Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves: The Features That Make All the Difference
If you’re considering buying an outdoor kitchen this spring/summer, then you might be curious as to what features you’re looking for. Whether you love hosting al fresco dinner parties, indulging in weekend pizza nights, or simply enjoying effortless outdoor cooking, the right features can make all the difference. Plus, knowing what you need is the first step to finding the right outdoor kitchen for you.
But despite some outdoor kitchens having a similar aesthetic, they’re not all made the same, and with many offering modular or bespoke designs, you need to know what features are best suited for you. For a space that combines durability, functionality, and refined aesthetics, it’s essential to invest in premium materials and high-performance appliances. From Dekton worktops to built-in beverage stations, this guide explores the must-have features that transform a standard setup into a luxurious, long-lasting outdoor kitchen - miles away from the DIY outdoor kitchen experience.
Well-considered features can truly transform an outdoor kitchen space, for ease, practicality and convenience when dining al fresco style. Our Hoole Village project is the perfect example for this.
Essential outdoor kitchen features
Dekton worktops
When it comes to outdoor kitchen surfaces, Dekton worktops set the gold standard. Made from a blend of natural minerals, these ultra-compact surfaces are scratch-resistant, heatproof, and UV-stable, ensuring they withstand the elements without fading or damage. Unlike natural stone, Dekton requires minimal maintenance, making it a hassle-free yet luxurious choice for your outdoor cooking space.
Brands like EO Outdoor Kitchens use Dekton for its durability and sleek aesthetic, ensuring a seamless, high-end finish that enhances any outdoor setting. Whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or something more textured and natural, Dekton offers a range of stunning colour options that elevate the design of your space.
A well-chosen worktop isn’t just about durability—it also enhances usability. The right surface should be easy to clean, resistant to staining from oils and food, and offer a generous workspace for meal prep and serving.
Dekton worktops are the premium choice when it comes to robust, scratch-resistant outdoor cooking, as seen in the Knutsford project.
Premium grills
The grill is the centrepiece of any outdoor kitchen, and a high-quality built-in model transforms casual barbecues into a true culinary experience. A premium gas or hybrid grill ensures even heat distribution, precise temperature control, and long-term durability, allowing you to cook everything from perfectly seared steaks to delicate seafood with ease.
Look for grills with:
Infrared burners for restaurant-quality searing
Rotisserie functions for slow-roasting meats
Stainless steel construction for longevity
Fire Magic grills are widely regarded as some of the best in the industry, known for their high-performance burners and advanced cooking technology. Similarly, Roostr outdoor kitchens integrate top-tier grills with custom-built cabinetry for a seamless, high-end finish.
Typically, your grill is the centrepiece of your outdoor kitchen, so we highly recommend not holding back. With all our outdoor kitchen brands giving you various grill options to choose from, you can find one that matches your budget, aesthetic and most importantly, your required barbecuing functions!
For a contemporary, seamless design, Roostr outdoor kitchens are a no-brainer.
Pizza oven
A pizza oven takes outdoor entertaining to the next level, allowing you to craft authentic pizzas with crispy bases and rich, smoky flavour. But it doesn’t stop at pizza - most premium pizza ovens on the market today are incredibly versatile, perfect for slow-cooked meats, roasted vegetables, and even freshly baked bread.
So why incorporate one? Well firstly, they’re really quick, which makes a fun and lighthearted pizza night a great choice for those with young children. They’re smaller and less effort to clean, again a good option to utilise when it’s just your immediate family on a school night. And finally, some are portable, meaning you could technically move it if you need the extra work space, or take it with you if you’re going camping!
Which brand should you choose? For all our outdoor kitchen ranges, you can opt for a Gozney pizza oven, Delivita pizza oven or even an Alfa.
Need inspiration for your next pizza night? Check out our Hoole Village project, showcasing the Alfa pizza oven.
Integrated fridge
An outdoor-rated fridge is crucial, whether for keeping ingredients fresh or drinks perfectly chilled. You’d be surprised how many times you’d be popping back indoors ‘to the kitchen’ to get something you need otherwise!
Look for models with:
Weatherproof construction to withstand outdoor conditions
Adjustable shelving for flexible storage
Energy-efficient cooling systems
Plus, adding a drop-in beverage station is another game-changer and makes a great addition to the fridge. Rather than cluttering up counter space with coolers, these sleek stations provide a dedicated space for ice, wines, and spirits, keeping everything within reach and giving you back space in the fridge too.
All our outdoor kitchen ranges, such as Roostr and EO outdoor kitchens, offer integrated fridges within the kitchen cabinetry.
Serve perfectly chilled drinks, every single time, as showcased in our Knutsford project.
Smart storage solutions
If an outdoor kitchen was just about the appliances, you’d just be buying them separately as freestanding products. Built-in cabinetry is the foundation of a great outdoor kitchen, and smart storage solutions allow you to keep cookware, utensils, and accessories neatly stored away, ensuring your kitchen always looks sleek and uncluttered.
For premium functionality, consider:
Weatherproof storage units with soft-close doors
Plenty of shelving options
Hidden compartments for gas bottles and electrical components
Drawer dividers for organised cutlery and tools
All our outdoor kitchen ranges excel in tailored storage solutions, ensuring every detail from integrated shelving to concealed bins, enhancing the kitchen’s usability while maintaining a polished aesthetic. We’ve partnered with the best in outdoor kitchen design to ensure that you can utilise your outdoor kitchen to its fullest potential.
With Walker Landscape and Design, you’re guaranteed to have functionality designed to your every need, discover how we achieved seemless storage and organisation in our Hoole project.
Sink & prep area
A fully plumbed-in outdoor sink is a great addition for food prep and clean-up. With hot and cold water options, it allows you to rinse vegetables, wash hands, and clean dishes effortlessly. Needless to say, you don’t want to be running back inside to wash your hands after handling raw meat - it makes the whole outdoor cooking experience quite pointless!
High-quality stainless steel sinks that are both functional and visually refined, making them a must-have for anyone looking to cook up a storm in their garden this summer.
Built-in plug sockets
One feature that’s often overlooked but makes a huge difference in day-to-day use is integrated electrics. Built-in plug sockets ensure your outdoor kitchen is as functional as your indoor space. Whether you need to charge devices, power outdoor speakers, or plug in a blender for cocktails, having easy access to power is essential.
A pop-up socket offers the best of both worlds - seamless functionality when you need it and a sleek, clutter-free finish when you don’t. Simply tuck it away into the worktop for a streamlined, high-end look. Plus, with outdoor-rated sockets, you can power garden tools like lawnmowers and pressure washers, making them a practical addition beyond just cooking and entertaining.
Outdoor kitchens for year-round use
Many homeowners worry if their outdoor kitchen will be usable all year round in the UK with the unpredictable weather - but there are endless ways you can make your space work in all seasons. At Walker Landscape and Design, we’ve purposefully curated outdoor living products that redefine the functionality of your garden, ensuring you can enjoy it from January all the way to December.
To make your space work in all seasons, ensure to add:
Overhead covers or pergola patio covers to protect against rain and sun.
Outdoor heating solutions like built-in heaters or portable heaters to keep your dining area cosy on the cooler evenings.
Weatherproof storage to ensure appliances stay in perfect condition.
With the right setup, your outdoor kitchen can be a year-round feature, not just a summer indulgence.
Book a showroom appointment to explore our outdoor kitchens
An outdoor kitchen extends your garden use not just physically, but from a functional perspective, allowing you to enjoy your space through all the seasons. By integrating high-end appliances and choosing premium brands with bespoke storage solutions, you can create a seamless, luxurious entertaining space that enhances your home and lifestyle.
Looking to bring your vision to life? Visit our showroom to explore our range of premium outdoor kitchens. Book your appointment today and start designing the ultimate outdoor kitchen for your home.
