Oh how I wish I had a backyard

I’m picturing a breezy summer night hanging out in my backyard with friends, cooking up some shrimp skewers and sipping on a cold glass of beer (too bad my fire escape can’t fit a grill). This year it seems like that same image is on the minds of a lot of folks, with all of the cool new product intros for backyard bliss.

Fuego, a fairly new company, is especially impressive with their modular grills (shown left). Similar to the concept of kitchen islands, the pieces are created to accommodate social interaction with the master griller and his or her guests. Its includes interchangeable drawers—infrared, gas, or charcoal—that slide beneath the grilling surface for whichever cooking method you prefer. Other features are natural wood and slate prep areas, a retractable lid, electronic and weatherproof controls, hidden storage, and my personal favorite—modular accessories that can be hooked onto the base through small pre-cut holes. Accessory options include a paper towel holder and a spice rack, among other things. And if that isn’t cool enough, they also introduced a fully modular island, which includes the previously mentioned features, plus optional under-counter refrigeration, warming drawers, a sink, a protective cover, and a bar for eating and drinking.

Other companies are getting on board as well. Kalamazoo is introducing Edo, a sculptural grill inspired by Japanese cuisine and design. With the look of a table, stainless steel panels slide open to reveal an 18-inch by 24-inch grilling surface and controls, while creating ample counter space on each side. The company is also showing an outdoor countertop pizza oven. And since beer goes great with pizza, what would fit perfectly? Perlick’s new 15-inch beer dispenser. Now that just might fit on my fire escape.

DCS, known for their grilling, also has a modular grilling option on display. But more notably, the company has partnered with Outdoor Polymer Systems, Inc. to introduce an exterior surface material called UniShell (shown above), constructed from high-tech, virtually indestructible polymer materials, that can be customized to look like the surface of your choice, from stucco to stone to brick. Now that’s cool!

Check back later for that photo of the $75,000 sink that I promised…