01-06-2025
The rise of the outdoor kitchen: From backyard grills to full-fledged family living spaces
It wasn't long ago that outdoor cooking meant a grill, a bag of charcoal, and a cooler full of drinks. But today's homeowners are transforming their outdoor areas into full-fledged extensions of the home with all the appliances, layout, and comfort of an indoor kitchen.
According to Joe Redden of Appliance Gallery in Dayton, this shift is more than a design trend, it's a lifestyle movement.
'We've seen outdoor kitchens become the heart of the home, especially during spring through fall,' says Redden. 'Families aren't just cooking outside — they're spending time, entertaining, and making memories in their backyards.'
A new kind of family room
Gone are the days when one person was stuck at the grill while everyone else stayed indoors. Outdoor kitchens now serve as a shared hub for meals, conversation, and connection.
'Instead of Dad at the grill and everyone else inside, now you'll see three generations out there together — kids making pizzas, grandparents sitting by the fire, everyone gathered in the same space,' Redden explains.
According to an Outdoor Trends Report, 71% of homeowners say they use their outdoor space at least once a week, with nearly 40% using it several times a week. That frequency has made the backyard one of the most reliable gathering places for families.
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Design that brings people together
The design itself plays a major role in promoting connection. Redden notes that bar seating, fire features, and built-in drink stations keep people engaged whether they're cooking or not.
'If you build it right, it naturally becomes the hangout zone,' he says. 'You don't even need an official occasion. People just gravitate to the space.'
Add in smart lighting, audio systems, and heaters, and many homeowners find themselves outside well into fall or even winter.
Outdoor kitchens also encourage more frequent home-cooked meals, with some families reporting a 40% increase in cooking at home during warmer months.* The space is more casual, more inviting, and often easier to clean up — making spontaneous meals more likely.
From DIY to designer
Whether a homeowner is working with a landscaper or starting from scratch, Appliance Gallery helps guide every step of the process. The showroom features fully outfitted displays of grills, islands, kegerators, refrigeration drawers, pizza ovens, pergolas, and more.
'We provide layout support and appliance planning,' Redden says. 'Some people come in with blueprints, others just have a photo on their phone. Either way, we help them see what's possible.'
Real life: One family's story
Redden recalls a customer who built a custom outdoor kitchen after moving into their 'forever home.'
'They wanted a space where their adult kids would want to come back and spend time,' he says. 'We built a layout with a pizza oven, full sink, grill, refrigeration, and a fire table. Now it's their go-to spot for birthdays and game days. It changed how they use their home.'
Features that matter most
While the grill is still a centerpiece, Redden says the most loved features are the ones that create conversation.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), outdoor kitchens make multi-generational entertaining easier by removing the limits of indoor space and providing flexible seating and serving areas.
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Bridging generations, boosting wellness
What may surprise people is how outdoor kitchens help bridge generational gaps.
Grandparents hosting pizza nights. Parents relaxing while kids play. Everyone shares the same space without needing to split off into different rooms or screens. 'It's an excuse to get together,' says Redden. 'And when people are eating together, they're making memories.'
Studies even show that outdoor dining boosts mood, encourages longer conversations, and leads to higher overall homeowner satisfaction.* Families with outdoor kitchens often feel more connected and centered at home.
Start with inspiration
At Appliance Gallery, the showroom is updated every year to reflect new trends and technologies in outdoor living. Redden and his team take pride in offering not just products, but inspiration.
'Whether you're looking for a modular solution or a fully customized setup, we're here to help people envision the best use of their space,' Redden says.
Outdoor kitchens have made the leap from seasonal luxury to daily lifestyle upgrade. With thoughtful planning and the right appliances, backyards are becoming the most lived-in and loved spaces in the home.
