Plan your ideal outdoor kitchen
Up your barbecue game this summer with a fully loaded cooking space complete with prep areas, and even the kitchen sink, that makes light work of eating alfresco
Ideas for summer cook-outs
Stay dry
Not convinced the British summer is compatible with outdoor cooking? Take it undercover. ‘A timber gazebo provides shelter from the elements, so a little rain needn’t dampen your fun,’ says Louisa Eggleston, creative director, Humphrey Munson. As long as you follow guidelines for size, height and distance from boundaries, planning permission isn’t generally required for a permanent gazebo. Check before you build, especially if you’re in a conservation area or your structure will affect neighbouring properties. Or, invest in a quality fold-away canvas gazebo or sail.
Wash and go
This outdoor kitchen, complete with sink and dishwasher, means crockery and glassware can be washed and stored in situ. If you’re running hot water from the house, make sure the pipes are insulated. ‘When closed, the kitchen is completely weather resistant, making it perfect for the UK,’ says Tony Young, creative director, Urban Outdoors.
Save space
Outdoor kitchens aren’t just for those blessed with huge gardens, as this streamlined urban design by Architecture for London shows. Sleek WWOO concrete shelves provide ample prep space and storage, with Oneq’s grilling system for flexible cooking. The shallow, wall-hung set up means there is plenty of space for guests to mingle.
Make it homely
Approach decorating your outdoor kitchen in the same way you would inside the house. Introduce colour, pattern and shape to create an inviting setting with a ‘living room’ feel, using all-weather materials. Here, a brick pizza oven provides a focal point and can be used all year, while the paint used has built-in weather resistance: masonry paint on the walls, and exterior-grade eggshell on the furniture. For flooring, go for durable non-slip frost-proof porcelain tiles, designed for outdoor use.
Raise the bar
No summer barbecue is complete without beverages, and a dedicated bar will allow guests to help themselves while you’re busy at the grill. A large ice bucket for bottles and cans is useful, while other handy features to consider include open shelves for cocktail supplies, hooks for utensils and enclosed storage for concealing the less attractive side of cooking outdoors, such as extra coal and firelighters.
Get tough worktops
Horizontal surfaces bear the brunt of the weather so it’s essential to choose worktops that can handle downpours, direct sunlight and frost. Low maintenance is also a key factor, especially as barbecue food is often greasy and can stain surfaces. Natural stone, quartz and concrete are all popular options, while large-format porcelain tiles are great for Diyers. Include a slight gradient to prevent rain pooling on the surface.