What is an outdoor kitchen?
At the risk of sounding obvious, an outdoor kitchen is a space for cooking and socialising al fresco that’s incorporated into a garden or patio and which remains in place at least semi-permanently. It’s a dedicated culinary zone, rather than, say, a portable barbecue which you put away once you’ve finished with it. In a nutshell, you bring all the function and style of an interior kitchen outside.
So you’ll typically have built-in cooking appliances from barbecues to grills, hobs and pizza ovens, along with some food prep space and worktops. You might also want to include weatherproof cabinets and even an outdoor sink or fridge, reducing the number of times you have to run back indoors.
In terms of layout, you could go for a single line of units, especially if your patio is pretty compact. However, L and U-shaped designs are also popular, as are ‘island’ styles with a central cooking station, often with bar seating to accommodate guests.
Can I still install an outdoor kitchen in the autumn?
Yes, you can indeed make an outdoor kitchen work all year round, because of the weather, rather than despite it.
And while you may think you can only fit an outdoor kitchen in the spring or summer, in fact there are a number of benefits to doing the job in early autumn. For example:
- Better contractor availability: Builders and landscapers often get fully booked up during the peak periods for outdoor kitchen installation, i.e. spring and early summer. This rush slows down once September kicks in, making it possible to finish your project more quickly.
- Easier sourcing: Specialist materials and appliances are not as likely to be back-ordered as could be the case in May or June.
- More comfortable weather: Landscapers and others won’t be working in the throes of a summer heatwave, making conditions more comfortable (and therefore more productive) all round.
- Stable ground conditions: Equally, you won’t be facing the freezing or potentially waterlogged ground of winter time. So assembly and foundation digging should become far more straightforward.
- All set for next year: Fit your kitchen now and you won’t lose any precious spring or summer time next year. You’ll be all set up and ready to go the minute the nice weather rolls round again.
- Cosier ambience: Whether you have a charcoal grill or a wood-fired oven, cooking and eating outside can feel more atmospheric on a cooler autumn day than during the full blaze of summer.
Staying comfortable during the cooler months
You can stay comfortable with outdoor lighting, a fire pit and a sturdy canopy or pergola to provide protection from the elements without closing off the space, and, for example, you could choose an aluminium or timber frame.
The latter could have louvres or side screens to keep out any autumnal rain, wind or chill. Consider adding electric or patio heaters.
Layering textiles such as waterproof blankets, throws and cushions will enhance the cosy feel. You could also have fairy lights, lanterns and scented candles, perhaps wafting around a seasonal aroma such as clove, apple or cinnamon.
There’s also potential for appropriate decoration, whether that’s pumpkins, Halloween elements, rustic foliage or Christmas ornaments when the time comes.
What to cook outside in autumn
There are myriad options for hearty, warm and comforting dishes made al fresco, from beef and ale stew to a campfire chilli or a chorizo and bean bake.
Jacket potatoes and bangers are, of course, ideal for an occasion such as Bonfire Night. You could also roast root vegetables or chicken and grill or smoke a range of meat dishes.
When it comes to pudding, consider dishes such as baked apples or toasting marshmallows.
Fit your outdoor kitchen this autumn with AS Landscapes
With more than two decades’ experience to our name, we at award-winning AS Landscapes are a Surrey-based landscape design and build firm. And in terms of outdoor kitchens, we work with many different high-quality materials to create an end result that’s the perfect fit for you, your property and your lifestyle.
We also supply pergolas, garden furniture, lighting and heating for outside spaces, among other features.
Get in touch
Visit our Surrey show garden and chat to us in person about your project.
Contact us to book an appointment or to tell us more about your landscaping and design needs.
We cover Ascot, Windsor and the surrounding areas across Hampshire and Berkshire as well as Surrey.