COOKING COMPANION
Planning your outdoor kitchen
Tere can be more to an outdoor cooking area than simply a barbecue…
arrive and the temperatures rise, we’d rather be outside enjoying the sunshine. During the summer months – and even
F
at cooler times of the year – an outdoor kitchen allows you to make the most of the weather, whether cooking a relaxed family meal or entertaining a crowd. It makes cooking more of a sociable event, is sure to impress, and makes alfresco meals easier to serve without needing to keep running in between your kitchen and garden. An outdoor kitchen can be as basic or
luxurious as you like: you’ll find some with a whole host of cooking equipment, counter space, fully functional sinks, fridges, dining areas and more. However you decide to design your outdoor kitchen, and whatever your budget, careful planning is key.
or many, the kitchen is the heart of the home: a place full of warmth, cosiness and, of course, fantastic food. But when the summer months
KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN PLANNING YOUR OUTDOOR KITCHEN BUILD
Whether building your own kitchen from scratch or employing designers and builders, there are several things that need to be considered before you begin.
❤ How will the kitchen be used? Will it be for the odd summer barbecue party, or as a more regular entertaining space? The planned level and type of usage will dictate which elements you need to include.
❤ Do you want a permanent installation or something more flexible? Movable units may appeal more to some, especially if space is at a premium.
❤ What is the best location? Many choose to place their outdoor kitchens close to the house, seeing it as an extension to their home. It also makes transportation of food and cooking/serving equipment from the kitchen to the garden easier. You should also consider a location where
54 | THE WEST COUNTRY FOODLOVER
any smoke that is produced will be able to escape easily: smoke that becomes trapped can blacken walls and other structures over time.
❤ Consider planning regulations. Your outdoor kitchen may require planning permission from the local council: check what is allowed before you begin.
❤ Make lists. Consider which equipment, furniture and accessories you’ll need, allowing you to work out a budget and ensure that nothing is forgotten.
❤ Draw up a plan. Either enlist the assistance of a local company that specialises in outdoor kitchens, or create your own, fully-measured plan.
❤ Choose your materials. The British weather is notoriously unreliable, so choose surface and equipment materials that require little maintenance. You’ll want materials that are weather-resistant, rust-proof and that are easy to clean: think stainless steel, masonry, outdoor tiles and treated wood.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68