Al fresco: This Italian expression literally means ‘in the fresh air’ and describes the trend towards cooking and eating outdoors. Preparing culinary delicacies in a carefully styled outdoor kitchen surrounded by family and friends – life doesn’t get better than this. Are you looking for ideas for your dream outdoor kitchen? You can find numerous tips to make evenings cooking for your loved ones a special experience here.
In this part of the world, barbecues are a steady trend. Whether you have a balcony or your own garden, BBQs have long been considered the epitome of cooking outdoors. However, the trend is now moving away from the more or less simple roasting flavours of the grill, as more and more households are opting for a fully furnished second kitchen in their garden.
Before you develop the ideas behind your design, we recommend carefully analysing the existing space and the structural conditions.
If there is enough space, you could incorporate a dining table next to the kitchen structure. You might want to keep the style consistent to ensure the entire space has a harmonious feel here. Do you want pure minimalism or a cosy and rustic ambiance?
The style choice will influence the use of materials. Stainless steel, faux concrete and aluminium paired with glass are great for minimalism, while wood and other natural materials create a nature-inspired look.
A kitchen worktop with bar stools is the perfect place for casual chats while you prep the food. This is also a great location for a celebratory meal.
Having the entire range of kitchen appliances guarantees you can make all dishes there and then. In addition to a hob, an oven and a grill, a refrigerator and sink need to be in the mix. A dishwasher will ensure that plates and cutlery from each course aren’t left lying around. It is important to have a practical worktop with plenty of room. There should also be storage space for crockery, glasses and cooking utensils.
A modern induction hob saves energy and is easier to use than a gas hob. When it comes to the grill, however, gas is the recommended energy source. Unlike charcoal, it is not tedious to ignite and also does not give off sooty smoke. The rule of thumb for fridges is it’s better to be too big than too small – ultimately, it needs to be big enough to cool drinks for your guests.
A natural-stone worktop is easy to clean, moisture-resistant and looks great in a natural setting. Elegant wood varieties for the kitchen fronts are a great match here. Having said this, natural stone also looks great with stainless steel and aluminium. Brushed metal surface finishes are easier to clean than high-gloss fronts.
During the design phase, please be aware that your outdoor kitchen will require various pipelines. You definitely need electricity and water in your kitchen. A gas grill could also be fired up using a gas cylinder, but the bottle will need to be replaced regularly. A gas pipeline is therefore more convenient, as long as there is a gas connection.
An outdoor cooking area on a roofed terrace is perfect because it means it can be used in all weathers. If this is not possible, you could design a versatile aluminium roof with glass elements. This would offer protection when the weather is bad, while also making the area look spacious and appealing.
A carefully designed, roofed outdoor kitchen can make a massive improvement to your quality of life. You can prepare feasts for family and friends outdoors in the fresh air in any weather. When it comes to the design, it is worth maximising the use of space. And in terms of appliances, the bigger, the better. The materials play a key role in the look and the functionality.
The first step is always to analyse the existing space and your requirements. This is how the initial ideas for an outdoor kitchen emerge.