The magic of an outdoor kitchen is unmatched, but, while style and aesthetics are important, it’s the smaller, essential elements that take your outdoor kitchen from boring to high-performing!
At Open Space Concepts, we offer the design and installation of bespoke outdoor kitchens that seamlessly blend style and practicality. You might not know it, but it takes a lot of thought and consideration to craft the ultimate outdoor kitchen. Luckily for you, this blog will explore some of the must-have features that will help to elevate your outdoor culinary paradise.
Keep reading to discover our outdoor kitchen essentials!
What are the benefits of an outdoor kitchen?
Before we tell you what an outdoor kitchen needs, it might be handy for you to understand what the benefits of an outdoor kitchen actually are. With one of our designs, whether that’s a freestanding kitchen or a stainless steel kitchen, you can expect:
- Unmatched elegance
- Year-round entertainment
- Increased property value
- Effortless hosting space
- No planning permission required
We know that our outdoor kitchens look good, but what about their performance? While we’re confident that they offer exceptional execution, there are a few stand-out features that we think you should pay attention to in order to get the most out of your outdoor kitchen.
What an outdoor kitchen needs – our outdoor kitchen essentials
While each of our outdoor kitchen designs is bespoke and can reflect your own sense of style, there are certain must-haves that we believe every kitchen should have! With this in mind, let’s have a look at some of our outdoor kitchen essentials in a bit more detail…
- Essential kitchen appliances
In any outdoor kitchen, choosing the right appliances is paramount. Appliances can range from anything such as fridges, grills, and sinks, however, each one has its own unique features that contribute to the performance of your outdoor kitchen.
Outdoor kitchens can accommodate a wide range of additional appliances, such as pizza ovens or warming drawers. With these extras, it gives you opportunities to host pizza parties, dinner parties, or of course plenty of barbeques! Your possibilities truly are endless when it comes to outdoor kitchen appliances. More desirable appliances are also a sought-after feature for potential homebuyers, adding value to your home.
If you are planning a BBQ, you might be interested in our BBQ Area Ideas for the Ultimate Alfresco Dining Experience.
- Adequate lighting features
Most functional outdoor kitchens require proper lighting to transition from day to night effortlessly, and, as well as being functional, lighting can also impact our mood. Luckily in the UK, when it is summer we can experience hours of natural light well into the evening. However, on darker winter nights, proper lighting can extend the enjoyment of your outdoor kitchen beyond daylight hours.
Lighting can also play a crucial role in creating the right atmosphere. Warm and inviting lighting can transform your outdoor kitchen into an intimate and cosy space for your social gatherings. We recommend using accent lighting to showcase any architectural elements, countertops, or kitchen appliances, as well as adding depth and interest.
- Functional design layout
Another must-have for your outdoor kitchen is a functional and practical layout. After all, it’s the foundation that offers convenience, efficiency, and enjoyment! Having a well-planned layout ensures a smooth flow between your kitchen stations, such as prepping, cooking, serving and cleaning. To optimise your workflow, try to make sure that everything you need is within easy reach to prevent you from constantly running back and forth.
At Open Space Concepts, we’ve got plenty of outdoor kitchen layouts for you to choose from. One of our favourite layouts (and dare we say must-haves!) is our L-shaped outdoor kitchen. Thanks to this open-plan design, you can still mingle with your family and friends while creating delicious dishes that you can all enjoy.
- Comfortable seating area
A must for any kitchen, whether that’s indoors or outdoors, is a comfortable and cosy seating area! This outdoor kitchen essential transforms your space from a simple cooking area into an entertainment hub. Creating the perfect outdoor dining area allows guests to gather, relax, and socialise while you cook up delicious meals.
Comfortable seating, combined with other elements like cushions, throws, and fairy lights, creates a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Plus, what’s the point in cooking up a storm if your guests haven’t got anywhere to sit down to enjoy it?
- Sheltered space
Our final outdoor kitchen must-have is some form of shelter. Whether that’s something as simple as an umbrella or a retractable awning, adding cover allows you to enjoy your space all year round, regardless of the weather. A shelter also protects your appliances, countertops, and furniture from the damaging effects of sun, rain, or snow, ensuring that your dining area is kept looking its best!
At Open Space Concepts, our outdoor kitchens blend seamlessly with one of our modern pergolas, the perfect way to enjoy alfresco dining come rain or shine. You can also incorporate additional features such as remote-controlled blinds, infrared heating, and LED lighting to make a comfortable space for your family and friends. Although you might not think that a sheltered space is essential, you’ll be thankful for investing in one!
Invest in an outdoor kitchen with Open Space Concepts!
Hopefully, this blog has taught you all you need to know about outdoor kitchen essentials, from top of the range appliances to proper utensils. Having an outdoor kitchen is one thing, but making sure that it is fully functional is key in allowing you to make the most of it.
With over 30 years of experience, at Open Space Concepts, we know a thing or two about fitting outdoor kitchens! Transparency is our philosophy, which is why you can trust us to deliver fully bespoke outdoor structures that will transform your garden into a modern outdoor living space.
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