Summer living is all about being outside.
Socialising, relaxing, eating every meal under a (good weather-willing) blue sky. And if you’ve got the space, cooking the meal outside too.
The demand for outdoor kitchens is heating up in the UK, with 20 per cent of British homeowners having one, according to research by Which?, leaving the rest of us on the other side of the fence, looking over enviously.
Of course, many UK garden-owners are familiar with some degree of outdoor cooking considering barbecuing is the national pastime of choice for millions when the sun shines. Flame-licked grills become crowded with meats, marinades and other ingredients, with many items still needing to be ferried back and forth from the kitchen.
An outdoor kitchen simplifies the process, keeping everything you need close to hand while minimising the mess indoors (that’s the hope, anyway). Some designs resemble a traditional kitchen minus the roof, walls and doors, while others consist of compact stations to suit smaller spaces.
If you’re dreaming of adding an outdoor kitchen to your garden, there are plenty of options to browse. Pizza-centric styles allow you to fire out pies to feed the baying crowds, and BBQ feast extenders allow home chefs to prep, grill and plate properly. Others come loaded with storage to keep cookware, cleaning products and utensils, while the truly fancy can opt for outdoor kitchens complete with burner hobs and fridges.
Drooling at the mere prospect? Then let’s get going.
Shop the best outdoor kitchen options below
Maze - Linear Outdoor Kitchen 6 Burner
- Dimensions: H119 x D60cm x W294cm
- Assembly required: just a tiny bit of bolting
- Weight: unknown
Welcome to the big time. Maze’s outdoor kitchen has it all, from a burner-stacked grill and LED lights to a built-in sink complete with a tap - and even an outdoor fridge!
Everything is crafted from 304-grade stainless steel that not only looks incredible but can withstand high cooking temperatures and inclement weather too. Keep it safe under a cover, which is included for free.
The freebies don’t stop there. Maze will also chuck in a pizza oven, worth £119.99, and a mains-powered rotisserie kit (usually costing £74.99) as complimentary gifts.
This option certainly isn’t cheap but if you’re after an all-singing, all-dancing outdoor kitchen, this is surely it.
Buy now £3400.00, Maze
Everdure KILN Stainless Steel Pizza Station
- Dimensions: H96.5 x W140 x D64cm
- Assembly required: yes
- Weight: 74kg
You know you’re living your best life when you’re serving fresh pizza in your back garden. Do it in style with Everdure’s Kiln station which can be used with most portable pizza ovens. There are five removable trays to keep ingredients and plenty of storage behind the wood effect doors with a stainless steel benchtop poised for crafting Napoli-approved pies. The steel also makes cleanup easy and holds well against the elements.
Side handles make moving the unit around the patio an easier job, while castor wheels lock into place once you’ve found the perfect spot.
Buy now £899.00, John Lewis
Dunelm Double BBQ Table
- Dimensions: H90 x W115 x D52cm
- Assembly required: yes
- Weight: 27kg
Could your BBQ do with some assistance? Say hello to a support act in Dunelm’s wheeled table. The design creates extra space to prep bread rolls, salads condiments and cutlery, freeing up the often inadequate side wings that masquerade as extra space on most BBQ grills. The table is crafted from steel and moulded resin which makes it water-resistant, though it won’t hurt to slide a furniture cover over it when not in use.
It comes with a two-year guarantee.
Buy now £289.00, Dunelm
Keter Unity XL Outdoor Kitchen Cart With Storage - Graphite
- Dimensions: H89.6 x W51.7 x L134cm
- Assembly required: yes
- Weight: 25kg
A wheeled table to give your BBQ feast a boost, Keter’s design is weather-resistant and portable, meaning it's in pole position to become one of your favourite hosting accessories this summer.
The cart is packed with features to help you get the most from outdoor dining, from sidebars to keep kitchen roll, a bottle opener for the obvious and a spice rack to kick up the flavour in your marinades. There are also four hook hangers to keep utensils and tea towels, both kitchen essentials wherever you’re cooking.
It can bear up to 78kg in weight, so no need to worry about how much you load up on it.
Buy now £338.54, Wayfair
Palazzetti 803004910 Marbella Outdoor BBQ Kitchen with Twin Gas Hob and Sink - Anthracite
- Dimensions: H237 x W270 x D70cm
- Assembly required: yes
- Weight: 95kg
Prefer a rustic aesthetic? This cute kitchen feels warm and welcoming, which is a weird thing to say about concrete and steel but consider it a testament to the design. The unit comes with a wood or charcoal-powered BBQ in the centre, with a gas hob and sink integrated, making food prep, cooking and clean-up a one-stop job.
Elsewhere shelves and storage make this a great outdoor kitchen for hosts who love an all-day party. The kit comes with adhesive and sealant paint so you’ll have everything you need to get it up and running.
Buy now £2356.00, B&Q
Cox & Cox The Long Island BBQ & Integrated Storage Cabinet
- Dimensions: H121.5 x W202 x D65cm
- Assembly required: no
- Weight: unknown
Pre-orders are open for this stunning outdoor kitchen from Cox & Cox which comes with a hi-tech hybrid gas and coal BBQ included. Housed in the centre of the design, the machine comes with all the luxe trappings: think stainless steel finish, glass viewing hood, LED control and integrated side ceramic sear burner shelf. You can even swap one of the shelves for a pizza stone or a wok if you fancy a change of menu from BBQ.
Worktops and storage cabinets flank either side of the grill, creating lots of space to keep supplies, glassware and crockery, making entertaining guests this summer a breeze.
Buy now £2850.00, Cox & Cox
IKEA GRILLSKÄR Outdoor kitchen
- Dimensions: L158 x W61 x H120cm
- Assembly required: yes
- Weight: 52.74kg
IKEA’s outdoor kitchen is made from hard-wearing and comes with a gas BBQ, so if you’ve been meaning to get a new grill, this is your chance to upgrade the whole situation. The machine comes in a bundle with a kitchen island with a stainless steel top and two shelves underneath to keep plates, platters, napkins, cutlery and produce.
It is a stationary unit so decide where it’s going (ensure plenty of clearance from overhanging tree branches and shrubs) before setting it up. This being an IKEA design, expect it to come flat-packed.
Buy now £640.00, IKEA
