One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:
“What can an outdoor kitchen actually include – and how do I choose the right setup?”
It’s a fair question. Outdoor kitchens are not one-size-fits-all, and the right choice depends entirely on how you cook, entertain and use your garden.
At the simplest level, an outdoor kitchen can be a high-quality BBQ under cover. At the other end of the scale, it can be a fully equipped cooking space that rivals an indoor kitchen. Neither is right or wrong – the key is choosing what genuinely fits your lifestyle.
The Most Common Outdoor Cooking Options
Most outdoor kitchens fall into one of three categories:
1. Simple & Social
Designed for relaxed cooking and casual entertaining. These typically include a built-in BBQ, worktop space and nearby seating so guests can gather while food is prepared.
2. Versatile Family Cooking
A step up in functionality, often combining a BBQ with an Amigo pizza oven or smoker, plus preparation space and storage. This setup suits families who cook outdoors regularly.
3. Full Outdoor Kitchen Experience
Designed for those who love cooking and hosting. These kitchens may include multiple cooking methods, refrigeration, sinks, storage and generous prep space.
What Cooking Equipment & APPLIANCES Can Be Included?
Homeowners often ask whether outdoor kitchens are limited to BBQs. The answer is no.
Common options include:
- Gas or charcoal BBQs
- Wood-fired Amigo pizza ovens
- Smokers and slow-cooking units
- Rotisserie systems and planchas
- Wok burner
- Green Egg and Kamado Joe
Many Amigos choose a combination, allowing them to grill, bake, roast and smoke food in one space.
What About Prep Space, Storage and Utilities?
This is where many outdoor kitchens succeed or fail.
A well-designed outdoor kitchen often includes:
- Durable preparation surfaces. We use granite for our work surfaces for easy clean and durability
- Storage for utensils, fuel and cookware
- Refrigeration for drinks and ingredients
- Optional sinks and hand-washing stations
Not every kitchen needs plumbing or electrics, but planning for how food is prepared, served and cleared away makes the space far more enjoyable to use.
How Do You Choose the Right Outdoor Kitchen?
The best question to ask is not “What can I include?” but rather:
“How will I actually use this space most of the time?”
Before deciding, consider:
How often you cook outdoors
Whether cooking is social or practical for you
The types of food you enjoy preparing
How many people you typically entertain
When designed around real behaviour rather than assumptions, an outdoor kitchen becomes a space you use week after week – not just on special occasions.
