Planning an outdoor kitchen – the key to success

An outdoor kitchen is significantly more than just an outdoor cooking area. It embodies a lifestyle that combines a love of nature with culinary passion.

Tips for planning your outdoor kitchen

Fancy finally creating an outdoor oasis of comfort, but not quite sure how to start planning? The first thing to consider is to have a clear idea of your dream kitchen: How much space do you need for preparing delicious food? Will you need ample storage space for utensils and which equipment is important to you? In this blog post, we would like to provide answers to the most important questions about planning your outdoor kitchen – a wonderful idea can quickly turn into a well-designed project.

Note: When planning your outdoor kitchen, choosing the right materials is crucial. You can find out more about this topic in our article:
The best materials for outdoor kitchens.

How do I choose the perfect spot for my outdoor kitchen?

An important and often underestimated question. Why? Your outdoor kitchen will become the centerpiece of your home – a place for pleasure, bonding, dreams and gatherings. In the past, proximity to the indoor kitchen was a decisive criterion for many when choosing a suitable spot. Today, thanks to modern solutions, this is no longer the case. Whether dishwasher, fridge, drawers for utensils or special requests – there are no limits to your creativity.

An example from our daily business: we installed Miele appliances provided by the customer in an outdoor kitchen. These were equipped with a thermostat by a specialised company. The control prevents frost damage – so reliable operation is possible even on particularly cold days. Have you got a customised request? Just get in touch with us.

Naturally, proximity to the house still offers many advantages. Your outdoor kitchen is always protected from intense sunlight or strong wind. The result? More comfort and a cosy ambience, even in bad weather. Electricity and water connections are easier to install – an important point to bear in mind when planning. The most important thing, however, is that you should feel perfectly at ease with your choice and that your dream kitchen harmonises with your patio or garden landscape. The right material, the right colours and, of course, your personal style are crucial for this.

What should an outdoor kitchen include?

Planning an outdoor kitchen is not just a question of design – the equipment must also match your lifestyle and needs. So it’s up to you to decide what should be included in your kitchen. For many, a barbecue is an absolute must-have and the heart of the outdoor area uniting friends and family. For others, it is the cosy and warm outdoor fire. We have summarised the most important equipment choices for you:

  • Barbecue components: If you want a versatile barbecue combining both tradition and modern performance the kamado barbecue is the perfect choice. The ceramic barbecue is also becoming increasingly popular due to its appearance. Classic charcoal and gas barbecues are still popular with many and provide an authentic barbecue flavour. However, we at Freiluft prefer open fire barbecues. Why? Simply because our exclusive barbecue fire offers a truly authentic experience.
  • Outdoor fridge: Drinks ready to hand, fresh barbecue food, more convenience – no kitchen should do without refrigeration appliances, not even an outdoor kitchen.
  • Water components: We’ve all been there – when cooking, you also need a dishwasher and/or sink. To avoid constantly running into the house when you want to wash your hands, it would be very handy and time-saving to have a sink ready for use. Our manufactory offers water components made of natural stone or stainless steel – ensuring a suitable choice for everybody, whether modern or rustic.
  • Counter solutions: For an even finer cooking experience! Modern counter solutions are not only visually appealing, they are a meeting place for social gatherings, a bonus for any outdoor kitchen. If you need an additional work surface or want to pour drinks, this is the ideal solution.
  • Storage space solutions and cupboards: Sufficient storage space is essential to keep your cooking utensils and barbecue accessories neat and tidy.

A helpful hint: innovative cooking solutions such as induction hobs, wok burners, gas hobs or planchas are becoming increasingly popular and can now replace a traditional barbecue or serve as a valuable addition in the outdoor area, for example for preparing delicious side dishes or sauces.

Do I need a canopy for my backyard haven?

Are you spending a lot of time in your outdoor kitchen, but the rain sometimes puts a spanner in the works? Then a canopy is the perfect solution. We recommend a canopy that provides both a pleasant climate and a wonderful ambience – for even more cosiness. Interested in finding out more?

Our Freiluft team is on hand to help you plan your outdoor kitchen. We take every requirement seriously and realise every detail exactly as you imagined it. Feel free to contact us, we look forward to learning more about your ideas.