Outdoor living trends
This month we step out into the world of alfresco kitchens and ask experts in this market what you need to know to get involved…
Featured image: The Garden Kitchen by Clive Christian is an ode to the prestige of living life well, according to the company.
Words: Francesca Seden
According to a recent report by market analyst Grand View Research, the UK outdoor kitchen market generated a revenue of $949.9 million (£733.52m) in 2021 and is expected to reach $2.5 billion (£1.93bn) by 2030. It’s expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 9% from 2022 to 2030.
To borrow an American phrase, since this is where the outdoor kitchen market is probably biggest, that is no small chunk o’ change, and despite our unpredictable British weather, it demonstrates that there is a healthy market for these external cooking and entertaining spaces.
This is backed up by KonigOutdoor’s marketing manager Jo Bull, who believes that outdoor kitchens are “definitely having their moment” as homeowners are increasingly looking to expand their living spaces to enjoy more outdoor entertaining.
“With confidence bouncing back in our sector, we expect to see the market grow over the next five years,” she explains. “The rise in social media use is helping spread the word about the benefits of outdoor cooking, making it more appealing than ever.”
Clive Christian’s marketing and events manager Victoria Parnell tempers this slightly though, adding that she doesn’t see them “breaking the seasonal trend.”
“Being a British manufacturer, with the lion share of our business located within projects in the UK, garden kitchens are incredibly seasonal – for obvious reasons!” she says.
Whatever the case may be, outdoor kitchens could present a lucrative opportunity if you’re looking to diversify into other areas, so if we’ve piqued your interest, where should you begin and what are the key things to know before you start?
Outside chance
First, it’s worth considering how much time and energy you want to give to this category.
You could work in collaboration with an outdoor kitchen specialist retailer, work with a supplier that offers the whole (or most) of the outdoor kitchen package, such as Scavolini, KonigOutdoor, Elfin Kitchens or Grillo, or you could potentially pull all the elements together yourself, but this might be inadvisable if you have no experience with this market.
Scavolini CEO Fabiana Scavolini, says it’s essential to conduct market research as it will help you identify the target audience, analyse competitors, and spot trends. Another key factor is selecting high-quality, weather-resistant items – such as countertops and storage solutions – and sourcing them from reliable suppliers.
“Depending on their size, materials, and features, outdoor kitchens can vary significantly in price. That’s why it’s crucial to offer products across different price points. Be transparent about installation costs, which can be substantial depending on the complexity of the setup.”
KonigOutdoor’s Bull adds that the market can be split into two main categories: modular and fully bespoke.
“Consider the net worth and expectations of your existing clients – what might they expect when it comes to an outdoor kitchen? This question will guide you in selecting the right suppliers, as the level of customisation offered by different outdoor kitchen manufacturers can vary significantly.”
So, you’ve identified your target market, and have your products in place, and now you want to design an outdoor kitchen. What are the key things you need to bear in mind?
It’s important to note that designing an outdoor kitchen follows many of the same principles as any other kitchen design. You need to establish some facts about the homeowner’s lifestyle – the type of cooking they’ll want to do, how many people they’re likely to want to entertain, etc.
“There is a wide range of grills from Charcoal fuelled Kamado Grills that act like an oven to Gas Grills that include Rotisseries. There are also outdoor gas hobs, teppanyakis and pizza ovens available,” Bull says.
Growing market
In terms of layout, the principles of the working triangle may still apply, with the main appliance, or appliances, sink, bin and storage all within easy reach of one another.
You’ll need weather-proof storage if you plan to leave pots, pans and utensils outside, plus a covered bin or bin cabinet which can be secured to stop pesky foxes getting in.
Another big current trend is for flowing the kitchen design from inside to out, or outside to in, depending on where you’re starting.
Large glass windows can help blur the lines from the interior to the exterior, while some designers will also extend the kitchen island from the inside to the outside with just a small break for the window between.
If something like this is impractical, you could consider using the same worksurface throughout, and keep the colour scheme the same where possible.
Seating is another key consideration, and this is something that Clive Christian’s Pernell notes how they look to create a narrative, understanding precisely how the space will flow, elevating the experience of all involved.
“With people in mind, the first calling is generally seating; we see most projects adopting sit up style bars, creating a ‘chef’s table’ experience, where the conversation can exchange naturally – with the only interjection being something delicious, fresh from the flames. Larger installations then might include a more formal table setting within service from the cooking area.”
There is one obvious difference, in that all the materials will need to be weather-proof – think stainless steel, non-porous solid surface and stone. “The location should also allow easy access to the home while also considering factors like ventilation for gas-powered appliances and waterproofing for electrical systems.
“Outdoor kitchens must consider environmental conditions like sun, wind, and climate. Additionally, they often focus on creating a seamless flow with the surrounding landscape and include areas for dining and relaxation,” Scavolini adds.
Besides making sure your chosen kitchen manufacturer uses weatherproof, durable materials, you’ll also need to think about the utilities required after you’ve created your desired appliance wish list. “Most cooking appliances might rely on gas bottles, but some can be hooked up to mains gas too, each having its own pros and cons,” Bull says.
“Teaming up with a knowledgeable manufacturer can give you some great insights into these options. Also, remember that outdoor kitchens need a solid, level base for installation; a foundation with minimal slope works best to ensure proper drainage whilst not overexaggerating the level between the kitchen surface and paving.”
This point by Scavolini segways us nicely into the next point – the outdoor kitchen is about more than just the outdoor kitchen. It may be a good idea to collaborate with a garden landscaper who can enhance the kitchen design further, “and help it blend beautifully with the surroundings”, Bull says.
A covering for your outdoor kitchen might also be desirable, and as Bull says, clients often want a turnkey solution that includes things like pergolas and landscaping.
Plus, having the right covering means your clients can enjoy their outdoor kitchens in various weather conditions, making them more functional. We actually have clients who regularly host New Year’s Eve parties in their outdoor kitchens!”
Looking ahead to the future, and coming full circle to where we began, the market for outdoor kitchens in the UK does look pretty buoyant and Scavolini says she expects the market will continue its upward trend, driven by design and technology innovations that enhance outdoor spaces’ functionality or appeal. “As consumers increasingly view outdoor kitchens as extensions of their living areas, investing in these spaces will likely remain a priority, contributing to ongoing market growth.”
Case study
In this case study from The Outdoor Kitchen Company, we hear about the challenges involved in the recent pictured project, as well as the general hurdles in designing these spaces. Managing director, Simon Hawkins comments:
What were the main challenges, and how did you overcome these?
In this instance the design and build were relatively straightforward as the clients entrusted us to design a practical space incorporating the cooking equipment that would suit their family requirements and lifestyle.
They were receptive to our ideas and chose materials and colours to reflect their style. We also needed to find a new material with natural wood-effect that required little maintenance. We sourced a product used by architects in high-end commercial projects – quality wooden slats made from wrapped aluminium – which look incredibly authentic as opposed to cheaper alternatives, which can look like plastic.
We also created bespoke fire protection shields to ensure the manufacturer’s safety specifications were considered. This is essential, not only to survive the UK elements but to also be aesthetically pleasing.
What are the general or main challenges faced when taking on an outdoor kitchen project?
Material choices: For both outdoor kitchen and pergola/canopy installs it is essential to choose materials that won’t rust and will last year after year in extreme UK weather conditions. From salt-water to windy storm conditions – even when placed under canopies – some carbon steel or mild steel outdoor kitchens have the potential to rust and need to be replaced.
Install preparation/Ground conditions: Project scheduling and install at the correct point of the project (as early as possible) will help a project run to time and budget. Often difficulties faced with drainage positioning, services, orientation issues and making sure the base is prepared correctly for product installation can all be avoided by getting our designers involved at the start of a project.
Liaising with other trades: To ensure an outdoor kitchen is fitted in time for the client, we take responsibility by liaising with other trades and making sure 3rd party issues are resolved with minimum impact, and without fuss or blame. We pride ourselves on our service and five-star customer feedback.