8 tips for planning your outdoor kitchen

Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular and it’s easy to see why, as they can elevate your garden and let you dine al fresco all year round.

At The OI we’ve got extensive experience in designing and fitting outdoor kitchens for homes in the West Midlands. So here are our top 8 tips for planning your very own outdoor kitchen.

Assess your garden space

The first thing you need to do when you're looking to implement an outdoor kitchen is to assess how much space you have in your garden. Even if you think you don’t have enough; through clever design you may be able to create a fully functional kitchen that meets all your cooking and hosting needs.

Think about what you consider as a necessity and a nice to have

When designing your dream outdoor kitchen you want to think about what you absolutely want to be included. Whether it’s for your own everyday enjoyment or you’re looking to host exceptional dinner parties you’ll want to consider everything you want to add to deliver these great experiences.

For example, you could implement an outdoor pizza oven, BBQ or drinks fridge to make this the perfect garden for you.

Here at The OI we have a range of BBQ’s and pizza ovens, such as The Bastard BBQ and the DeliVita Pizza Oven that could be the perfect addition to your outdoor kitchen.

Think about the materials you want to use

It’s important to consider what materials you want to use to get the most out of your outdoor kitchen. For example, at The OI, we use Cabinex products such as BBQ’s, kitchens and fridges that combine a sleek, modern design with materials that can withstand the British weather. Materials used within the Cabinex range are resistant to scratches, UV rays and the elements.

If you’re looking for a way to host fantastic gatherings, the BeefEater BBQ gives you plenty of room to cook up a feast. But don’t worry if you’re looking to host a more intimate event, you can use two or three burners on the BBQ instead.

If you’re fed up of walking in and out of the house to get more drinks, the 108 Litre bar fridge is designed for outdoor use and utilises a triple glazed glass door to sustain cool temperatures.

You’ll also want to consider covering your kitchen in the colder months by adding things like a:

  • Canopy
  • Pergola
  • Gazebo
  • Parasol

Purchasing everything in one place makes your life easier. So what better choice than purchasing a waterproof pergola for further protection of your outdoor garden with The OI. They’re designed to withstand the temperamental British weather and are retractable allowing you to enjoy cooking rain or shine.

Examples of materials you can use in your kitchen are:

  • Metal - Metal frames are the most popular option chosen for outdoor kitchens as they’re lightweight and efficient in terms of space. However, moisture and freeze thaw climates can cause weaknesses.
  • Wood - Wood is another popular material used, but can be susceptible to rot and termite due to it being outside.
  • Concrete blocks - These are strong, cope with various climates and are a non-combustible material meaning there’s no need to worry about it catching fire.

At The OI our products and building materials are specifically chosen to withstand different climates and guarantee you a long lasting dream outdoor kitchen.

What storage do you need?

Kitchen storage is essential to keeping your space clean and clear and gives you the perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality. Here are a few simple ways you can implement better storage in your outdoor kitchen:

  • Use cabinets that can withstand outdoor conditions
  • Logically order items so that you know what is kept where
  • Implement a place to store your bin so that waste doesn’t get in the way
  • Create enough counter top space so that it’s easy to keep clear

Pick a layout that works for you

Once you’ve considered what you want included, it’s time to think about your layout. If you’re wanting to include a sink, drinks fridge and BBQ in your outdoor kitchen, as well as storage cabinets, you’ll need to think about how you're going to implement this into the space you have available.

You’ll also want to consider:

  • How you can implement multiple access/exit points in case of an emergency
  • How you’re going to create good lighting so that you can cook and prepare food safely

How will you be cooking?

When planning your outdoor kitchen you’ll want to think about your preferred method of cooking. Do you want to slow cook meats or make fantastic pizzas in a pizza oven or do you want to mesmerise your guests with delicious BBQ’s?

Well at The OI we have a range of BBQ’s and pizza ovens that might just take your fancy.

The Bastard Outdoor BBQ

The Bastard is from a renowned Dutch company, known for its authentic Dutch design and is perfect for baking, braising, smoking and grilling.

You can choose from the classic range that’s designed for both personal and professional use and is available in three different sizes or the urban range that comes in five different sizes and is perfect for amateurs and professionals.

OFYR outdoor cooking equipment

OFYR is another Dutch brand known for its cooking equipment and furniture that embodies high performance and style. They utilise corten steel that’s resistant, strong and durable, helping it survive the unpredictable British weather.

DeliVita Pizza Ovens 

DeliVita Pizza Ovens are a British brand that deliver to the West Midlands and Warwickshire that design luxury pizza ovens and outdoor kitchen equipment.

The range is designed to cook meat, fish, pizza and vegetables at the perfect temperature to give it an authentic Italian flavour.

You can choose from the DeliVita Wood-Fired Oven, a portable pizza oven, or the DeliVita Pro that uses kiln-dried wood or the eco-friendly blue flame to create restaurant quality food.

Vlaze Outdoor Kitchens and BBQs

Vlaze Outdoor Kitchens and BBQs are a family run, luxury British brand that provides outdoor kitchens, supplies and furniture.

The brand offers both pizza ovens and BBQs that come with outdoor storage, a drinks trolley or a prep area.

To cover or not to cover, that is the question? 

As previously mentioned you’ll need to decide whether you want to cover your kitchen or leave it out in the open.

Things like pergolas, verandas and retractable glass roofs allow you to enjoy everything no matter the weather.

We can provide various coverings such as:

Louvered Pergola

The Louvered Pergola is a patio covering with blades that can be rotated up to 150° to give you the right amount of shade or sunlight. You can also add extras such as:

  • Retractable roof blades
  • Integrated tension zipped fabric screens
  • Glass sliding walls
  • Slatted composite walling

Glass verandas

Glass verandas can protect you from the wind and rain, meaning you don’t have to cancel your outdoor cooking plans when the UK weather inevitably changes.

They also allow you to link canopies together for a larger covered area and can be fitted in multiple ways such as:

  • Freestanding
  • Against a wall
  • Recessed
  • Integrated between two walls

Retractable glass roofs

Retractable glass roofs are strong and durable and allow gradual ventilation of the covered space. It’s also a non-seasonal system making it perfect for using all year round, so don’t think the summer is the only time you can hold exceptional gatherings!

What’s your style?

Think about the type of seating, lighting and finishing touches you want to add to your dream outdoor kitchen.

Do you want a breakfast bar or rattan? Do you want space for a table big enough for your friends and family to sit outside while you cook? After all, there’s no point in creating this amazing outdoor space if you’re going to eat inside.

In terms of lighting, of course you’ll need something bright enough to help you cook safely, but have you considered things like fairy lights, string lights or a fire pit for the perfect ambience to sit down and eat dinner.

Finally, have you considered what your final touches are? You could add soft furnishings, padded seating or candle holders to really make this your space.

So if you’re looking to create the perfect outdoor kitchen, contact The OI today to see how we can turn this into a reality.