How to Choose the Outdoor Kitchen for You

Imagine stepping into your garden on a warm evening, the scent of grilled steak in the air, a glass of wine in hand, and a beautiful luxury outdoor kitchen at the heart of it all. No dashing back inside for ingredients, no missing moments with guests - just seamless outdoor entertaining in a space that feels as stylish and functional as your indoor kitchen.

An outdoor kitchen is a lifestyle upgrade. Whether you’re hosting large summer gatherings, enjoying intimate family dinners, or simply elevating your garden space, choosing the right setup is key. But with so many high-end outdoor kitchen brands and customisation options available, how do you decide what’s best for you?

At Walker Landscape & Design, we specialise in designing and installing premium outdoor kitchens, working with some of the best brands in the industry: Fire Magic, EO Outdoor Kitchens, Oliveti, and most recently, Roostr. Each offers something unique, whether it’s bespoke craftsmanship, contemporary elegance, or chef-level cooking features.

This guide will walk you through the essentials - helping you define your needs, explore different layouts, understand material choices, and compare the best outdoor kitchen brands on the market.

The EO Black outdoor kitchen is a sleek and contemporary modular kitchen, made in the UK.

Step one: Consider what you want from your outdoor kitchen

Before diving into design details, it’s important to consider how you’ll use your outdoor cooking space. Every homeowner has different needs, and the right kitchen should fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Do you love entertaining large groups? If your home is a hub for social gatherings, you’ll need ample counter space, a large grill, and a layout that allows guests to gather while you cook. You could consider an island with seating, an integrated wine fridge and beer cooler and more. 

Are you passionate about cooking? If you're a keen chef, look for a kitchen that offers more than just a gas grill. You may want to consider an outdoor kitchen that offers restaurant-quality gas hobs, outdoor grade induction , teppanyaki plates,, and other state-of-the-art cooking technology to suit your cooking needs.

Is your outdoor kitchen largely about style and longevity? If aesthetics are just as important as function, many of our brands are known for their sleek, modern designs with high-end materials like Dekton and stainless steel cabinetry. Do you want a simple space that fits into your mid-sized garden that allows you the flexibility to unwind outdoors?

And finally, do you want flexibility in design? Some outdoor kitchens are available in set designs, while others are modular, and finally, some are entirely bespoke. Choosing the right outdoor kitchen for you should therefore consider the flexibility you need.

Step two: Identify the right layout for your high-end outdoor kitchen

Continuing on from this, the layout of your outdoor kitchen is just as important as the materials and appliances. You want a setup that’s both functional and inviting, allowing you to cook comfortably while interacting with guests. Once you’ve decided how you’ll use your space, you’ll be able to focus more on choosing the right layout for you.

Linear Outdoor Kitchen

A streamlined, space-saving option that works well for smaller patios or where a built-in garden kitchen is desired against a wall.

L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

A fantastic choice if you want to create separate cooking and prep zones, giving you plenty of workspace without taking up too much garden space.

U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen

The ultimate option for keen cooks, providing an expansive workspace, built-in storage, and multiple cooking zones - perfect for those who love to entertain. Create your own bar seating for a sociable cooking and guest experience.

Island Outdoor Kitchen

A highly sociable layout where guests can gather around while you cook, ideal for integrating a bar area or pizza oven for a relaxed, interactive experience.

If you’re not sure what will be best for you and your garden, speak to our expert garden design and outdoor living team to find the best outdoor kitchen for you. 

The Fire Magic outdoor kitchen, as seen at our Hoole Village project.

Step three: Consider which brand you’d like based on materials

Since your bespoke outdoor kitchen will be exposed to the elements, durability matters. Choosing high-quality materials will ensure your investment lasts for years to come.

• Dekton Worktops – Ultra-durable, heat-resistant, and scratch-proof, used by EO Outdoor Kitchens, Oliveti and Roostr.

• Stainless Steel – Sleek, modern, and resistant to rust, found in Fire Magic, Roostr, Oliveti and EO.

• Millboard Composite Cladding – A premium alternative to wood that won’t warp or fade, featured in EO Outdoor Kitchens.

• Natural Stone – A beautiful choice for a rustic outdoor kitchen, though it requires maintenance to stay in top condition.

At Walker Landscape and Design, we pride ourselves on collating the most premium outdoor living products, and therefore all our partnered brands use high-quality materials in their designs with all options built for longevity and durability. 

Step four: Compare our outdoor kitchen brands at Walker Landscape and Design

EO Outdoor Kitchens – British-Made & Fully Bespoke

• Best for: Homeowners wanting a tailor-made, high-end kitchen.

• Materials: Dekton worktops, Millboard composite cladding, 304 stainless steel powder-coated frames.

• Why Choose EO? If you want a completely customisable, premium outdoor kitchen, EO provides elegant, long-lasting design with a choice of example layouts to get you started.

An EO bespoke outdoor kitchen, featured here in our Hoole project.

Oliveti – Contemporary British Craftsmanship

• Best for: A sleek, contemporary look with seamless integration.

• Materials: 305 stainless steel cabinetry with Dekton worktops.

• Why Choose Oliveti? Perfect for those looking for a modern outdoor kitchen with a clean, minimalist design.

An Oliveti outdoor kitchen, displayed at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2023.

Roostr – Modular & Sustainable Outdoor Kitchens

• Best for: A flexible, eco-conscious outdoor kitchen.

• Materials: Galvanised & stainless steel, CO₂-neutral production methods.

• Why Choose Roostr? If you want a modular outdoor kitchen that can expand over time, Roostr offers a smart, sustainable solution.

A Roostr outdoor kitchen, made in the Netherlands. Imagery supplied by Roostr.

Fire Magic – The Ultimate in Outdoor Cooking Performance

• Best for: Professional-level grilling and cooking features.

• Materials: 304 stainless steel, compatible with various build materials (brick, concrete, cladding).

• Why Choose Fire Magic? If you want a chef-worthy outdoor cooking experience with advanced grill technology, this is the brand for you. They also offer a life time guarantee.

A Fire Magic outdoor kitchen, as seen at our Knutsford project.

Step five: Consider the final details for an outdoor kitchen

• Do I need planning permission for an outdoor kitchen?

  Not usually! Most outdoor kitchen designs fall under permitted development, but check if you’re adding a permanent roof or structure.

• How can I use my outdoor kitchen all year round?

  Adding a covered pergola, wind-blocking screens, and infrared heaters can make your space comfortable even in colder months.

• What’s the most durable outdoor kitchen material?

  Stainless steel and Dekton worktops are among the most weather-resistant choices, ensuring longevity with minimal maintenance.

• Can I take my outdoor kitchen with me if/when I move house?

  It depends on the type of outdoor kitchen you choose. If you opt for a modular kitchen, like those offered by Roostr or EO Black, you can take the units with you when you move. However, built-in outdoor kitchens, such as those from Fire Magic, are designed to be permanent fixtures and would be difficult to relocate. If portability is a key concern, a modular system would be the best option.

• What are the maintenance requirements for an outdoor kitchen?

  Keeping your luxury outdoor kitchen in top condition requires some routine maintenance, but the materials used in high-end outdoor kitchens are designed for longevity. While each brand has their own maintenance requirements which you’d need to check and confirm, here is some general guidance. 

  • Stainless Steel Surfaces → Wipe down regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners to maintain the finish.

  • Dekton Worktops → Low maintenance - just clean with warm water and mild detergent. Dekton is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat.

  • Grills & Cooking Appliances → Regularly clean burners, grates, and grease trays to prevent build-up and ensure optimal performance.

  • Winter Care → If not using your kitchen in the colder months, cover appliances and shut off any gas or water connections to prevent weather damage.

• Can I have an outdoor kitchen in a UK climate? 

  Yes, absolutely! High-end outdoor kitchens are designed to withstand the elements, and there are several ways to make them functional year-round in the UK. Using weatherproof materials, such as stainless steel, Dekton and Millboard composite cladding, these outdoor kitchens are resistant to rain, frost and UV damage - but would still benefit from being covered when not in use. Further, a luxurious pergola with a louvered roof and automated sides can protect your kitchen from excessive rain while maintaining an open-air feel. 

Step six: Book your consultation 

A luxury outdoor kitchen is a lifestyle upgrade that enhances the way you entertain, cook, and enjoy your garden. Whether you envision a sleek, contemporary outdoor kitchen, a modular setup that evolves with your needs, or a chef-level cooking station, choosing the right outdoor kitchen for you ensures you’ll enjoy it for years to come.

With premium brands like EO Outdoor Kitchens, Oliveti, Roostr, and Fire Magic, you have access to the best in outdoor kitchen design from across the world, from fully bespoke, built-in kitchens to modular, high-performance grilling stations. By creating distinct zones for cooking, dining, and socialising, you can make your garden functional year-round, providing the perfect backdrop for both intimate dinners and large-scale entertaining.

If you're ready to elevate your outdoor space, now is the perfect time to start planning. Book your exclusive showroom appointment today to see our outdoor kitchens in-person, to speak with our expert outdoor living team and to start designing the outdoor kitchen of your dreams.