Take your kitchen outdoors and make your garden into a place for entertaining. Not only will you be able to prepare and cook meals outside with ease but it will allow you to stay where the party is by not having to check on the cooking inside. Plus, who doesn't love a barbecue?
If you are wanting your very own outdoor kitchen, it can be quite daunting to build one from scratch as there are so many different parts involved — especially if you're not used to doing this kind of thing. That's why pre-built outdoor kitchens are such a great option; they give you everything that you need right out of the box with easy installation and enough space to cook for the entire family. Before deciding which one is right for you, this blog is a must-read!

What to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Kitchen?

When you’re ready to take the plunge and buy an outdoor kitchen for your garden, there are a few things you need to think about before you start... The main points include:

• Where will your outdoor kitchen be located? Most consumers prefer a quiet & private place for their outdoor kitchen.
• What features do you need from your outdoor kitchen? Do you require extra workspace or a fridge or sink unit, these are all things to consider.
• Will you require any gas or electric power for your outdoor kitchen? If the answer is yes then you'll need to employ the services of a competent installer for this work.
• How much space will the outdoor kitchen take up? This is important because an under-sized outdoor kitchen could look out of place and won’t be as functional as it could be.
• UK weather can be unpredictable! If your outdoor kitchen will be exposed to the elements then you may want to build a structure over the kitchen to protect it.

 Which are the Best Outdoor Kitchens

Here our in-house expert team have made choosing your dream outdoor kitchen easy, we’ve included all the best and top-rated outdoor kitchens that are pre-built for your garden. We've broken down the best garden kitchens to help you pick one based on price, style and features they have.

Best Budget Outdoor Kitchens

Here you'll find stylish outdoor kitchens that are perfect for small to medium size outdoor spaces but include everything you will need to bring your kitchen outdoors. We've not just picked these products on the best price alone, they're all made from high-quality materials that are built to last. Even entry-level outdoor kitchens come at a cost but we feel our selection below offers some real value.

Best Mobile Outdoor Kitchens

Our best mobile kitchens are easy to manoeuvre, unlike bulky outdoor kitchens that are designed to stay in a fixed position. Many of these pre-made outdoor kitchens or island barbecues come with lockable castor wheels so you have a sturdy worktop to prepare your food before barbecuing it in your fancy new outdoor kitchen.

Best Premium Outdoor Kitchen

If you have space in your garden for a showpiece then our selection of premium outdoor kitchens might work for you. These products are made from high-grade materials and are built to stand the test of time. Here you'll find the very best outdoor kitchens that will elevate your outside space to the next level. If you're planning an outdoor kitchen project then the range of models below are certainly worth considering.

Outdoor Kitchens are for Socialising

An outdoor kitchen is a great place to cook, eat and socialise. They offer more than just an opportunity to cook outdoors; they are perfect for entertaining guests when the weather is nice and they're a fun way to spend time with family and friends. It is important that you have the right outdoor kitchen for your needs, what you are wanting it to include and how often you will be using it. If you have a small space but still desire to have your outdoor kitchen area, a compact gas kitchen grill is the ideal choice that can provide you with a high-output gas barbecue with space on either side to prep and serve your food along with storage space underneath for all your cooking essentials. If you have a larger space to play with, the options for an outdoor kitchen are endless. Not only can you expand your work surface to incorporate a gas or charcoal grill as well as a pizza oven but you can also include units to make your kitchen more convenient and stand out from the rest by adding a fridge or sink unit as well as a waste disposal and enough drawer-space for cookware, utensils, rubs and spices.

How to Choose the Best Pre-Built Outdoor Kitchen?

Now that you know what to look for in a pre-built outdoor kitchen, it's time to start shopping. Make sure the outside kitchen you choose is the right size for the space you have and is made of quality materials. Below we've highlighted some of the most popular outdoor kitchen brands and gone into a bit of detail on how they could benefit your outdoor space.

Crossray Outdoor Kitchens - Unlike any other brand, Crossray offers ready-made outdoor kitchen packages that include a built-in gas grill with cabinets underneath, side cabinets with built-in fridge and sink units as well as a 60 mm solid composite worktop with a stylish concrete effect. The cabinets are flat-packed for easy DIY assembly and are weatherproof and corrosion-resistant. Not only does a Crossray kitchen look great and is easy to install, but they are also extremely affordable. On average, an outdoor kitchen consisting of a built-in grill, additional work surface and storage space can cost £5000+. For the same set-up, and even more, a Crossray kitchen ranges nestles in the £2500-4000 price range making you a huge saving.

Norfolk Grills Outdoor Kitchens - Norfolk Grills is a great choice if you want a modern design that still has plenty of space for cooking and entertaining. This unit comes in 4 models with a built-in gas grill, a side burner, a refrigerator and much more available. It also has LED-illuminated controls that make it easy to see what's going on in the kitchen at night or during dinner parties. Norfolk Grills have partnered with Michelin Starred and Norfolk-based chef Gaston Blackiston as a brand ambassador to help elevate the range to the next level. Together they have made these high-quality outdoor kitchens stand out from the rest.

Napoleon Outdoor Kitchens - If you have room for a large outdoor kitchen, then these from Napoleon are sure to please. A Napoleon outdoor kitchen can be customised with modular units to create your very own, unique style with all the space and storage required. Within the Napoleon range is the OASIS cabinets that are designed to hold a built-in gas BBQ with storage drawers underneath. These units are delivered fully assembled and feature knockouts for gas and electric piping to offer quick and easy installation. As well as cabinets with drawers, you can also add a single or double-door fridge, a propane tank cabinet to hide the gas bottle and corner brackets, spacers and end panels to allow you to build a kitchen around your garden. These kitchen units are made from stainless steel and galvanised steel for rugged dependability allowing them to be kept outside without looking weathered.

Where Should an Outdoor Kitchen be Positioned?

Before buying an outdoor kitchen for your garden you should consider where is best to locate it. The best place to build an outdoor kitchen can often be down to personal preference but an outdoor kitchen should be positioned on a solid and level base like a tiled patio or suitable decking. Smaller outdoor kitchens or island BBQs look great on sizable balconies and terraces, if you live in an urban area with limited space this could be a good option. When installing an outdoor kitchen in the UK a big consideration is the weather, you'll need to make sure your outdoor kitchen has some protection from the elements so try to find a space in your garden that offers some protection from wind & rain.

The fuel type of the BBQ or grill you will be using could also be a factor in where to place your garden kitchen. If you are looking to fit a charcoal grill then you won't require a gas connection but you'll need to consider the clearances around the barbecue to any combustible materials like garden furniture. If you're looking to fit a built-in gas grill or tabletop plancha it may require a natural gas connection although there are lots of gas BBQs suitable for bottled gas which can be easier to install but take up a bit of space. If you decide on a barbecue that runs on natural gas you'll need to employ the services of a Gas Safe Registered engineer to install your appliance, your engineer will ensure the gas grill is installed correctly to all the latest safety standards. Finally, some built-in gas BBQs require an electrical point, especially if the grill has a rotisserie feature or LED controls. Having power sockets will be essential for these grills, we recommend installing a few extra outdoor sockets as they may come in handy down the line.

Which Type of BBQ is Best for an Outdoor Kitchen?

Outdoor kitchens are most commonly paired with a built-in gas barbecue due to their convenience, ease of use and immense capabilities. You'll need to check the BBQ’s installation manual for any clearances required around the grill. Gas BBQs are a popular choice for outdoor kitchens as they are quick and easy to use, they have a large cooking surface and often feature a rotisserie kit to allow you to slow cook poultry and large cuts of meat. If you are more of a traditional griller and prefer to cook over a fire, you can still add a built-in charcoal barbecue or even a stand-alone ceramic egg grill. If you have the space available and want to add something extra to your cooking arsenal, a wood-fired, gas or pellet pizza oven is a great addition. Not only can you cook traditional barbecue food on your grill but you have the option of making your very own pizza station.

What Else to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Kitchen

There are lots of other products you can buy to enhance the usability and comfort of your outdoor space. If you have lots of space and are wanting to regularly host garden parties then an outdoor bar or extra work surface might be useful. With a bar set-up, your guests have somewhere to sit and drink while watching you (the grill master) at work on the barbecue. Also, if you do not have space in your kitchen for a fridge unit this is the perfect place to keep refreshments cool and close by. Similar to a bar set-up, additional workspace and storage can be added to your outdoor kitchen. Products such as an Elfin kitchen or the Everdure Prep Kitchen are mobile workstations that allow you to expand your cooking space with the addition of either a sink, hob or both.

Elfin Kitchen

Everdure Prep Kitchen

Again if you have the space available, a beautiful set of garden furniture is a perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen. If you prefer something more formal, a dining set is great for bringing your family and friends together to enjoy the wonderful food you have made. Alternatively, if you want something more informal, a lounge set would be the ideal choice. With a lounge set, you have the comfort of your indoor sofa in your garden with a coffee or dining table to sit and eat at. You can also add a parasol or gazebo over your outdoor kitchen to provide shade from the sun and protect yourself from the rain if you want to utilise your kitchen any time of year.

If you want to get the most out of your kitchen, you will want to carry on using it even when the light starts to fade. If that is the case it would be beneficial to add outdoor lights or even decorative lighting that can be strung from a parasol, pergola or fencing. Another way to keep the party going well into the night is to use a fire pit or chimenea. These are great for providing both light and warmth to your garden and are available in gas and wood-fired options. For more information on outdoor heating, please read our blog here.

How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

Prices vary widely depending on the size of your kitchen and its features. They can range anywhere from £5,000 to £50,000 or more. This price will cover everything you need for your outdoor kitchen—appliances and accessories included—and installation by professionals. If you do not have enough to budget for something like this, and let's face it not many people do, then a pre-built outdoor kitchen is an ideal alternative. They come with everything that you would need at a fraction of the cost. Most of these kitchens are already built when they are delivered or require very easy DIY installation.

In Summary

If you're looking to invest in an outdoor kitchen we hope this blog has been insightful and answered your questions. They’re fantastic for cooking, eating and socialising and they can create an area where your family and friends can enjoy spending time together. Outdoor kitchens are available in a variety of sizes and styles to complement any outdoor space and can be customised to include as much storage space and units as you need.