Here’s the translation in English, maintaining the same formatting:
In recent years, outdoor kitchens, initially conceived for summer, are increasingly being used in autumn as well, when the summer heat gives way to more pleasant mild temperatures. By adopting a few small measures, the season of barbecues, lunches, and outdoor dinners can be easily extended without sacrificing comfort and functionality: we’ll discuss this in this article.

How to use outdoor kitchens (also) in autumn: all the measures to adopt

Weather protection, resistant materials, and heating systems are just some of the measures to adopt to be able to use your outdoor space even during the autumn season. Let’s look together at all the elements that every outdoor kitchen should have to be functional, practical, and welcoming even in autumn.

1. Adequate coverage. Autumn often brings light rain and temperature fluctuations, making the presence of a cover (a pergola, a canopy, or a gazebo, made of moisture-resistant materials) essential to protect your outdoor kitchen from the elements. This coverage could be integrated with side curtains or transparent panels to close the kitchen in case of wind or cold.

1. Structures resistant to lower temperatures. Outdoor kitchens must be built with materials suitable to withstand autumn temperature fluctuations, such as stainless steel, stone, or concrete, which do not deteriorate with cold and humidity. Stainless steel is particularly appreciated for its rust resistance and ease of cleaning.

1. Outdoor heating. To ensure comfort during colder autumn days, a heating system is essential. Options include mushroom heaters, electric infrared heaters, or outdoor fireplaces, which not only provide heat but also create an evocative atmosphere around which guests can gather and warm up.

1. Adequate lighting. With shortening days, lighting becomes an essential element in autumn to be able to use the outdoor kitchen even in the evening hours. It’s important to have functional lighting above cooking and preparation areas, with LED spotlights or pendant lamps. To create a cozy atmosphere, you can also add decorative lights such as lanterns or candles that enhance the already warm colors of autumn.

1. Wood-fired oven or covered barbecue. Thanks to their ability to maintain consistent heat and temperatures and to slowly cook dishes like roasts and stews, the wood-fired oven and covered barbecue become fundamental tools for every autumn outdoor kitchen.

1. Worktop and storage spaces. A large worktop is always useful in an outdoor kitchen, but in autumn it becomes even more important in order to prepare dishes directly outdoors, avoiding going in and out of the house. For the same reason, storage spaces must also be sufficiently large, as well as closed and waterproof to protect utensils, pots, and ingredients from humidity and low temperatures.

1. Versatile and season-appropriate equipment. To use your outdoor kitchen even in autumn, it is essential to have at least cast iron pots and pans, perfect for maintaining uniform temperature during the preparation of dishes such as braises or soups, ideal for cooler days.

1. Area for wood or charcoal storage. If you use a wood-fired oven or charcoal barbecue, it is essential to have a dry and protected area to store wood or charcoal, so that rain and humidity do not make them unusable: a small storage room or canopy is a simple but effective solution to avoid unforeseen issues.

1. Seasonal decorative elements. Aesthetics also play an important role in defining the autumn outdoor kitchen. Decorations that recall the colors and themes of the season, such as pumpkins, cinnamon-scented candles, or centerpieces with dry leaves and chestnuts, can make the environment even more welcoming and transform a simple outdoor kitchen into an evocative space in line with the autumn spirit.

1. Comfort for guests. To fully enjoy your outdoor space even in autumn, it’s important to make the environment as comfortable as possible, placing cushions and blankets on chairs and creating heated spaces.

Autumn offers the opportunity to rediscover outdoor cooking in a different key, more intimate and linked to the warm and comforting flavors of the season. With a few precautions and a bit of creativity, every outdoor kitchen can become the beating heart of lunches and dinners outdoors even during the autumn months.