PRODUCT FEATURE | Outdoor kitchens
the US, consumer appetite for cooking, eating and entertaining outside is nonetheless on the rise in the UK. In fact, creating a permanent
A outdoor kitchen
space has never been so hot. “The UK outdoor kitchen market is growing rapidly,” confirms Jonathan Stanley, vice president of marketing at Caesarstone UK. “One of the reasons behind this growth is the changing preferences of consumers. There’s an increased desire for year-round garden entertaining,
driving a shift towards
spaces for socialising and relaxation” The premise has certainly catapulted
outdoor kitchens into the consumer- buying conscience and offers a profitable add-on sale for the retailer. “With the correct shelter, lighting and heating, a UK outdoor kitchen can certainly be used year-round and provide additional living space,” says Jo
Bull marketing manager for
KönigOutdoor. “Consider patio heaters or a fire pit and ensure that cooking and dining areas are well lit for outdoor feasts. We have clients who cooked their Christmas dinner in the garden!” Installing outdoor kitchens that can be used for 12 months of the year – not just for a few warm weeks in the summer – is clearly a key requirement for today’s UK consumer. But the benefits of a well- designed cooking, eating and relaxing outdoor space also holds appeal for other reasons.
Blue skies “They offer a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, enhancing lifestyle options,” explains Simon Boocock, managing director of CRL Europe. “Heightened demand for
Inspired by sedimentary limestone, Silvax is part of
Caesarstone’s new Time collection
The data also paints this picture too. According to the team at comparison site Uswitch, outdoor kitchens were ranked the sixth most searched for home improvement project last year. Similarly, it wasn’t until the onset of the pandemic that Essex-based retailer Humphrey Munson saw an “unprecedented surge” for outdoor kitchens
despite venturing into the
market around a decade ago. Ricky Davies, MD of Sub Zero &
They offer a
seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas, enhancing lifestyle and entertainment options
Simon Boocock, managing director of CRL Europe
exterior
spaces that blend form and function, while seamlessly extending the home’s living space, is evident,” declares Tim Hutchinson, refrigeration divisional manager at Liebherr. “With the economic crisis, there has been a notable shift in the ‘improve don’t move’ culture.”
Experts agree that this lifestyle shift for getting outdoors at home has also been propelled by TV cookery shows, the pandemic and the rise in hybrid working models. “The ‘race for green space’ after the pandemic has brought a newfound appreciation to the garden, with several trends now coming together like biophilic design and sustainable living,” explains Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval, “these are helping to shape custom design schemes across the home.”
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Wolf UK and Europe agrees. “We are seeing more kitchen companies offering outdoor solutions,” he says. “We weren’t seeing this three years ago.” Bespoke kitchen brand, Clive Christian, is also building on its Garden Kitchen concept with a new display at its London showroom. “Outdoor spaces saw a huge evolution in the post-pandemic
world,” says Oliver Deadman, head of design at Clive Christian. “While we can’t promise the weather in the UK, our outdoor furniture is ready no matter what the forecast.”
Outside influence It’s clear that the gusto for indoor- outdoor living offers opportunities for the retailer, as Bull at KönigOutdoor says: “Outdoor kitchens are a great opportunity to add an additional revenue stream that doesn’t compete with anything else offered.”
So, how do you convince customers to upgrade from their humble barbecue to an all-singing, all-dancing garden kitchen complete with powerful grill, built-in fridge, wine cooler, ice maker and warming drawer?
“The advancement of outdoor appliances makes it a usable space all year round,” explains Davies at
Cosentino’s Dekton Ukiyo is suitable for both indoors and out
Gaze Burvill’s wooden panelled outdoor kitchen
lthough we don’t enjoy the sunny climates of countries like Australia or
Clive Christian’s Garden Kitchen gives a nod to the nautical industry
• June 2024
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