Outdoor Kitchen Plans

Outdoor Kitchen Planning Guide: How to Design Your Perfect Garden Kitchen

Introduction

Creating an outdoor kitchen is one of the best ways to transform your garden into a space for cooking, relaxing and entertaining.

Whether you dream of a simple BBQ area or a complete outdoor kitchen with storage, refrigeration, a pizza oven and preparation space, good planning makes all the difference.

The perfect outdoor kitchen should suit your garden, your cooking style and the way you entertain.

In this guide, we'll explore everything you need to consider when designing your outdoor kitchen, from choosing the right layout to selecting appliances and creating a space you'll enjoy for years.

If you're still comparing options, start with our Best Outdoor Kitchens UK Buying Guide

Step 1: Decide How You Will Use Your Outdoor Kitchen

Before choosing products, think about how you actually cook.

Ask yourself:

  • How many people do you usually cook for?
  • Do you entertain regularly?
  • Do you mainly BBQ?
  • Do you enjoy pizza making?
  • Do you need preparation space?
  • Will you need storage?

A family cooking area and a large entertaining space may need very different layouts.

Step 2: Choose Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

The right layout depends on your available space.

Straight Outdoor Kitchen Layout

A straight-line layout is one of the most popular options.

Perfect for:

✔ Patios
✔ Smaller gardens
✔ Walls or fences
✔ Simple installations

A straight modular kitchen can include:

  • BBQ
  • Storage
  • Worktop space
  • Pizza oven area

Brands such as Cozze and GRLLR work especially well in this layout.

L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen Layout

An L-shaped kitchen creates more preparation and entertaining space.

Ideal for:

✔ Larger gardens
✔ Frequent cooking
✔ Social areas

Benefits:

  • More worktop space
  • Better separation of zones
  • Premium appearance

Complete Outdoor Cooking Area

For the ultimate garden transformation, combine:

  • BBQ
  • Pizza oven
  • Outdoor fridge
  • Storage
  • Dining area
  • Outdoor heating

This creates a true extension of your home.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Equipment

Your cooking equipment is the heart of your outdoor kitchen.

BBQs & Grills

A quality BBQ is often the centrepiece.

Popular options include:

  • Gas BBQs
  • Charcoal grills
  • Kamado grills
  • Pellet grills

Choose based on your preferred cooking style.

Explore our BBQ & Grill Collection

Pizza Ovens

Pizza ovens have become one of the most popular additions to outdoor kitchens.

Perfect for:

  • Pizza nights
  • Bread baking
  • Roasting
  • Outdoor entertaining

Popular premium brands include:

  • Fontana Forni
  • Clementi
  • Cozze

Read our Best Pizza Ovens UK Guide

Step 4: Add Storage & Preparation Space

One of the biggest advantages of an outdoor kitchen is convenience.

Useful additions include:

  • Storage cupboards
  • Drawers
  • Work surfaces
  • Gas bottle storage
  • Shelving

Having everything outside makes outdoor cooking much easier.

Step 5: Consider Refrigeration

An outdoor fridge adds another level of convenience.

Perfect for:

  • Drinks
  • Ingredients
  • Marinades
  • Entertaining

It helps create a complete outdoor entertaining space.

Step 6: Choose the Right Outdoor Kitchen Brand

Different brands suit different gardens and budgets.

GRLLR Outdoor Kitchens

Best for:

✔ Premium modular setups
✔ Larger kitchens
✔ Future expansion
✔ Serious outdoor cooks

GRLLR Connect allows you to create a flexible outdoor kitchen built around your needs.

Read our GRLLR Outdoor Kitchen Guide

Cozze Outdoor Kitchens

Best for:

✔ Family gardens
✔ Flexible layouts
✔ Pizza oven setups
✔ Great value

Cozze offers stylish Scandinavian-inspired outdoor kitchen solutions.

Read our Cozze Outdoor Kitchen Guide

GrandPro Outdoor Kitchens

Best for:

✔ BBQ enthusiasts
✔ Complete grill stations
✔ Family entertaining

GrandPro focuses on creating practical outdoor cooking spaces built around grilling.

Explore our GrandPro Collection

Brabura Lite Outdoor Kitchens

Best for:

✔ Compact luxury spaces
✔ Modern patios
✔ Premium finishes

Brabura Lite offers a stylish complete solution without requiring a large area.

Explore our Brabura Collection

Buschbeck Outdoor Kitchens

Best for:

✔ Traditional gardens
✔ Permanent cooking areas
✔ Masonry-style designs

Buschbeck creates a more permanent outdoor cooking feature.

Explore our Buschbeck Collection

Step 7: Think About Outdoor Heating

Heating extends how often you can enjoy your space.

Popular options include:

  • Fire pits
  • Fire tables
  • Outdoor fireplaces

Adding heating creates a comfortable outdoor room.

Read our Outdoor Heating Ideas Guide

Common Outdoor Kitchen Planning Mistakes

Avoid:

❌ Not allowing enough preparation space

❌ Forgetting storage

❌ Choosing appliances before planning layout

❌ Not considering future expansion

❌ Ignoring how you actually cook

Good planning creates a space you'll use far more often.

Should You Choose Modular or Built-In?

Modular Outdoor Kitchens

Advantages:

✔ Flexible
✔ Expandable
✔ Easier installation
✔ Moveable

Brands:

  • GRLLR
  • Cozze

Permanent Outdoor Kitchens

Advantages:

✔ Built-in appearance
✔ Solid construction
✔ Traditional styling

Brands:

  • Buschbeck

Final Thoughts

The perfect outdoor kitchen isn't necessarily the biggest — it's the one designed around how you cook and entertain.

Start with the essentials:

  • Quality cooking equipment
  • Practical preparation space
  • Storage
  • A layout that suits your garden

Then expand your outdoor space over time.

Whether you're creating a compact BBQ station or a complete garden kitchen, choosing quality products will help create a space you enjoy for years.

Explore our Outdoor Kitchen Collection

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