In recent years, there has been a growing enthusiasm for hosting parties in our gardens and outdoor areas, which has led to an increase in the demand for outdoor kitchens as people look for imaginative ways for bringing the indoors outside.
In this blog post, we look at some of the biggest outdoor kitchen trends this coming year as Spring approaches, which includes everything from materials to new innovative units (e.g. outdoor fridges, cocktail station, sinks).
Location Tips
Making the choice of where to build an outdoor kitchen is one of the trickiest and most important decisions you will make during the installation process. It can be challenging to decide just where to put it because you have so many alternatives. We've got some great location ideas for you to think over to assist you in making a decision.
For example, a patio deck is a popular place for an outdoor kitchen because it's a concentrated outdoor area that's perfect for cooking or hosting a get-together for cocktail hour with loved ones.
Adding a covering, such as a gazebo or pergola, will make your outdoor kitchen require less upkeep and offer a cosy outdoor living area that is useful and entertaining even in bad weather. A covered outdoor kitchen area will feature a structure that provides shade and defence against weather-related factors like rain, wind, and sunshine. A covering can be as simple as a canopy or as permanent as a walled construction with a roof that is partially or completely enclosed.
Gazebos
A more long-term fix for your garden space is a gazebo. They are often octagon-shaped, have a domed ceiling, and pillars. Typically, they are made of metal and wood and have canvas roofing.
Pergolas
Modern pergolas are made of long-lasting aluminium and are very modern and stylish. Luxury pergolas can have electric opening and closing mechanisms for the roof and walls.
Stand-Out Materials
As outdoor kitchens gain popularity and customisation options become available, the materials utilised to build them also expand. Making certain that the materials you choose for your outdoor kitchen are weather-resistant - that is resistant to heat, cold, and rain - is arguably the most crucial step in the buying process. Additionally, materials used in an outdoor kitchen should be resilient to deterioration, particularly if you intend to host guests frequently.
Natural materials (e.g. teak) and work surfaces not made of stainless steel are a popular choice for creating a cosy and pleasant outdoor living space due to their traditional and warm appearance, which makes it blend easily with the garden as well as compliment the use of porcelain and natural stone paving.
There are loads of modular outdoor kitchen designs out there that are both fashionable and functional. They are designed and constructed to provide an outstanding contemporary look and feel with a durability built in as standard, creating your dream outdoor cooking space using a variety of materials. This will ensure it is a standout addition to your garden or patio.
Traditional Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is extremely robust, resilient to heat, easy to clean, and has a striking appearance that is sure to grab the attention of your guests at BBQ parties you hold no matter what time of year.
Because of its outstanding resilience, granite is an excellent example of a great worktop finish for Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchens. It will not be affected by rain, and it will not discolour if exposed to direct sunlight. It is also highly resistant to stains.
Matt Black
To create that crisp and sleek outdoor cooking space with a fresh new European flair, why not bring the vibrant tones and ultra-modern flawless surfaces with a Matt Black Outdoor Kitchen to life in your garden? Matt black has been popular in the automotive industry, but is now starting to become a favourite in the outdoor living sector.
This type of outdoor kitchen will continue to look its best for years because of their protective barrier against corrosion.
Reclaimed Teak
When it comes to natural materials, reclaimed teak is the best option for an outdoor kitchen. It gives any outdoor living area a more elevated, earthy vibe. Because it can withstand any weather, real teak wood is excellent for usage outside.
This type of outdoor kitchen design has a strong and durable teak frame, plus superior finishes can be used to put a unique spin on it. Dark stone ceramic is a good example of this.
Black Stainless Steel
Black Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchens are distinguishable because of their clear detailing and pristine outline. With a totally black stainless steel construction and coarse-grained worktops (e.g. granite), they are built to last in the great outdoors.
Granite - a great finish for the worktops on an outdoor kitchen such as this - is an opulent natural stone that is both stunning and an efficient choice for outdoor use that blends well with black stainless steel.
Carole, Reading
"We love our outdoor kitchen; it has utilised a wasted space in our garden. The varied components of the Draco Grills outdoor kitchen enable us to easily host a barbecue for our friends and family in an outdoor environment."
Sue, Wolverhampton
"My Draco Grills garden kitchen gives me all the features I need to enjoy a fantastic family barbecue. The size of the 6 burner grill ensures that there is plenty of cooking space to feed a large group of guests and the double fridge ensures maximum flexibility."
John-Ryan, Kent
"By installing our outdoor kitchen, it has created a great social area for my family and to spend quality time and cook together in the sunny seasons. It’s always a talking point when we have guests over. We are very happy with our investment."
Anonymous, Staffordshire
"We’re loving our new outdoor kitchen! It’s so versatile and gives you lots of space to properly prepare and serve food. I’d particularly recommend having the outdoor fridge. We use it whenever we’re entertaining now and it’s a real talking point!"
Darren, Northamptonshire
"Having purchased the outside kitchen from Garden Trends and being thrilled with it, we now have the perfect party space which is the envy of our family and friends."
Andy, Berkshire
"I am over the moon with my Draco Grills outdoor kitchen’s amazing quality. The focal point of my garden parties, this outdoor kitchen has completely changed how I entertain outdoors."
What's Cooking on An Outdoor Kitchen Grill
The grill serves as the centrepiece of an outdoor kitchen. Any premium outdoor kitchen requires a high-quality cooking gadget befitting an experienced chef.
The process begins with the construction. Any grill must be able to withstand and function effectively in the ever-changing British weather, even if it is covered up during the winter.
High-end stainless steel and building materials are used in the production of premium propane and natural gas barbecues. This guarantees dependable performance and long-lasting durability.
You can easily convert your BBQ from propane or other gas sources to natural gas with a BBQ natural gas conversion kit. With this modification, there will always be a natural gas supply available, avoiding the need for new propane tanks and guaranteeing uninterrupted grilling sessions. Visit our Barbecue Accessories page to find out more.
For those who enjoy hosting guests, grills with large cooking surfaces are essential. For individuals who take their grilling seriously, convenient additions (e.g. rotisseries) are also important.
The most luxurious grills available today also have a number of ultra-modern features. Here are a few examples:
- Halogen surface lights, interior illumination, and backlit control knobs
- Modern technology to sustain a predetermined temperature automatically
- Grill hood assistance technologies that practically eliminate the need to open the hood
In the past, freestanding grills were the norm for outdoor kitchens. Including a built-in grill in the kitchen's layout is one of the burgeoning trends in outdoor kitchen design. This makes the workspace more functional, looks polished and professional, and saves space.
Sizzling Sear Stations - A Game-Changer for Barbecues
If you love to grill, you've probably wondered if your grill needs a sear station or not. Grilling is an art form that requires skill and accuracy; it's more than just a basic cooking technique. Having the proper tools and equipment is essential to mastering the art of grilling. A sear station is one important grilling tool.
What is a sear station, though, and what does it achieve?
To put it simply, a sear station is the section of a grill that is specifically designed to sear meat and produce a delicious flavour by applying high heat. The strong heat produced by a sear station instantly seals the meat's surface, preserving its juices and producing a mouthwatering taste.
A sear station is used to improve the taste and texture of food that is grilled. The high temperatures cause meat to brown quickly when it comes into contact with the sear station.
Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
Are you sick and tired of carrying dishes from your indoor kitchen to your outside cooking space, and then taking them inside for a wash? Invest in an outdoor kitchen sink to boost your garden space! This revolutionary feature will transform your outdoor kitchen and elevate your cooking experience to an entirely different level of productivity and ease. With an outdoor kitchen sink, you may enjoy the convenience and independence of not having to deal with cleaning up inside.
Innovative Sink Bowl Features
Your outdoor cooking area will be more useful and adaptable if you have an outdoor kitchen sink in your garden. A useful addition, an outdoor washbasin lets you easily wash and rinse dishes, cooking utensils, and cooking equipment next to your BBQ or food prep area. Along with cleaning fish and washing fruit & vegetables, you may also fill pots with water for all kinds of cooking.
Many outdoor kitchen sink designs and sink bowl sizes are available, allowing you to select the one that best fits your taste and obtainable space. For example, a sink with a 1½ bowl provides space for rinsing fruit & vegetables or a glass washer to thoroughly wash your beer or wine glasses.
Sink with Fridges
By investing in a sink & fridge combo to upgrade your outdoor kitchen, you will become the envy of everyone in your neighbourhood. This revolutionary unit with a deep sink, see-through fridge, and strong worktops is a perfect addition to your outdoor cooking area. With this, you will be ready to host friends and family more frequently.
You may enjoy all the advantages of cooking outside in your garden with this piece for your outdoor kitchen setup. Great value for money, you will truly get the best of both worlds with a sink & fridge unit - the most practical appliance for an outdoor kitchen.
Keep the Party Going with a Cocktail Drink Mixing Station
In addition to creating a gorgeous highlight, a cocktail station is a revolutionary unit for outdoor kitchens - perfect for preparing favourite drinks for you and your guests at all your parties throughout the year and is a perfect component to complete the best outdoor BBQ paradise. It is a very multi-purpose piece of equipment that may be used to hold glasses, cool drinks, and store ice. They hold fantastic features ranging from stainless steel ice buckets to bottle openers with bottle top catch trays.
Designed to be the ultimate full-service bar, cocktail stations are great conversation starters and icebreakers in addition to being beautiful features. With large ice capacity for the buckets and sliding lids that can be easily opened and closed, they help keep your drinks cool all evening and provide plenty of room for bottles of champagne or beer.
With this unique outdoor kitchen unit, you will not have to worry about going indoors to make drinks for everybody as it comes with everything you will need to serve drinks and be able to keep an eye on your food as it cooks on the grill.
Enjoy Drinks Outside - Explore the Best Outdoor Fridges
The best location for outdoor entertaining and enjoying the nice weather is a garden with an outdoor kitchen. Because you can cook, eat, and relax in one place, this is perfect for get-togethers with loved ones.
You may extend your outdoor cooking area by adding an outdoor fridge, which will keep your drinks cold and accessible. Additionally, it spares you from having to run around while trying to serve your guests. If you want to learn more about how this appliance might help your outdoor kitchen, continue reading this section.
Protects Your Drinks
Check out outdoor refrigerators with lockable doors and other useful features if you're looking for a high-quality and useful garden fridge for your outdoor kitchen. They protect your drinks from the elements while also adding a stylish touch to your outdoor space.
Your fridge's lockable door also safeguards your drinks from the weather and maintains the proper temperature for them. When getting a drink, visitors could sometimes leave the door open, so you can choose one that will keep your drinks as cold as possible by getting one with a lockable door.
Keeps Drinks Cool
Maintaining the coldness of your drinks even on the hottest summer days is one of the main functions of outdoor refrigerators. Your drinks will be able to be kept outside, remain cold, and ready when you need them at your next BBQ party for your guests.
Keep your party going without interruption by positioning your fridge in an easily accessible area in your garden, but make sure it is kept out of direct sunlight for optimal cooling. You won't need to dash back into your house to fetch refreshing drinks for people.
Energy and Sustainability
One of our top trends is sustainability as, over the past several years, there has been a greater emphasis on lowering the carbon footprint in our homes. There are numerous ways to make your house greener on the outside as well as on the inside, such as installing low water utilities or using recycled materials to build your dream outdoor kitchen.
A grill is one of the primary appliances for an outdoor kitchen. There are a plethora of options available, ranging from natural gas to propane. In general, grills that burn natural gas or propane are more environmentally friendly than those that burn charcoal or wood.
For instance, the outdoor appliances from Draco Grills are renowned for their fine construction and extended lifespans, which minimise the need for regular replacements. As a result, their grills offer an unparalleled performance. Consider the Fusion Black 6 Burner Gas Barbecue, for instance. The temperature range when using propane gas alone is 50 - 350°C on the gauge (up to 700°F), which is displayed on the hood. The premium stainless steel tube burners distribute heat well and give steady flame control on all Draco Grills Gas Barbecues.
Another range that offers excellent sustainability are Draco Grills' Teak Modular Outdoor Kitchens, because it is manufactured entirely out of reclaimed teak. Because of its substantial amount of natural oils and minerals, which shield it from water, mould, insect damage, and fungal deterioration, it requires little maintenance.
Making your outdoor kitchen a place where people come together, laugh, make memories, and savour a delicious meal is key. These trends for outdoor kitchens are just the beginning of the planning stage; in the end, your kitchen should be a reflection of your tastes in cooking and lifestyle.
Garden Trends is here to fulfil all of your outdoor kitchen dreams. You can count on our team to provide you with a great service, plus discover the best selection of outdoor cooking appliances.
Are you planning to construct an outdoor kitchen for your garden? Check out our outdoor kitchen ideas page today where you will find even more inspiration that will enable you to build the outdoor cooking station of your dreams. Or why not pay a visit to our showroom at Moss End Garden Village where you will be able to see our collection of modular outdoor kitchens in the flesh.
