Outdoor cooking has many traditions. The National Outdoor Leadership School, Outward Bound, and writers associated with the outdoors community have all contributed to outdoor cooking traditions. The use of cast-iron griddles and smokers is also widespread. In fact, it is estimated that more than 85% of all Americans have some type of outdoor cooking device. Whether you plan to cook on a grill, smoker, or griddle, the possibilities are endless.

Having an outdoor kitchen

When you plan your outdoor kitchen, you need to consider the type of food you’ll be cooking. This will help you determine what appliances you need, how much space you need for storage, and whether you need a vent hood. If you’re going to cook Asian food or other high-heat foods, you’ll need more power than someone who’s just starting out. If you love to entertain, consider a built-in grill or side burners to cook side dishes for guests.

Having a smoker

Having a smoker for your outdoor cooking can be a great way to improve your grilling game. Before buying one, consider what you plan to use it for, including the space available outside, how much smoke you want, and how much meat you plan to cook. Make sure to get one with a warranty so you can be sure it will be working properly. Also, consider the fuel costs and any special needs that you may have, such as storage.

Having a grill

When shopping for a grill for outdoor cooking, you have a few things to consider. For starters, size matters. You want a large enough cooking surface to handle the meals you plan to prepare. If you have a large family or will be having a lot of guests over, you may want to consider purchasing a larger grill. Another consideration is the type of pellets you will use. Traeger pellets are recommended, but other brands may work just as well.

Using a cast iron griddle

One great cast iron griddle to use for cooking outdoors is the Lodge griddle. This skillet is a good size for a small family and is pre-seasoned. It is also compatible with gas and electric stovetops. Its long, non-slip handle is also handy. But if you’re looking for a more durable griddle, you may want to consider a smaller one.

Using a Dutch oven

If you’ve ever considered using a Dutch oven for outdoor cooking, you’ll be glad to know that you don’t have to rely on gas or electricity for your cooking. This heavy stone oven can easily be placed on the ground, or on a special Dutch oven table, depending on the size and design of your cooking site. To keep the fire burning, you can feed half of the fire and let the other half burn down to hot coals. That way, you’ll have plenty of extra coals for the Dutch oven to cook over all night.

Vegetable cutter

Vegetable cutters can save you time and space while cooking outdoors. They can cut different kinds of fruits and vegetables into small pieces and free up your kitchen for other cooking needs. Some vegetable cutters even cut fruits and vegetables into cubes. They feature stainless steel blades and are reinforced for durability. You can use them to cut vegetables and fruits of different textures quickly and easily. The Multi-function Vegetable Quick Cutter is easy to use with just one hand.

Having a refrigerator

If you are planning to host a dinner party outside, having a refrigerator for outdoor cooking is an essential tool. This type of refrigerator allows you to have a fully-functioning kitchen right outside your home. Some refrigerators also have an ice maker and freezer, which are very convenient if you plan to set up a bartender station. Ice cream is also a simple treat to make when you’re outside.