Grilling and barbecue; these are two important past times here in the Kansas City area. Whether you cook outside to make healthy foods, comfort foods, or good ol’ burgers and hot dogs, there’s nothing quite like firing up the grill on a summer evening. The grill is a place where people gather around, enjoy good food, have some drinks, and have a great night together.

Now that we have some pleasant weather in the Kansas City area, many outdoor cooks are firing up their grill or smoker and perfecting their favorite recipes. Here at By The Blade, we are one of the best hardscape companies in Leawood, Parkville, and Kansas City, but we are also professionals when it comes to outdoor kitchen designs and installation. Here are some of the top outdoor cooking devices that we install for our customers to complete their outdoor kitchen setup.

Smokers

If you specialize in making Kansas City barbecue, you probably have some type of smoker. A smoker is most commonly used for meats that are best cooked at a low temperature for an extended time. There are plenty of different types of smokers to choose from, but it’s difficult to know which is best without trying them all. You should choose a smoker that you think provides great flavor but it is also something you will enjoy using.

Our outdoor kitchen design team, led by Patrick Vogt, is very knowledgeable with all the different smokers on the market today. There’s electric, offset, gas, charcoal, pellet, and other types of smokers to choose from. Some models involve a very automated process, while others require more monitoring and adjusting while cooking.

Grills

If you need something that will get your food ready to eat much more quickly, a grill is great option. Grills are often used to prepare meats in under 30 minutes, compared to several hours using a smoker. You can use a grill for slow cooking, but most people enjoy the convenience of a smoker when slow cooking, especially when preparing large food quantities.

Patrick Vogt and his team of designers are very familiar with the endless grill options you can add to your outdoor kitchen. As one of the best pool design companies in Leawood, Parkville, and Kansas City, we have built many pools that also feature an outdoor kitchen nearby. Often, they include either a charcoal or gas grill. Charcoal tends to provide a rich and smoky flavor while gas grills still provide great flavor and are easier to maintain.

Flat Top Grills

Another grilling option that has been skyrocketing in popularity over the last few years is the flat top grill. Known for their ease of use, flat top grills also provide more versatility than traditional grills. Flat top grills are commonly used for making fajitas, breakfast foods, and stir fry meals.

Convenience is a big selling point for many flat top grills as well. Flat top grills warm up quickly and they do not have grates, so you won’t have to worry about food falling between the cracks and into the fire.

Contact Parkville, Kansas City, and Leawood’s Best Lawn and Landscape Company Today

At By The Blade, we do more than just landscaping. We can help you design the perfect outdoor kitchen to complete your outdoor living space. Patrick Vogt and his team of professionals are ready to get started. Give us a call at (913) 359-4844 or contact us online for more information.