Kitchens in Paradise

By Lisa McLaughlin

Homeowners are turning kitchens inside out, with outdoor dining furniture and gear that mimic indoor living. It goes way beyond grills. Some companies are even selling artwork to be hung outdoors and, oddly enough, artificial plants designed for outside use. A guide to today's outdoor-cooking scene. --By Lisa McLaughlin

GRILLS Barbecue grills are getting flashier. Some new models feature everything but the kitchen sink--and sometimes that's included too. Cal Spas' new Tuscany (starting at $48,000!) comes with a five-burner stainless-steel grill, a fridge, a fireplace, a two-person hot tub ... you get the idea. The Master Chef 700, above, is much more reasonable, with a $4,700 price tag. Still, most grills sold are less than $300.

LIGHTING Everything is illuminated with outdoor lamps that look as if they belong in your living room. They typically come with weighted bases so they won't tilt and fall over in the wind. At right is the Ashby Floor Lamp by Smith & Hawken ($279).

BARS Put your cooler on ice. Today's outdoor kitchens boast fridges and full bars, complete with beer taps and wine caves. Home Depot's Modular unit, above, is $4,000.

FIREPLACES Sixty percent of gas-grill owners cook outside year round. Outdoor fireplaces or fire pits such as the Westbury Firepit from Smith & Hawken ($329) can take the edge off a chilly night.

> OUTDOOR COOKING

MASTERING BARBECUE by Michael H. Stines ($20). Wide-ranging, knowledgeably written, with precise recipes

BOBBY FLAY'S GRILLING FOR LIFE ($22). The guru of the grill turns his attention to healthy cooking, with analysis by nutritionist Joy Bauer

THE ITALIAN GRILL by Micol Negrin ($25). Explores the traditional and innovative with easy-to-follow, delectable recipes