How to create the perfect outdoor kitchen

An outdoor kitchen design is exactly what the name suggests – a kitchen that’s set up in an outdoor space, or an open-air kitchen, if you like. It usually consists of a heating appliance such as a stove, grill, BBQ or pizza oven, and surrounding worktops, a sink, units and maybe even a refrigerator. It’s perfect for giving your garden a Mediterranean vibe. While it’s a fairly new concept for the UK, it’s very common for people living in the Mediterranean and hotter countries to cook outside.

Having an exterior kitchen is ideal for those who love to cook, entertain and revel in the outdoors, and will create a welcoming space for hosting guests or special occasion get-togethers. Better still, an alfresco kitchen keeps cooking smells outside, so you can wave goodbye to those unpleasant aromas lingering around your house.

First things first, tend to the materials. Materials are incredibly important when it comes to designing your external kitchen. You’ll need elements that can withstand grease stains, the sizzling heat from the grill, BBQ or heating appliance, and contact with rain. For the ultimate outdoor kitchen aesthetic, look towards weatherproof options that can tolerate the outdoor conditions without compromising on style.

• Outdoor kitchen worktops

Hard-wearing materials such as stainless steel or concrete are sensible choices for outdoor worktops. Stainless steel is an affordable option and will add a minimal finish, but be mindful that it shows up fingerprints and the grease easily, so you’ll need to be willing to keep on top of the dirt. Natural stone will be able to handle outdoor exposure whatever the season. We’d recommend opting for a non-porous material like granite. Corian® is also suitable for outdoor use. It’s highly durable, water-resistant and easy to clean.

• Outdoor kitchen units

Stainless steel is a top choice for outdoor kitchen units as it can endure moisture, heat and rust. Wood is another common alternative and will bring a sense of nature, but you’ll need to ensure you go for a wood that’s suitable for the outdoors. Make sure it’s sealed and treated as well to prevent it from rotting. For the ultimate farmhouse feel, you could incorporate exposed bricks to cement the wood-based design. If you’re hoping to achieve a feeling of grandeur with your outdoor kitchen, concrete will add the wow factor and can handle rain and moisture no problem.

• Outdoor kitchen flooring

When it comes to outdoor kitchen flooring, safety is a big factor, so it’s important to choose materials that are not slippery when wet. Think about what’s used in the exterior of your home already. Stone and concrete tiles are go-to choices due to their beautiful aesthetic, uncompromising durability and excellent grip underfoot.

Creating overhead shelter for your kitchen will ensure that it’s usable all year round. Let’s be honest, even in summer, rainy showers happen, so a canopy will act as a great safety blanket if the weather doesn’t hold up. Not forgetting, of course, that it will provide shade in the summer and draw focus to your outdoor kitchen design. In terms of materials, a treated wooden slat canopy is a good choice as it won’t decay and will blend in seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Add a patio heater into the mix to create a cosy kitchen hideaway even when the temperature drops.

If you’re planning on having an outdoor kitchen sink, why not transform it into a focal point? After all, it’s a pretty special feature. Statement tiles can help make it the centre of attention while also doubling up as a stylish splashback. We’d recommend big and bold patterns for maximum impact. Or, you could add a huge hit of colour by incorporating a variety of vibrant tiles.

In terms of the sink itself, a large ceramic sink is a good choice due to its hard-wearing composition and statement design. It will also pair well with any interior style. For the tap, it’s best to choose one made out of a good quality stainless steel to provide maximum durability. Doing the dishes will never feel like a chore again when you’ve got a luxe washing up area and scenic natural views to enjoy.

The kitchen layout is key when it comes to your outdoor cooking station. Just like your indoor kitchen, there needs to be ample room when navigating between the different areas to make it safe and comfortable. It’s also important to think about positioning. Direct sunlight is not recommended for outdoor kitchens. This is because, not only will you have difficulty cooking while squinting in the scorching sun, appliances like refrigerators should not be placed in direct sunlight as they run the risk of heating up. Be sure to incorporate a generous amount of work surfaces for preparing food and storing utensils.

You could even give your set-up a restaurant feel by separating the dining and cooking areas into different zones. A statement table and chairs will mean family and guests will be able to socialise while watching you cook from afar. If you’re looking to incorporate a kitchen island into your design, you could transform it into a stylish bar area by adding stools. That way, friends and family can enjoy a drink while watching you in action.

Storage is always a good shout when it comes to creating your outdoor kitchen decor and will help to keep your work surfaces nice and tidy. Shelves will come in handy for when you need to reach for essential sauces or salt and pepper etc., saving you the hassle of having to keep going inside to fetch ingredients. It’s also worth considering closed storage units to get the most out of your space during the colder months. If you don’t want to store lots of items outside, consider investing in a couple of storage trolleys. These are ideal if you’re short on room, allowing you to manoeuvre them in and out as you need.

Hopefully, all of the above ideas have given you some inspiration when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen. For a close to real-life depiction of what your outdoor kitchen could look like, check out our kitchen planner. Or, book an appointment with us in-store at your nearest showroom.