Outdoor Cooking: Inspiring Your Dream
Craft the perfect outdoor cooking area for the UK climate with our comprehensive guide, covering shelter, style, appliances and more.
Creating the ultimate outdoor cooking area is an exciting opportunity to combine practical design with aesthetic appeal. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you craft the perfect space, tailored to the unique considerations of the UK climate and your lifestyle.
Shelter
First, let’s talk about shelter. Given the unpredictable UK weather, having a well-designed shelter is crucial for year-round use. A solid, durable, watertight roof is essential, but don’t forget about proper ventilation to allow smoke to escape. For flexibility, consider removable walls. High-end options like roller shutters or bi-fold doors can offer sleek aesthetics while allowing you to enclose the area when needed.
Position
Next, think about the position of your cooking area. Do you want it adjacent to your house or as a standalone structure? A lean-to design offers convenience and easy access to the house, while a standalone structure can transform a secluded part of your garden into a culinary retreat. Deciding on the position largely depends on your space and how you envision using it.
Style
Style is another crucial aspect. Do you lean towards modern or traditional designs? For a modern look, materials like mill-finish or powder-coated extruded aluminium and composite roof slates can create a sleek, contemporary feel. If you prefer a traditional aesthetic, consider oak frames, exposed brickwork and reclaimed roof tiles for a warm, rustic charm.
Flooring
When it comes to flooring, durability and ease of cleaning are key. Decorative paving slabs and natural stone suit a traditional design but must be sealed to prevent stains. For a modern touch, porcelain tiles are hardwearing, easy to clean and available in styles that perfectly replicate the look of natural stone or timber planks. Composite Decking is also a very good option for some spaces, with a wide range of options to choose from.
Work Surfaces
Choosing the right work surfaces is also important. Stainless steel is practical and stylish, though it can sometimes appear too commercial. Black stainless steel is a popular high-end option, offering a sleek look that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your space and be a better match for traditional style.
Appliances
Equipping your outdoor kitchen with the right appliances will enhance your cooking experience. A plumbed-in sink makes washing up easy, while a fridge or freezer keeps your ingredients fresh, your drinks cold and gives a constant supply of ice. Including a dishwasher can save you the time and effort of carrying dirty dishes, plates and cutlery into the house. An oven and chip fryer can expand your cooking repertoire, and a warming drawer ensures your dishes stay warm until serving. Don’t forget extractor fans, which can improve air quality by reducing smoke and smells.
Storage
Storage is another vital consideration. Having ample storage space for cutlery, tableware and utensils reduces the need for trips back and forth to the house. Unless your area can be fully enclosed, weather-resistant cabinets and drawers are essential to protect your items from the elements.
Lighting
Proper lighting can extend the usability of your cooking area into the evening. Bright, focused work lighting is necessary for cooking and preparation areas, while ambient lighting can create a cosy atmosphere for dining and relaxing.
Heating
To ensure comfort throughout the year, additional heating might be necessary. Infrared heaters provide instant, adjustable heat, while a wood-burning stove adds warmth and a rustic ambience, perfect for cooler evenings.
Backsplashes
An easy-to-clean backsplash is essential to handle splatters. For a traditional design, tiles work well and add character, and if they are sealed or an impermeable stone they clean well. In contrast, modern styles might favour stainless steel or coloured glass for a sleek, easy-to-maintain finish.
Barbecue
Choosing the right barbecue is a pivotal decision. Do you prefer the rich, smoky flavours of charcoal or wood or the convenience and speed of gas or electricity? The various barbecue styles, such as Green Egg/Kamado (ceramic egg), kettle, barrel, firepit, or Hitachi grill, each offer unique benefits.
You may even want to consider more than one barbecue to increase cooking capacity or enjoy the distinctive characteristics that each imparts to your food.
Smoker
If you’re a fan of smoked meats, fish, and cheeses, incorporating a smoker into your design is a great idea. Decide whether you want a separate smoker or a combined smoker/grill. Consider the fuel type as well – wood-fired, charcoal, or pellets – as with barbecues, the flavour and convenience of each varies.
Pizza Oven
For pizza lovers, a dedicated pizza oven is a must. While some grills can cook pizzas, nothing beats one cooked in a proper pizza oven. You can choose between a solid, brick-built oven for superior heat retention and traditional appeal or a lightweight countertop version for flexibility and convenience.
We also design and build these from scratch for some of our clients!
Seating & Dining Areas
Finally, think about your seating and dining areas. Would you prefer informal dining at a bar-height buffet counter or relaxing in comfortable chairs? A separate dining table and chairs can create a more formal dining experience.
Additional Considerations
Finally, think about your seating and dining areas. Would you prefer informal dining at a bar-height buffet counter or relaxing in comfortable chairs? A separate dining table and chairs can create a more formal dining experience.
Enhance your seating area with a fire pit, infrared heaters, and strategically placed planters to create intimate spaces and add greenery.
Growing culinary herbs not only adds pleasant scents but also provides fresh ingredients for your cooking.
Mood lighting can also help set the perfect ambience.
Get Professional Support
Designing your dream outdoor cooking area is an exciting journey that requires careful planning and attention to detail.
For expert guidance and installation, visit the Valley Projects website at https://www.valleyprojects.co.uk, call us at 01428 654153 or email us at sales@valleyprojects.co.uk. Our expert team will help you create the perfect outdoor cooking space to enjoy all year round and provide all-inclusive construction and installation.