If you love cooking in the sunshine and hosting in the garden, designing an outdoor kitchen should be high on your wish list, one that avoids you going indoors and out when summer guests arrive.
From built-in options to affordable standalone units, there are plenty of ways to get creative with this feature and fit both your budget and garden size.
To find out how you can make your dream come true Consider an outdoor kitchen Reality, we asked two experts about the design process, costs and where to cut and spend. We also spoke with a homeowner who built his own from scratch, collecting tips and tricks he’s learned along the way.
How do I design an outdoor kitchen?
1. Planning stage
Before you get to the fun part – choosing finishes, layouts and materials – Rupert King, Retail Sales Manager Hex LivingRecommend considering how you actually want to use the space.
Don’t just pick something because it’s aligned with the latest Garden trends; “The most successful outdoor kitchens are designed with lifestyle in mind,” he says.
With that in mind, consider this:
- How often the space will be used
- How many people do you usually entertain?
- Whether the kitchen is used in summer or all year round
- Exposure to wind, rain and sunlight
- Proximity to indoor kitchen
- Available utilities and power supply
- storage requirements
- Shelter and seating arrangements
“Starting with efficiency makes every other decision – from layout to appliances – feel more considered and relevant,” adds Rupert.
When Sam Dimmock from Hertfordshire decided to design his outdoor kitchen, location was a top priority at the planning stage and he decided to place it in a suntrap spot in his garden. “I would have liked to add a pergola when it’s raining, it blocks the sunlight.”
2. Choosing a layout
Getting the right layout for your outdoor kitchen is key, especially if you’re working with a small space. If you don’t feel confident, it’s worth working with a landscaper, kitchen designer or garden architect – to help you get the most out of this new addition.
“The best outdoor kitchens are designed to encourage interaction rather than isolate the cook from the guests. Creating a clearly defined zone “Helps the space feel organized while maintaining a natural social flow for cooking, dining and relaxing,” says Rupert King.
“The island layout and integrated seating work particularly well because they allow guests to comfortably gather around the cooking area, making the experience more interactive and informal.”
As an avid BBQer, Sam Dimmock designed his layout around his outdoor oven. “I made sure there was enough space to store my Kamado Egg BBQ, rotisserie and various grills, as well as utensils, cleaning tools and firelighters.”
3. Selection of materials
Your outdoor kitchen needs to be hardy enough to withstand any weather conditions the UK throws at it – whether it’s torrential rain, six inches of snow or baking sun. With that in mind, make sure you Worktop materialCabinets and worktops are fully weatherproof and come with strong warranties or guarantees where possible.
Rupert King’s top recommendation is porcelain, which is highly resistant to UV exposure, moisture, stains and temperature fluctuations. While natural stone and wood can look aesthetically pleasing and full of character, be warned that they generally require more maintenance and ongoing care.
“Outdoor kitchens face very different environmental conditions to indoor spaces, so durability should carry just as much weight as appearance,” he adds.
As a budget-friendly alternative to traditional worktops, Sam Dimmock took his porcelain paving slabs to the countertops, creating a seamless – and affordable – look for his outdoor kitchen.
“At some point I’d like to add that Granite worktopBut porcelain works well now,” he says. “I chose stainless steel built-in cabinet doors because they’re durable, weatherproof and match my BBQ.”
Rupert is Retail Sales Manager at HEX Living, bringing over 20 years of experience in the outdoor living and leisure sector. Prior to joining HEX Living, Rupert owned and operated a successful business specializing in the manufacture of high quality wooden outdoor furniture, supplying garden centres, major retail chains and the education sector across the UK.
Where do I spend and save on an outdoor kitchen?
While it’s possible to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget, according to Rupert King, there are some areas that shouldn’t be overlooked.
where to spend
- Sturdy worktops
- High quality cabinetry
- good Garden lighting
- power supply
- metal parts
- Reliable devices
where to save
- Accessories
- Style pieces
- secondary devices
Shop these outdoor kitchen accessories
Every outdoor kitchen needs a drinks fridge, and this one by Haier has an anti-UV door and room for 34 bottles.
Forget juggling 100s of spices and utensils in and out of the house – this caddy makes it easy to carry everything together
Weatherproof and tear-resistant, this three-layer cover will keep your outdoor chairs protected all year round.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
An outdoor kitchen can cost anywhere Between £300 and £40,000According to Joanne Bull, marketing manager for KönigOutdoor.
We appreciate this wide range, but she says it will depend on whether you choose a simple brick-built unit, or a design-led kitchen. Integrated devices and bespoke cabinets.
Joanne Bull is Marketing Manager at KönigOutdoor.
How much space do you need to add an outdoor kitchen?
“We’ve installed outdoor kitchens on small rooftop terraces for sprawling country gardens, so don’t be deterred if it doesn’t fit into a large garden,” says Joanne Bull. “A A 3m x 3m space is sufficient For a compact, yet comfortable setup with cooking appliances, cabinetry and worktops.”
What are some common mistakes people make when designing an outdoor kitchen?
Let’s take a look at the most common mistakes people make when designing an outdoor kitchen, so you can avoid them:
1. Not doing enough research on the material: Your outdoor kitchen needs to withstand all kinds of weather conditions throughout the year, so you can’t just pick any old material. It’s durable, weatherproof and requires little maintenance – otherwise, you’ll end up replacing it after a year.
2. Not allowing adequate storage and preparation space: Joanne Bull says many people neglect this, resulting in “plates, utensils and ingredients being carried back and forth in the indoor kitchen,” which defeats the whole point of the feature.
3. Poor condition: This can appear as “a lack of shelter from the wind, a drinks fridge placed in direct sunlight or smoke drifting directly into the open. Bifold doors“
There’s a lot to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen, but with the right planning and the right key materials, you’ll be well on your way to creating something beautiful, long-lasting, and built to make memories.
For more practical advice and design inspiration, browse through this brilliant Garden Bar Ideas or learn How to make a garden room.
