Five features to create a luxury outdoor kitchen space for alfresco dining

Alfresco dining and cooking as become more popular over the last few years as British summers get warmer and more reliable.

Rather than being stuck indoors on a beautiful, sunny summer day, an outdoor kitchen allows Britons to prepare food outside while socialising with their guests.

Before embarking on an outdoor kitchen project, there are a plethora of aspects homeowners need to think about including appliances, layout and design.

With this in mind, Looeeze Grossman, the founder of The Used Kitchen Company has shared exclusively with Express.co.uk how Britons can create their own outdoor kitchen.

1. What to include in an outdoor kitchen

Looeeze suggested prioritising food preparation areas and dedicated worktop spaces where meat, vegetables and other food can easily be prepared.

READ MORE: DEAL OF THE DAY: Aldi is selling premium BBQ kitchen – under £600

Homeowners should aim to only have a small distance to walk between the area they prepare food, and where they intend to cook it.

She continued: “An absolute must is durable and weather-resistant furniture. When it rains, or when temperatures dip in the winter, you want to ensure your furniture is given maximum protection, so invest in good quality furniture pieces that will last more than just one season.

“Plan your storage. Chopping boards, knives, serving platters and other frequently used items should be stored in an easily accessible way, on open shelves, in drawers or cupboards to enable you to streamline your cooking flow.”

2. Appliances

Appliances are an important part of any kitchen. To choose the right ones, homeowners will need to think about what they plan to use their outdoor kitchens for.

For example, those who love the idea of pulling out a hot stone-baked pizza fresh from the oven may want to think about installing a pizza oven.

Those who love chargrilled food and want to grill juicy steaks in their garden may want to add an additional open grill to their barbecue.

Other appliances to include are fridges, freezers and icemakers, which could be especially for those who don’t have space for them indoors.

Looeeze continued: “The beauty of an outdoor kitchen is that not only does it act as an extension of your indoor one; it can also be versatile on the budget front, leaving you fully in control as you decide how much, or little, you want to invest in it.

“Whether your budget only stretches to a BBQ and seating area, or you have ambitious plans for a full outdoor kitchen, you decide how much money to allocate to your outdoor kitchen project.”

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3. Kitchen layout and design

It’s important to think about how many kitchen units you will need and the configuration of these units, into a design that is easy to navigate.

Looeeze said outdoor kitchens are pretty modular, so homeowners can easily create distinct zones for different functions, such as the food preparation area, cooking area and a socialising area.

She said: “Allocate a space for comfortable seating and dining where you and your guests can enjoy eating al fresco.

“Seating is so important when thinking about your outdoor space. From comfortable dining chairs, cosy loungers to spacious sectional sofas, choose designs that maximise comfort and create a welcoming ambiance whilst optimising space in the most efficient manner.”

4. Create a cosy space

An inviting outdoor kitchen area can be created using accent lighting. Those planning on entertaining could invest in a corner sofa, sun loungers strewn with oversize cushions or even a hanging swing seat.

5. Shade and protection

The English weather can be unpredictable so it’s important to think about protection and shade. A strategically positioned pergola, cantilever parasol or purpose-built canopy means Britons can still cook a barbecue even if it rains. Outdoor kitchens will undoubtedly be exposed to the elements, which is why it is important to protect it.

There are outdoor kitchen covers that are weatherproof, and some that are custom-made, so there is protection available for any type of shape.

Looeeze added: “You can further enhance your outdoor space with the addition of a fire-pit. This feature brings a touch of celebrity-inspired luxury to your garden, elevating its overall appearance.

“Not only does it provide a high-end aesthetic, but it also serves the practical purpose of keeping your guests cosy and warm as the sun sets, or even before.”

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