Turn up the heat this summer with these outdoor kitchens
Good food is an integral part of outdoor entertaining and, this summer, the latest innovations in the outdoor-cooking arena will help you impress guests. Whether you’re a culinary whizz or an occasional barbecue operator, there’s an option here for you, including the finest modular kitchens for alfresco chefs, transportable grills and even one for those who are more into preparing salads than burning sausages. Bon apetit!
‘Vesta’ barbecue, Outerra
Known for its outdoor kitchens, Outerra has now made its first barbecue. It’s a sleek, tripod-mounted and powder-coated offering, designed by Raffaele Lazzari, that is a surefire way to raise your BBQ game. Replete with two semi-circular grills, it can be fuelled with wood logs, charcoal or briquettes. Novelty apron strongly discouraged. Approx £2,470, outerra.it.
‘Via Nolfi’ kitchen, OF OutdoorKitchens
The professional-style finish of stainless steel is taking residential kitchens by storm, and that appeal also applies to the outdoors. If this material is for you, then OF OutdoorKitchens is a brand that’s been ahead of the curve. The design of its ‘Via Nolfi’ kitchen is inspired by the medieval gate that welcomes visitors to the city of Fano (where the brand hails from) – a nice bit of trivia to share with guests while you grill. Price on application, ofoutdoorkitchens.com.
‘Phil’ outdoor kitchen modules, Ethimo
Even the smallest of barbecues ought to cater for multiple cooking methods, which is why Ethimo’s ‘Phil’ is so handy. Created by Gordon Guillaumier, the series comprises a ‘brazier grill module’ (pictured left, £9,480), ‘kitchen sink module’ (pictured right, £10,680) and the ‘induction cooktop module’ (£13,080). Invest in them all and cluster them together, or add to your collection as you need – either way, they all come in a choice of olive or black and feature a swivelling teak-wood top suitable for chopping, serving or to use as a handy cover, ethimo.com
‘Helios’ outdoor kitchen, Molteni & C
When the king of understated luxury Vincent Van Duysen revealed the ‘Helios’ kitchen for Molteni & C, many people’s al fresco aspirations were raised. Crafted from natural stone, ceramic, teak and steel, it offers more than enough countertop space to whip up a hearty dinner. From £35,000, molteni.it
‘Emily’ outdoor kitchen, Emu
For those who enjoy cooking in front of people (and let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck spinning salad leaves while guests mingle outside), Emu’s aluminium outdoor kitchen ‘Emily’ is the only thing you’ll need to invest in this season. Designed to ‘celebrate the joy of preparing and sharing meals in the open air’, its modular elements allow you to cook on the stoneware top, barbecue on the grill or wash veggies in the sink, all without having to leave the party. Approx £30,770, emu.it
‘Agher’ outdoor kitchen, Fògher
Fiery feasts call for equally hot equipment. Enter Fògher’s new ‘Agher’ here in ‘Sienna’, an outdoor kitchen that dazzles in a sizzling shade of burnt orange. One for master chefs looking to impress with their barbecue skills, it is gas-operated so easy to cook with because you don’t need to fuss about with the flame. Serve your creations on the brand’s matching outdoor dining table and bar stool for full effect. Approx £19,060, fogher.com
‘Zoe’ outdoor kitchen, The Cut
Want an outdoor kitchen that has everything your indoor one does? The Cut’s steel ‘Zoe’ is your answer. The sizeable design, in a cool stone finish or inky black, takes the brand’s signature minimalist look and amplifies it with bespoke elements such as aluminium-framed cabinetry and ceramic drawers. From £60,000, onesta.design
‘Chiminea’, Big Green Egg
More than an outdoor grill, this instantly recognisable design fast became a status symbol. To mark its 50th anniversary, the brand is rereleasing this green limited-edition version of the cult classic, ‘Chiminea’, which has a dual function as both an outdoor heater and wood-fuelled fire pit. £675, biggreenegg.co.uk
‘Land’ outdoor kitchen, Poliform
Designed by Poliform in collaboration with CAP, this kitchen is intended to blend into your garden while still offering maximum functionality. Visually, it’s as light as can be, with aluminium and steel modules attaching along beams that lend the cabinetry a suspended look. Plus, you can place it anywhere, as it runs purely on gas or battery power. £61,024, poliformuk.com
‘Barbecue’, Officine Gullo
Officine Gullo’s kitchens are the pinnacle of luxury, and that is also true when it comes to outdoor cooking. Built from weather-resistant stainless steel, its new barbecue is available in three sizes and embodies the distinctive robust styling (and vast range of colour options) that the Italian company is known for. As well as the grill there’s an infrared ceramic cooking area that can reach up to 980°C. Smokin’. £15,402, officinegullo.com
‘Artusi’ outdoor kitchen, Arclinea
A lot of thought has gone into Antonio Citterio’s highly customisable design, which preempts some of the issues that could occur when cooking outside. There’s a hidden heat-insulated unit with wide drawers where you can keep food either hot or cold, and all the cabinets feature a strong magnetic seal that protects anything stored inside against insects. One for the gourmet chefs among us – with a look to match. £54,000, arclinea.com
‘Sticks’ outdoor kitchen, Cane-Line
Your culinary style should be at the centre of your kitchen, so, if you’re someone who prefers impeccable salads over, let’s say, steaks, then Cane Line’s ‘Sticks’ is the outdoor food-prep station for you. There’s no grill or hob; instead, surface space and utensil storage are prioritised. From £3,945, cane-line.co.uk
‘Zest’ outdoor kitchen, Myfaace
Not all outdoor cooking is about flame-raising – understated elegance can work, too. Take this marble-topped kitchen, which extends into a table or bar. Its metal structure comes with curved cabinetry and an induction hob. Approx £20,980, myface.eu
