AOS COMMUNITY

As the colder months set in, many people think their outdoor kitchen needs to hibernate until spring. But with the right preparation and maintenance, your garden kitchen can be enjoyed all year round, even during winter. By taking a few simple steps to protect your outdoor cooking appliances and ensure everything is in working order, you can continue hosting cosy gatherings and cooking outside, regardless of the temperature. Here are our top winter maintenance tips to keep your outdoor kitchenette in great shape and ready for use. 🍻 Use Covers to Protect Your Equipment Invest in high-quality, weatherproof covers for your outdoor kitchen appliances, countertops, and cabinetry. Covers shield your equipment from moisture, frost, and debris, which can lead to rust or wear over time. Make sure the covers are snug and secure to protect your BBQ kitchen from the winter elements. ❄️ Drain Water from Sinks and Plumbing Freezing temperatures can cause water in your pipes to expand, leading to cracks or bursts. Before winter hits, drain all water from the sinks and plumbing lines in your outdoor living area. If your outdoor kitchen has a water supply, consider shutting it off completely until the warmer months. 💦 Clean Your Appliances Thoroughly Give all your appliances, including BBQ grills, pizza ovens, and smokers, a deep clean before winter sets in. Remove any grease, food debris, or ash, as these can attract pests or cause damage if left unattended for long periods. 🧽 Check and Protect Gas and Electric Lines Inspect gas and electric lines for any wear or damage. Ensure they are properly insulated to prevent freezing or cracking. If your outdoor barbecue kitchen uses a propane tank, store it in a cool, dry place that’s protected from extreme cold. 🥶 Seal and Protect Countertops Outdoor countertops, especially porous materials like natural stone, can be vulnerable to freezing and thawing cycles. Apply a sealant to protect them from moisture and prevent cracks or staining. For non-porous materials, a quick clean and protective cover will suffice. 🤩 Store Loose Items Safely Move smaller items such as cushions, BBQ utensils, and outdoor cooking accessories indoors to protect them from frost and moisture. This not only extends their lifespan but also keeps your outdoor living space tidy and ready to use during winter. 🥂 Inspect Lighting and Heating Features If you have outdoor lighting or heating elements, check they’re in working condition and suitable for winter use. Replace any damaged bulbs and ensure heaters are clean and safe to operate during the colder months. 🔥 With these simple outdoor kitchen winter maintenance tips, your outdoor barbecue area can be a cosy space throughout the colder months. By protecting your outdoor cooking equipment and taking a proactive approach, you’ll be ready to fire up your barbecue grill or enjoy a hot pizza from your outdoor pizza oven, no matter the weather. Winter is no reason to stop using your outdoor kitchen—just take care of it, and it will take care of you. 👍 Let us know in the comments if you have any additional winter tips or how you use your outdoor kitchen during the colder months! 🧑‍🍳 Sizzle on, Team AOS

When it comes to Christmas dinner, many of us picture a traditional roast prepared in a cosy indoor kitchen. But who says the festive feast has to stay indoors? Using your outdoor kitchen and BBQ area to create Christmas dishes is a fantastic way to shake things up, make the most of your outdoor cooking station, and even free up your indoor oven for side dishes and festive desserts. Whether you’re hosting family or friends, barbecuing Christmas-themed food is a fun and memorable way to celebrate. Let’s explore some Christmas dinner ideas to inspire your festive BBQ! 🎄 BBQ Turkey Breast or Crown Roast turkey is a Christmas classic, and barbecuing it gives it a smoky flavour that’s hard to beat. Opt for a turkey crown or breast to keep things manageable, and cook it low and slow on your barbecue grill. Add some festive spices to the BBQ rub, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and sage, for a seasonal twist. 🧑‍🍳 Honey Roast Ham A honey glazed ham is a showstopper on any Christmas table. Cook it on your outdoor grill with a sweet glaze of honey, mustard, and cloves, allowing the smoky heat to caramelise the glaze beautifully. The result? A flavourful Christmas ham to enjoy with your loved ones. 🔥 Grilled Brussels Sprouts (or Tenderstem Broccoli) Skewers Even Brussels sprouts can shine on the BBQ! Toss them with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes, then thread them onto skewers and grill until charred and tender. Not a fan of sprouts? Swap them for tenderstem broccoli—it cooks quickly and picks up a delicious smoky flavour on the grill. 🥦 Pigs in Blankets Give everyone’s favourite Christmas side dish a BBQ upgrade. Cook sausages wrapped in bacon directly on your outdoor BBQ for crispy, smoky perfection. These are great for serving as nibbles while the main course is busy cooking in your outdoor kitchenette. 🥓 Christmas Veggies in Foil Parcels Barbecuing isn’t just for meat! Wrap carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes in foil with butter, rosemary, and a drizzle of honey, then pop them on the grill. The foil locks in the flavours, creating tender and caramelised vegetables with minimal effort. 🥕 BBQ Christmas Stuffing Patties Turn your stuffing mix into patties and grill them instead of baking. The BBQ gives them a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside soft and flavourful. It’s a unique way to serve stuffing that’s sure to impress. 🎁 BBQ Smoked Salmon For a lighter festive option, smoke some fresh salmon in one of your outdoor kitchen appliances to start your Christmas meal. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon and a sprig of dill for an elegant touch. 🍋 Charred Mince Pies Yes, even Christmas desserts can hit the BBQ! Warm up mince pies on the grill for a few minutes, allowing the pastry to crisp up and the filling to become deliciously gooey. Serve with a scoop of brandy butter or cream for the perfect finish. 🥧 All these Christmas BBQ ideas can be prepared using any outdoor cooking appliance in your outdoor BBQ kitchen—whether you’re working with a gas BBQ, charcoal BBQ, kamado BBQ, or pizza oven. From smoked turkey to cooked ham and even charred mince pies, there’s no shortage of dishes you can cook on the barbecue this Christmas. So fire up your BBQ grills, embrace the holiday spirit, and make this year’s Christmas meal one to remember! ⭐️ Let us know if you try any of these ideas or have any other Christmas food suggestions for your outdoor BBQ area. Have a great time cooking and enjoy the festivities! 🥂 Sizzle on, Team AOS 🎅

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to think about the perfect gifts for the BBQ lovers and outdoor cooking enthusiasts in your life. Whether they’re an expert on a barbecue or just getting started, there’s no shortage of exciting Christmas gifts to upgrade their outdoor cooking experience. From big-ticket items to thoughtful accessories, we’ve rounded up a selection of BBQ gift ideas to suit a range of budgets and interests. 🤩 Outdoor Cooking Accessories The right outdoor cooking accessories can make cooking on a BBQ easier and more enjoyable. Consider practical items that will be used regularly, such as digital thermometers for perfect temperature control, heat-resistant gloves for safety, or a weatherproof BBQ cover to protect their outdoor cooking setup. For pizza enthusiasts, tools like pizza peels and dough cutters are essential. Rotisseries and high-quality outdoor cooking utensils like tongs or BBQ grill brushes are also great additions to any outdoor BBQ area. There are lots of outdoor cooking accessories to choose from, so it’s guaranteed there will be options that suit your budget. 🧑‍🍳 Outdoor Cooking Appliances For a gift that will truly impress, an outdoor cooking appliance is a fantastic choice. Whether it’s a high-performance BBQ like the Napoleon Prestige Pro or a versatile smoker like the Traeger Timberline, these appliances can take your loved one’s barbecuing to the next level. Pizza ovens, such as the DeliVita or Gozney Dome, are also incredibly popular, bringing the fun of wood-fired cooking to their outdoor living space. 🍕 Fuel for Outdoor Cooking Fuel is often overlooked, but it is a vital, and affordable, part of outdoor cooking. A thoughtful gift could include bags of premium charcoal, wood for outdoor pizza ovens, or flavoured wood pellets for pellet grills. These items ensure they’re always ready to barbecue, and adding a storage solution like a log holder can keep their fuel organised and accessible. 🪵 Recipe Books and Cooking Classes For those who love learning new outdoor cooking techniques, BBQ recipe books or cooking classes can be a great gift choice. Look for cookbooks that specialise in barbecuing, smoking, or pizza-making, or book them a spot in an outdoor cooking class where they can learn skills like smoking meats and mastering marinades, directly from chefs. 🔥 High Quality Ingredients for Outdoor Cooking For the BBQ lover who appreciates great food, gifting high-quality ingredients can make their next barbecue even more special. Consider vouchers or a selection of premium cuts from a local butcher, which can sometimes feel like a luxury. For those who don’t eat meat, plant-based options like artisanal tofu or meat substitutes can be just as thoughtful. Pairing the ingredients with a recipe book is a nice added touch. 🥩 BBQ Rubs, Sauces, and Marinades Spice up their cooking with a collection of premium BBQ rubs, sauces, or marinades. Look for unique flavours to enhance their barbecue dishes, and even consider a personalised hamper with a selection of rubs, sauces, and condiments for the ultimate foodie gift. 🍻 Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping gift or a thoughtful accessory, there’s something for every outdoor cooking enthusiast on this list that suits every budget. If you’re still looking for the perfect gift, visit our online store to browse all the outdoor cooking options we have available. 👀 Got any other great BBQ lovers Christmas gift ideas? Share them in the comments - we would love to hear your suggestions! 🥂 Sizzle on, Team AOS 🎅