How to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen
Despite the UK's famously unpredictable weather, the appeal of outdoor kitchens continues to grow. Flammkraft, the German manufacturer of high-end infra-red powered gas barbecues and complementary furniture modules, offers its expert advice on how to create the perfect outdoor kitchen. Flammkraft co-founders, Manuel Lasar and Knud Augustin share their insights into designing these spaces, not just as cooking areas but as the heart of garden entertainment.
"Customers in the UK have a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Combining that with functional, weather-resistant kitchen designs means you can enjoy your garden year-round, come rain or shine," explains Manuel Lasar. He adds, "It's about embracing the outdoor lifestyle, enhancing the quality of home life, and creating a space where memories are made."
Design Elements for a Functional Outdoor Kitchen
Designing an outdoor kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing requires careful planning. The Flammkraft experts highlight several essential elements:
Weather-Resistant Materials: Choose durable materials like stainless steel for appliances, porcelain for worksurfaces such as Laminam and weather-resistant woods for cabinetry. These choices ensure longevity and resilience against the UK climate especially in coastal areas.
Shelter: A shelter which allows ventilation can be permanent or temporary but ensures the outdoor kitchen and dining area can be used all year round no matter the weather. Options include a large parasol or umbrella, a pergola with polycarbonate panels or a tiled roof. Infrared heaters are a great option for cold evenings.
Functional Layout: Consider the flow of the space from cooking to dining. Also consider the proximity of the kitchen to the house and whether a pathway is required. Include adequate power sources and plumbing from the start.
Effective Lighting: Proper lighting is crucial not only for cooking but also to create the right ambiance for evening and night-time gatherings.
Ample Storage: Incorporate ample weatherproof storage to keep cooking tools and outdoor equipment safe and tidy.
Choosing the Right Appliances
When selecting appliances for an outdoor kitchen, durability and functionality are key. Consider versatile cooking options such as pizza ovens and high-performance grills to cater to varied culinary preferences. The Flammkraft Block D barbecue can be used as a standalone barbecue or integrated within a run of cabinetry. Made from the highest-grade stainless steel and available in an array of colours, it uses gas powered infra-red technology, to offer greater efficiency and precision and is perfect for those who enjoy hosting and want to cook like a professional in their own garden.
Avoiding Common Outdoor Kitchen Mistakes
Designing an outdoor kitchen without considering the full impact of weather and seasonal use can lead to problems. Avoid materials that will fade in sunlight or degrade or rust in the wet. Plan power, lighting and plumbing from the start and consider a covered area to protect against the unpredictable British weather. Ensure the layout is properly thought through to integrate cooking and social areas to prevent guests from feeling isolated from the host during meal prep. Ideally, the chef should not have their back to the guests – islands are a great solution for this.
About Flammkraft
With a heritage rooted in engineering excellence and innovation, Flammkraft stands at the forefront of the outdoor kitchen revolution. German engineers Manuel Lasar and Knud Augustin, co-founders of Flammkraft, have taken their passion for precision engineering and culinary arts to develop the Flammkraft Block D, a visionary barbecue that has swiftly become the choice of Michelin star chefs and passionate culinary aficionados across Europe.