When the sun’s shining in summer, there’s no better feeling than being able to dine al fresco – apart from being able to prepare and cook your food outdoors too, so you don’t miss any of those valuable rays.
But with the unpredictable and changeable Scottish weather, not many people know how to best plan an outdoor cooking area. As expert garden landscapers, we have some tips and ideas for you so even if the weather turns, you can enjoy cooking food in the fresh air.
Planning your outdoor cooking areas
To get started, instead of focusing on the design or equipment you need, think about what you enjoy cooking and work from there. The space you create will be much different if you’re looking to be a professional BBQ pitmaster vs someone who loves making their own pizzas.
For some inspiration, we’ve outlined the most popular options below…Types of outdoor cooking areas to consider
The type of cooking facilities you use will depend entirely on your space, personal preferences, and budget. Popular examples for Scotland include:
Full kitchens
If you don’t want to be stuck with only one type of cooking, a full outdoor kitchen gives you the most flexibility. Think of adding your favourite indoor kitchen items, just outside. Grills, sinks, preparation workspace areas, and storage, all designed around how you cook.
The scope of an outdoor kitchen depends entirely on your space and budget. Some clients keep it simple with a worktop, a built-in grill, and a small sink. Others go further with multiple cooking stations, under-counter storage, and integrated appliances. The key is designing it around what you need rather than adding features for the sake of it.
Pizza ovens
Built-in pizza ovens give you an authentic flame-kissed result like no other. When built and maintained well, they last for many years and are a wonderful addition to your garden.
Wood-fired ovens are the traditional choice and reach extremely high temperatures quickly, giving you a proper crispy base in a matter of minutes. Gas-fired options are a more convenient alternative if you'd rather not manage a wood fire, and still produce excellent results.
Beyond pizza, a well-built outdoor oven is more versatile than people expect. Bread, roasted vegetables, fish, and meat all work well at high heat, which means the oven gets used far more regularly than you might think.
For a permanent installation, a built-in pizza oven can be incorporated into a wider outdoor kitchen structure with a prep area alongside it, making the whole setup feel considered and cohesive rather than a standalone feature. In Scotland, pairing it with a covered area like a pergola means you can use it comfortably well into the autumn months rather than only on the warmest days of the year.
BBQs
Possibly the most common outdoor cooking option, a BBQ suits almost any garden size or budget. You can choose between gas and charcoal depending on how you like to cook. Gas is convenient and easy to control, while charcoal gives you that distinctive smoky flavour that's hard to replicate any other way.
If you want to take things a step further, a smoker is worth considering. Smokers cook low and slow, and are ideal for anyone who enjoys longer outdoor cooking sessions. They work well in a sheltered outdoor cooking area where wind and rain won't disrupt the temperature. Some BBQs come with a built-in smoking function, or you can add a standalone smoker as a separate feature.
For a more permanent setup, built-in BBQs can be incorporated into an outdoor kitchen structure, giving you a cleaner finish and a cooking area that feels like a proper extension of your home rather than something you've wheeled out for the occasion.
Practical considerations for outdoor cooking areas
No matter what you choose, there are a few practical things to consider when planning an outdoor cooking area, including:
Location – where you place your outdoor kitchen matters. You ideally want to be able to transfer items from your kitchen, fridge, etc. without walking across difficult paths (uneven ground or steps) or walking too far of a distance.
Wind protection – for the most pleasant experience while cooking, it’s best to choose a space that’s even partially protected from the wind. Especially as the Scottish winds can pick up without much warning! Plus, if you’re using a BBQ, too much wind could stop you from being able to cook.
Rain protection – having a permanent structure covering the area, such as a pergola, will keep the rain off your outdoor cooking areas. This means you can use it more regularly and don’t have to be so reliant on lovely sunny days.
Solid foundations and good drainage – if you’re building a permanent outdoor cooking area, you want to ensure the surface will be long-lasting and won’t hold water. Patios and decking are good options, as when installed properly they’ll be secure for many years.
Utilities – think about what you need to make the space you’re planning a reality. For example, if you want a gas BBQ, you need a gas line installed professionally. If you want a sink with running water, you’d need a water line and tap.
Lighting – add a light source for cooking in the evening, and ambient lighting to the area to make it more pleasant. As above, you might need to check the electricity sources to add lighting.
Storage – over winter, you may want to store or cover your outdoor cooking area to protect it from rusting, damp, and damage. Depending on the type of cooking equipment you choose, you might want a simple cover or a more robust structure.
As part of our landscape design service, these are all areas we can advise you on. We even have trusted partners for utilities such as gas and electric, so you don’t have to organise additional tradespeople.
Get support with your outdoor kitchen design
As professional landscapers in Scotland, we can help you to not only design your dream outdoor cooking area, but install it correctly to a high standard both visually and practically.
Each project starts the same way – by understanding your needs, goals, and space. Once the design is right, we can help with the practical side by installing foundations, pathways, walls, installing pizza ovens, pergolas, and much more.
Get in touch to book a free landscape design consultation, and we can talk you through making your ideal outdoor kitchen a reality!