Month: March 2025

Outdoor kitchens are becoming one of the most sought-after garden features for UK homes, offering a stylish way to enjoy cooking, dining and entertaining outside. But before you dive in, there are some important things to consider, from planning rules and safe installation to materials, design tips and choosing the right grill.

In this guide, we’ll answer the most common questions UK homeowners ask about outdoor kitchens so you can plan yours with confidence.

An outdoor kitchen is any prepared, organised outdoor cooking or food-prep area which can practically be either a simple built-in grill and prep counter or a fully plumbed, powered kitchen with sinks, fridges, storage and pizza ovens.

• Stainless Steel (304 / 316 grades) — This is the industry standard for durability and weather resistance as it does rust less and is easy to clean; coastal installs should prefer marine-grade (316) where possible.
• Powder-coated Aluminium — It is light, rust-resistant and often used for bespoke modular units. This is also a good option if you are looking for a coloured finish.
• High-performance Composites — These are very low maintenance, resistant to rot and moisture (often used for cheaper modular units).
• Stone / Masonry — A very robust and perfect choice if you want a permanent, built-in look (requires correct foundations).
• Porcelain — It is non-porous, UV-stable, scratch-resistant, and handles frost, heat and staining very well, making it ideal for the British climate.
• Treated Timber / Cladding — Used for decorative finishes but needs good detailing and maintenance where exposed to grease and weather.

For long life in the UK, stainless steel and high-performance composites remain the best choices for cabinetry, while porcelain is now one of the most reliable and durable options for worktops and visual appeal.

Outdoor kitchen unit pricing varies depending on size, materials, and customisation. Below is a guide of the set price models that we offer at AGVerandas Ltd. These prices include delivery and set up but do not cover the cost of the appliances or utility connections:

• 3m Outdoor Kitchen Unit – £6,995 + VAT
• 4m Outdoor Kitchen Unit – £7,995 + VAT
• 5m Outdoor Kitchen Unit – £8,995 + VAT
• 6m Outdoor Kitchen Unit – £9,995 + VAT

Planning permission is not usually required for an outdoor kitchen in the UK, as it is normally treated as an outbuilding under permitted development rules. However, the following conditions apply:

Size & Height

• If an outbuilding is within 2 metres of a boundary of your property, any part of it must not exceed 2.5 metres in height.
• If it is more than 2 metres from the boundary, flat or other non-pitched roofs are limited to 3 metres overall height, while dual‐pitched roofs can go up to 4 metres overall height.

Area Limit

• The combined area of all outbuildings, plus other structures/extensions, must not cover more than half the area around the original house (50% of garden land).

Use & Location

• Outbuildings must be used for a purpose that’s “incidental to the enjoyment of the dwelling house” (cooking / storage / leisure etc.), not as separate living accommodation.

Listed Buildings & Conservation Areas

• Permitted development rights may be more restricted, or removed entirely, in designated areas: listed buildings, conservation areas, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, National Parks etc.

When designing your outdoor kitchen, here is a simple step list of things that you must consider:

1. Decide Location & Workflow — Place the primary cooking appliance near a prep area, sink and shelter while keeping a safe distance from fences/buildings.
2. Check Planning & Building Regulations — Confirm whether your design falls under permitted development rights to understand if planning permission may be required.
3. Choose Base & Foundations — Identify what base (decking or paving) is suitable for your kitchen, especially for heavy built-in units.
4. Plan Services — Plan gas connections, fixed electrics and water supply/drainage based on the location of the kitchen unit.
5. Materials & Finishes — Choose materials which can withstand outdoor conditions without deteriorating, such as stainless steel cabinets, porcelain worktops, and ideally a non-combustible splashback near burners.
6. Lighting & Heating — Make it a year-round friendly extension with suitable outdoor lighting, and optional infrared or patio heaters.
7. Outdoor Shelter: Consider a veranda or pergola to protect you and your kitchen from various weather conditions while creating a comfortable environment for cooking and dining.
8. Ventilation & Clearances — If the outdoor kitchen is sheltered, ensure an extractor fan/hood is installed to allow a healthy airflow and ventilation.

Choosing the right grill for your outdoor kitchen is all about balancing your cooking style, space, and budget. Some homeowners prioritise versatility and advanced features, while others prefer reliability, ease of use, and long-term durability.

To help you decide, here’s a look at some of the best grills available on the UK market, including our trusted Beefeater range, and how they compare in terms of performance and value.

Beefeater

• Beefeater offers built-in models and integrated packages made specifically for kitchen installations, with great access to support and parts in the UK, and a wide range of mid-to-high spec built-in gas grills suitable for modular cabinetry.

Weber

• Weber offers great build quality, longevity, a wide range of options with proven consumer performance and service. It is a well-known option for performance and user experience in the UK.

Napoleon

• Napoleon is known for their innovative features, very good heat control and value in the premium segment. It is often recommended by UK and international reviewers for balance of price/feature set.

Legally, there is no general UK planning rule that states that they need to be covered, hence the answer is no. Practically, it is often wise to cover the outdoor kitchen if you want longevity and year-round use

A pergola, glass veranda or awning can help to protect appliances, worktops and cabinetry from salt, rain and grease build-up, thereby extending the seasonal periods in which the outdoor kitchen can be used.

Absolutely, however, decking is supported by a framework of joists, posts, and footings. These must be strong enough not only to hold the weight of people walking across the deck, but also the concentrated weight of heavy items like barbecues or pizza ovens. If the structure isn’t designed for this, it can sag or even fail over time.

If you’re planning to build your outdoor kitchen on a deck, it is also important to think about fire safety from the very start. To keep your decking safe and long-lasting, always use non-combustible surroundings, such as porcelain, stainless steel, or stone around grills and pizza ovens.

Just like any other investment, it is vital to get the basics right when upgrading your garden space with an outdoor kitchen. This includes choosing the right durable materials and accessories, checking whether planning permission applies, and ensuring gas and electrics are installed safely by certified professionals.

By planning carefully and working with trusted suppliers and installers, you can create an outdoor kitchen that makes entertaining effortless and enjoyable in every season.

Whether you’re unsure about planning permission, deciding on the right grill, or choosing the best materials for your outdoor kitchen, our team is here to help. Get in touch today for expert advice and a tailored recommendation for your project.