Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners in the UK. They provide an excellent space for entertaining guests, cooking delicious meals, and enjoying the great outdoors. Here, we’ll guide you through the process of designing a functional, stylish outdoor kitchen that suits the unique climate and style of UK gardens.
Understanding the UK Outdoor Environment
Before you start, it’s crucial to understand the UK’s outdoor environment and how it affects the design of your outdoor kitchen. The climate in the UK is generally mild, but it can be notoriously unpredictable. Rainfall is frequent, and while summers can be warm, they are often punctuated by wet weather.
An outdoor kitchen in the UK needs to be designed with these conditions in mind. It should be able to withstand frequent rain, potential frost in winter, and variable temperatures. Using weather-resistant materials for the kitchen structure and appliances will ensure longevity and reduce maintenance.
Shelter is another important consideration. A canopy or pergola will protect your kitchen and its users from both sun and rain, and can also act as a design feature. They can be dressed up with climbing plants, fairy lights or heaters for a cosy atmosphere.
Choosing the Right Layout
The layout of your outdoor kitchen is key to its functionality. It should be designed in a way that allows for easy movement and efficient cooking.
The layout will largely depend on the size of your garden and the features you want in your kitchen. However, a popular choice is the L-shape design, which provides plenty of workspace and is great for entertaining. It typically includes a cooking area with a grill and possibly a pizza oven or smoker, a preparation area with a sink and countertop, and a dining or bar area.
The layout should also consider the view and orientation of the sun. Ideally, the cooking area should be positioned out of the wind and the seating area should face the best view and get the evening sun.
Selecting the Right Appliances
The appliances you choose for your outdoor kitchen will determine its functionality. Consider what type of cooking and food preparation you plan on doing.
For grilling enthusiasts, a high-quality barbecue is a must. Look for one with multiple burners and a good-size cooking area. Other popular appliance options for outdoor kitchens include pizza ovens, smokers, and outdoor refrigerators.
It’s important to remember that all appliances need to be suitable for outdoor use and resistant to the UK weather conditions. Stainless steel is a popular choice for outdoor kitchen appliances due to its durability and easy maintenance.
Incorporating Storage Space
Including ample storage in your outdoor kitchen design will increase its functionality. It will provide space for utensils, cookware, and outdoor dinnerware, and can also be used to store ingredients, condiments, and beverages.
Drawers and cupboards can be built into your outdoor kitchen structure, but it’s important to ensure they are sealed and weatherproof to protect items from the weather. Alternatively, you could opt for open shelving for easy access, but remember to consider coverings to protect items when not in use.
Styling Your Outdoor Kitchen
The aesthetic design of your outdoor kitchen should complement both your home and garden. This can be achieved by using similar materials and colours to those found in your home, or by creating a completely unique look that still blends in with the surrounding landscape.
Plants and greenery can be used to soften the look of the kitchen and help it blend into the garden. An outdoor rug or colourful cushions on the seating can add a touch of style and comfort.
Lighting is another crucial design element. It not only makes the kitchen usable in the evening, but can also create a great atmosphere. String lights, lanterns, or in-built LED lights under the countertop are all great options.
Remember, when it comes to designing your outdoor kitchen, it’s all about creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. It should be a place where you enjoy cooking, dining, and spending time with family and friends, regardless of the weather.
Safety Considerations for Your Outdoor Kitchen
Safety is paramount when designing your outdoor kitchen. Ensuring your cooking space is not only stylish and functional but also safe, is essential.
Firstly, ensure your outdoor kitchen is a safe distance from your home and any combustible materials, such as fences or trees. This will minimise the risk of accidental fires spreading. Gas grills and pizza ovens, especially, can reach high temperatures and should be placed carefully.
Secondly, the kitchen’s layout should include a clear, safe path between the cooking and seating areas, with no tripping hazards. Outdoor kitchens can get busy, particularly when entertaining, so make sure there’s plenty of room for people to move about safely.
Thirdly, lighting is crucial for safety. Make sure your outdoor kitchen is well lit, particularly in the cooking area to avoid accidents when preparing food. Consider installing task lighting above your grill and prep area, and ambient lighting around the seating area for a safe and enjoyable evening ambiance.
Lastly, keep children’s safety in mind. If you have children or your visitors often do, consider incorporating a physical barrier or safety gate to keep them at a safe distance from the cooking facilities.
Maintenance of Your Outdoor Kitchen
Maintenance should be a key consideration during the design stage of your outdoor kitchen to ensure longevity and continued safety of your outdoor cooking space.
The materials you choose for your outdoor kitchen should be durable, easy to clean, and weather-resistant. Stainless steel, as mentioned earlier, is a popular choice for appliances due to its easy maintenance. Similarly, granite or concrete countertops are popular for their durability and easy maintenance.
Your outdoor kitchen should be cleaned regularly to ensure it remains a safe and hygienic place to prepare food. The grill should be cleaned after each use to prevent a build-up of grease which could become a fire hazard.
In terms of weather-related maintenance, consider covers for your appliances and furniture to protect them from the elements when not in use. There are numerous stylish and practical options available to prevent damage from rain, frost, and strong sun.
Designing a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor kitchen for UK gardens involves considering the unique UK climate, choosing a functional layout, selecting suitable appliances, incorporating storage space, styling for aesthetics and ensuring safety and maintenance considerations are met.
Remember, your outdoor kitchen should be a welcoming extension of your home, where you can cook, dine and entertain in style, whatever the UK weather may throw at you. With careful planning and design, you can create an outdoor kitchen that is not only stylish but also highly functional, safe, and easy to maintain. So, go ahead and embrace the outdoors, start planning your dream outdoor kitchen today.