Turn Up the Heat on Outdoor Entertaining with Alfresco Fireplace Cooking

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As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to rethink your outdoor entertaining spaces. At Subiaco Restoration, our range of outdoor fireplaces offer something for everyone – the ambience of a roaring fire, the functionality of a serious cooker, or a combination of both.

In this article, Karinda from our heating team offers up some insight into a few of the different models available in our showroom to help you find the perfect match for your alfresco lifestyle.

 

Finding the Perfect Fit

 

When guiding clients through the options available at Subi Rest, Karinda always begins with a simple question: “Would you like a cooker or a wood fire?” While many of our models offer a mix of both, the choice often comes down to how you’ll use it – whether it’s for cosy nights by the fire or firing up a feast for guests.

 

The Models at a Glance

 

Escea EW5000 Wood Outdoor Cooking Fireplace

For those who want the warmth of a fireplace with the occasional option to cook, the EW5000 is ideal, “this is an outdoor fireplace and occasional cooker,” explains Karinda.

The unit is an inbuilt open firebox and comes with an insertable tray for cooking, allowing you to go from warming up by the fire to grilling in just 1 hour. This model is for anyone who wants to enjoy an outdoor fire as a focal point.

Karinda explains, “imagine you’ve got your fire going on a Saturday afternoon and then remember you have people coming over. All you need to do is reduce the fire to embers, put in the tray and you are ready to cook a steak.”

She continues, “once you’ve finished cooking it’s as simple as removing the tray, feeding the fire some more logs and then enjoying a glass of wine around the ambiance of an open fireplace.”

Designed for versatility, the EW5000 can be installed with a sleek frameless finish or a decorative fascia, and it even has a pizza oven tray as an optional extra.

 

Escea EK Series Wood Outdoor Fireplace Kitchens

Serious about your outdoor cooking? The EK Series is for you.

“These fireplaces are for the more serious cooker, someone who is more interested in a functional barbeque than an outdoor fireplace,” Karinda remarks.

With 13-point adjustable height grills, a pizza oven, and the ability to transform into a roaring fire, this model offers a complete alfresco experience.

She explains, “you burn your logs in the side hung wood box. It generates hot embers that you evenly distribute across the bottom of the unit, allowing you to cook your food at a perfect temperature for that delicious flame grilled smoky flavour,” she continues, “when you’re done, you can remove the cooking components and throw your wood in the centre for a big fire.”

Want to see how Nick from the Subi Rest team turned his backyard into an epic outdoor kitchen using the Escea EK1250? Check out the full story by clicking here. 

 

Escea EP1350 Wood Outdoor Fire Table

For communal dining, the Escea EP1350 doubles as a smokeless fire table and a low-flame cooking surface.

“This is for people who enjoy communal cooking, like a Korean-style barbecue,” says Karinda.

The clever vortex cylinder design minimises smoke, making it perfect for intimate gatherings where everyone can cook together.

Karinda continues, “the EP1350 has three heat settings, so you can sit around the table and grill with your family and friends before stepping back, cranking up the heat, and use it like a firepit.”

 

Artis Fusion Series

Artis offers a range of outdoor kitchen fireplaces within their Fusion Series, available in different sizes depending on your space.

Described as the complete package, these units combine functionality and versatility, featuring open grill, oven, and fireplace all in one.

“Much like Escea’s EK Series, these are for your serious outdoor cooks” Karinda explains.

These Spanish made fireplaces are designed to be built into a wall, making a stylish and practical addition to any outdoor kitchen for the ultimate entertainer.

 

Morso Forno Pizza Oven


For pizza lovers, the Morso is a standout choice. Compact and charming, it’s perfect for those who want a dedicated pizza oven with the flexibility of a wood fire.

“The Morso is my personal favourite,” Karinda shares “it’s the kind of thing that I’d put in my own house because its functional and beautiful.”

She explains, “you need to establish a fire, burn it down till it’s just embers, and then push the coals to the back of the unit for cooking.” (Click here for an easy video on how to light the Morso Forno).

“With an open flue on top, you can’t burn this unit undercover,” notes Karinda, “but because it’s portable, you can store it undercover and wheel it out when needed.”

This compact wood fired pizza oven is great for outdoor entertaining and feeding a crowd. Karinda adds, “and again, you can use this just as an open fire if you’re not cooking.”

 

Making the Most of Your Space

Each of these options brings unique features to the table, whether you host a casual dinner, aim for gourmet perfection, or just love the ambiance of an outdoor fire. Karinda’s advice? Think about how you’ll use the space and choose a model that complements your lifestyle.

With even more options available in our showroom, drop by to chat to Karinda or one of our heating specialists and get inspired for your outdoor entertainment goals.