The appeal of alfresco cooking has captured the imaginations of homeowners throughout the UK. And cooking outdoors, out in nature, with some fresh air, sounds good. Outdoor kitchens are not just a trend but a way of life. If you ever wished you had a place to prepare a meal outside, look no further than the backyard outdoor kitchens! These kitchens extend your home by allowing you to have fun cooking outside in your backyard; you bring the indoor party outside. In this feature, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about building the ideal outdoor kitchen for the UK, from garage conversions and building a kitchen in a small space to the design and layout of an outdoor kitchen.
Why Outdoor Kitchens Are Gaining Popularity in the UK
In recent years, outdoor kitchens have become a popular addition to homes throughout the UK. Given the unpredictable nature of British weather, outdoor cooking might seem like a trend that’s come out of left field, but the human desire for back-to-nature cooking and spending more time outdoors has brought it to the fore. Suitable for summer barbecues, winter evenings spent sitting around with friends and families, or eating alone and for breakfast, outdoor kitchens are inspired by a new and unusual way of enjoying food while cooking.
Frequently, outdoor kitchens are built around the same equipment as indoor kitchens, such as a grill, oven, or refrigerator, and their floor plans are usually similar to those of indoor kitchens. In addition, outdoor kitchen designs are made to endure weather conditions, ensuring the ability to enjoy cooking and dining in the great outdoors all year round.
But don’t despair if you have little space in your house or garden! Outdoor kitchens can be built in various creative ways, from a garage conversion to shaping a kitchen in your small backyard. We’ll delve deeper and check out some hands-on options for building your ideal outdoor kitchen.
Garage Conversions: From Overlooked Space to Culinary Paradise
If you have some unused space in your garage, you may consider transforming it into an outdoor kitchen. The garage conversion is undoubtedly the most popular type of conversion in the UK, and this is because it is a simple way to add more space to a domestic property. This is an ideal solution for homeowners with small outdoor spaces or who want a year-round outdoor kitchen protected from the sun or rain.
One of the main benefits of converting a garage is the ability to utilise what you already have, saving you money on expensive structural build-outs. In a garage conversion, you can ensure the space suits your needs, including a full kitchen, a small bar, or even an entire BBQ section.
You could have generous bi-fold doors that open out onto the garden, meaning that when the sun is shining, you can relax in large open-plan spaces while always having that connection to the outdoors. Large windows can be fixed to allow natural light and airflow. By throwing in a few outdoor elements, like wood counters, stone tiles and metal shelving, your repurposed garage will be as homey as an al fresco kitchen. The end product is a beautiful, practical kitchen that you can use in all seasons.
For a more rustic or old-world vibe, exposed beams or natural stone elements can lend a charm factor. With some construction work, you can have outdoor appliances such as a built-in grill, pizza oven, or even an outdoor sink. For those with no space or budget for a larger construction project, a garage conversion is an excellent option for building an outdoor kitchen off the house.
Building in small spaces: How to make the most of your outdoor area
Not everyone can boast a spacious backyard, and if you live in a townhouse or a smaller home, it may feel like a full-blown outdoor kitchen is not in the cards. That small-space build doesn’t mean you must sacrifice the dream of an outdoor cooking area. Use your imagination, and you can even find a way to use the smallest outdoor space to create efficient outdoor kitchens.
More modest outdoor spaces aim to maximise every square inch. Begin with space-saving appliances like small grills, collapsible countertops, or double-duty storage. A small outdoor kitchen may be as functional as a larger one if designed to be efficient. Add vertical storage solutions, such as wall-mounted shelves or hanging pot racks, to free up your floor space.
Small outdoor kitchens call for small grills, but as long as you’re cooking for your immediate family, you won’t need much more than this. These gadgets have the same functions as their bigger cousins but won’t overcrowd your countertop. When creating a kitchen in a small outdoor space, slick, minimalistic designs are perfect as they are aesthetically pleasing to the eye but don’t create a cluttered look that lessens an area.
Consider adding fold-up tables, collapsible counter space, and pull-out drawers if space is a concern. These features enable you to make the most of your space without feeling like the kitchen is cramped. Whether you’re outfitting a cosy cooking nook for twosomes or a mini kitchen for family hangouts, thoughtful design and the right equipment can take the food-and-drink fun to another level.
Seating can be quite a problem in a small living space. Eschew large dining tables for built-in bench seating or small bistro sets. These are compact space-saving options but provide ample space for a cosy dinner.
Your Outdoor Kitchen — The Right Mix of Function & Flair
Whether you have acres of space or a postage-stamp-sized terrace, creating the perfect outdoor kitchen requires planning. The first step is finding the proper location. The best place for your outdoor kitchen is right off your indoor kitchen, so you have easy access to all the ingredients, pots, pans you’ll need to take out and bring back inside. Think about which way the wind and sun will be coming from and the shape of your garden as a whole.
Once you know where you want your kitchen, consider what appliances and features you’d like it to include. Most outdoor kitchens will have a grill or BBQ as part of the configuration. Still, you will probably also look for one with additional functionality, such as a built-in pizza oven, sink, or refrigerator. These units will provide precisely what you require to complete your outdoor Kitchenette.
You can also add work surfaces of tough materials such as granite or stone. They’re also practical and quite stylish, bringing an element of sophistication to your outdoor room. If you’re low on storage space, search for outdoor weather-resistant cabinets. Due to its durability, ease of cleaning and resistance to the elements, stainless steel is a common choice for outdoor kitchens.
Another factor to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen is how it will be lit. Outdoor kitchens are frequently used late at night, so these waterproof lights are necessary for functionality and atmosphere. Put task lighting in cooking areas and around sinks so you can see when you’re preparing food, and do ambient lighting around seating areas to set the mood.
Finally, consider how the aesthetics of your outdoor kitchen design will beautify the home and garden. The materials, colours, and configuration should be extensions of your style while harmonising with your surroundings.
Conclusion: The Perfect Outdoor Kitchen is in the Store
An outdoor kitchen in the UK is a fantastic and worthwhile project; it will transform your home and add considerable value. Whether you build a garage conversion, fit a small-space construction, or construct a full-fledged outdoor kitchen, the options are endless. With thoughtful consideration and proper planning, you can create a practical and visually appealing space where you will be happy to cook, entertain, and socialise during the warm months and even into the cooler winters.
An outdoor kitchen – a place to make memories with family and friends – is also one of the best investments to make for a home. So, plan that outdoor kitchen now, and have the perfect cooking space beneath the stars in no time.
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