Cuisinart Outdoors Fires Up Growth—One Product Innovation At A Time

As more consumers embrace outdoor cooking as a lifestyle rather than a seasonal hobby, brands are under pressure to deliver high-performance products that balance innovation, versatility, and real-world functionality. One company leading this evolution is Cuisinart Outdoors, a division of the iconic kitchen appliance brand that’s redefining how and where we cook.

In this exclusive interview, Kris Kahn, SVP and General Manager of Cuisinart Outdoors, shares how the brand is capitalizing on its legacy of quality to carve out a dominant position in the outdoor space—one product innovation at a time.

Innovation That Starts With the Customer

At the core of Cuisinart Outdoors’ R&D strategy lies a philosophy of purposeful innovation. “Each product is thoughtfully engineered to deliver exceptional performance while enhancing real-world outdoor cooking experiences,” says Kahn.

Cuisinart Outdoors doesn’t just build for the market—it builds with the market. Customer feedback is not only welcomed but actively integrated through pre-launch testing, user reviews, and social listening. Culinary influencers and chefs are also brought in early in the design and prototyping stages, ensuring each product meets the expectations of today’s home chefs.

“Our guiding principles are quality craftsmanship, versatility, and price accessibility,” Kahn notes. “We’re constantly fine-tuning based on how real people use our products.”

Standing Out in a Crowded Market

With competition heating up in the outdoor cooking space, differentiation is essential. That’s why Cuisinart Outdoors is banking on multifunctionality and sleek design to keep its edge.

“We approach our outdoor products with the same rigor and creativity that built our reputation indoors,” says Kahn. Flagship innovations like the Propel+ Four Burner 3-in-1 Gas Grill, the 28″ Outdoor Griddler, and the Outdoor Wok Station exemplify the brand’s commitment to multifunctional performance wrapped in user-friendly form factors.

These innovations aren’t just catching the eyes of consumers—they’re also turning heads among retailers. “Retailers value our innovation and wide appeal,” explains Kahn, “but what really drives partnership is our credibility as a trusted kitchen brand that has successfully expanded into the outdoor space.”

Exclusive product collaborations and immersive in-store experiences are central to Cuisinart’s retail strategy, bolstered by marketing efforts designed to drive traffic and engagement across channels.

Customers Are Responding—Loud and Clear

The feedback on recent launches has been overwhelmingly positive, Kahn shares. “Customers appreciate the attention to detail, intuitive design, and flexibility. Whether it’s the convenience of a griddle/broiler combo or the versatility of a multi-burner grill, they’re recognizing the value we bring to their outdoor cooking lives.”

This enthusiasm is reflected in robust demand and consistently high satisfaction scores, affirming that Cuisinart Outdoors is resonating with both seasoned grillmasters and casual backyard chefs alike.

Supply Chain Agility That Delivers

In a post-pandemic landscape where supply chain reliability remains a top concern, Cuisinart Outdoors has doubled down on operational resilience.

“We’ve invested heavily in technology and data transparency to stay ahead,” says Kahn. With SAP at the heart of its supply chain strategy, the company can track inventory in real time, optimize demand forecasting, and make agile decisions that reduce the risk of stockouts.

“Our cross-functional coordination allows us to respond quickly, ensuring products are where they need to be—whether that’s in a warehouse, on a retail shelf, or shipped direct-to-consumer,” Kahn adds.

What’s Next for Cuisinart Outdoors?

Looking forward, the brand is eyeing expansion into emerging product categories and geographies. Portable solutions, prep-and-serve accessories, and products inspired by global culinary trends are all in the pipeline.

“Our mission is to elevate the outdoor cooking experience,” says Kahn. “We’re designing for the modern outdoor lifestyle—functional, accessible, and always ready for what’s next.”

As outdoor cooking continues to grow in popularity and sophistication, Cuisinart Outdoors is proving that innovation isn’t just about what you cook with—it’s about how seamlessly it fits into your life.