You’ve seen them — glossy worktops glinting in the evening sun, the gentle hiss of a grill, someone slicing lemons while pretending they’re not posing. The luxury outdoor kitchen has become the garden feature everyone wants.
Once a Mediterranean indulgence, it’s now a British staple. There’s something about cooking outdoors, glass in hand, that changes how you use your home. But before you order a barbecue or call a designer, stop. A great outdoor kitchen isn’t about the shiny bits — it’s about planning, structure, and details that make it last.
The Practical Stuff (Yes, the Boring Bit)
No one gets thrilled by regulations, but that’s where solid projects begin. Most outdoor kitchens don’t need full planning permission, unless you’re adding a roof, chimney, or something permanent. Give your local council a quick ring — it’s a small effort that saves a big headache later.
Then there are the essentials: power, gas, and water. Outdoor electrics must be RCD-protected and installed by a Part P-registered electrician. Gas work? Always Gas Safe certified. And if you’re running a water line, bury and insulate it — frost won’t forgive you. Do it properly once, and you’ll never need to dig it up again.
Design for How You Actually Live
Every garden behaves differently. Some bask in evening sun, others catch the breeze. Watch how your space feels before deciding anything — it’ll save you time later.
Think in three zones: cooking, prep, and dining. It sounds simple, but it’s what makes a kitchen flow. If you’re sociable, position the grill where you can still chat. Prefer quiet dinners? Keep things compact, close to the house, and easy to clean.
Need inspiration? Explore our modern outdoor kitchen range. From porcelain kitchens to wood-effect designs, each one blends practicality with style — made for British weather, not just sunshine.
Pick Materials That Can Handle a Tantrum
British weather can’t make up its mind. One minute sunshine, the next sleet. So choose materials that don’t sulk when the seasons shift. Porcelain and sintered stone shrug off frost and heat without fuss. Stainless steel (grade 316 near the coast) stays bright, doesn’t rust, and needs almost no upkeep.
Wood is beautiful but demanding. If sanding and sealing isn’t your idea of fun, skip it. Porcelain paving or composite decking drain well and won’t turn slippery after rain. We often recommend Dekton outdoor kitchens — elegant, strong, and built for year-round use.
Think Beyond the Barbecue Season
Everyone pictures July evenings — music, friends, a warm breeze — but a well-planned outdoor kitchen should work just as well in October. Plan your lighting and heating early. Choose IP65-rated fittings and heaters that blend into the design. When winter arrives, isolate and drain your water supply; a ten-minute job can save a costly repair.
Be Honest About Your Budget
Outdoor kitchens come in all price brackets. A simple modular setup might cost a few thousand pounds; bespoke designs can reach £20,000 or more. The big mistake? Spending too much on appliances and too little on the base that supports them.
Our approach is simple — invest most of your budget in the structure and materials, then add the fun stuff. Solid foundations make everything else worthwhile.
When You’re Ready, We’ll Handle the Rest
Once you’ve planned your layout, utilities, and budget, that’s where we step in. At Krieder, we bring architecture, landscape, and lifestyle together so your outdoor kitchen feels as natural as it looks.
We design for real weather — British rain, frost, and everything in between. From drainage to lighting, every detail is considered. Our spaces are built to last long after the first barbecue season.
Take a look at our Outdoor Kitchen Collection or book a design consultation. We’ll sit down with you, talk through how you live and cook, and craft something that genuinely fits.
The Bottom Line
An outdoor kitchen isn’t about status — it’s about freedom. Cooking outside turns meals into moments: weekday suppers, lazy Sundays, or a winter roast under the stars.
Plan properly. Invest where it counts. Build it for all seasons, not just summer. Do that, and you’ll create a space that gets used — not just admired.
Outdoor Kitchen FAQs
Do I need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen in the UK?
Usually not. Freestanding kitchens without roofs or walls fall under “permitted development”. But if you’re adding a pergola, chimney or permanent cover, check with your local council first — it’s quick and worth it.
Is it cheaper to build your own outdoor kitchen?
You can save on labour if you build parts yourself, but always hire qualified professionals for electrics, gas and plumbing. It’s safer and cheaper in the long run.
What are the disadvantages of an outdoor kitchen?
The main challenge is the weather. Outdoor materials need to handle frost, moisture and heat. That means slightly higher costs upfront, but a quality build will handle all seasons without constant upkeep.
How do you design an outdoor kitchen layout?
Start with how you move through the space. Plan three clear zones — cooking, preparation and dining. Keep guests close enough to chat while you cook, and make sure there’s room to move comfortably.
What is the 3×4 kitchen rule?
Think of it as a rough layout guide: around three metres of prep space and four square metres for dining. It’s not a strict rule, just a smart balance for comfortable flow.
What’s the average cost of an outdoor kitchen?
It varies by design and materials. Modular setups start around £5,000, while bespoke builds — like those we create — can reach £20,000 or more depending on size and features.
Do outdoor kitchens add value?
Yes. A well-planned outdoor kitchen adds real living space, boosts appeal, and often increases property value. More importantly, it enhances how you live and entertain.
Can I build my own outdoor kitchen?
You can, but treat it like proper building work. Get professionals to handle technical jobs — especially utilities. That way, everything stays safe, compliant, and built to last.
Ready When You Are
If you’re ready to create your own outdoor kitchen, explore our Outdoor Kitchen Collection or book a consultation. We’ll help bring your ideas to life — designed for British weather, built for British living.
