There’s something undeniably appealing about cooking outdoors. The smell of food on the grill, the ease of entertaining, and the simple pleasure of being in your garden all come together to create a completely different experience from cooking indoors.

Outdoor kitchens take that idea a step further. Instead of relying on a single BBQ tucked into the corner, you can create a dedicated space that brings together cooking, dining, and relaxing in one seamless setup. And with the growing range of modular systems and outdoor cooking appliances now available in the UK, it’s never been easier to build a space that suits your garden and your lifestyle.

Whether you’re planning a full garden transformation or just exploring ideas, this guide will walk you through how to create an outdoor kitchen you’ll actually use.

Contents

Why outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity
How to design an outdoor kitchen that works
Choosing the right outdoor kitchen brands
Must-have features for your setup
Tips for using an outdoor kitchen in the UK
Frequently asked questions

Outdoor living has become a much bigger part of how we use our homes. Gardens are no longer just for occasional summer use, they’re extensions of our living space, designed for relaxing, socialising, and spending more time outside. An outdoor BBQ kitchen fits perfectly into this shift. It removes the barrier between indoor and outdoor living, allowing you to cook and host without constantly going back and forth to the house.

The biggest benefits people notice include:

• A more social cooking experience
• Less time spent indoors during gatherings
• A space that gets used far more often than expected

Over time, it becomes more than just a cooking area it becomes the focal point of the garden.

The best outdoor kitchens aren’t necessarily the biggest, they’re the ones designed around how you actually live. Start by thinking about how you’ll use the space. Is it mainly for weekend BBQs, or do you want something practical enough for everyday cooking during warmer months? A simple way to approach your layout is to focus on three key zones:

1. Cooking area – where your BBQ and/or pizza oven will sit
2. Preparation space – worktops for food prep and serving
3. Social space – seating or dining areas for guests

Even in smaller gardens, getting this balance right can make a huge difference. In larger spaces, you can expand on this by adding extra features like bar seating or multiple cooking stations; corner configuration kitchens are great for this.

Positioning also matters. Keeping your outdoor kitchen close to the house improves convenience, while a shelter like a pergola can make it far more usable in typical UK weather.

The products you choose will shape both the look and performance of your outdoor kitchen. At StovesAreUs, we offer a carefully selected range of brands to suit different styles and budgets.

If you’re aiming for a sleek, built-in finish, Grllr Kitchens are ideal. Their modular systems allow you to build your kitchen step by step, combining storage, prep space and high-performance grilling into one cohesive design.

For those who prioritise cooking performance and bold design, Sanctuary by Grillstream offer a more statement approach. They’re built for serious grilling, with a modern look that stands out in any garden setting. To turn your kitchen into a place people genuinely want to spend time, Maze garden furniture adds comfort and style. It helps shift the space from purely functional to somewhere you can relax for hours.

And if you want to expand beyond traditional BBQ cooking, Cozze pizza ovens are a natural addition. They’re compact, easy to use, and perfect for adding variety to your outdoor cooking.

While every outdoor kitchen setup is different, there are a few key features that make a noticeable difference to how your outdoor kitchen performs day to day.

The essentials most people include are:

• A reliable, high-quality BBQ
• Durable worktops for preparation
• Storage for utensils and accessories

From there, you can build out your space depending on how you like to cook and entertain. Popular additions include:

• Pizza ovens for added versatility
• Side burners or planchas for different cooking styles
• Integrated or seperate seating and dining areas
• Fire pits to extend use into the evening

The goal is to create a space that feels complete without being overcomplicated.

An outdoor kitchen in the UK comes with its own considerations, but with the right approach, it can be enjoyed for much of the year. A few simple adjustments can make a big difference:

• Position your kitchen in a sheltered area where possible
• Use covers to protect appliances from the elements
• Add lighting so the space works just as well in the evening
• Include heat sources like fire pits or outdoor heaters

These small upgrades help turn your outdoor kitchen from a seasonal feature into something you’ll use regularly.

Are outdoor kitchens worth it in the UK?
Yes, especially if you already enjoy spending time in your garden. With the right setup, they become a space you’ll use far more often than expected.

Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, no. Modular and freestanding outdoor kitchens typically don’t require permission, but it’s always worth checking for larger or permanent installations.

What’s the best BBQ for an outdoor kitchen?
It depends on your setup. Built-in BBQs work well and they often included with brands like Grllr and Sanctuary by Grillstream.

Can I include a pizza oven?
Absolutely. Pizza ovens like Cozze are a popular addition and bring extra variety to your cooking.