An outdoor kitchen for all the summer food

On warm summer days, it's practical and convenient to cook in an outdoor kitchen. That way, you don’t have to run in and out, and you can simply brush away the crumbs when you're done. Practical, but above all, delightful.

Here are some of the things you might need to create your dream outdoor kitchen:

• Workbench
  A sturdy workbench to cook on, preferably with some storage space underneath. The more counter space you have, the easier it will be to prepare meals — even when you're cooking with others.

• Storage
  A sleek metal shelf gives you space for dishes, cutting boards, and herbs. If you have a wall, you can install a practical rack for hanging kitchen utensils.

• Sink with faucet
  With a complete outdoor kitchen featuring a sink and faucet, you can do the dishes and rinse things under running water. If you have an outdoor tap nearby, you can use that to supply your outdoor kitchen with water.

• Kitchen equipment
  Equip your outdoor kitchen with plates, cutlery, quality knives, ladles, bowls, a frying pan, a saucepan, and everything else you need to succeed with cooking in the garden. Just remember to bring everything inside when it’s time to close down the outdoor space for the season.

Here, we will go through the details you don't want to miss if you're looking for a complete and well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Get inspired by different materials, products, and accessories. If you're "handy," you can build the outdoor kitchen yourself. If you'd like some help along the way, ready-made modules are a great solution.

The outdoor kitchen in the Verona series is an example of a practical design that you can build upon depending on your needs. The series includes a module with a sink, as well as a corner module and a regular module that can be used to extend the setup. This allows you to customize the outdoor kitchen to the size that fits your outdoor space. Verona is made from aluminum and nonwood, both materials that are durable and very well-suited for outdoor use.

The outdoor kitchen in the Verona series has a countertop made from maintenance-free and durable nonwood. It's practical, simple, and sleek, fitting well into most outdoor spaces. Whether you want to build your own outdoor kitchen or spruce up ready-made modules, the countertop is an important piece. The choice of countertop has a significant impact on the design and overall impression of the outdoor kitchen, and there are many different materials to choose from, ranging from solid wood and stainless steel to stone and composite (plastic) countertops.

• Stainless steel or aluminum countertop
  A stainless steel or aluminum countertop gives the outdoor kitchen an industrial feel and can look really stylish when paired with hooks and hangers in the same style. These types of countertops are resistant to weather and are easy to keep clean. However, they can get scratched quite easily, and you risk dents if you drop things on them.

• Natural stone countertop
  A natural stone countertop gives an exclusive look and is a robust solution resistant to both scratches and the elements. However, natural stone is expensive, and it can be heavy to install. Some types of stone are more sensitive to acid, so stains may appear if you spill soda or wine on the stone. Marble, for example, can stain quickly, while granite is more durable in this respect. Natural stone countertops come in all kinds of colors and can be matte or glossy depending on how they are polished and finished.

• Cast concrete countertop
  If you're handy, you can cast your own concrete countertop for the outdoor kitchen. Concrete is durable and long-lasting, but it has pores and can stain.

• Wood countertop
  A solid wood countertop is also an option. Wood with a dense core, like oak, is moisture-resistant, but wood is a living material, so it will be affected by weather and time. It also requires regular maintenance.

If you choose a material that isn't the most durable, you can protect the countertop and outdoor kitchen by building a small roof over it.

An outdoor kitchen isn’t complete without a grill to prepare the food. The grill should be placed relatively close to the workbench, without risking heat or fire damage. A gas grill or electric grill heats up quickly and is an easy choice, while a charcoal grill gives the food a classic smoky flavor. A charcoal grill is easy to move around, while gas grills are heavier, and the electric grill requires a nearby power outlet.

Also read:
Buying a grill: Choose the right grill for your needs

A summery lunch or dinner becomes extra special with fresh herbs straight from the garden. Some favorites to grow are thyme, rosemary, oregano, basil, parsley, dill, and mint. Sow from seeds and plant herbs in a planting box or pot in a bright and sheltered spot. If you want to save time, you can buy ready-made plants and place them wherever it suits, preferably conveniently located near the outdoor kitchen.

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