Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen takes garden cooking beyond the portable barbecue and turns it into a proper setup - with worktop space, storage, and a sink all in one place. Whether you want a single island or a full multi-piece configuration, the pieces here are built for outdoor use and designed to stay outside year-round.
How do you build an outdoor kitchen setup?
Most outdoor kitchens are built from modular pieces rather than a single fixed unit, which means you can start small and add to it over time. A single cabinet or island gives you a dedicated cooking surface and some storage without committing to a large footprint. Sets of two, three, or four pieces allow you to configure a more complete workspace - typically combining a central island with additional cabinets on either side for prep space, storage, and a sink.
The right configuration depends on how much space you have and how seriously you cook outdoors. A two-piece set suits a terrace or patio where space is limited but you still want a proper outdoor cooking area. Larger three and four-piece sets are better suited to a garden with dedicated cooking and dining space, where the outdoor kitchen can become a genuine alternative to cooking inside during warmer months.
Which piece types do what?
Outdoor kitchen islands
An island is the centrepiece of most outdoor kitchen setups. It provides the main worktop surface for food preparation and typically includes storage underneath in the form of shelves, drawers, or cupboards. Islands with a built-in sink are particularly practical, as they keep washing up and food prep in one contained area rather than requiring trips back inside. Larger "big island" options suit households that entertain regularly and need space for multiple people to work around.
Outdoor kitchen cabinets
Cabinets work alongside an island to extend the worktop and add storage. They're lower-profile than a full island and typically sit against a wall or fence rather than standing independently. Cabinets with a sink built in are a good addition to a multi-piece setup where the island is used primarily for cooking and you want a separate area for cleaning and prep.
Garden serving trolleys and bar tables
A serving trolley gives you a mobile surface that can move between cooking area and dining table as needed, which is particularly useful when entertaining. Bar tables add a standing height option for drinks and casual dining alongside the main outdoor kitchen, making the space work harder without needing a full additional seating arrangement.
What materials are used, and how do they hold up outdoors?
Frames, cabinets, and worktops each come in different materials, and the combination you choose affects both how the kitchen looks and how much upkeep it needs over time.
- Metal frames are the most popular choice for outdoor kitchens. They're resistant to moisture, don't warp with temperature changes, and need very little maintenance. Powder-coated finishes protect against rust and UV exposure and hold their colour well across seasons.
- Wood frames have a warmer, more natural look that suits garden settings with planting, stone, or decking nearby. The wood is treated or sealed for outdoor use, though it benefits from an occasional application of wood oil to stay in good condition over multiple seasons.
- Metal worktops are the most hardwearing option for a cooking surface - easy to wipe down, resistant to heat, and straightforward to keep hygienic. They suit a contemporary outdoor kitchen well and pair naturally with a metal-framed cabinet.
- Wood worktops have a more traditional character and look particularly good alongside natural materials in the wider garden. They need a little more care than metal to stay in good condition, particularly in wet climates.
- Synthetic worktops sit between the two - durable, stain-resistant, and low-maintenance, with no sealing required. A good practical choice if you want a surface that holds up well without any specific upkeep routine.
What features should you look for?
Storage configuration is one of the most important practical decisions. Pieces with doors keep contents protected from rain and dust, which matters for anything you want to store outside permanently. Open shelves are more convenient for items you reach for constantly, but they're better suited to covered outdoor areas where rain exposure is limited. Many pieces combine both, with doors on lower sections and open shelves above, which gives you the best of both approaches.
A built-in sink is worth prioritising if you plan to use the outdoor kitchen regularly. It removes the need to go inside to wash produce, fill water, or clean up between courses, which makes outdoor cooking significantly more self-contained and enjoyable. Most sinks in this range require a connection to an outdoor water supply, so it's worth planning this before purchasing if the infrastructure isn't already in place.