When you think about outdoor entertaining, barbecuing and sitting in the sunshine on deckchairs is likely the thing that immediately springs to mind. But outdoor kitchens are now incredibly sophisticated and even induction is possible with a TPB Tech cooktop…

Main: Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic hit in 2020, most of us have been confined to our homes and local areas. We’ve been unable to travel and unable to enjoy meals out or visit our local bars and pubs. As a consequence of this, our focus has turned inward, to our homes and gardens. Outdoor entertaining has grown significantly, with outdoor kitchen specialists reporting record sales over the past year.

When it comes to designing and installing an outdoor kitchen, there is a lot to consider. It’s quite a different proposition to designing a regular indoor kitchen, though there are some similarities.

Withstanding the elements

Firstly, you have to ensure that all the products you choose are suitable for outdoor use. Worksurfaces and your sink must be impervious to the elements. Cabinetry should be weatherproof too. You should also be able to shut this up over winter if you wish to store any utensils or cookware. It’s also a good idea to house your outdoor kitchen space under a canopy, as this will extend the seasons in which space can be used. You won’t be at the mercy of the unpredictable British weather!

In addition, you might want to consider installing a retractable shade, or cover, over your seating area entertaining/seating area – this way your guests will be comfortable whatever the weather is doing.

Layout

As with your interior kitchen, an external one should flow nicely and should be laid out in such a way that everything needed is in easy reach. You should have a place for utensils, herbs and spices, and cookware. And a bin for waste. The sink and tap should also be just a few steps away from the cooking area. Refrigeration should be easily accessible too.

Also bear in mind that you’ll need electricity and, potentially, gas supply, drainage and a water supply.

Appliances

When it comes to appliances, there are lots of options available in the market, depending on your preference. Outdoor ovens and pizza ovens have become incredibly trendy over the past couple of years, and gas grills and ovens are also popular with those who love to barbecue.

In addition to your cooking appliances, refrigeration is key, particularly if your outdoor kitchen is any distance away from the house. A wine or drinks fridge is also a good idea. Your outdoor kitchen specialist will be able to recommend suitable products.

Induction? Outside?!

It’s also possible with TPB Tech’s Invisible induction Cooktop to have induction cooking outdoors, as our cooktop is extremely hardwearing and durable. And, as you are cooking, you can utilise the rest of the worktop space for your recipe book and a glass of wine, for prepping and for plating up.

The TPB Tech countertop is constructed from a revolutionary multilayer material that makes it the most durable on the market. It has four layers: a non-porous, shock resistant and scratch resistant porcelain-ceramic surface, a heat resistant aluminium layer, a Bakelite layer providing stability and impact resistance, and a final aluminium layer providing flexibility and ease attachment to any surface. This composite material ensures your cooktop will continue to look as good as new and deliver optimum performance for years to come.

Because it’s completely non-porous and has no joints for water to seep through, the cooktop is really easy to clean, with regular detergent and water, and it’s very hygienic. The unique elevation ring system that ensures all pots and pans will not come into contact with the surface, thereby avoiding any marks left by continuous use, and will keep the top looking like new.

As with any appliance, we recommend covering it when it’s not in use and over the cooler months.

Finally, if you’re keen to impress your friends, you can’t go wrong with the TPB Tech invisible induction cooktop for outdoor entertaining. It’s a real showstopper and is sure to wow your guests, but there is a chance you may never want to cook inside again!