Are you planning an outdoor kitchen? Outdoor kitchens are all the rage right now, and it’s easy to see why. Outdoor living spaces can be a great way to enjoy your garden all year, host get-togethers with friends and family, or just cook up some good food on a nice day.
It doesn’t matter if you have a small garden or have acres of land (a girl can dream!) there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your outdoor space.
How Much Does An Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
Setting a budget is the first thing you need to do. Prices can vary from as little as a few hundred pounds for a small DIY basic set up, all the way up to and over £20,000 for a custom-built luxury outdoor kitchen.
Don’t forget to factor in any landscaping or plumbing and electrics costs.
It’s essential to set yourself a budget; it’s easy to get carried away when designing the perfect outdoor space!
Where To Locate An Outdoor Kitchen
The best location for an outdoor kitchen depends on what your goals are. If you are looking to entertain guests, you will need plenty of space and seating, so allow for this. If it only gets occasional use for a small household, then a more compact set up will suffice.
Environmental factors should also come into play when making this decision, such as sun exposure and protection from the wind and rain.
Depending on the layout of your garden, you might be able to build some decking in one corner or area and make that your outdoor kitchen space.
Consider The Style
There are plenty of different outdoor kitchen styles you could go with, from modern contemporary designs, or modern farmhouse, to a Spanish style. You can consider it as an extension of your house style and think about how it will blend in with your home.
Outdoor Kitchen Layouts
Once you have decided on the location and style, you can get into the enjoyable part of designing the layout!
Depending on what type of outdoor kitchen you are aiming for, it might make sense to divide the space up into areas;
Cooking area – this is where your choice or choices of cooking appliances will be located; BBQ, Pizza Oven, Fire Pit, Grill etc.
Food prep and washing up area – if you have the space to accommodate a sink and countertop.
Fridge area – a small outdoor fridge to store beer, wine and any other cool drinks are helpful. If you don’t have outdoor electricity or space, you can either use your indoor fridge or set up a large container filled with ice to keep any drinks cool.
Seating area – this should be far away enough from the cooking area so that your guests aren’t smothered in smoke, but
Choose The Best Materials
Think about how resistant they are to the great British weather, as well as where your outdoor kitchen is located in the garden. Will it be under a tree that will drop a lot of sap on it? Also, are you near the sea? This could affect the lifespan of your alfresco kitchen!
Will You Need Any Electrics Or Plumbing?
Depending on the scale of your project, you might need plumbing and electrics. This needs to be thought about at the planning and budget stage. Think about lighting, fridges and any outdoor sinks.
Outdoor Cooking Appliances
Make a list of cooking appliances you want to include. There are plenty of ways to cook outside;
- BBQ (gas or charcoal)
- Pizza Oven
- Fire Pit
- Outdoor Dutch Oven
Outdoor Seating
This is where you and your guests will be hanging out, so make it comfy! You can add a simple patio table and chair set or a garden sofa set if you have space and budget. You could even create a real chillout zone and have a swinging chair set and hammock to relax in.
Think about gazebos and parasols to offer protection from the sun as well as the rain! For the cooler evenings, think about adding a patio heater or fire pit to keep everyone warm.
Outdoor Lighting
If you don’t already have outdoor lighting set up, think about some wall lights or freestanding lights. Fairy and string lighting add a magical atmosphere to an outdoor gathering! Consider solar lighting if you aren’t able to get electricity to your outdoor kitchen spot.
Outdoor Heating
Even on the warmest of British days, it’s wise to have some heating in place for the evenings! Options include patio heaters, fire pits or a chiminea.
Plants and Accessories
As well as the lighting, some carefully chosen plants and accessories can transform an outdoor space. Lanterns, water features and other garden ornaments can all create the perfect outdoor atmosphere!
Outdoor Kitchen Storage
When your outdoor kitchen isn’t in use, make sure you protect it from the weather. Think about storing the more oversized items like seating and appliances and the smaller accessories like lighting, plates, and cooking utensils.