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02 Oct

A Guide to Outdoor Refrigerators & Coolers

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Accessories, Outdoor Kitchen

Are you planning some poolside adventures in your backyard? You’ll need an outdoor fridge or an outdoor wine cooler to liven up the party. Once you’ve set up this great outdoor equipment, you can stock them with everything you’ll need for the adventures, including some chilled beverages.

There are so many types of outdoor refrigerators to choose from! Let’s take a look at what might work best for your backyard. #Creekstone Share on X

What should you know before buying an outdoor refrigerator or cooler?

When choosing an outdoor refrigerator or cooler, select a device that can withstand the outdoor temperatures. There are several types of fridges and coolers designed based on specialty and the intended use. Here are the different styles of outdoor refrigeration.

  1. Compact Refrigerators and Freezers
  2. Outdoor Beverage Coolers
  3. Outdoor Ice Makers
  4. Outdoor Wine Coolers
  5. Difference Between Indoor & Outdoor Refrigeration
  6. Undercounter vs. Freestanding
  7. Classes of Refrigeration to Consider

1) Compact Refrigerators and Freezers

In most cases, outdoor compact refrigerators are ideal for storing refreshments, treats for kids, and kitchen perishables and ingredients. It keeps food and other items below 40°F, preventing the growth of bacteria. On the other hand, compact freezers can safely and conveniently store food for a long time at 0°F.

2) Outdoor Beverage Coolers

Your wine and beer deserve proper storage, and that’s where the outdoor beverage coolers come in handy. Most of these cooling devices operate around 40-45 °F, the right temperature for beer and carbonated drinks. Consider a cooling unit with interior lighting, rather than an incandescent bulb producing UV light.

3) Outdoor Ice Makers

You don’t want to have to run to the store to look for bags of ice in the middle of your party. Thankfully, an outdoor ice maker can keep your outdoor party and adventures going by always making fresh ice streams. Different types of ice makers can produce different shapes of ice for a variety of uses. 

4) Outdoor Wine Coolers

If you would love to add some wine to the outdoor party, the outdoor wine coolers are must-have assets in your backyard. The equipment operates at a temperature of around 45-60 °F and within appropriate humidity levels. Thankfully, most outdoor wine cooler models can keep your drinks safe from UV light and absorb shocks and vibrations.

5) Difference Between Indoor & Outdoor Refrigeration

Indoor refrigeration involves applications inside a house while the outdoor refrigeration involves applications outside the home, let’s say the backyard. However, there’s more beyond this simple difference. For instance:

  • Indoor refrigeration appliances tend to use less electricity and produce less noise compared to their outdoor counterparts. That’s because the temperatures within the house tend to remain relatively steady.
  • Outdoor refrigeration appliances get exposed to adverse weather conditions, sudden temperature swings, and other environmental elements. So, the fridges have to work harder to keep the temperatures down.

Pro Tip: While almost all indoor and outdoor fridges consist of stainless steel, the two systems’ stainless-steel food-grade differs. For outdoor usage, choose a refrigerator with a higher stainless-steel grade.

6) Undercounter vs. Freestanding

There are two main differences between these two refrigeration models:

  • Undercounter Refrigerators: You can build these models in a kitchen or bar island. However, these refrigeration models rely heavily on front-venting designs. It also requires adequate space under the counters for proper ventilation.
  • Freestanding Refrigerators: As the name suggests, stand-alone refrigerators can work effectively both indoors and outdoors. Most of them have rolling casters to facilitate movement from one place to another within your home.

7) Classes of Refrigeration to Consider

If you are looking for an outdoor fridge, figure out the class of refrigeration system you need, whether it’s luxury, standard, or premium refrigeration. Both premium and luxury refrigeration have a stainless steel exterior to prevent damage by external factors. On the other hand, standard models may not be reliable in extreme outdoor environments.

Choosing the Perfect Refrigerator for Your Outdoor Kitchen

Now that we’ve looked at the buying guide for an outdoor fridge and outdoor cooler, you can choose the right refrigerator for your outdoor kitchen. After buying the new fridge or cooler, stock it full to ensure it works perfectly. Remember to clean the refrigerator regularly using edible cleaners, such as vinegar and baking soda.

Join the conversation to learn more information about our outdoor refrigeration products.

25 Sep
Covered Patio with Summer Kitchen by Creekstone Outdoor Living

Outdoor Kitchen Storage: Cabinets, Drawers, Drink Coolers, & More

Author Sam Hickey Categories Outdoor Kitchen, Outdoor Kitchen Storage

Having enough outdoor kitchen storage space is one of the best ways to make your outdoor living more convenient. You’ll have enough space to keep all your cooking items and ingredients, helping you stay organized. Thankfully, there are many ways to add extra space to your outdoor kitchen design, and that’s what we are about to discuss in this guide.

Create more storage for your space with outdoor kitchen cabinets and more! Let’s take a look at some great looking outdoor storage options. #Creekstone Share on X

Weatherproof Outdoor Storage

Selecting outdoor storage equipment that can withstand extreme weather conditions can keep your outdoor kitchen beautiful for many years. An excellent example of a weather-resistant material used in most outdoor equipment is stainless steel. That’s because it’s highly resistant to water and rust.

Here is the list of standard storage equipment for outdoor kitchens.

  1. Island cabinets
  2. Drawers and rollers
  3. Refrigerators
  4. Wine coolers
  5. Discreet trash cabinets

1) Island Cabinets

Installing an island cabinet in your outdoor kitchen is a great way to spruce it up. You’ll enjoy more storage space while keeping the kitchen beautiful. However, you should select a BBQ island cabinet that matches the style of other equipment in your outdoor kitchen. Invest in storage components that can help maximize your outdoor kitchen’s functionality.

2) Drawers and Rollers

When you think of outdoor storage space, it’s no doubt that drawers will come first to your mind. As the basic unit for grill island storage, drawers encourage the organization of kitchen equipment, from flatware and towels to grilling tools. You can keep everything you’ll use for a cookout within arm’s reach in the drawers and easily accessible doors.

3) Refrigerators

With refrigerators installed in your outdoor kitchen, you can enjoy ice-cold beverages as you grill. Consider using an outdoor option designed to withstand temperature swings. An excellent choice could be a refrigerator made of stainless steel and certified for durability in outdoor environments.

4) Wine Coolers

Another incredible way to add fun to your outdoor kitchen is by investing in outdoor wine coolers. The equipment will provide the convenience of having a cold wine bottle right at your fingertips. While considering resistance to extreme weather, you need to select a brand with a high-efficiency cooling system for your outdoor living area.

5) Discreet Trash Cabinets

We all know that cooking creates trash, and we need somewhere discreet to dispose of the waste. Thankfully, outdoor trash cabinets provide a nice solution. You can conveniently throw away the garbage in the cabinets without the need for frequent trips to the trash bins within the compound. Choose a trash cabinet that matches your outdoor kitchen style and adds to its’ beauty.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure which outdoor storage options will look best for your unique backyard, our customer service and design team at Creekstone Outdoors will be happy to help. 

Completing Your Backyard Kitchen

Now that you have a list of the best storage equipment, you can quickly transform your outdoor kitchen storage space. With the right set of BBQ island doors, drawers, cabinets, and more, you’ll find it easy to keep all the items you need for outdoor grilling. Consider these options with multi-function components to save on your outdoor kitchen space.

Contact us to get the best outdoor kitchen storage equipment at affordable prices.

18 Sep

3 Delicious Grilled Fruit Recipes

Author Sam Hickey Categories Grills, Recipes

Have you ever tried grilled fruit recipes before? If not, now is the perfect time to do so. Grilling fruits is a great way to harness their natural sugars. They become juicier, sweeter, and even retain a smoky flavor. Rest assured that you’ll love the grilled fruit recipes we’ve prepared for you. Discover how you can make your fruits more delicious.

Experiment with sweet and smokey flavors by trying these grilled fruit recipes! #CreekstoneOutdoors Share on X

Try These Fruit Grilling Ideas

Grilling can make your favorite fruit tastier, especially when it’s fresh, ripe, and firm. However, you should note that some fruits grill better than others. Some great choices include pineapples, bourbon peach, blueberries, apricots, and plums. Let’s take a look at some grilled fruit recipes for the first three fruits mentioned.

  1. Pineapple teriyaki sliders
  2. Blueberry dump cake
  3. grilled pork tenderloin w/bourbon peach BBQ sauce

1) Pineapple Teriyaki Sliders

While the smoky scent of beef and bacon in this burger is enticing, the grilled pineapple makes it sweeter.

Ingredients

  • 4-8 slices of cooked bacon
  • 2 pounds medium ground beef
  • 8 COBS Gourmet slider buns
  • ¼ cup Club House La Grille 30 Minute Teriyaki Marinade and a ¼ cup for basting
  • Extra old/sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

  • In a large bowl, mix Steakhouse Onion Burger Seasoning, Teriyaki Marinade, and ground beef by hand. Place patties that are a bit larger than slider buns onto a sheet of waxed paper. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes
  • As the slider patties chill in the fridge, make the pickled onion. Use this recipe to prepare quick pickled onions.
  • Preheat your grill to 450°F, and place the bacon on a foil-lined tray and onto the grill as it preheats.
  • Once the temperature has risen, grill the slider patties and pineapple over direct heat. Baste the patties using teriyaki marinade and flip the sliders and pineapples after forming grill marks.
  • Place the cut sides of COBS Bread Gourmet Slider Buns onto the Warming Rack Baking Stone to toast.
  • Grill the sliders up to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove everything on the grill and top the sliders with cheddar while preparing the pineapple sauce
  • Cut the pineapple into pieces then remove the core portion. Mince the pineapple cuts, leaving a few pieces for garnish. Stir the fruit in the sour cream.
  • Assemble the burgers with the sauce on the bottom bun. Top it with a patty, then with pickled onion and some sauce on top. Garnish it with a pineapple piece on a toothpick through the bun’s top.

2) Blueberry Dump Cake

Blueberry dump cake can be a great dessert for everyone. Thankfully, it’s easy to prepare and cook in no time.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 4 cups fresh blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 package yellow cake mix

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F
  • Mix sugar, berries, and cinnamon at the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Then, cover the berries with dry cake mix. Pour melted butter over the cake mix, but don’t stir.
  • Bake for 30 minutes, or until it turns light brown. You can serve warm or cold and even top with ice cream.

3) Grilled Pork Tenderloin w/Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce

You can serve this flavorful and juicy grilled pork tenderloin with a unique barbecue sauce prepared using fresh peaches and bourbon.

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup bourbon
  • 1 cup peach preserves
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon garlic chopped
  • Bourbon Peach Barbecue Sauce
  • 1/4 cup French’s® Tomato Ketchup
  • 2 pork tenderloins (about 2 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon OLD BAY® Seasoning
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons OLD BAY® Seasoning

Directions

  • Rub pork with vegetable oil then season it with one tablespoon of OLD BAY and garlic
  • Mix peach preserves, bourbon ketchup, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of OLD BAY in a small bowl to form a barbecue sauce
  • Grill pork over medium heat for 25-30 minutes. Brush it with sauce during the last two minutes of cooking. Finally, slice and serve with the remaining sauce

Pro Tip: Pair this dish with your favorite iced tea or use leftover fruit for a cocktail of your choice!

Adding the Sweet Flavors of Fruit

Now that you know some grilled fruit recipes, you can quickly grill the fruits to make them sweeter and have some delicious summer dinners. Whether it is pineapple teriyaki sliders, blueberry dump cake, or grilled pork tenderloin with bourbon peach BBQ sauce, all grilled fruit recipes are incredible.

Connect with us for more easy fresh fruit recipes!

11 Sep

5 Gorgeous Outdoor Lighting Ideas for Your Backyard

Author Sam Hickey Categories Custom Features, Design Inspiration

Nothing can make your outdoor living space more charming at night than elegant lighting in the backyard. As you relax at home on warm autumn nights, try these incredible lighting ideas for patios and other outdoor living spaces.

Kick back and enjoy a warm autumn night in your magical backyard! Try these beautiful backyard lighting ideas for a sparkling touch to your outdoor space. #Creekstone #backyarddesign Share on X

A Glowing Backyard Design

Few things are more inviting than a gently lit backyard after sunset. Even if darkness creeps in, you can comfortably extend your stay outdoors, whether in the garden, pool, or an outdoor room. Here are the backyard lighting ideas to make your yard look beautiful at night.

  1. Twinkling fairy lights
  2. Lit stairs
  3. Electric lanterns
  4. Inset pergola lights
  5. Illuminating trees or pillars

1) Twinkling Fairy Lights

If you’re planning a party or any other gathering in your backyard at night, illuminate the trees by adding twinkling fairy lights.These lights can be the best bet for your outdoor space. Use contrasting colors for an even more beautiful effect. You can also add evening effects, like moonlight, to develop a feeling of romance.

2) Lit Stairs

Another way to liven up your backyard is by lighting the stairs. If your home has outdoor staircases, install light fixtures on the stairs to allow residents to move into and out of the house with ease. Besides beautifying your backyard, it also helps your guests avoid tripping on the stairs in the dark.

3) Electric Lanterns

Hanging beautifully-designed electric lanterns around your backyard gives the area a bit more light without sacrificing aesthetics. The lamps are safe as they don’t produce any heat. You can also wire them with a timer to automatically light up at dusk. You can use fluorescent, incandescent, or LED, depending on the amount of light you want.

4) Inset Pergola Lights

If you have a pergola in your backyard, consider inserting some lights on the frame to light up the area. If there’s no electricity access near the pergola, you can light up the spaces around it with decorative solar-powered lights or a similar setup. Alternatively, hang a few battery-operated lanterns from your pergola for better lighting.

5) Illuminating Trees or Pillars

Small spotlights focusing on trees, pillars, or especially pretty plants in your backyard give the area an appealing glow. Better yet, since the lights are aimed away from your guests, they provide softer ambient light rather than blinding anyone. This setup also ensures your guests are far less likely to run into any obstacles in the dark!

Pro Tip: Whether you’re illuminating trees from the ground or wrapping them in light strands, different species or shapes will look better in different lighting. Talk to an expert for the best approach for your trees.

Choosing Ambient Lighting

It’s time to transform your yard into an elegantly illuminated masterpiece at night! All you need to do is select ambient lighting that matches your outdoor space. Experiment with different combinations of twinkling, ambient, or bright lights to find the right style for your hangout spot.

Connect with us for more backyard lighting ideas, tips, and tricks.

04 Sep

Labor Day 2020: How to Host a Backyard Barbecue Safely

Author Sam Hickey Categories COVID-19, Outdoor Safety, Special Events

The first Monday in September is Labor Day, a federal holiday, and a time when we all grab our aprons and head outside to sizzle up some delicious barbecue and other treats. This year has been different, to say the least, with COVID-19 and the social distancing protocols we have all had to adhere to. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t have a safe backyard barbecue!

With Labor Day 2020 coming up, here are some tips to host a backyard barbecue safely: 

  • Spend the Day Outdoors
  • Keep Your Party Small
  • Handle Food & Drinks Properly

Labor Day 2020 doesn’t have to be a lonely affair! Here’s how to host a safe, socially distanced backyard party. #Creekstone #LaborDay2020 Share on X

Spend the Day Outdoors 

Plan to spend this upcoming national holiday outdoors. Even if someone at your party has the virus, the virus gets diluted outdoors and scatters in the wind, so your body will have a better time tackling the smaller quantities of virus that may be in the air. Here are a few ways to plan for your backyard barbecue:

  • Sketch your outdoor arrangement on paper: Your outdoor space must allow guests to stay six feet apart. Will you be grilling at your party or will it primarily be conversation and drinks? It’s also important to consider where the shaded areas will be and identify optimal seating arrangements so people can enjoy themselves while also staying safe and socially distanced.
  • Prep the bathroom: The bathroom is a high-risk area for contamination if it’s not prepared properly. To have a safer bathroom experience for all your guests, leave rolls of paper towels so people can turn the faucet on and off, open and close the door, etc. so that no high touch objects become a source for the infection.  
  • Share the grill, but encourage guests to BYOB: The grill’s high temperature will kill viruses, so it’s safe to share the grill with your guests. However, it is better to encourage guests to bring their own drinks and sides. Additionally, set up a separate table for visitors with individual bottles of hand sanitizer to avoid multiple people touching the same object and increase the chances of infection.

Keep Your Party Small

For your celebration, it’s important to keep the party small. Small is a relative term, and it really depends on the size of the outdoor space that you will be using. As long as guests can stay six feet apart, wear masks, and are socially distanced, then you should be able to host your barbecue safely. Check with your state’s policy as well on the maximum number of people that can be at a gathering. 

Pro Tip: For the sake of protecting your loved ones, make a list of guests that are more prone to contracting COVID-19 based on age, health status, and comfort level. 

Handle Food & Drinks Properly

Even if the guests are socially distanced, the virus can still be transmitted if two people touch the same item. To mitigate this risk, avoid shared dishes like chips, dips, and platters. Opt for disposable dishes and utensils. Additionally, be mindful of what foods are exposed to the heat for too long. Mayonnaise, for example, when exposed to warm weather for an extended period of time, can go bad and cause food illness. Since emergency rooms are packed these days, making a trip to the hospital for any reason could be difficult. 

Labor Day Celebration Unlike Any Other

Although this year has been different, you can still celebrate Labor Day with your family and loved ones. Be sure to review the safety tips and structure your outdoor environment to keep everyone safe!

Get in touch with us for more Labor Day 2020 ideas.

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