‘Al fresco’: This Italian expression – literally translated as ‘in the freshness’ – describes the trend towards outdoor cooking. Preparing culinary delicacies in a carefully styled outdoor kitchen with family and friends conveys pure joie de vivre. Looking for ideas for your dream setup? You can find several tips to make cooking evenings with your loved ones a special experience here.
Barbecuing is an unbroken trend in this country. Whether on the balcony or in the garden, BBQ has long been the epitome of outdoor cooking. But the trend is moving away from the more or less simple roasting flavors of the grill. More and more households are opting for a fully equipped second kitchen in their back yards.
Before developing ideas for your design, we recommend a careful analysis of the available space and structural conditions.
If there’s enough space, you can plan for a dining table right next to the kitchen structure. Decide on a uniform style, so that the entire area has a harmonious look. Should it be pure and minimalist or cozy and rustic?
The question of style will influence the use of materials. Stainless steel, concrete look, and aluminum paired with glass work well with minimalism, while wood and other natural building materials give a natural impression.
A kitchen counter with bar stools provides the perfect ambiance for casual conversations while you prepare the meal. It's also a lovely place to end a feast.
Full kitchen equipment guarantees that you can prepare any dish on the spot. In addition to a stove, oven, and grill, this includes a fridge and sink. . A dishwasher ensures that plates and cutlery from the individual courses aren't left standing around. It’s important to have a practical work surface that provides enough space. Storage space for dishes, glasses, and cooking utensils should also be available.
A modern induction stove saves energy and is easier to use than a model with gas flame. However, gas is the recommended energy source for grills. Unlike charcoal, it doesn’t require a lengthy lighting process and doesn’t produce any soot. When it comes to the refrigerator, the rule of thumb is ‘better too big than too small’ – after all, it needs to cool enough drinks for your guests.
A countertop made of natural stone is easy to clean, resists moisture, and fits perfectly into the natural ambiance. Fine woods for the kitchen fronts harmonize perfectly with it, but natural stone also looks great with stainless steel and aluminum. Brushed metal surfaces are easier to maintain than glossy fronts.
When designing, also keep in mind that your outdoor kitchen will need different plumbing. In any case, you need electricity and water in your kitchen. You can also fire a gas grill with a gas canister. However, you do need to change the canister out regularly, so a gas line is more convenient, provided that there is a gas connection.
An outdoor cooking area on a covered terrace is ideal in any weather. If this isn’t possible, you can put roofing of aluminum with glass elements to versatile use. It provides protection in bad weather while also looking spacious and inviting.
A carefully designed, covered outdoor kitchen will give a huge boost to your quality of life. You can prepare a feast for friends and family in the fresh air, matter the weather. When it comes to design, the key is to make the most of the space. When it comes to equipment, plan as generously as possible. The materials will determine the visual impression and functionality.