Earlier this year we were asked to design an outdoor kitchen for one of our clients. It was a great project to be part of and has really made us want to take our outdoor entertaining up a gear. What a set up!
The design
This outdoor kitchen forms part of a stunning outdoor recreation and entertainment space with a pool, dining and lounging areas.
Our client wanted the kitchen to be fully functional, have capacity for large-scale entertaining and feel connected to the space around it. The kitchen was to incorporate two large grills and three fridges; one for drinks and two for meat. This is the party house we all want an invite too!
Another key element to the brief was to design a space that kept the cooking zone and the bar area separate. As a keen cook, our client wanted to avoid guests accessing the food preparation and cooking area whilst it was busy in use. However, he wanted for whoever was cooking to still feel connected to guests and the party.
The U-shape kitchen is the perfect solution here. An island set up makes it too easy for guests to mingle around all sides of it, making it harder for the cook to maintain their preparation and cooking area. With this design, we put the breakfast bar area at the base of the ‘U’, and the grills at the furthest point. In this way, whoever is cooking and preparing food, has complete control of their area, and is still able to socialise with guests sat at the bar.
The grills face out over the pool also ensuring that whoever is cooking is still very much part of the gathering with a view of the pool and guests. This is a sociable but highly practical set up and works so well here.
Practicalities to consider in your own outdoor set up
The first practicality you need to address is weather proof materials. We’ve used granite tops with stainless steel kitchen units. The units are clad in graphite on the outside but are a polished stainless steel on the inside. For your worktop, you need a non-porous material that can stand up to the sun, changing temperatures and conditions. We’ve used granite, it looks stunning and will stand up to the elements really well.
With an outdoor kitchen, you want to limit the clutter on the worktops, things that can get ruined by changing weather or even blow away. So there’s very few items on display, but there is plenty of storage instead. Tucked away behind these doors is a bin, BBQ tool storage, drawers and shelves, everything you need on hand.
This kitchen doesn’t have a sink as the doors to the bathrooms and indoor kitchen are right within reach but if you’re planning your kitchen some distance from the house, it’s a great idea to get a sink plumbed in too.
Choosing appliances
Appliances that can stand up to the elements are crucial. We’ve specified Sub Zero & Wolf in this kitchen which are the gold standard in outdoor entertaining but more and more brands are offering outdoor-proof ranges. Talk to us about your requirements and we can discuss the options with you.
You’ll notice there are no glass doors on the fridges. This is another practical choice for your outdoor kitchen. Glass fronted wine coolers will struggle to maintain their cool temperatures if in direct sunlight. Using stainless steel fronts all round, ensures your beers are chilled and ready, whatever the weather.
When your outdoor kitchen is not in use, we recommend getting proper covers fitted and it will coast through a British winter and remain free of bird ‘matter’, ready to fire up when the next heatwave beckons!
Feeling inspired? Is an outdoor kitchen part of your dream entertaining set up? Call 01737 906074 to discuss your ideas with us. Or drop us a line at info@painesangray.co.uk
Nice! Outdoor kitchens increase the value of a property and are ideal for outdoor gathering. They give a terrific area to entertain, greater storage space, and the option to be more daring in the kitchen.
Great! An outdoor kitchen is essentially its own room. This increases the living square footage of a property and enhances its functioning. Homes with improved backyards are more appealing to families.
I love how you’ve created a perfect balance between functionality and socializing. The U-shape layout is a brilliant idea to keep the cooking area separate while still allowing the cook to interact with guests at the bar. Using weatherproof materials like granite and stainless steel ensures durability, and the clever storage solutions keep the worktops clutter-free. Choosing appliances that can withstand the elements is key, and the Sub Zero & Wolf selection is top-notch. Proper covers are a must to protect this amazing setup during the colder months. Well done!