The British relationship with outdoor cooking has evolved. We’ve moved beyond the rusty barrel BBQ wheeled out twice a year. Now, outdoor kitchens are genuine extensions of the home - spaces where you cook, entertain, and live during those precious months of decent weather.
And increasingly, outdoor kitchens are being designed for all-season use. With the right cover and heating, there’s no reason to stop at September.
We’ve researched the outdoor kitchen market in the UK to help you understand your options, from modular plug-and-play setups to full bespoke installations.
What Makes an Outdoor Kitchen?
At minimum, an outdoor kitchen includes a cooking appliance (usually a built-in grill) with some form of preparation surface. But the category spans a huge range:
Basic setup:
- Built-in or freestanding grill
- Counter space either side
- Optional side burner
Mid-range kitchen:
- Built-in grill in permanent cabinetry
- Worktop space for preparation
- Storage for tools and supplies
- Possibly a sink with running water
Premium installation:
- Multiple cooking appliances (grill, pizza oven, plancha)
- Full preparation area with stone worktops
- Running water with sink and drainage
- Refrigeration
- Pergola or solid roof cover
- Outdoor heating and lighting
- Possibly outdoor dining integrated
Best Outdoor Kitchen Options for UK Gardens
Grillo Kitchen Modules
Grillo (formerly Grillo Outdoors) has become synonymous with modular outdoor kitchens in the UK. Their powder-coated steel modules slot together to create custom configurations.
What we like:
- Modular system - start small, expand later
- Designed and manufactured in the UK
- Huge range of configurations
- Weather-resistant powder-coated steel
- Compatible with various grill brands
- Can be relocated if you move house
What to consider:
- Steel construction has a modern/industrial look - not for traditional gardens
- Requires flat, stable surface
- Grill and appliances sold separately
- Premium price point for what you get
Price: Modules from GBP300-800 each. A typical 4-module kitchen runs GBP3,000-5,000 before appliances.
Best for: Those wanting flexibility and a contemporary aesthetic.
Char-Broil Ultimate
Char-Broil’s Ultimate range offers a more affordable modular approach, with pre-configured outdoor kitchen islands that include everything.
What we like:
- All-in-one packages - grill, burners, storage included
- More affordable than building custom
- Stainless steel construction
- Available from mainstream retailers
- Wheeled options for flexibility
What to consider:
- Fixed configurations - less customisable
- Build quality below premium brands
- American-focused design (LP gas standard)
- May need conversion for UK gas
Price: GBP2,000-4,500 for complete island setups
Best for: Those wanting a complete solution at a mid-range price.
Bull BBQ Outdoor Kitchens
Bull is a Californian brand with a strong UK presence, offering both modular components and built-in grills designed for outdoor kitchen integration.
What we like:
- Wide range of built-in grills and appliances
- Commercial-grade 304 stainless steel
- Designed for permanent installation
- Extensive dealer network in UK
- Good balance of quality and value
What to consider:
- Requires professional installation or good DIY skills
- Need to build or buy cabinetry separately
- American sizing may not suit all spaces
Price: Built-in grills GBP1,500-4,000. Complete kitchens GBP8,000-20,000 including installation.
Best for: Those building a permanent outdoor kitchen with professional installation.
Napoleon Oasis Series
Napoleon’s Oasis modular system offers pre-built cabinet modules that accept their built-in grills and accessories.
What we like:
- High-quality 304 stainless steel throughout
- Modular but refined appearance
- Excellent Napoleon grill integration
- Range of module sizes and functions
- Good UK availability
What to consider:
- Premium pricing
- Heavy - difficult to relocate
- Napoleon-centric (limited third-party compatibility)
Price: Individual modules GBP800-2,000. Complete kitchen GBP8,000-15,000.
Best for: Napoleon grill owners wanting a cohesive outdoor kitchen system.
Bespoke Stone Kitchens
For those wanting a permanent, architectural feature, bespoke outdoor kitchens in stone, brick, or render offer unlimited design possibilities.
What we like:
- Completely custom to your space and style
- Natural materials suit traditional and contemporary gardens
- Can include any appliances
- Permanent structure adds property value
- Unlimited configuration possibilities
What to consider:
- Significant investment (GBP15,000-50,000+)
- Requires professional design and build
- Planning may be needed depending on size
- 6-12 week build timeline typical
- Can’t be taken if you move
Price: GBP15,000-50,000+ depending on specification
Best for: Those making a long-term investment in their forever home.
Outdoor Kitchen Comparison
| Feature | Grillo Modules | Char-Broil | Bull BBQ | Napoleon | Bespoke |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | GBP3,000-8,000 | GBP2,000-4,500 | GBP8,000-20,000 | GBP8,000-15,000 | GBP15,000-50,000+ |
| Material | Powder-coated steel | Stainless steel | 304 SS | 304 SS | Stone/brick |
| Flexibility | High - modular | Medium | Low | Medium | None |
| Installation | DIY possible | DIY possible | Professional | DIY/Pro | Professional |
| Relocatable | Yes | Some | No | Difficult | No |
| Best for | Flexibility | Budget | Permanent | Napoleon owners | Forever homes |
What to Consider for UK Conditions
Weather Protection
British weather is the elephant in the garden. Your outdoor kitchen needs protection:
Pergola with louvered roof: Adjustable slats let in sun but close for rain. Premium option. Fixed pergola with polycarbonate: Cheaper rain protection, permanent shade. Retractable awning: Flexibility but less robust. Gazebo: Budget option, can look temporary. Solid roof extension: Most weather protection, requires planning.
At minimum, keep your grill and workspace under cover. Cooking in light rain under a pergola is genuinely pleasant.
Material Selection
Stainless steel (304 grade): Resists rust, easy cleaning. Marine grade (316) even better for coastal areas. Powder-coated steel: Durable if coating isn’t damaged. Chips can rust. Stone/concrete: Weather-resistant but needs sealing. Heavy and permanent. Wood: Needs treatment and maintenance. Warm aesthetic but higher upkeep.
Utilities
Gas: Most outdoor grills run on propane (bottled) or can be connected to natural gas mains. Mains gas needs a registered installer. Water: Running water transforms usability but needs proper drainage. Consider a soakaway or connection to mains drainage. Electric: Outdoor-rated sockets for refrigeration, lighting, and power tools. Must be installed by qualified electrician with RCD protection.
What to Include in Your Outdoor Kitchen
Essential
- Grill: The centrepiece. Built-in gas grills offer the most cooking flexibility.
- Worktop: Preparation space either side of the grill. Minimum 60cm each side.
- Storage: Somewhere to keep tools, covers, and supplies.
Highly Recommended
- Side burner: For sauces, sides, and keeping things warm.
- Sink: Even cold water only transforms cleanup.
- Cover/pergola: Rain protection extends your season dramatically.
Nice to Have
- Pizza oven: The ultimate outdoor cooking addition.
- Refrigeration: Outdoor-rated fridge keeps drinks and ingredients close.
- Warming drawer: Keep food at temperature while cooking continues.
- Plancha/griddle: Flat-top cooking for breakfast and versatility.
- Lighting: Extends use into evening.
- Heating: Patio heater or fire pit extends the season.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen
Location
Consider:
- Proximity to house: Close enough for easy access to indoor kitchen
- Prevailing wind: Position grill so smoke blows away from seating
- Sun exposure: Morning sun for breakfast? Evening shade for dinner?
- Utilities: Closer to house means easier/cheaper utility runs
- Views: Face the grill toward the garden, not the fence
Size Guidelines
- Compact (2-3m): Grill, minimal counter, storage below
- Medium (3-4m): Grill, side burner, good counter space, sink possible
- Large (4-6m): Multiple cooking zones, full prep area, sink, fridge
- Full kitchen (6m+): Everything, plus possibly bar seating
Budget Allocation
A rough guide for budget allocation:
- Grill/cooking appliances: 30-40%
- Cabinetry/structure: 25-35%
- Worktop: 10-15%
- Utilities (if needed): 10-15%
- Cover/pergola: 15-25% (if included)
Our Recommendation
For most UK gardens, Grillo’s modular system offers the best combination of quality, flexibility, and British design. Start with a grill module and counter, add components as budget allows. The ability to reconfigure or take it with you justifies the premium over cheaper options.
If budget is tighter, a Char-Broil outdoor island provides a complete solution at a fraction of bespoke costs. Combine with a separate gazebo or pergola for weather protection.
For forever homes where budget permits, a bespoke stone outdoor kitchen becomes a genuine architectural feature. Designed properly for British weather with appropriate cover, it’s a permanent upgrade to how you live in your garden.
Whatever you choose, an outdoor kitchen transforms garden entertaining. It’s no longer a BBQ you wheel out occasionally - it’s a genuine cooking and living space.
Explore our outdoor kitchens collection for more inspiration, including pizza ovens and complete kitchen packages.