Setting up your Outdoor kitchen

Make a space where you can cook al fresco while entertaining guests

IT MAY be winter but warm days in between the cold ones mean that an outdoor kitchen can be a year-round asset.

Choosing the right location is important. It should be wind free and as close to the kitchen as possible, so going back and forth is not a chore, as often these kitchens do not have a second set of dishes, cookware or appliances.

Whether your space is a back garden in the suburbs, a roof deck in the city or a wide porch in the country, you’ll want to consider hard-wearing materials for built-in counters, seating benches and storage units which remain fresh-looking while surviving the onslaught of cooking activities, dirt, dust and rain.

YOU WILL NEED

Cooking and grilling areas

Counter tops and prep stations

Storage

A dining area

Accessories

HOW TO GET COOKING

• If you already have a sizeable patio or deck area, incorporating an outdoor kitchen into that space is relatively simple.

• An existing deck can easily be turned into a basic outdoor food prep and dining area by adding a braai stand or grill, a counter top and a table with comfortable chairs.

• Remember to consider the lighting and power points for appliances. In the luxury market, we’re seeing full-on outdoor kitchens complete with bar areas, islands, ovens, stoves and extra storage space.

• These features allow the host to be present with their guests outside while they are preparing a meal.

• While custom kitchens give you more choices, a prefab outdoor kitchen will be more cost effective.