ area is always great. 

28. Bespoke outdoor kitchen shed

This contemporary outdoor kitchen takes up minimal space and can be closed off when not in use. The door can also provide a great shelter if the weather is bad. 

Image Credit: Pxhere

29. Simple grey BBQ area on wall

You could go for a small, simple outdoor cooking area with cupboard space for your tools and storage for logs for your BBQ. 

30. Outdoor modern BBQ on deck

Black wood gives this simple BBQ area a modern, stylish feel that matches the garden fencing. A black built-in fridge is a great addition and goes well with the theme.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

31. Small fridge in outdoor BBQ area

Add a fridge to your outdoor kitchen to keep your beverages cold so you can make less trips to the kitchen.

32. Modern BBQ area with lights

Create a modern-looking garden by using white tones in your raised beds and outdoor kitchen area. Add some lighting to transform it into a party area at night.

Edison Bulb Outdoor String Lights

33. Modern BBQ and table deck

This beautiful stone bar and BBQ give this garden a great party space. The downlights mean this area can be enjoyed into the evening too. 

34. DIY BBQ concrete area

You can create your own unique BBQ using a steel barrel or drum and giving it a paint job. 

35. Modern wooden BBQ area

Build a modern BBQ area right outside on your deck, to have some shelter but still be able to enjoy the view of your garden and keep an eye on the kids.

36. Outdoor relaxing spot with BBQ

Add a BBQ into your cosy seating area so you can spend the whole day enjoying your outdoor space. 

Image Credit: Flickr, ChrisGoldNY

37. Discreet BBQ area for small garden

If you don’t have much space for a huge setup, a smaller one gets the job done as well. Plus, it looks really appealing. 

This modern example can be hidden away when not in use. 

38. Rustic BBQ area

If rustic is more your style, build your own BBQ area using weathered wood panels and stone walls.  

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

39. Marble and bricks outdoor BBQ area

Grey tones and marble worktops create a cool, relaxing space for your outdoor kitchen and BBQ. Add some comfortable chairs and enjoy your meals at the bar. 

40. Appealing BBQ corner area

Get your cook on in this cool, casual outdoor cooking space. If you have enough space for this kind of setup you could include a pizza oven to enjoy pizza nights with friends.

41. Simple wooden table for BBQ

You don’t need a huge setup for your BBQ area. Keep it simple with a standalone BBQ and a bar area for serving your delicious food!

42. Black and white poolside BBQ area

Black and white always go great together, and a BBQ area is no exception. With sleek white walls and stylish black granite worktops, this simple outdoor kitchen would be a great addition to any garden.

43. Small corner BBQ area

Again, no need for a huge setup in your backyard if you can fit all you need into a smaller space. This corner kitchen under a shelter has everything you need to enjoy a BBQ.

44. Modern spectacular BBQ area

Grey worktops and deep dark tones look amazing next to this modern BBQ. You can even place a decorative clock to keep track of cooking times.

45. Concrete and wood simple BBQ area

Concrete is a great, lasting material, perfect for outdoor construction, such as this modern, industrial-style BBQ area. 

46. U-shaped bar and BBQ

Add a stylish bar to your garden space to keep the conversation and drinks flowing when there’s someone cooking.

47. Stone BBQ area with pergola

Add a shelter or pergola to your BBQ area to give you some protection from the sun while you’re cooking. 

48. Beautiful wooden BBQ area

Black worktops give a whole new look to your BBQ area and make it easy to keep clean.

49. DIY brick BBQ with tables

If you’re building your own, why not add some worktop space next to your BBQ for you to plate up your BBQ food. It’s a simple but practical design that’s easy to create. 

50. Floating BBQ

This built-in BBQ has a sleek, stylish design that will fit into any garden design and won’t take up much space.

There are so many BBQ designs out there to fit any size garden space and match all kinds of garden styles. From charcoal vs gas BBQs to hybrid, you have so many options out there!

Whether it’s standalone BBQs you’re looking for or whole outdoor kitchen design inspiration, we hope you’ve found some ideas to help you convert your garden into a social space you can enjoy.

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Exemplary Estate » Site archive » Barbecue area - all you need to know about its arrangement

This article will tell you how to create a barbecue area on your site, or as it is also called a kitchen on the street, and correctly fit it into the garden design.

Contents

Introduction

When designing an outdoor kitchen, we follow the same principles as for an indoor kitchen. However, the exterior design of this place includes logistical solutions in addition to those that focus on aesthetics and functionality.
In the absence of four walls and a ceiling, there are other factors to consider. To do this, you will need the experience of a landscape designer to balance those elements of the outdoor environment that will affect your enjoyment of the barbecue area. You can choose a grill for a barbecue area or street cuisine on the website. Here is the widest range of grills and accessories, including unique models at affordable prices.

Choosing a location

It usually makes sense to have an outside kitchen close to the house for convenience. Even though you may have a sink, fridge and pantry outside, you still need to take some items out of the main kitchen and clean up after your meal.
Also, when we think about entertainment, we want to determine which of the rooms in the house will naturally provide access to the outdoor kitchen/dining area with natural movement from the house to the kitchen and dining areas.
Water supply. To supply water to such a kitchen, it is usually connected to an irrigation system, because it is simple and cost effective. For convenience, you can even install a water heater, but small in size so that it fits easily right under the sink.
Wind direction. The smell of grilled steaks is great, but the smoke in your eyes (or house) is not. It is best to choose a place to install the grill according to the direction of the wind.

Shelter from the sun or rain

Consider how to protect your barbecue area from the sun or rain. If the zone is located close to the house, you can simply build a canopy, or build a separate gazebo. The simple addition of a few umbrellas can make the kitchen and dining area much more convenient. If space and garden design permits, building an outdoor pavilion will keep you and your guests dry in case unexpected rain threatens to interrupt the party.

Outdoor kitchen design

Outdoor kitchen design depends on how you see yourself and your family using the outdoor kitchen and dining area.
How the kitchen will blend in with other landscaping features such as a backyard flower bed or pool patio. It's worth thinking of a barbecue area as one of several outdoor rooms that are connected to each other: an open hearth, a dining patio, a seating area, and so on.

The next two questions are usually "How big do you want this zone to be and how often do you plan to use it?". If you plan to grill something from time to time, then it is enough to allocate a small place in the garden, and not really bother with its arrangement. Well, if you are a big fan of cooking on an open fire and plan to constantly cook on the street in the warm season, you need to approach this issue responsibly and allocate enough space for such a kitchen.
It is important to ask questions at an early stage of planning. The more carefully you think things through in the beginning, the less likely you are to be surprised or disappointed later.

Task Areas

Just like indoors, an outdoor kitchen needs specific task areas for:
food and drink storage
food preparation
cooking
cleaning.
All these points should be taken into account when arranging an outdoor kitchen.

Lighting

Accent lighting around this area is quite important as you will want to continue the party if it gets dark outside.
The lighting device for the kitchen is almost the same indoors and outdoors. It is divided into three types:
task lighting for illuminating work surfaces
ambient lighting to highlight a specific area
decorative accent lighting for visual interest
While the needs are the same, outdoor kitchen lighting can be challenging. Once again, the absence of four walls and a ceiling will force you to get creative.
To illuminate the work surface, it is best to use directional lights mounted above this very surface.
For ambient lighting, you can install spotlights on the house or on a nearby tree that focus on the area. These lights are best connected to a switch near the grill area for easy control. Also, many newer grills have built-in lights so when you lift the lid you can see everything inside.

Kitchen equipment

Here you can make everything simple or enjoy the luxury. Think realistically about the type of appliances and accessories you will need. Besides grilling, how much food and drink will you need? Do you need a sink and faucet?

The choice you make regarding the type and number of amenities will determine the size of your summer kitchen. There are many tempting accessories to enhance your kitchen and you can spend a lot of money on them. But think about what you will need and use everything on a regular basis. If you don't need a fridge and sink, don't invest in them.

Avoid these outdoor kitchen design mistakes

Not enough cooking space
This is the most common oversight. Be sure to plan for enough space for cooking, serving, and cleaning. In particular, the grill and sink areas should always occupy opposite spaces on the left and right.

Not enough light
Without ceilings or walls to support fixtures, effectively lighting an outdoor kitchen can be a challenge. A good landscape designer will think this through and make sure that task lighting is sufficient to illuminate work surfaces for evening entertainment.


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Grill-party - an appetizing ritual

The courtyard of a country house is an ideal place for a grill zone, and the picturesque, lush nature and a huge sky are the best decorators. You can vary the degree of comfort of the grill zone according to your preference by adding furniture and accessories. But the main detail of a summer barbecue, the memories of which dissolve the autumn melancholy, is the impeccable taste of meat cooked on coals and the aroma of baked vegetables.

Grill, barbecue or oven?

The success of the whole event depends on the quality of the brazier and the prepared fuel. The choice is quite wide: a real Russian oven, a Tatar barbecue, an Armenian tandoor, you can even install a smokehouse or buy a “California” grill.

For particularly picky and sophisticated gourmets, we recommend the universal ceramic grill oven from the Big Green Egg company, which combines all of the above devices. The patented design is based on innovative technologies based on cult traditions isolated from different cultures.


open air kitchen - absolute comfort in a new format

Increasingly, designers designing a grill area in the yards of respectable cottages and mansions are turning to the newfangled idea of ​​​​creating a full-fledged open-air kitchen. A bold decision, in comparison with the usual design of a picnic-grill, requires considerable investment in high-quality processing of wooden furniture and stainless steel surface finishing. But the experience of eating a juicy steak in a cozy open air dining room is truly unforgettable.

Little tricks for decorating the grill area

The wooden table in the backyard looks very colorful. Decorate it with wide strips of thick film tablecloth so that wet bottles and glasses with cold drinks, as well as plates with hot grilled snacks, do not leave hard-to-remove marks. A red and white checkerboard is considered a universal pattern.

If your patio has a high-end, glamorous style, glass dishes and crystal plates are the way to go to protect expensive tables. Square or round stands are placed in the center, rectangular - two or three along the center line.

The crowns of trees perfectly shelter from the summer heat, letting in fresh gusts of wind. If you don't have a shaded area on your patio, be sure to put up an umbrella - not everyone can be in the sun for long periods of time.

Those wishing to retire for a private conversation will be grateful to the hosts, having found a couple of folding chairs around a small table in a remote corner of the yard.

Candles and real torches exuding lavender and citrine scents are not only insanely romantic. They will scare away small insects from food on the "open" table, and will also protect those present from winged "guests". With the advent of dusk, light up the mood of the guests by surrounding the courtyard of your country house with a spectacular fairway of torchlights.

The presence of children at a barbecue party obliges to increase the level of safety. Put tall figures of pink flamingos or other bright, noticeable landscape design accessories, limiting the area for children's games from the place where meat or fish "goodies" are cooked on a hot grill.

Everyone loves water in summer! The view of the pond or lake will envelop your leisure time with special charm, and the pool installed for mischievous people will fill the yard with ringing laughter, fun and cool freshness.

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