Once upon a time, a small grill, a handful of plastic chairs, and a speaker were all you needed to host a get-together in the backyard. Nowadays, we’re seeing people turning the once humble yard into a space that can entertain your family and friends as well as any kitchen or living room!
The Washington Post recently called outdoor entertainment spaces “The new American status symbol.” Whether it’s a new grill or a full entertainment hub, Bekins can provide many of the items you need to turn your yard into a private getaway or the most popular summer hangout spot.
Let’s Start with The Grill
For many, the grill is the foundation of any good outdoor space. It’s where we like to congregate, and more importantly, it’s where the food comes from! With so much at "steak" (yes, we said it), you want to make sure the grill you select will not only wow the spectators with its looks but produce exceptionally mouthwatering results. There are a LOT of grills out there—so, how do you make the right choice?
For starters, you’ll want to select a grill that gets hot, stays hot, and cooks your food evenly. You’ll also want to consider how well the grill protects against flareups, which can turn perfect caramelization into char in seconds. Most grills have an array of features like smoker boxes, multi-level cooking zones, infrared searing rotisseries, and more. Offerings like these can make your grilling experience more flexible and fun, but remember... they’re only as good as the grills’ baseline performance, so make sure that’s the main aspect you like—not the bells and whistles.
So now you’ve found a grill that fits your style and can be relied upon to cook your grilling favorites to perfection. The next big question is: How long will it last?
All too often grills are approached with a "buy rather than invest" mentality. Sure, you can go pick up a cheap grill and get some use out of it, but after a few rainstorms—or one classic Michigan winter—chances are you’ll be wheeling its rusty remains out to the curb on trash day. When selecting a new grill make look for brands with quality construction and materials that can withstand elements and a proven track record for serviceability.
At Bekins, we offer a wide range of these grills in a variety of brands and styles, including freestanding and built-in gas grills, Kamado-style cookers, and even pizza ovens! Even better, at Bekins, you’ll work with a knowledgeable sales professional trained to help you determine the best fit for your new backyard oasis. You’ll also have access to the parts and service you need to keep your grill performing year after year after year.
Ever Thought About an Outdoor Kitchen?
A staple of any summer backyard barbeque is a cold beverage, and now you can put the days of fishing lukewarm cans out of a watery cooler behind you!
By incorporating refrigerators, beverage coolers, beverage dispensers, or ice machines into designs for your outdoor space, you can ensure your guests—and you—have ice cold drinks at the ready, without having to mess around with a cooler or leave the party to refill inside. Along with outdoor refrigeration Bekins also carries outdoor storage options like drawers and cabinets, to keep your outdoor kitchen space organized, and make clean up a breeze. All of these outdoor products are built to withstand the rain, snow, heat, and cold while keeping the items within protected, and at the right temperature!
Take your outdoor kitchen a step further with retractable screens. Screens are a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a more controlled setting—and without those pesky mosquitos! Our line of outdoor screens is perfect for those beautiful summer days and can withstand hurricane-force winds and rain. Since hurricanes don’t ever seem to reach Michigan, you can be confident your screens will handle whatever the Mitten State throws your way.
Now Kick It Up a Notch with Video and Sound!
Let’s set the scene: It’s a warm summer evening and you’re out on the back deck with your loved ones. Your steaks are sizzling on your new grill, and you just pulled a fresh drink out of your beverage center. Over the hum of chatter and noise of crickets, you hear... nothing. You forgot to incorporate outdoor speakers!
Outdoor speakers have come a long way—both in looks and sound quality! Bekins's internationally acclaimed electronics team can help you find the best speakers for your space and integrate them seamlessly into your backyard design. Pair those speakers with an outdoor TV (yes... they make them!) and you’re set to enjoy the big game or the newest summer blockbuster without having to cut the night short and head indoors.
Being able to stay outside longer is great—until the last bit of sun goes down and you’re stuck with that one overly bright LED bulb by the back door. Make sure you consider how outdoor and landscape lighting can extend your time outside while setting the mood! Talk to our electronics experts about how strategic lighting placement and color selections can make your backyard look magical! Bonus: landscape lighting “can significantly improve the curb appeal of a home” per Realtor.com—which means added home value!
Let Bekins Be Your Outdoor Experts
Creating a backyard oasis may seem daunting, but our team is trained to make it easy for you. Give us a call at 616-288-1020 or click here to send us a message through the website and we will contact you to get your backyard party started!