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Outdoor kitchens demand a higher level of durability, reliability, and performance from the appliances chosen for the strenuous job, and not all appliances rise to the call. You need an appliance that is built to last, specifically designed to grapple with inclement weather and keep your food and beverages evenly cold without missing a beat – or straining your energy bill.
Here’s an expert guide of what to look for in an outdoor kitchen appliance and why quality matters just as much as its looks.
Outdoor Kitchen by Doodlebuggers Service Network
Is it certified for outdoor use?
Mother Nature is a fickle environment of fluctuating temperatures, intense UV exposure, and ever-changing weather conditions. Therefore it is vital to confirm the appliance you’re buying is UL or CSA certified for outdoor use to endure elements like rain, corrosion, high humidity, and temperatures. This makes all the difference between an outdoor kitchen that lasts a few years and one that lasts for the long haul. And, most importantly, it protects you from the risk of electrical shock from an indoor unit being improperly installed in an outdoor environment without the proper safety implements.
Doodlebuggers Service Network is a certified dealer for selling and installing NatureKast products. NatureKast is luxurious, weatherproof cabinetry that can be used for both inside and outside of the home. It is a luxurious wood finish that thrives outdoors that doesn’t warp, fade, or crack. NatureKast Outdoor Kitchens has extensive product ranges that are award-winning & installer-friendly. Now you can have everything you’d want outdoors… and the kitchen sink.
Buyer Tip: Look for outdoor-use disclaimers in warranty details to determine whether a model is truly intended for outdoor installation.
Will it keep my perishables evenly cold without temperature swings?
Not all cooling systems are created equal. Let’s explain the differences between the cooling technologies available on the market.
Static vs. Fan Forced Air Cooling
Static cooling is a frigid surface located in the refrigerator storage compartment that statically cools via natural convection through contact with the air. The major drawback of this method is that contents may obstruct cool airflow and colder air falls, creating temperature stratification inside the unit, meaning your food and beverages will not be cooled as evenly or effectively as forced air technologies.
Fan Forced air actively recirculates compartment air multiple times per cooling cycle, delivering more consistent cold air circulation throughout the cabinet. The best type of fan-forced air cooling you can find is Perlick RAPIDcool system, sold by Doodlebuggers Service Network; Perlick’s proprietary RAPIDcool forced-air refrigeration system pulls down product temperature twice as fast as any other brand in the industry. RAPIDcool also provides unmatched temperature consistency – an absolute must for food safety.
Buyer Tip: Ask your dealer to explain the cooling technology of the models you’re considering and compare performance.
Will my utility bill go through the roof?
By nature of operating in often extreme outdoor conditions, efficiency becomes more difficult to maintain, nevertheless, certain manufacturers have mastered the balance of cooling performance and energy consumption.
Buyer Tip: Reference product energy guides to compare annual energy costs among outdoor models of the same cubic feet capacity.
Will I have to service it often or replace it later?
Don’t let lower price models fool you – the economy is best determined by longevity. Consider this math to compare models: amortize the total cost of an outdoor unit by its projected longevity and annual operating cost. If you need to service a lower quality unit more frequently – or worse yet, replace it – then you haven’t gained any savings overall. In fact, it can cost you more time, money and headaches.
Lower-priced refrigerators are often made from vinyl-cladding steel or a ferrous, stainless-steel look-alike susceptible to corrosion. The average outdoor refrigerator lasts 5 years, whereas a premium outdoor refrigerator is built to last as many as 10 years or more on account of its durable construction of high-quality materials, refrigeration technology, and parts. Be sure to also explore warranty coverage, too.
Buyer Tip: Invest for the long-term, and you’ll be glad you did.
Does it offer the volume and depth to store larger items?
Did you know that not all outdoor models are capable of storing an extra-large pizza box? Fire Magic models are unique in that they have 20% more depth than competing models, which means you can store extra-large platters and pizza boxes for entertaining large crowds.
Got your eyes on an outdoor kegerator? Fire Magic Outdoor Kegerators have a double-tap and are the only outdoor keg cooler that can fit a half barrel – and includes a lock to safely secure the contents of your kegerator.
Buyer Tip: Measure (or bring) the largest item you anticipate storing to confirm it fits inside the outdoor model you want. You might be surprised at how your eye can trick you into thinking there’s more space than there actually is.
Can it change with me as my storage needs change?
Think of the items you’ll want to store now, and also later. Inevitably, your storage needs will change over time, and you’ll need an outdoor refrigerator that adapts with you over time. Adjustable cantilever shelving is an important feature to customize the interior to your needs.
Certain outdoor kegerators, like Fire Magic Outdoor Grills, feature metal shelves to convert the unit to a full refrigerator when you’re not storing kegs.
Buyer Tip: Have your dealer show you how to adapt the model to other storage configurations, so you can gauge its versatility.
Does the door lock?
Look for outdoor appliances with security locks to ensure the safety of curious children and also protect inside contents.
Buyer Tip: Most manufacturers carried by Doodlebuggers Service Network offer door locks as a standard feature rather than an extra option with added cost.
