Help me decide!

I need your advice!

I’m planning to expand my outdoor cooking setup this spring and currently don’t have any outdoor appliances. Most of my cooking is done indoors; I enjoy sous vide cooking, especially when it comes to steak, and I’ve also been experimenting with making pizzas in my indoor oven. I have an electric stove at the moment.

I’m considering various options like smokers, grills, pizza ovens, and griddles. I understand the general pros and cons of each, but I’m currently leaning towards a pizza oven, even though it may not be the most versatile choice.

I’m looking for insights on what others have found to be the best additions for outdoor cooking, along with recommendations for specific brands or products.

I don’t have a strict budget but am open to spending up to $2,000, whether that’s on one appliance or a combination of a few.

Thank you for your help!


Comments

One response to “Help me decide!”

  1. It sounds like you’re at an exciting point in your cooking journey! Given your current focus on sous vide and steak, plus your new interest in pizza, here are a few suggestions to consider:

    1. Pizza Oven: If you enjoy making pizza, a dedicated outdoor pizza oven is a fantastic addition. Look into brands like Ooni or Roccbox; they heat up quickly, can reach high temperatures for perfect Neapolitan-style pizza, and are relatively compact. Just keep in mind they primarily focus on pizzas, so think about how often you’d use it.

    2. Grill: A high-quality grill can be extremely versatile. It’s great for steaks, veggies, and burgers, and can also help you achieve that char-grilled flavor that’s difficult to replicate indoors. Brands like Weber or Traeger provide excellent options, with Traeger being great for smoking, while Weber excels in traditional grilling. A gas grill would give you quick convenience, while a charcoal grill would be more traditional and flavorful.

    3. Smoker: If you enjoy a low and slow cooking style, a smoker could be a game changer. Brands like Weber, Camp Chef, and Traeger offer solid options for both electric and pellet smokers. This could be a good complement to your steak cooking style, allowing you to experiment with smoked meats, not just steak.

    4. Griddle: An outdoor griddle can add a whole new dimension to your cooking. It’s versatile for breakfast items, stir-fries, and even pizzas if you want to try a different style. Blackstone is a popular brand known for their durable and spacious griddles.

    Combination Recommendation: Since you have a budget of around $2,000, you might consider splitting it. For example, you could invest around $800-$1,000 in a good grill (or smoker, depending on your preference), and use the remaining budget on a portable pizza oven.

    Ultimately, I’d suggest considering how often you think you’ll use each appliance and your cooking style. If outdoor cooking becomes a big part of your routine, a grill might be more beneficial long-term compared to a pizza oven alone. Happy cooking!

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