We are still in the early stages for homeowners in the UK and for some the idea of outdoor living is still an aspiration and not a reality. Maybe it has been thrust upon us quickly with Covid forcing us to look at our home life in much more detail and to rethink the way we live. Gardens and the way we use them has changed forever and this has meant an influx in outdoor related businesses and products flooded into the UK market. Let’s have a look at what you need to think about when installing an outdoor kitchen at home.
Key considerations
The first key factor is to consider if this will be a stand alone project or part of a bigger garden design. For some the garden has been landscaped and there is adequate space which is firm and level for a kitchen to be housed. For others a new area will be needed. Whatever stage you are at with outdoors it is all about the interactions with family, friends and food. The cooking and eating should be close enough to each other so the interactions between the two areas can flow. Like open plan kitchens, it's important to allow this flow and at the same time design the space so its safe, easier to use and easy to clean. Including a drinks fridge, for example, which is easy for all to access without cutting across the chef is clever planning.
Next to consider is shelter, heat and light. Outdoor kitchens are not for the odd sunny day. They should be available to use and comfortable for all. There are lots of ways to achieve this and one of the most popular is a louvered pergola. These come in many sizes, finishes and options. You can add heat and light which will allow you to extend the party into the late evenings but also allow you to get the most use out of the investment. Pergolas are certainly the most popular at the moment but fixed structures, fabrics, garden rooms and parasols are all great to keep you protected and happy cooking in different weather conditions.
Now onto material. For me it should be fully weatherproof and with good guarantees. Stainless steel is the obvious choice to stop rust but it will depend on your budget. At the mid to top end of outdoor kitchens they are made to take extremes of heat and cold, cope with rain, wind and snow plus the dreaded UV which can bleach and fade products. Traditionally outdoor kitchens in the UK have been built out of wood, granite and brick. With the influx of European designs and blending the outdoor space with indoors, outdoor kitchens have had to grow up and modernise. The look has changed to maybe more of the look of an indoor kitchen and so material choices are a key factor. Porcelain worktops are easy to clean, take heat well and cope with stains UV and scratches easily. Always ask what the kitchen is made of, how weatherproof they are and what guarantees they come with.
Now for something more exciting, choosing appliances!
I think most people in the UK have had a BBQ before. It could have been gas, wood, coal or a combination. It could have been a makeshift build, a portable version or even a throwaway type bought from a supermarket with the burgers. Now though there is a whole host of options to cope with changing cooking styles and new techniques. It's really popular to have more than one cooking appliance. Gas grills are still popular for cooking quick foods like burgers and sausages and often are combined with Komado charcoal grills (often known as eggs). The Komado grills are versatile, allow low temperature cooking and smoking. Cooking something like Brisket on the Komado for 8 hours and then finishing quick things on the gas is a great and flexible way to cover all dishes. Pizza ovens are also very popular as we love pizza in the UK and they are also great to get everyone involved. Again these have developed a lot of the years and the choice of fuel and size is huge. Also accessories like Pizza stones, rotisseries, teppans and woks are available for Komado and gas grills so the accessories for outdoor kitchens are very important. The best way to decide is to try and understand what you want to cook, attend some demonstrations or training days and then discuss it with a professional.
Do I need a sink is asked a lot. For some it is just not possible and another way of cleaning hands and staying hygienic should be considered. If you can get water to the kitchen area, even if its just cold then a sink is really useful and should be considered. The same with a fridge. Ideally, if budget and space allows, a fridge makes things easier and is nicer when entertaining, but it's not essential.
The price of your investment
Lastly, I would say consider the cost. Due to the materials of outdoor kitchens, they need some investing in. Each item within your project needs to be allowed for and research will certainly help with this. Finding the extra funds to buy a quality outdoor kitchen, built to last in all conditions and to be used all year round, will in the long run be worth the investment. A quality modular outdoor kitchen like the examples shown in the images will easily last over 15 years and can be easily taken with you if you move.
In conclusion outdoor kitchens are exciting, can add value and are growing in popularity in the UK. Research, good planning and the use of quality materials will mean your outdoor project will give you years and years of fun. You never know the indoor kitchen may take second fiddle to your new outdoor entertaining space. Your garden will certainly be the place to be!
