11 Gas Grill Maintenance Tips for Hassle-Free Cooking

 

cleaning a bbq grill

We Canadians love our grills. Approximately two-thirds of Canadians own a grill and we use them a lot during the warm weather months.

One survey found that 7% of Canadians cooked all of their meals on a grill during the summer. Another 2019 Research Co. survey found that during the summer, 27% of Ontarians grill outdoors an average of five times per week.

Almost two-thirds of people who own barbecues have a gas grill, which is powered by natural gas or propane. Gas grills are the most popular outdoor cooking appliance because they’re so convenient and easy to use.

To keep the appliance functioning optimally, regular gas grill maintenance is essential.

The benefits of doing gas grill maintenance

Despite how often we use our grills, a surprising number of people do very little or no gas grill maintenance. That Research Co. poll found that while 65% of grillers clean their appliance after every use, 32% of grill owners only clean their barbecue “a few times” during the summer and 3% of grill owners never clean it.

Here are the main benefits of doing regular gas grill maintenance:

  • grills will have fewer fire-related safety hazards
  • food flavour is enhanced
  • cooking performance is more consistent and efficient
  • the appliance is more reliable to use
  • well-maintained grills last a lot longer
  • there’s less risk of food exposure to contaminants and bacteria

Nothing spoils a backyard cookout like being unable to deliver that meal everyone is looking forward to devouring in a timely manner (or even at all) because an unreliable grill hasn’t been maintained.

Use these essential gas grill maintenance tips to keep your grill in top shape.

1. Clean your grill after each use

man doing gas grill maintenance

One of the main reasons some people rarely or never clean their grill is because they believe the built-up gunk from past cooking sessions adds a unique flavour to their food. Grilling experts and scientists disagree, however. Leaving burnt-on food particles, old marinade, and built-up grease on a grill is considered unhealthy. It raises the risk of mould, bacteria, and carcinogens getting into the foods you cook.

The high temperatures grills produce kill a lot of the bacteria that accumulate inside the appliance, but not all of it. A barbecue’s grates should be cleaned after each grilling session, ideally while it’s still warm to make the process easier. If you forgot to clean the grill after its last use, give the grates a cleaning during the pre-heating process of your next cooking session.

Try to avoid using grill cleaner sprays after every grill session unless a clean-up job is particularly challenging. Even the products that are marketed as being safe are going to contain some chemicals that you should avoid adding to a cooking area. If a grill is cleaned shortly after being used with a high-quality wire brush, scraper, or cleaning brick/stone, that should be more than enough to remove most leftover grease and food residue.

Don’t use cheap wire brushes to clean your grates. Some grilling experts recommend not using any type of wire brush to clean a barbecue because of the safety risks. There have been more reported cases in recent years of tiny wire pieces breaking off cleaning brushes and being ingested by people. A recent CBC story detailed the life-threatening ordeal a B.C. man went through when a single wire bristle from a grill cleaning brush got lodged in his intestine.

2. Check the fuel line and regulator

One of the most serious hazards with grills are gas leaks. Leaks can be easy to recognize if there’s a persistent gassy odour around a grill even when it’s not in use. Interesting fact: both propane and natural gas are odourless in their natural state. The sulphur-like “rotten egg smell” they have actually comes from additives that are included to alert people to leaks.

Don’t wait for your nose to identify a potential gas leak, however. Give the grill’s fuel line/hose that’s connected to your natural gas or propane source a period inspection (at least twice a year).

A leak test is simple to do and doesn’t take much time. The easiest method is to use a leak detector spray that will pinpoint where a hose is leaking. Another method is to create a small mixture consisting of 50% water and 50% liquid dish soap. Apply the mix to the fuel line with a brush or spray bottle and turn the fuel valve on (don’t light the grill). If the soapy mix bubbles up in one or more specific areas, you’ve identified where the leaks are.

If you find a leak, replace the faulty hose with a replacement made by a reputable manufacturer. Patching leaky fuel lines is not recommended. Fuel lines that are cracked or showing signs of wear should also be replaced before any leaks can occur.

The other important part of a grill’s fuel delivery system that should be inspected occasionally is the regulator. This metal part regulates gas pressure and controls the flow of gas to the grill. Make sure it’s tightly connected and in good condition. If a grill can’t reach the kinds of high temperatures it’s previously been able to reach, that may be a sign that the regulator needs to be replaced.

Fuel lines can also experience blockages caused by nesting insects, especially spiders.

3. Inspect and clean the burners

Over time, grease, food particles, and debris can clog a grill’s burners, leading to uneven cooking temperatures. This can cause hot spots and flare-ups that might burn some areas of your food, while leaving others undercooked.

By cleaning the burners, you ensure a consistent and reliable cooking surface with even heat distribution.

Regularly inspect the burners for signs of cracks or blockages. Burners are typically made with cast iron, cast stainless steel, or cast iron, so keep an eye out for signs of rust or corrosion.

Grills that are used an average amount should have their burners cleaned about once a month. This task can be a tad messy and involves a little more work to remove a grill’s parts to get access to the burners to clean them, but it’s an essential part of gas grill maintenance. A wire brush is the main tool used for the job.

While cleaning, look for insect blockages that can impede the flow of fuel to the burners. The venturi tubes, which deliver gas and air to the burners that create flames, are a part of the burner system that critters like to nest in.

4. Inspect and maintain the ignition system

A functioning, reliable ignition system is essential for hassle-free grilling. Gas grills have one of the following types of ignition systems that create an electrical spark that ignites the fuel in a grill’s collector box:

  • battery-powered: this is one of the most common types of ignition systems and is powered by a 9V, AA, or AAA battery
  • piezo: force is applied with a small part like a spring-loaded hammer to a crystal to generate a spark
  • electric-powered: this newer type of ignition module runs on electricity and is commonly found in high-end grills

Fixing an issue with one of these types of ignition systems could be relatively simple and involve replacing a dead or weak battery, removing grease and debris that is impeding spark generation, or reconnecting a loose wire.

For more serious issues that require the replacement of wires, electrodes, or other essential components, you may be better off just replacing the whole ignition system.

Luxury grills like this Alfresco model have their ignition control knob conveniently located on the front panel.

5. Regularly check and empty the drip tray

Another essential gas grill maintenance task is to regularly check and empty the drip tray or pan that collects grease and food particles. This part of a grill helps maintain the appliance’s cleanliness and prevents flare-ups.

Most grills use disposable aluminum drip trays and pans. If you prefer a more eco-friendly option, some barbecue models can accommodate reusable drip trays. Just like when you cook indoors, accumulated grease shouldn’t be disposed of down the drain.

drip tray cleaning

How often should you empty a drip tray? That depends on a couple of things, including how big the pan/tray is and how often your grill is used. Emptying a drip tray/pan every 4-8 uses of a grill is generally recommended.

6. Inspect the grill’s structure

As part of your gas grill maintenance checklist, do a once-a-year inspection of the appliance’s structure. The lid and main lower part of the grill (known as the firebox), should be sturdy and intact.

One of the main things to look for is any sign of rust and corrosion, which is a common problem with cheap grills. Minor rust spots can be fixed with a rust remover and painted over with grill-safe spray paint. Grills with a lot of rust on them are better off being replaced. A rusty grill’s unappealing appearance isn’t just an appetite-killer, using them also increases the risk of food contamination.

High-quality grills use more long-lasting materials like 304 stainless steel. Grills that are made with thicker gauge high-grade stainless steel are much more rust-resistant and retain heat better.

Premium grills also use the welding process more in their construction, which is more durable compared to the bolt and screw method used to construct lower-quality barbecues. Regardless of your grill’s quality, look for any cracks or splits in the firebox.

You’ll likely notice if there are any issues with the other parts of the grill when you use them, including the lid, cabinet doors, base and shelf platforms, wheels, and side table. Ensure all bolts, screws, and fasteners are tight and secure. Loose parts can affect the grill’s stability and performance.

7. Protect your grill from the elements

Barbecues may be built for outdoor use, but any grill will last longer if it’s kept covered, even if your outdoor kitchen has a roof over it.

A grill cover protects the appliance from rain, snow, and UV rays. Grills that have less exposure to the elements tend to function more reliably and require less maintenance. Covering a grill also prevents critters like birds, mice, and squirrels from using the appliance as a home.

Make a habit of covering your grill as soon as it’s cooled down enough. It’s not uncommon to forget to put on the grill cover after cooking. Grills that range in quality from average to high shouldn’t have any issues if this happens on occasion, even if they get directly rained on. Cheap grills won’t fare as well in these situations, however.

If you’re not a winter griller and don’t own a built-in grill, it’s wise to move your grill to a shed or the garage for off-season storage for some extra protection.

Should you need to replace your grill’s cover, try to get a replacement made by the grill’s manufacturer for your specific model. Avoid cheap grill covers, which don’t breathe as well as higher-quality covers. This can trap moisture and accelerate how quickly the grill starts to rust.

An adjustable pergola is practical and helps protect your outdoor kitchen investment.

8. Season your grill grates

The process of seasoning your grill grates is very simple and helps elevate your grilling experience.

It involves applying a thin layer of oil to the grates and heating them at around 400-450° F for 20-30 minutes to allow the oil to bond with the metal. Because you’re using a lot of heat, a high-heat oil must be used like canola, vegetable, sunflower, or peanut oil.

Grate seasoning has several benefits:

  • it creates a non-stick surface that makes cooking easier
  • heat is more evenly distributed on the cooking surface
  • the flavour of food will improve over time
  • cleaning the grates becomes easier
  • it adds a protective layer that extends the life of your grates

If you find that food still sticks to your grates even after they’ve been seasoned, it could be because they’re low-quality grates. Food will stick to the grates more if a grill hasn’t been preheated for long enough as well.

9. Maintain proper ventilation

Built-in grills that are incorporated into outdoor kitchen cabinetry or an island need vent panels to prevent gas from building up while you’re cooking.

Ensure that any vents are clear and unobstructed. In addition to this safety hazard, blocked vents can also cause grills to function less efficiently.

Grill vent hoods are a great investment, especially if you have a more enclosed outdoor kitchen design. Here’s why:

  • they extract grill smoke from your cooking area efficiently
  • the grill area will get a lot less grease build-up
  • food smells are removed from the kitchen quicker
  • kitchen surfaces require less cleaning because there’s less smoke stain and residue build-up
  • cooking heat exits the kitchen faster (which you’ll appreciate on hot days)

10. Give your grill a deep cleaning

Doing all or most of the above maintenance tasks will make your gas grill easier to use, but that’s still not quite enough. Gas grills need a deep cleaning at least twice a year, ideally in the spring and fall. If you grill often during the spring and summer, a monthly deep cleaning between May and September is advisable.

Disassemble and clean as many grill parts as possible, including the grates, burners, flavourizer bars, rotisserie rod, heat plate shield/deflector, and warming rack. Wipe down the removed parts with a paper towel or rag to remove heavy grease and debris. Then let them soak in some soapy water for 45-60 minutes before giving them a thorough scrub (check to see if your burners can be cleaned this way).

With most of the grill parts removed, it will be much easier to clean the appliance’s interior. Wipe down the lid and firebox to remove as much grease and debris as you can before giving it a scrub with a brush and some soapy water. Let the interior dry before reassembling the removed parts.

Once the interior grill of the grill has been cleaned, focus on its exterior to remove grease, smudges, liquid stains, and heat stains. Once again, use soapy water and a sponge or microfibre cloth to prevent scratching. Avoid using abrasive cleaners that could damage the grill’s finish. Apply a stainless steel polish to make the grill’s exterior shine.

Use a grill cleaning spray or degreaser to help with particularly stubborn cleaning jobs. Soap residue and chemical residue from any cleaning products you used can be burned off by operating the grill at a high heat for about 20 minutes before cooking on it again.

If you don’t have the time, patience, or comfort level to do your own grill cleaning, there are plenty of grill cleaning and maintenance companies in the GTA you can hire.

A good deep cleaning at least twice a year helps keep a grill looking like new.

11. Keep a spare propane tank handy

If you power your grill with propane, having a spare propane tank is smart and practical. Running out of propane in the middle of an outdoor cooking session is frustrating and disruptive, leaving your guests waiting and your food half-cooked.

By keeping a spare tank on hand, you can seamlessly switch out the empty one and continue grilling without interruption. A spare propane tank provides the peace of mind that you’ll always be prepared for impromptu barbecues or extended grilling sessions. This “safety net” is especially useful during busy holiday seasons or when you host large gatherings, where having a consistent fuel supply is critical.

Being proactive with your fuel management lets you avoid the stress of rushing out to refill or exchange an empty tank during busy periods, which also takes up more of your time. This task can be done at your convenience to ensure your grilling experiences are smooth and enjoyable.

It also helps to keep tabs on the propane level of the tank you’re using with a monitor. There are lots of cheap, unreliable propane level monitor products out there, so spend a little more to get a gauge that’s reliable and durable.

Is it time for a new gas grill?

A quality grill should last anywhere from 7-15 years with proper care and maintenance. Here are some signs that it’s probably time to buy a new grill:

  • food isn’t being cooked evenly
  • the grill is hard to light
  • flare-ups occur frequently
  • it’s rusting and parts regularly need to be retightened
  • the barbecue takes longer to heat up and doesn’t retain heat well
  • you’re replacing parts or making repairs too often

Even if your grill still works, you might want to upgrade to a higher-quality model that’s more reliable and offers modern features like smart technology, under-lid lighting, LED backlit control knobs, lift-assist lids, and stylish finishes.

Premium grills are worth the investment and are one of the most essential elements that go into transforming backyards into luxurious outdoor kitchens. If you enjoy what a luxury range adds to your home, a high-end grill will do the same for your outdoor space. As Outeriors president Daniel Albo recently told the National Post, “Any luxury feature that can go into an indoor kitchen can go outdoors.”

grill with strawberries in bowl by sink

Luxury gas grills are a surefire way to elevate anyone’s outdoor cooking experience.

Get the most out of your gas grill

By following these gas grill maintenance tips, you can ensure that this hard-working appliance rewards your family with years of reliable service and plenty of delicious meals.

If you’re looking to upgrade your grill or are planning to add an outdoor kitchen, look no further than Outeriors. We carry the highest-quality gas grills and are outdoor kitchen design specialists.

Start planning your custom-designed outdoor kitchen by scheduling a free consultation with one of our seasoned design consultants.

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National Post – Modern Living: Beyond the Barbecue

National Post article featuring Outeriors

The National Post interviewed Outeriors president Daniel Albo for an article titled Modern living: Beyond the barbecue. It looks at how outdoor kitchens have become as high-functioning and well-designed as indoor kitchens and how the pandemic has impacted home design.

The article also looks at:

  • outdoor kitchen trends
  • how people are using their outdoor living spaces
  • outdoor kitchen design tips

4 takeaway quotes from Outeriors

Here are some of the takeaway quotes from Albo’s portion of the article, which provides some interesting insight into modern outdoor kitchen design trends:

  1. “There’s no question we aggressively grew our business post-2019 as a result of COVID. When restaurants were closed, people couldn’t entertain indoors, making the outdoor landscape and outdoor kitchens a new-found entertaining space.”
  2. “Any luxury feature that can go into an indoor kitchen can go outdoors.”
  3. “When we started the business six years ago, rustic-looking materials were trending like traditional wood shaker-panel doors and intricate cabinetry. Post-COVID, people are gravitating to flat-panel cabinetry and a minimalistic look. Powder-coated marine-grade aluminum has taken off.”
  4. “Darker shades make up 90 percent of our projects. The colours we see most often are Harbour Blue, which is a deep tone, Graphite, a gunmetal grey, or Mika, a taupe-bronze.”

View the full article here on the National Post’s website.

9 Spring Backyard Decor Ideas to Spruce up Your Space

backyard decor ideas

As this season of renewal blooms, our homes call out for attention for a refresh and some sprucing up.

All areas of a home need an occasional revamp and that includes the backyard. This spring, why not think beyond just doing the usual tasks to get your backyard ready for the warmer weather?

In addition to spring backyard maintenance essentials like raking leaves and debris, getting your gardens ready, and working on the lawn, put some effort into changing up your backyard’s decor, too.

Try these spring backyard decor ideas

Spring is an ideal time to improve an outdoor space by reimagining and upgrading its decor to make it more comfortable for your family. Making the right changes also boosts your curb appeal, which isn’t just limited to a home’s front exterior.

Backyards offer a wealth of design possibilities to express your personality and create the perfect aesthetic. From making a minor modification like using mulch more decoratively to installing a backyard-transforming outdoor kitchen, there are many ways to approach a backyard decor refresh.

The first thing you’ll want to do is assess your backyard’s strengths and weaknesses to identify areas for improvement. Do certain areas underwhelm in the looks department? Could the whole space benefit by having a more cohesive design or colour scheme?

Use these spring backyard decor ideas to make some noticeable improvements to your home’s exterior space.

1. Spruce up your patio

outdoor kitchen on deck

Some colourful foliage, nice furniture, and a simple outdoor kitchen setup elevate the look of this patio.

For any space’s decor to stand out, an attractive foundation is essential. If you have a patio, for example, the impact of any decorative elements you add to it will be significantly diminished if the patio surface itself doesn’t look great.

Although patios need less maintenance than decks, they still require a little attention following the harsh Canadian winter. To clean green mould, algae, dirt, and other types of surface debris from a concrete, paver stone, brick, or flagstone patio, a pressure washer is effective.

Using a hose with a gentle cleaner and a stiff bristle brush is also fine, but be mindful of the cleaning solutions you use on your patio. Bleach, vinegar, and other common household liquids are commonly used to clean patios. Some of them, along with harsher cleaners, will likely be harmful to nearby plants, flowers, and garden vegetables, however.

When you have a patio, weeds (literally) come with the territory, so you’ll probably need to deal with them in the spring as well. Once again, reconsider using store-bought weed-killer products. They may be effective, but most of them aren’t enviro-friendly. And the less exposure your kids and pets have to such hazardous chemicals, the better.

The best weed removal solution is to do things the old-fashioned way – get down on your hands and knees with a weeding tool and pull the weeds out at the root. This method is more effective at eliminating weeds on a long-term basis compared to other non-chemical weed removal methods like killing them with boiling water.

Most types of patio surfaces should be resealed every two to five years. Resealing helps repel water, slows down the erosion process, helps maintain surface colour, and can add an attractive high-gloss surface finish. Plenty of enviro-friendly patio sealer products are available to buy.

To update a brick or paver stone patio’s look, inject some artistic flair by incorporating coloured bricks or pavers to create visual interest. You can also try creating your own unique patterns with the building materials to give your patio decor a personalized touch.

2. Refresh your deck

Like installing a patio, a deck addition has long been a reliable way to increase a home’s value. Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report calculates the return on investment (ROI) for home improvement projects. Their latest report estimates that deck additions deliver an impressive 82.9% ROI. To ensure the maximum investment return and to keep them looking nice, decks do need regular maintenance, however.

Decks made with composite materials are more low-maintenance compared to wood decking. Composite decking cleans up quickly with some water, a little soap, and a soft bristle brush. A pressure washer can also be used at a low PSI setting.

Wood decks require a bigger time commitment every one to three years for sanding, sealing, and staining to maximize their longevity and preserve their visual appeal. All of that work will be worth it, though. Once that final coat of fresh paint or stain has dried, a properly restored wood deck can look brand new again!

One way to add to a deck’s decor is to have a railing system installed on it. Deck railing gives a deck a completely new look and there are a wide variety of materials and styles available, including:

  • wood
  • iron
  • aluminum
  • composite materials
  • glass

Here’s another backyard design idea you may not have considered: having both a deck and a patio. More homeowners are getting patio and deck combinations to maximize their backyard space. Typically, they’ll already have a patio and will add an elevated deck that utilizes the available vertical space at the back of their home.

3. Have an outdoor kitchen installed

covered backyard kitchen

The natural elements of a wood gazebo, stone patio, and surrounding greenery are paired with the modern aesthetic of an outdoor kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and stylish cabinetry. The pops of red on the grill and side burner control panels add a striking contrast.

Backyard upgrades have become a bigger priority in recent years as we look for ways to extend the living space of our homes. Outdoor kitchen additions are an ideal way to make better use of a backyard and they’ve exploded in popularity.

Not only do they expand the usefulness of a home by providing a second cooking space, but outdoor kitchens also offer an abundance of design options to change a backyard’s decor.

A professionally-designed outdoor kitchen has a major impact on a backyard’s aesthetic by changing its layout and adding fresh elements like:

Premium outdoor kitchen products have high aesthetic standards, whether it’s with professional-grade grills, luxurious countertops, or cabinets that rival the aesthetic quality of high-end indoor kitchen cabinets.

We mentioned adding pops of colour to a backyard and even a grill can be used to do this. Considering how virtually all grills come in two colours (stainless steel and black), you may be asking how that’s possible. Premium grill manufacturer Hestan offers a way to create a unique outdoor cooking space look. Hestan grills feature dynamic colour accent panels that come in a range of custom designer colours to complement your backyard decor.

4. Reconfigure your garden setup

One way to rejuvenate a backyard’s look is to reimagine how your gardens are set up. Instead of having several traditional in-ground gardens, reconfigure where your plants, gardens, and veggies grow by incorporating more planters, hanging baskets, and raised garden boxes.

Using them will change the layout of a backyard, partly because they help create more defined zones. A lot of the value of using these different planting methods is the decorative freedom they provide. Planters, in particular, offer lots of decorative functionality because there are so many styles and colours available at your local home improvement stores and even more from online retailers.

Wooden raised garden boxes/beds give a backyard a warmer, more natural feel compared to metal garden boxes. Avoid building with pressure-treated wood because the chemical additives are bad for anything being grown in the bed. These are the best types of wood to use for a raised garden bed:

  • redwood
  • cedar
  • pine
  • juniper
  • Douglas fir
  • white oak

There are two more benefits of growing things in your backyard off the ground: you’ll have fewer weeds to deal with and tending to your plants, flowers, and vegetables will be easier on your back and knees.

5. Upgrade your outdoor living space

outdoor living space

The design of this outdoor kitchen and living space heavily incorporates the natural look of wood, which thoughtfully mirrors the home’s exterior aesthetic.

If you had to pick one room in the house where the decor gets the most attention, it’s probably the living room. So why not add a second living room to your home that gives you even more freedom to express your style and personality?

An outdoor kitchen is a worthwhile investment because there’s nothing like cooking outside and spending time with your friends and family when the weather is nice. To make your time outdoors even more enjoyable, consider pairing an outdoor kitchen with a dining and living area.

Investing in a complete outdoor kitchen and living space is one of the most transformative upgrades you can make to improve your family’s home living quality.

During the design process, you can go in a couple of different directions. One of them is to create an outdoor space that functions as a seamless extension of the indoor living space, right down to the decor that is chosen for the exterior area. Another option is to give an outdoor living area its own stylistic identity that complements the design elements around it.

When you’re setting up an outdoor living room, you can put your decorative stamp on the space in many ways. There are a bounty of options with just the patio furniture alone, considering the range of materials available (including aluminum, composite, wood, wicker, plastic, and wrought iron).

A couple more decorative features to consider for an outdoor space are ceiling fans and a fire pit. Stylish ceiling fans add an elegant touch and useful functionality to keep the space cooler, provide lighting, and help remove cooking smoke. An outdoor fire pit or table makes a backyard feel cozier and brings some welcome warmth on those chilly evenings.

6. Add a water feature

There are some compelling reasons to consider adding a water feature to an outdoor space. Let’s start with the aesthetic upgrade they bring by adding visual interest and beauty to a backyard.

Whether it’s an elaborate pond with aquatic plants and fish, a wall or statue fountain, or a simple bird bath, the right water feature(s) can become the focal point of your backyard and enhance its overall appeal.

Water features bring a sense of serenity and relaxation to your backyard. The sound of running water has a calming effect, which can reduce stress, foster a more peaceful atmosphere, and help transform the backyard into the oasis you’ve always wanted.

One of the less-considered benefits of water features is their ability to mask the type of ambient noise you’d rather not hear while you’re spending time outside. Instead of hearing unwanted background sounds like vehicles and loud neighbours, you’ll get to enjoy your backyard with the gentle trickle of a fountain or the calming burble of a waterfall as your soundtrack.

7. Add more backyard colour

purple flowers

Contrast the neutral colours of a backyard landscape by adding more vibrant colours with flowers.

Most of the foundational elements found in backyards such as decks, patios, fences, walkways, and a home’s exterior have neutral colours like black, brown, beige, and grey. Many of the items we use in our backyards tend to have neutral colours as well, including patio furniture and grills.

Lots of backyards could use a primary colour infusion to change their outdoor decor from drab to fab and there are several ways to do this.

One of the best backyard decor ideas is to change up the textiles you use on your deck or patio. It’s also a very quick and inexpensive way to refresh your outside decor.

Adding more colourful patio furniture cushions, throw pillows, and outdoor rugs will change an outdoor living space’s aesthetic and make it feel more inviting. If you have an outdoor dining set, try using a tablecloth, placemats, and even dishware that adds more colour to your space. And with the many types of patio accessory colours and styles available to buy, you can let your creativity run wild!

Planting more flowers, plants, and other types of greenery is a natural way to revamp the aesthetic of your backyard spaces with more colour, texture, and a living touch.

It doesn’t take many flowers or plants to make a big difference, either. A modest amount of strategically planted additions from the garden centre that add some pops of colour can be quite effective. Choose resilient, low-maintenance plants and flowers that can thrive in the shade, don’t require a lot of watering, and won’t attract too many pests.

8. Improve your backyard lighting

The impact of lighting on any living area is often underestimated. Proper lighting is a crucial element of interior design…and “outerior” design as well.

Here are a few reasons to make good backyard lighting a priority:

  • you can showcase any backyard decor upgrades you’ve made, along with architectural and landscaping features
  • warm lighting boosts ambiance and creates a more welcoming environment
  • you extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the evening
  • strategic lighting affects our depth perception and can make a backyard feel more spacious
  • task lighting helps with outdoor meal preparation and cooking
  • good lighting enhances safety by illuminating pathways, stairs, and potential hazards

Incorporating different types of lighting adds versatility and flexibility to a backyard’s design. Once again, you have an endless number of choices for outdoor lighting, including outdoor lamps, spotlights, railing lights, step lights, spotlights, string lights, wall lights, and lanterns.

9. Mulch it up

One of the easier spring backyard decor ideas you can use is to put down more mulch around trees and shrubs, as well as in your gardens.

Mulch adds an attractive finishing touch to a backyard and comes in various colours to enhance the area’s overall aesthetic, especially if you use certain mulch colours to contrast effectively with their surroundings. Mulch usage is also another way to add texture to a backyard landscape.

The benefits of mulch extend well beyond its decorative functionality, too. Here’s what we mean:

  • Weed prevention: because mulch blocks most of the sunlight hitting the soil, it’s harder for weeds to grow.
  • Pest control: certain types of wood mulches have natural chemicals that repel bugs.
  • Soil enrichment: some organic mulches improve soil quality with nutrients as they break down over time.
  • Water retention: less watering is needed because mulch slows down the evaporation process.
  • Temperature regulation: the soil underneath mulch stays at a more consistent temperature, which helps protect plant roots.

Upgrade your backyard decor this spring

Those are nine spring backyard decor ideas that will help make your home’s outdoor space more enjoyable to use during the spring, summer, and fall.

If you’re planning on adding an outdoor kitchen, why not work with Outeriors to ensure the project gets done right?

We offer a full-service approach and will handle all aspects of your outdoor kitchen project. Our seasoned design consultants provide personalized service and can guarantee your outdoor kitchen and living space is customized to meet your exact needs.

To get your customized outdoor kitchen project started, schedule a free design consultation with us.

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Why Outdoor Griddle Cooking Is Changing the Game for Foodies

outdoor griddle (L30AG) made by Lynx

When it comes to outdoor cooking, grilling has long been the reigning champion. However, a culinary revolution is on the horizon, and it’s outdoor griddle cooking.

In this article, we’re going to explore what a griddle is and why outdoor griddle cooking might just be better than grilling, offering versatility and mouth-watering results that are sure to change the way you approach outdoor cuisine.

The rise of outdoor griddle cuisine

An outdoor griddle is often referred to as a flat-top grill. It is a flat, wide cooking surface, usually made of flat, cold-rolled carbon steel. It’s heated from underneath for even cooking. Usually seen in diners and restaurant kitchens, the griddle is now manufactured for home cooks who want to expand their outdoor cooking options.

Outdoor griddle cooking is more than just a culinary trend. It’s a movement gaining momentum across the globe.

Fueled by the growing influence of social media platforms, home cooks and chefs alike are showcasing their griddling skills and sharing mouth-watering recipes. Cooking enthusiasts and food influencers also offer tips and tricks to help you season, clean, and accessorize your griddle.

As people seek unique outdoor dining experiences and healthier cooking options, the surge in outdoor griddle popularity reflects a broader shift towards more flavorful and creative culinary experiences.

Outdoor griddle vs. grill cooking

Regular backyard barbeque grills feature a cooking surface made from a series of slatted cooking grates, usually made from wire, chromed steel, or cast iron. Benefits of grilling include accommodating large cuts of meat and letting excess fat and moisture fall through the grates.

With outdoor griddles, metal spatulas move the excess fats, off the surface to the grease trays, where the collected excess can be easily removed after cooking.

Charcoal and wood-fired barbeque grills take time to set up—as opposed to natural gas or propane grills but develop that distinct smoky flavour.

teppanyaki on griddle

Teppanyaki cooking on a 30-inch gas griddle by Blaze.

With griddles, you can add any number of sauces and flavours to your food during cooking. They are perfect for cooking small vegetables, seafood, delicate fish, fried rice, and noodles.

Grilling often involves guesswork when it comes to temperature control, which can result in unevenly cooked food. There are also flare-ups to contend with.

built-in outdoor griddle with orange accent color

The Alfresco 30″ professional griddle has a dual-zone solid steel surface that is designed to create precise even heating over the entire cooking area.

Griddles offer precise, even temperatures across the entire surface without the threat of flare-ups. Whether you’re using natural gas, propane, or electricity, the outdoor griddle’s flat-top stainless steel construction and under-the-hood BTU distribution ensure even heat.

The versatile world of outdoor griddle cooking

Grilling may be the go-to method for cooking outdoors now, but outdoor griddles are here to shake things up.

With a griddle, you’re not limited to flipping burgers. You can prepare an entire breakfast spread, stir fry veggies, or go full gourmet with seared foie gras and perfectly cooked Wagyu steak. The perfect sear and caramelization are only a sizzle away.

Aside Cooktop griddle by Lynx

The 30″ Asado Cooktop by Lynx is a flat-top grill that makes it easy to cook large batches of food.

Preparing meals outdoors on a griddle is convenient. You can cook large batches of food at the same time. Imagine bacon sizzling beside perfectly fried eggs, savoury sausages, and fluffy pancakes—the whole enchilada, simultaneously.

While your protein is cooking, you can sauté vegetables or other sides on the griddle surface to accommodate the specific dietary needs and preferences of your guests.

Elevating culinary experiences

Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a family barbeque, or a casual gathering with friends, the versatility of an outdoor griddle adds a delightful element to your hosting capabilities.

From stir-frying a medley of Asian-inspired dishes to smash burgers the interactive nature of griddle cooking fosters an entertaining, social atmosphere.

Mussels on Asado Cooktop

Mussels cooking on the Asado Cooktop by Lynx.

Guests can gather, chat, and watch their favourite dishes come to life, transforming your gathering into a memorable culinary experience.

Integrating a griddle into your existing outdoor kitchen

Any outdoor kitchen will be instantly elevated with a built-in griddle. Some manufacturers, like Blaze, include features like a stainless steel lid and a full-width pull-out grease tray for easy maintenance.

Built-in griddles tend to have a larger cooking surface and be more powerful than free-standing models. This is handy if you’re cooking for a large group at once.

They’re built to be strong, long-lasting, and durable. The upfront cost may be greater but their low maintenance and durability will save you in the long run. Also, a great outdoor kitchen appeals to homebuyers and can increase the value of your property.

Pairing a griddle with your built-in grill allows you the flexibility to cook and prepare entire meals on different surfaces all at once—a true outdoor chef’s kitchen.

stainless steel griddle plate

This stainless steel griddle plate nests onto an Artisan grill grate. It can be removed when not in use.

If you already have an outdoor kitchen you may be able to insert a griddle plate onto your existing grill. Alfresco has various drop-in grill accessories such as the griddle plate (shown above) and a larger Teppanyaki griddle plate.

Unlock the full potential of your outdoor space

Transform your backyard into a culinary paradise that’s ready for action in any season! With a custom-built outdoor kitchen, including a versatile griddle and other premium outdoor appliances, you can enjoy the pleasures of outdoor cooking all year round. The perfect time to bring your dream outdoor kitchen to life is now.

Don’t let the process overwhelm you. At Outeriors, we offer a free consultation with our expert outdoor kitchen design consultants. They’re ready to guide you through every step of the design process. Request a free consultation today and take the first step towards creating an outdoor kitchen that’s tailored just for you.

9 Reasons an Outdoor Pizza Oven Is Worth Every Penny

red Alfa pizza oven cooking pizzaHomeowners and homebuyers increasingly want their backyards to be multi-functional extensions of their interior living spaces.

The modern backyard cooking experience has evolved well beyond using a basic grill to cook a few different types of food.

One of the best reasons to get an outdoor kitchen is the freedom it gives you to expand your home cooking options.

A popular design trend is having outdoor kitchens with lots of convenient amenities (like appliances) to replicate the functionality of our indoor kitchens.

Some homeowners are taking their outdoor living upgrades a step further to include a unique feature that can’t be used indoors.

Enter the outdoor pizza oven.

Why is the outdoor pizza oven so popular?

It’s no wonder outdoor pizza ovens can be found in an ever-increasing number of Ontario backyards. Pizza is one of the most popular foods in the world and can accommodate the diets of everyone from meat lovers to pescatarians to vegans.

A recent consumer trend report by food service research and consulting firm Technomic found that 81% of Canadians eat pizza at least once a month. Pizza’s popularity can be attributed primarily to the fact that anything going in our mouths that mixes gooey cheese, a crispy golden crust, tangy sauce, and an array of savoury toppings is (literally) going to go down well, naturally.

Another big reason we love pizza so much is the variety of ways available to get it. We can make it ourselves, have it delivered, pick up a slice or whole pie at the local pizzeria, or enjoy it at a restaurant.

Most store-bought fresh and frozen pizzas are mediocre at best. The quality of pizzeria and restaurant pizza varies and none of these options are the healthiest for you, even by pizza health standards.

red Alfa pizza oven

Making pizza at home is a relatively quick and easy experience and, as is the case with most foods, there’s something more satisfying when you prepare it yourself. You also have more control over the healthiness of the ingredients.

Using an outdoor pizza oven is the best way to make homemade pizza that tastes even better than delivery, restaurant, and store-bought pizza.

Find out why you need an outdoor pizza oven

A recent Forbes article on outdoor kitchen trends includes insight from one home designer who says, “These spaces are about creating memories using elements you can’t easily add indoors, like pizza ovens and smokers, but with the same level of finishes, materials, style, entertainment options and the all-important comforts.”

Find out why an outdoor kitchen design isn’t complete unless it includes an outdoor pizza oven.

1. Choose your outdoor pizza oven style

Home pizza ovens come in many different styles and sizes. They typically generate heat using flames and are powered or fueled by one of the following methods:

  • natural gas
  • propane
  • electricity
  • wood
  • charcoal
  • dual-fuels (hybrid fuel ovens typically use gas and wood)

Gas-fired outdoor ovens (fueled by natural gas or propane) like the Alfresco Pizza Oven Plus are typically made with stainless steel. This material is ideal for grills and outdoor kitchen appliances because of its ability to conduct and retain heat and its durability in outdoor environments.

Outdoor pizza ovens that run on natural gas or propane provide a more controlled burn than wood-fired ovens. They light instantly and also heat up and cool down much faster compared to wood-fired outdoor pizza ovens.

To see how a gas-fired outdoor pizza oven works, view this demonstration video for the Kalamazoo Artisan Fire Pizza Oven.

Wood-fired outdoor pizza ovens take an old-school approach with their design and how they cook pizza and other foods. They use wood logs or wood pellets to fuel their flames and are typically made with stones or refractory bricks (a ceramic material that can withstand high temperatures). Wood-fired ovens range in size from large standalone structures to smaller-sized ovens that are mounted on a stand.

This type of oven can be more challenging to use than gas-fired outdoor ovens and you do need to clean out the soot and ash after every use. However, some cooking enthusiasts prefer wood-fired ovens because of the smoky wood flavour you get from them.

2. Enjoy better-tasting homemade pizza

One of the keys to making great homemade pizza is getting the crust right. In that Technomic survey, 57% of Canadians said the crust is the most important part of a pizza.

Pizzeria and restaurant pizzas usually taste better than pizzas cooked in a regular home kitchen oven because they use very hot ovens. Commercial pizza ovens can reach up to 950°F, although pizzas are typically cooked at between 700-800°F. Traditional indoor ovens max out at around 550°F.

An outdoor pizza oven’s most unique feature is its ability to replicate the cooking functionality of commercial pizza ovens. Gas-fired ovens like the Kalamazoo Artisan Fire Pizza Oven and the Alfresco Pizza Oven Plus are capable of reaching temperatures above 1,000°F. Most wood-fired outdoor ovens produce temperatures in the 700-850°F range.

Baking pizza quickly at very high temperatures produces a tastier crust that’s simultaneously chewy and crisp. The quality of the dough being used and how it’s prepared are also big factors in how a pizza crust comes out, of course.

A quick cook at high heat also causes the caramelization process to occur. This subtle charring brings out the flavours of a pizza’s ingredients.

One selling point wood-fired outdoor oven manufacturers like to highlight is the appliance’s ability to produce pizza with a smoky flavour. This claim is fairly overstated because pizza gets cooked so quickly in a wood-fired outdoor pizza oven, so there’s no time for any smoky flavour to transfer to the pizza.

Foods cooked for longer periods (at least 30 minutes) at lower temperatures will develop the delicious smoky flavour that is unique to wood-fired cooking.

3. An outdoor pizza oven cooks food fast

We’ve talked about how quickly pizzas cook in an outdoor oven. Exactly how fast, you ask?

Most gas-fired outdoor pizza ovens can cook perfect Neapolitan pizzas in as little as two to three minutes. That’s why pizzerias make those “delivery in 30 minutes or less” promises.

A big reason many people don’t enjoy cooking is that it can take up so much time. With the right setup, making pizza at home is extremely time-efficient.

If you use pre-made dough, it only takes a few minutes to prepare a pizza with sauce, cheese, and toppings. Add in a few more minutes to cook it in an outdoor pizza oven and you’re looking at a mere 15 minutes or so from start to finish to serve up delicious, freshly-cooked pizza. Even if you want to make your pizza dough from scratch, the overall time required is still quite reasonable for a family meal.

Outdoor pizza ovens are also known for the even heat they produce, which results in better cooking results. Indoor ovens can distribute heat unevenly, resulting in food that comes out undercooked.

Take a look at how quickly chef Jamie Oliver can cook a pizza using a wood-fired outdoor pizza oven.

4. You can make a lot more than pizza

From thin-crust Neapolitan to Chicago-style deep dish, any type of pizza can be made with an outdoor oven. Although pizza may be the main attraction, an outdoor oven can be used to make much more than just the classic pie, however.

This versatile appliance opens up a world of culinary possibilities, some of which you can’t experience using a regular kitchen oven.

An outdoor pizza oven does everything an indoor kitchen oven can do. And in most cases, it’ll do it a lot faster because of the higher temperatures the appliance can reach. Some outdoor ovens can cook at lower temperatures for foods that need to be slow-cooked.

Here are just a few examples of the many types of food you can make with an outdoor pizza oven:

  • roasted chicken and turkey
  • casseroles
  • lasagna
  • soup
  • roasted vegetables
  • pies
  • chili
  • bread
  • cookies

With an outdoor pizza oven in your cooking arsenal, you can try more new recipes and expand your culinary horizons. Check out these outdoor pizza oven recipes for everything from grilled shrimp to s’mores!

5. Pizza-making becomes a fun, social activity

One reason outdoor kitchens have become so popular is because they provide the ideal space to entertain at home. Why stay indoors when the weather is nice if you can take the party outside?

Being outdoors in the summer brings a different vibe you can’t get inside the house, especially when an outdoor kitchen’s grill and appliances get fired up.

A pizza party provides a great reason to congregate with family and friends. Add in a comfortable backyard setting, a pizza oven, and the fun, interactive experience of everyone preparing their customized pizzas and you have a get-together that is guaranteed to be a winner.

Not only can you feed your guests some incredible food, but you’re also giving them a shared, authentic pizza-making experience they’ll appreciate and remember.

6. Outdoor pizza ovens are easy to use

Operating an appliance that cooks at extremely high temperatures may feel daunting. Fear not, because when it comes to cooking with an outdoor oven, nothing beats the ease of use of electric and gas-fired outdoor pizza ovens.

The appliances are a breeze to use and light easily with a match or, on higher-end models, the push of a button or turn of a knob (just like a good gas grill). Wood-fired outdoor pizza ovens, on the other hand, require more effort to get a fire started and to reach the desired cooking temperature.

You’ll need to develop some new cooking habits when you use an outdoor pizza oven because they work a little differently than traditional ovens. For starters, you need to pay closer attention to food while it’s cooking because things can burn much faster at such high temperatures.

To cook a pizza, simply place it in the oven using a pizza peel or paddle (the large spatula-like tool pizza-making pros use). The peel allows you to safely insert and remove a pizza from a hot oven and turn it occasionally so it cooks evenly and doesn’t burn on the side closest to the flames. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll be dining on delicious home-cooked pizza!

7. Make healthier pizza

Pizza might not exactly be at the top of anyone’s list of the most healthy foods. If you do want to enjoy some pizza every once in a while, however, why not make it as healthy as possible for yourself and your family?

When you order pizza from a pizzeria or restaurant, you only have a certain amount of freedom to choose healthy toppings. And you can also never be sure whether their ingredients are genuinely fresh, or just fresh after they’ve been already frozen.

Making your own pizzas gives you complete control over the quality and freshness of the ingredients that are used, which makes for healthier meals.

The quick cooking times in outdoor pizza ovens isn’t just convenient, it also helps vegetables retain more of their nutrients.

8. Add backyard aesthetic appeal

A premium grill is normally the centrepiece of an outdoor kitchen, but certain types of outdoor ovens can give the appliance a run for its money when it comes to drawing the attention of guests.

In particular, a large standalone stone pizza oven will really stand out with the elegant touch of old-world charm it adds to an outdoor living space. If you have a generous outdoor kitchen design budget to work with, you could even incorporate a built-in oven into a custom-made stone wall.

Frankly, any type of outdoor pizza oven is a conversation starter because so few backyards have one. That gives them instant novelty appeal.

Gas-fired outdoor ovens can be placed on a countertop, stand, or sturdy table that’s safe to use around flames and high temperatures.

If pizza-making is something you plan to do often, you can get a little more serious with your outdoor setup. Some companies make outdoor pizza oven accessories that allow you to create a mini outdoor pizzeria. Kalamazoo’s Artisan Fire Pizza Oven Station features drawers, open shelving, rack storage, ice-chilled bins for toppings, a ventilated cabinet for a propane tank, and enough countertop space for one of their ovens and to use as a pizza-making station.

9. Cook outside 365 days a year

Most high-quality outdoor kitchen appliances can be permanently kept outside because they’re built to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements.

Outdoor ovens are no different, as long as they’re made with resilient materials like marine-grade stainless steel and 304-grade stainless steel. It helps to cover them and if the oven is light enough, it can be brought inside for the winter.

If you don’t want to go without eating homemade pizza for half the year, an outdoor pizza oven can be used all year round. You’ll appreciate those fast heat-up and cooking times even more when it’s frigid outside!

outdoor oven by Lynx

Fire pits are great for adding warmth and a cozy feel to an outdoor living space. Outdoor ovens even provide these benefits, too.

Create a “slice” of heaven in your backyard!

A fully outfitted outdoor kitchen with amazing amenities like an outdoor pizza oven will make your backyard a valued home space for your family and a popular destination for guests.

Outeriors carries a variety of high-quality outdoor pizza oven models from Alfa, Kalamazoo, Lynx, and Alfresco, which are four of the most trusted names in outdoor appliance manufacturing.

Schedule a free consultation with Outeriors to begin planning how your outdoor kitchen design featuring a pizza oven will look.

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