How to plan an outdoor kitchen – 10 key points to consider for a perfect set up

We've put together a guide on how to plan your outdoor kitchen that covers all the aspects to consider – from budget and planning to layouts and cooking methods. 

In recent years outdoor kitchen ideas have become a must-have for gardens. Whatever size garden you have, you can fit one in, even if they're only small outdoor kitchen ideas – we promise!

'An outdoor kitchen can be a wonderful addition to any home, providing a perfect space to cook and entertain family and friends whilst making the most of the garden. Whether you have it open to the elements or have one fitted beneath a pergola which will provide shade and protection from the elements, you can really transform your outdoor living space,' says Reilly Gray, co-founder, Suns Lifestyle (opens in new tab).

How to plan an outdoor kitchen 

Whether you fancy a small yet perfectly formed outdoor kitchen with the best pizza oven or you're after blowing the budget with a bespoke option that comes complete with a fridge, sink and wine cooler, we've got you covered. 

'Making the most of your outdoor space has become a necessity in recent years, creating an alfresco entertaining and cooking area can be a worthy investment for both your pocket and your mind,' says Jamie Thomas, managing director, The Surface Collection (opens in new tab).

Read our expert tips on how to plan your outdoor kitchen to get started and those dreamy summer alfresco days can begin. 

1. Assess your garden space

First things first – it's time to have a good look at your garden layout to see how big your outdoor kitchen can be and where to place it within your garden. 

Your space may well dictate the above and there might only be one obvious place for your outdoor kitchen to sit. Considerations to think about are whether you want a permanent structure or a more DIY outdoor kitchen with freestanding units and a portable BBQ. 

Even if your garden only offers the space to make a mini outdoor kitchen it can still have all the whistles and bells you desire to make it the ultimate alfresco space for your entertaining needs. 

2. Decide on your budget

Once you've decided on where you'd like it, budget is the next element to consider. You can plan an outdoor kitchen with a small budget, it all depends on what kind of look you want. 

Ikea's Grillskär modular system (opens in new tab) is ideal for those who don't want to break the bank, and you can add in more units to grow your outdoor kitchen as and when and the range includes worktops, storage and a sink unit. This is also a fabulous option if you rent and might move – take your outdoor kitchen with you! Bespoke options can start from around £7,000. 

3. Storage will be key

Storage will be key when thinking about how to plan your outdoor kitchen as it will make sense to store some key essentials outside during the summer season. Cutlery and crockery can be kept on a shelf or in a crate, charcoal and BBQ tools can be kept somewhere dry too. 

'How will the kitchen function when in use and who will be using it? A well-planned outdoor kitchen should have plenty of storage, functional zones for food preparation, cooking and areas to facilitate socialising with family, friends and guests. Think about what it is you want your space to offer you,' says Simon Burvill, founder, Gaze Burvill (opens in new tab). 

Outdoor kitchen storage ideas can include shelving, crates, baskets, hanging rails and units like potting benches – they make great worktops for prep too. 

Simon Burvill

Simon Burvill and Christian Gaze launched Gaze Burvill 30 years ago exactly! Creating timeless pieces for discerning garden lovers, the company has developed a unique expertise in making certified sustainable, comfortable and elegant designs for a long life outdoors, Gaze Burvill works with both garden and landscape professionals and private customers. 

4. Choose a layout that works for you

Outdoor kitchens work well placed against a wall, it offers protection from the elements and means there's more floor space left for tables and chairs too. As with interiors, you can adopt an L-shape or galley-style design depending on the space you have available. 

'When planning your outdoor kitchen, it’s important to consider the placement and the proximity to your indoor kitchen, as the chances are you will be back and forth between the two,' says Jamie Thomas, managing director, The Surface Collection (opens in new tab).  

'If space and layout allow, a seamless adjoining of the two works particularly well, separated by the external wall only, you will easily be able to pass over food and drinks without the worry of navigating the whole garden. 

'Remember to consider form and function when designing the layout, creating zones is the perfect way to do this. Allow space around the BBQ area and seat guests a sociable yet comfortable distance away, not only for safety but to allow you space to prep and cook.'

5. Consider your utilities

Before you have your outdoor kitchen installed, if you want to have the essentials like a fridge, gas BBQ and sink you'll need to think about how to facilitate them outside. These could also impact how far away from the actual house you can build your outdoor kitchen.  

A plumber will be needed to extend your water and waste pipe unless you're placing the sink right next to your existing sink – but on the outside wall, and an electrician to run the electrics out to your fridge/wine cooler. 

In terms of a gas BBQ, you can make sure there's a cabinet to hide a gas bottle underneath so you can hide that away. Or you might even consider opting for an electric BBQ like the Weber Lumin.

6. How to you want to cook?

This leads us to the question of working out how you want to cook, as that will impact the facilities you need. There are a few options for cooking up a storm – you can start with a pizza oven – they're great for roasting and baking too, either portable or fixed, or opt for an integrated BBQ. 

Other ideas include a Big Green Egg (opens in new tab) which gives you versatility, you can use it as a rotisserie, grill or slow oven and for pan cooking, as well as the usual BBQ-style methods. 

A teppanyaki grill is becoming a popular choice for outdoor kitchens with its table-top style of cooking, you just need an electric source. However, if you're on a budget one of the best BBQs we recently tested was the kamado joe which makes a statement and cooks like a dream.

7. Under cover or out in the elements?

Due to the UK climate, it can be wise to have some kind of weather protection! We love the idea of having an outdoor kitchen under a pergola idea – it ensures you can still use cook and dine outside without getting wet if the heavens fall. 

'With a covered roof on your pergola, you will have lots of options when it comes to choosing IP65 waterproof lighting, as it will be more protected than an open structure. The lighting will play an important part in enhancing the overall look and feel of your pergola, helping to create the perfect outdoor oasis,' says Mara Rypacek Miller, managing director, Industville (opens in new tab).

8. Surfaces matter, so choose well

The material you choose for your worktops is really important, whilst you can use  wood inside for example, it's not an option outside as you need a non-porous surface that can cope with the seasons. 

'When designing an outdoor kitchen, the use of durable materials that will not be damaged by the elements is imperative. Surfaces that last whilst maintaining their integrity and beauty is essential,' says Andres Alonso, architectural and design expert, Cosentino UK (opens in new tab). 

'Dekton by Cosentino is the ideal outdoor kitchen foundation thanks to its resilience and design credentials. Dekton has a high resistance to sudden temperature changes due to its low coefficient of thermal expansion – including high UV protection.

'Its non-porous qualities will prevent rainwater and other liquids from being absorbed, ensuring easy maintenance – an essential for outdoor entertaining and spontaneous al fresco dining. Lastly, Dekton surfaces boast high resistance to abrasion and scratches – making it the ideal choice for exterior kitchen worksurfaces and it's carbon neutral. Opt for design cohesion by also including Dekton as a patio alternative.' 

9. Don't forget to pop up some lighting

Pairing your garden lighting ideas when building an outdoor kitchen is key. You can prettify your alfresco space with festoon lighting, fairy lights and wall lights. 

Make sure you have key areas lit up with task lighting like cooking and prep spaces in the same way as you would plan your kitchen lighting. Candles either wax or LED will help to create an ambience later in the evening and pop a few lanterns about too. 

10. The finishing touches

Once you've got your beautiful outdoor kitchen installed, it's time to add those touches to the space that will help it to blend in to your garden. 

Plant up containers in a variety of sizes with a mixture of flowers and plants – these will help to soften the often harsh lines of cabinetry. Add herb garden ideas around your outdoor kitchen is also a clever touch for a living herb rack.

Consider your furniture choices too as Duncan Bull, design director, Case Furniture (opens in new tab) explains: 'When designing your outdoor kitchen, think about how your space flows from interior to exterior to create a streamlined look from one room to the next. For example, choose similar tones in your outdoor furniture and worktops to those inside your home, and include as much integrated storage as possible to keep it feeling spacious, allowing enough room for entertaining friends and family throughout the warmer months.'

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