Essential complement to many modern homes, outdoor kitchens are increasingly being used today as true extensions of indoor spaces. However, some of these kitchens lack the essential accessories to fully exploit their potential. From large worktops for preparing dishes to specific utensils for different types of cooking, and furnishing accessories, in this article, we will illustrate some of the accessories you absolutely cannot do without if you decide to install an outdoor kitchen in your garden.

How to optimize your outdoor kitchen: essential macro-accessories

The first step to optimizing your outdoor kitchen is to design a large work surface with weather-resistant materials such as stainless steel and marble. The size of the worktop will vary based on the appliances you decide to include, the number of storage compartments and drawers you think will be useful, and the size of the sink, an accessory we absolutely recommend adding to make cleaning food and dishes much easier.

Once the dimensions of the kitchen, with the spaces and accessories agreed upon during the design phase, have been defined, you can proceed with organizing the outdoor area that will host it. To ensure that the preparation and serving of dishes do not present any inconvenience, you will need to optimize not only the spaces dedicated to cooking but also the surrounding environment. For example, think about how useful it would be to have serving carts and shelves to neatly store all your utensils: you could even add LED lights under the shelves or around the cooking area to use the kitchen late in the evening and always have everything in sight and within reach!

Investing in quality accessories will not only increase the functionality and practicality of your outdoor kitchen but will also make the experience of cooking outdoors even more enjoyable and rewarding. So complete your outdoor space with adjustable spotlights, a nice extendable table, and comfortable chairs, all strictly made with weather-resistant materials such as teak or stainless steel.

Accessories for outdoor kitchens: OF outdoorkitchens’ advice

After optimizing your outdoor kitchen and the surrounding space, you can proceed with purchasing specific accessories based on your needs. We at OF outdoorkitchens recommend adding:

• a complete set of stainless steel kitchen utensils, including tongs, spatulas, knives of various sizes, carving forks, and marinade brushes, to easily handle all types of cooking;

• a set of cutlery and plates resistant to shocks and variable weather conditions;

• a well-organized spice rack to keep all your aromatic herbs at hand;

• wooden or bamboo cutting boards, preferably of different sizes, to simultaneously handle meat, vegetables, and bread without contamination;

• hermetic containers for marinades;

• a kitchen thermometer to check the cooking of foods;

• protective covers and waterproof cases to protect the outdoor kitchen and garden furniture from the weather;

• trash bins to facilitate recycling and keep the kitchen always clean and tidy.

If you are particularly passionate about barbecue, in your outdoor kitchen you cannot miss:

• heat-resistant barbecue gloves to protect your hands and make cooking operations safer;

• stainless steel skewers and baskets for cooking small pieces of vegetables or fish that would otherwise fall through the grates;

• cast iron trays and plates, which distribute heat evenly, to cook a variety of dishes, from pancakes to grilled vegetables;

• rib racks, to cook several pieces simultaneously, optimizing space on the grill and ensuring even cooking;

• brushes with stainless steel bristles to remove burnt food residues and ensure perfect cooking;

• aluminum trays and pans to cook the most delicate foods and collect cooking juices, preventing them from dripping into the grill;

• a pizza stone to cook crispy pizzas directly on the barbecue, taking advantage of its intense and even heat.

In addition to the accessories listed above, there are many other elements to customize and make your outdoor kitchen even more functional, but to be sure to choose the right ones, you will first need to establish a budget and outline your specific needs. Asking yourself, for example, if you need more space for food preparation or storage will help you clearly define your needs to proceed with conscious purchases, favoring weather-resistant materials and high-quality products that perfectly fit the design of your garden and home.

With careful planning and variable investment, you can create a practical and functional outdoor kitchen that will become the heart of your outdoor space.