We Asked The Experts How To Design The Best Outdoor Kitchen
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7 hours ago
Barbecue season just levelled up…
Once the summer arrives, there’s nothing Brits love more than a barbecue – but if you want to give your garden an upgrade this year, you might be looking for some inspiration. We asked the experts how to build a show-stopping outdoor kitchen.
How To Build The Best Outdoor Kitchen, According To The Experts
Late last year, it was the property industry that noted a rather intriguing design trend on the rise: the desire for ultra-luxury gardens. And aside from swimming pools, dedicated wellness areas, and even meditation spaces, there’s one feature that’s particularly coveted: the outdoor kitchen. Here’s how to build the perfect outdoor kitchen, according to the experts.
Plan The Layout
Just like a regular kitchen or a dining area, it’s important to start by with the layout – and while you won’t usually need planning permission to build an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to be meticulous about your plans.
‘A poorly planned layout can disrupt the cooking experience, causing the space to be inefficient,’ says Alex Woods, an expert at Victorian Plumbing. ‘Ensure there’s a logical, intuitive flow between key areas: prep, cook, serve, and clean. A well-organised outdoor layout saves time, reduces mess, and makes entertaining more enjoyable.’
Choose Materials Carefully
Another crucial component is, of course, weather-resistant materials.
‘While it may seem obvious, always choose materials specifically designed for outdoor use to prevent long-term damage, especially around sinks and taps,’ Alex advises. ‘Even if it means adjusting your original design vision, prioritising durable materials will ensure your kitchen stands the test of time.’
Stainless steel is a particularly practical (and sleek) choice, while ceramic worktops are also both stylish and weather-resistant. ‘Cabinetry with a hi-tech ceramic top is very practical as it’s UV, scratch, stain and extreme temperature resistant,’ says Lena Gierasinska, head of product and displays at Barker and Stonehouse. ‘It’s also perfect for Britain’s unpredictable climate!’
Prioritise Food Prep
While outdoor kitchens will certainly give your garden that wow factor – especially when it comes to summer entertaining – the ultimate aim is to create a functional space that allows you to store, prepare and cook food without needing to go back inside.
‘It’s important to consider the arrangement of products in an outdoor kitchen for a truly seamless experience,’ explains Ricky Davies, marketing director for Sub-Zero & Wolf UK & Europe. ‘Ideally, you want to ensure that you are able to prepare and cook an entire meal without having to rush in and out of the house. This means separate outdoor refrigeration for freshly preserved ingredients and chilled beverages, alongside warming drawers to keep pre-cooked food ready to eat are essential.’
Don’t Forget About Storage
Whether you’re working with a sprawling plot or a cosy corner, the real secret to building a functional outdoor kitchen is the storage.
‘There’s a demand for outdoor kitchens even amongst those with limited outdoor space,’ comments Lena. ‘If your garden is very small, consider placing a single cabinet alongside your barbecue – this won’t take up much space but will make for a practical, stress-free cooking area that’s perfect for hosting.’
Ricky also suggests factoring in ‘storage for barbecue tools, metal bowls, trays, and condiments,’ plus extra space to conveniently hide ‘a spare gas bottle and your grill cover.’
Consider Some Luxury Additions
An outdoor kitchen might be a luxury in its own right, but there are plenty of ways to customise it if you’re looking to splash out.
‘This year, our clients are pushing the boundaries with their outdoor kitchens,’ notes Ricky. ‘We’re working alongside a number of award-winning British designers to deliver remarkable al fresco kitchens featuring built-in grills and super-sized seating areas with gazebos and log burners, not to mention outdoor televisions, bars and heating. The list of must-haves is evolving every year, as people look to make the most of their outside spaces.’
When it comes to the cooking itself, the options are endless: think sear stations, specialist smoker boxes, pizza ovens, and teppanyaki plates. Who says you can’t have a pro-level setup outdoors, after all?
Harness The Power Of Lighting
‘Lighting is often overlooked, but well-placed task and ambient lighting can make a dramatic difference to the usability of your outdoor kitchen, especially for evening entertaining,’ say Manuel Lasar and Knud Augustin, co-founders of Flammkraft. ‘Think about shade solutions, comfortable seating, and heating elements such as fire pits or patio heaters – these will extend the use of your outdoor kitchen beyond the summer, making it a truly year-round feature.’
Always Accessorise
To finish off the design of your outdoor kitchen, make sure to accessorise. ‘A colourful outdoor rug looks stylish and also helps to blend together your indoor and outdoor spaces,’ suggests Lena. ‘I also recommend displaying fresh herbs in terracotta pots on the worktops – not only are these ingredients helpful for cooking, but they also add a pleasing touch of greenery, too.’
Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
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Featured image courtesy of Humphrey Munson and Sub-Zero & Wolf. Image credit: Paul Craig
