PRODUCT FEATURE | Outdoor kitchens


Outdoor kitchen by Humphrey Munson featuring a grill by Sub-Zero & Wolf


Outdoor kitchens are a great opportunity to add an additional revenue stream. Retailers can open up their order books to existing customers as well as new ones


Jo Bull, marketing manager, KönigOutdoor


doors and carcases and Clive


Christian UV and saltwater-tested natural materials. Meanwhile, surfaces from the likes of Cosentino, Neolith and Caesarstone are non-porous and weatherproof.


“Our sintered stones can withstand rain, snow, and humidity without warping, cracking, or fading over time, making it the ideal work surface for an outdoor kitchen,” explains Ross Stewart,


senior


Vlaze Adapt modular cabinets in high gloss enamelled steel


Sub-Zero & Wolf UK and Europe. “These accessories and cupboards provide an extension of indoor cooking spaces, which allows more thought- out, advanced meals to be cooked in an alfresco environment.”


For the wannabe chef and homeowners who love to


entertain,


upgraded kit equals cordon bleu-style meals in the fresh air rather than burnt bangers and a warm beer. While


outdoor kitchens have


historically been a luxury purchase (mainly because they were originally supplied from the US and came with import tariffs), increased product offers from European suppliers means more affordability for today’s UK customer. “Outdoor kitchens have become more affordable, and this is likely to continue, making them a possibility for many more consumers,” clarifies


Bill


Miller, MD at the Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG).


Cost also comes down to the size of the kitchen, materials and equipment, adds Hege Lundh, marketing and business development director


at


Lundhs: “Outdoor kitchens can be both luxurious and budget friendly.” Industry experts agree that outdoor


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kitchens are versatile and can work really well for different budgets and different sizes of garden.


“The properties that we install our kitchens in are becoming more varied, from large fully functional pool-side kitchens to small urban roof terraces,” adds Bull


sales manager for


Neolith UK & Ireland. “Additionally, proper installation and maintenance help ensure outdoor kitchens remain resilient in the face of British weather.”


A key issue for the retailer is how to


best display outdoor kitchens in their showrooms. For maximum impact, outdoor set-ups with working BBQs, grills and fridges will show off their features. For Clive Christian, that means a whole immersive experience


at KönigOutdoor. “People are getting creative when home space is at a premium.”


While a stylish outdoor kitchen that reflects the interior of a property is high on consumers’ wishlists, choosing materials for their longevity and ability to withstand the elements is key – and will give consumers extra peace of mind for their investment.


Retailer rewards


“Outdoor kitchens represent a smart investment, adding value to properties,” adds Caesarstone’s Stanley. “Of course, for the investment to be worthwhile, it’s essential to choose durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions, ensuring long-lasting functionality.” As such, Sub-Zero and Wolf’s outdoor kit is made from quality grade 304 marine stainless steel; Humphrey Munson uses solid


iroko drawers, • June 2024


ideally viewed by customers “through a pair of sunglasses, with a smoking grill and a full glass of something cold and bubbly!” With no available outside space, the next best thing is to create an ‘outdoor feel’ indoors with plants, cedar wood panels or a photographic wall scene. And finally, for retailers thinking of taking


the plunge into outdoor


kitchens, industry insiders agree that research is key.


“Speak to your customers to gauge their interest in this type of product,” confirms Miller at KBBG. “Even a simple outdoor kitchen is going to retail for around £10,000 plus, so it is a considered investment. You’ll need to display at least one outdoor kitchen, so consider whether you have an outdoor space that is secure. If not, then you will need to create space inside your showroom, which will mean sacrificing an existing kitchen display.”


For all that, Davies at Sub-Zero &


Wolf says just go for it: “Customers are now looking at retailers who can offer everything for their home and garden space – and the opportunity to upsell an outdoor all year-round kitchen is becoming much more popular.” Food for thought…


HOT STUFF


Trends and tech cooking up a storm in the outdoor kitchen market...


PERSONALISATION with features found in indoor kitchens such as pull-out waste bins, lighting under breakfast bars, matching wall cladding and phone charging points


INTEGRATED APPLIANCES such as warming drawers which seamlessly blend in with the rest of the cabinetry


WOOD OR MARBLE EFFECT SURFACES which move away from industrial or concrete look materials


LUXE ADD-ON ZONES such as dining areas, pizza ovens, and cocktail stations for a full-blown alfresco entertaining hub


BLURRING INDOOR & OUT for a cohesive look using colours, texture, (including fluted surfaces) or shape


Photography/Paul Craig


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