Types of Outdoor Kitchens: Find the Perfect Shape for Your Space

Thinking about transforming your garden or patio into the ultimate cooking and entertaining hub? Whether it’s a weekend BBQ, pizza night, or an evening drink with friends, an outdoor kitchen brings convenience, style, and serious wow-factor to your space.

Before diving into appliances and accessories, let’s talk kitchen shape. From compact linear layouts to wraparound U-shaped setups, choosing the right configuration will make all the difference in how your outdoor space looks, feels, and functions.

Linear Outdoor Kitchens

Simple, stylish, and super versatile. A linear outdoor kitchen is essentially a straight run of units — either placed against a wall or free-standing as an island. It’s ideal for narrow gardens, patios, or minimalist designs.

Under 2.5m: Small but Mighty

Short on space? A compact linear setup under 2.5m can still deliver big results. Typically, you’ll have a quality grill plus a sink or fridge. It’s everything you need for casual cooking and entertaining — just in a tighter footprint.

Example: Oasis Compact — perfect for smaller spaces that still want to pack a punch.

RRP £5999

2.5–3.8m: Room to Grow

Got a bit more room? With a longer layout, you can expand your cooking arsenal — add a larger grill, fridge, sink, and maybe even a pizza oven for extra flair. This is a great size for regular entertaining without going overboard.

Example: Beefeater Cabinex — functional, elegant, and ready for a crowd.

Cabinex Classic – 5 Burner £8200

L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchens

Ideal for corners and natural flow. An L-shaped kitchen uses two adjoining sides to give you dedicated zones for prep, cooking, and even serving. It also works beautifully as a divider between cooking and lounging areas.

Want to turn up the style? Add a counter overhang for bar stools and you’ve got yourself a built-in cocktail bar or breakfast nook.

Example: Whistler Fairford — a stylish, space-savvy layout perfect for multitasking hosts.

Whistler Fairford 7pc £11,500

U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchens

The entertainer’s dream. U-shaped layouts wrap around three sides, offering loads of counter space, appliance options, and seating areas. You can easily incorporate multiple cooking stations, a bar, and even storage — all within arm’s reach.

Perfect for big gatherings or passionate home chefs who like everything at their fingertips while staying part of the party.

Example: Konigstone Outdoor — the ultimate setup for those who want it all.

Konigstone – Prices start from £25k+

What Should You Include in Your Outdoor Kitchen?

Now that you’ve got the shape sorted, let’s talk about what actually goes inside. Here are some essentials — and a few luxuries — that can transform your outdoor kitchen from basic to brilliant:

✅ 1. Grill (Essential)

Your culinary centrepiece. Whether you prefer gas, charcoal, or wood-fired, a grill is the must-have item that makes it all happen — from burgers to brisket.

✅ 2. Kamado (Optional but Awesome)

Love low-and-slow BBQ? A Kamado (like a Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe or Monolith Pro Classic) offers incredible versatility — smoke, bake, roast, and sear to your heart’s content.

✅ 3. Sink

Super handy for washing veggies, rinsing hands, or keeping drinks cold in a pinch. If you’ve got running water available, this one’s a no-brainer.

✅ 4. Fridge

Keep drinks chilled, marinades fresh, and sides ready to serve with a built-in outdoor fridge. It’s especially handy when entertaining — fewer trips inside means more time with guests.

✅ 5. Pizza Oven

Want to wow your guests? A pizza oven adds fun and flair. Plus, you can cook way more than just pizza—think flatbreads, roast veg, or even desserts.

✅ 6. Side Burner

Need to whip up a sauce, boil pasta, or sear something while your grill is full? A side burner adds flexibility without taking up much space.

Final Thoughts: Make It Yours

No two outdoor kitchens are the same — and that’s exactly the point.
Outdoor kitchens come in all shapes and sizes, and the best one for you depends on your space, cooking style, and hosting needs.

Choose the shape that suits your garden:

  • Linear for sleek simplicity
  • L-shaped for creative corners and extra functionality
  • U-shaped for maximum space and serious entertaining power

Then fill it with your dream appliances — and watch your backyard become your new favourite room in the house.

Need Help Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen?

We’d love to help you bring your vision to life — whether that’s a compact grill station or a full outdoor chef’s paradise.

Let’s chat about your space, your wish list, and what will work best for your garden goals.
Get in touch today to start building your perfect outdoor kitchen.