Investment in the home’s outdoor living spaces has accelerated ever since the pandemic. Homeowners continue to rethink how they enjoy and use their backyards—pools, hot tubs and saunas, gaming and entertainment areas, and high-end kitchens. A luxury kitchen that complements the pool and other backyard amenities provides new opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

What was once a backyard nook outfitted with a gas or charcoal grill has evolved into an integral extension of the home’s cooking centre, perfectly complementing the pool. Benefitting from new integrated designs and specialized, high-end products, the outdoor kitchen has become a must-have for many homeowners.

The new products found in these kitchens are not simple grills and coolers. They are sophisticated, fully-appointed cooking and cooling appliances, offering the same level of functionality as their indoor counterparts. These kitchens create a perfect backdrop for everything from daily meals to intimate gatherings, staycations, and entertainment centres for poolside events.

Why go eco-friendly in an outdoor kitchen?

Building a sustainable outdoor kitchen goes beyond environmental awareness—it also delivers value to homeowners, helping future-proof the home. As cities and states introduce legislation to curb fossil fuel consumption, including outdoor appliances such as grills, homeowners and designers are increasingly turning to electric options.

Many states and provinces are taking proactive steps to limit greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. This has prompted bans on gasoline-powered lawn equipment and encouraged the adoption of cleaner alternatives for outdoor appliances. In some urban settings, open flames are outright banned and electric appliances are the only viable option. Due to changes such as these, opting for electric or renewable energy-powered outdoor kitchen appliances is both environmentally responsible and a valuable home investment.

Sustainable outdoor kitchen appliances

The centrepiece of the outdoor kitchen is always the grill, and for homeowners wanting to go green, it is the logical place to begin. Historically, switching from gas or propane grills to electric options led to lacklustre performance, leaving many disappointed with the cooking results. However, today’s electric grills have come a long way.

For example, consider a 762-mm (30-in.) electric grill specifically designed for high-end outdoor kitchens. It operates at 240V, has a maximum temperature of 371 C (700 F), and features thermostatic control. This grill offers performance comparable to a traditional gas grill while maintaining the intended flavour and cooking experience.

Additional sustainable cooking options enhance the grill’s functionality. An optional stainless-steel griddle accessory can prepare a variety of meals on the electric grill. Additionally, a cooktop designed for outdoor kitchens features an electric side cooker suitable for outdoor entertaining. The 1,800-watt cooktop heats quickly, operates efficiently, and offers precise temperature control ranging from 66–232 C (150–450 F).

Look for outdoor kitchen appliances made from high-quality, long-lasting materials, such as 304 stainless steel. It is also important to research products with a strong warranty. This offers peace of mind knowing the company will stand behind the quality of its products. Regular cleaning and covering of cooking equipment will keep outdoor appliances looking better for longer.

Advanced electric options such as these can achieve the perfect sear for steaks, while handling a wide variety of other cooking duties—all while being completely eco-friendly.

Powering the poolside kitchen

An outdoor kitchen is comprised of more than just a grill. Most homeowners will incorporate additional features, including refrigerators, warming drawers, infrared heaters, lighting, and entertainment devices such as TVS and high-end sound systems. To make these features sustainable, it is vital to think about how they will be powered. Solar panels installed on the home are a reliable, proven solution for reducing a home’s reliance on fossil-fuel-based energy sources, easily providing the power needed for these outdoor appliances.

It is important to be familiar with local codes for installing electrical equipment near pools and water features. Codes frequently vary from one region to the next, so passing inspections and meeting all safety regulations requires localized knowledge.

Another opportunity to support a sustainable outdoor kitchen is to assess the energy mix of local utility companies. Opting for a provider that incorporates renewable sources, such as wind or solar, into its energy mix will help ensure the entire home, including the outdoor kitchen, is contributing to a more sustainable future. Be sure to consult a licensed electrician to ensure there is adequate room in the breaker box for the additional circuits.

Staycations: Eco-Friendly backyard escapes

With the rising popularity of backyard kitchens that complement luxurious pools, the concept of staycations has gained popularity. More homeowners are investing in their outdoor spaces as an alternative to long-distance travel, which reduces the energy footprint of vacations requiring planes, trains, or automobiles.

By designing an outdoor retreat with everything from pools to fully equipped kitchens, homeowners can enjoy vacation-like relaxation in the comfort of their own backyards. Staycations are an eco-friendly alternative to the traditional getaway.

A popular trend in backyard design that both builders and interior designers are embracing is the orientation of as many exterior elements as possible toward the pool. This makes the pool the centrepiece of the backyard and elevates the convenience of serving poolside guests from the outdoor kitchen.

Conclusion

Creating a sustainable outdoor kitchen requires thoughtful choices and a long-term perspective. By focusing on durable materials, renewable energy sources, electric appliances, and energy-efficient designs, homeowners can create outdoor spaces that are both luxurious and environmentally responsible.

With a little planning—as well as a healthy amount of collaboration between pool builders and outdoor kitchen designers—homeowners can turn their backyard into an eco-friendly oasis that meets all their cooking, entertaining, and relaxation needs while reducing their environmental impact. Whether for everyday meals, gatherings, or staycations, a green outdoor kitchen that complements the pool will serve as a hub for both enjoying a bit of nature and preserving it for years to come.

Authors

Amy Bortz is the vice-president of marketing for Fire Magic, creating and implementing strategic marketing programs for the company. For more than 85 years, Fire Magic has set the bar for both high-performance outdoor cooking and exceptional design with its luxury line of grills and accessories.

Steve Easley, the principal of Steve Easley & Associates, is an internationally recognized construction consultant who specializes in educating the building industry to design and build homes that are energy efficient, long-lasting, healthy to live in, and sustainable. He has more than 30 years of industry experience, including conducting building science seminars around the world for industry professionals.