With their ability to add up to 15% to the value of a property and blend the indoor and outdoor worlds, outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity across the UK. Equally, today’s market embraces myriad choices and options, from high-end bespoke constructions to modular, DIY alternatives. So if you want to transform a fairly standard backyard into a year-round, high-functioning culinary space, there are plenty of ways of doing just that.
There’s been a shift towards more striking and individual colours for outdoor kitchens, while it’s also worth thinking in terms of robust, non-porous materials, with porcelain worktops being a case in point. Homeowners are also increasingly investing in covered areas such as louvred pergolas to maintain functionality in all weathers.
But what features could you incorporate in your al fresco cooking space – and are they really worth the investment? Here are some ideas:
- Integrated smart lighting
Consider dimmable LED lighting solutions with app or voice control. You can set these to suit varied moods, improve security and make your space usable late into the night.
- A high-end pizza oven
These give you the flexibility to bake, roast and more as well as, of course, cook pizzas. Some use smart technology to manage temperature, while modern ovens heat up very quickly. Meanwhile, with some app-controlled grills, you can even control them from your mobile. And hybrid models combine gas for speed with charcoal options for taste, giving you the best of both worlds.
- Structures which shrug off the weather
Especially in the UK, if you have an area which is at least partially covered, you enjoy year-round protection from the elements. One idea to consider would be motorised louvres, which mean you can adjust for airflow and sunlight.
Other weather-resistant structures to mull over include fridges designed for outdoor use. Equally, you may want to look into integrated storage and cabinetry for your outdoor kitchen. Cabinets can be made from polyethylene or stainless steel, for example.
- Think stylish durability for your materials
There are a number of options here from which to take your pick, including:
- Dekton worktops – these are ultra-compact and shrug off the impact heat, scratches and UV rays, so this material is a top choice for exterior surfaces.
- Porcelain countertops – non-porous, durable and resistant to heat and staining, these are another sought-after option.
- Stainless steel – this stuff is durable and low-maintenance, and won’t rust or corrode, even in the dampest environment.
- Let there be light (and water)
If you have a plumbed-in sink, this will be a huge convenience in terms of not having to traipse inside every time you want to prep food or wash your hands.
And don’t forget lighting, so that you can use your al fresco kitchen from dusk onwards. Have a think about below-counter lighting, spot and string lights.
Talking of electrics, you’ll also want to think about built-in sockets and USB ports to power blenders, speakers and anything else. Pop-up sockets have a smart, clean look when you’re not using them.
In conclusion, your open-air cooking area will need some planning if you are to maximise its use. Start off with a high-quality grill, durable worktops and weather-resistant cabinets. If you’re contemplating some ‘extras’, a pizza oven, fridge and/or drinks station and pergola could be worth splashing out on, as could some warming drawers.
Finally, a modular space allows you to kick off with the basics before you add the ‘nice-to-have’ features.
An outside kitchen from AS Landscapes
With roots which go back to 2008, we at Surrey-based AS Landscapes have operated in the industry for years, also covering Ascot and Windsor, with a particular presence in Cobham, Woking and Guildford.
We specialise in hard landscaping, including outdoor kitchens. Get in touch for a chat today – and start looking forward to cooking, eating and socialising outdoors this summer. We could have your kitchen built sooner than you think.