Wondering what the next big thing in kitchen design will be? You better head outside…
By 2030, it’s expected that the UK outdoor kitchen market will be worth billions – $2.5 billion (£1.82bn) to put a rough figure on it. This astonishing number comes from a recent report by market analyst Grand View Research – which calculated that over the next five years the outdoor kitchen market is projected to increase by 9% per year on average. So, I wonder, why the increase in demand?
Why are outdoor kitchens rising in popularity?
According to KönigOutdoor’s marketing manager Jo Bull, who believes that outdoor kitchens are “definitely having their moment”, homeowners are increasingly looking to expand their living spaces to enjoy more outdoor entertaining.
“With confidence bouncing back in our sector, we expect to see the market grow over the next five years,” she explained to our trade title kbbreview. “The rise in social media use is helping spread the word about the benefits of outdoor cooking, making it more appealing than ever.”
Style or function?
What does this mean for outdoor kitchens’ functionality in reality? Are they as useful as indoor kitchens, or are they more style over substance? I asked my kitchen designer friends this very question – and a quick 24-hour poll revealed that there’s a fairly even split between those who find them very practical (59%), and those who see them as more of a novelty (41%).
With first-hand experience, Jerry Shaw, from Ray Munn Kitchens, commented, “I cook in mine all year round and I have lots of fun with friends and family – so not only is it practical, it also brings great joy.”
While a few sceptics believe they’re not ideal for our rainy climate, others will combat this by advising you to invest in quality materials that won’t rust or break down quickly. In any case, no matter how you feel about them, there’s no denying that having an outdoor kitchen will increase your hosting prowess, and turn any unused garden space into a luxurious spot to spend summer evenings (even winter nights, if you get the right cover, lighting, materials, and heating installed).
For tips and information on creating an outdoor kitchen, click here
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