It’s the time of year many are considering how to upgrade their outdoor space to accommodate more time outside and the outdoor kitchen is often a focus. There’s nothing quite like grilling on the barbecue at the end of a scorching hot day, where the mess and smells remain outside and you can eat under the stars.

These days, outdoor kitchens come in all styles from the fully-equipped, shiny fit-out that can rival any interior kitchen to an old Webber sitting on a simple bench.  How do you decide what’s right for you when designing an outdoor kitchen?

We ask Trystan from Outdoor Establishments to share his top tips on designing a great outdoor kitchen for the summer days ahead.

  1. Like anything outdoors, durability is the key. When selecting a material for your bench top, go with something that can tolerate whatever gets thrown at it. Concrete is becoming a popular option, but selecting the right sealer is essential for keeping your new bench clean!
  1. If your outdoor kitchen is close to your house, keep it simple. A BBQ unit and small bar fridge will provide you with everything you need. Sinks and storage can often just take up valuable space and become just another thing that you will battle to keep clean.
  1. Lastly, consider room to socialise. Providing space for people to sit and chat like a bar with stools will mean the chef won’t get lonely while on duty. And the outcome of a happy chef…a perfectly cooked steak!

 

In addition to Trystan’s tips, here’s a few things to consider when designing your outdoor kitchen:

  • Set your budget before you start eyeing off fancy barbeque
  • Consider its location carefully
  • Make sure there’s enough room to move around
  • Select quality materials
  • Decide on the utilities you need i.e. gas, electricity
  • Ensure you have adequate lighting
  • Design it to be easy-to-clean
  • Create enough seating for your guests
  • Stuck for ideas – get a designers help!

Looking for inspiration to get started? Pop into an Eco Outdoor® showroom near you to view stone, barbeques, furniture and all things outdoors.