Cooking outdoors is a unique experience that fascinates many foodies. Being able to immerse ourselves in nature at all times, even when we’re cooking, offers several advantages. Not only from a practical point of view, but also (and above all) from an emotional point of view.
Without a doubt, the ideal condition is to cook outdoors under a porch or pergola, a veranda or a covered terrace. In other words, in open but covered spaces, which offer protection from the elements.
In some cases, when for example the outdoor kitchen is completely made of stainless steel, it could also be placed in an open space.
However, we recommend that you install your outdoor Kitchen, whenever possible, in a sheltered place; a solution that allows you to cook outside in all conditions, in bad weather or when the sun is too strong.
READ OUR ARTICLE: COOKING OUTDOORS IN ALL SEASONS
So let’s look together at the advantages of cooking outdoors.
No persistent smells.
The first advantage is very practical: cooking outdoors, even under a porch, pergola or simple canopy, does not create unpleasant smells that linger in the environment. Even if the kitchen is covered, in fact, the air current that is created makes any type of hood or forced ventilation superfluous. All smells (from fish to meat, and cabbage to onions) and any fumes (for example, from frying or cooking on the hotplate) dissolve in the air and disappear in a few seconds.
On the contrary… we know how much the smell of food, in the open air, creates an atmosphere of celebration and cheer, making it even more enticing…
Cooking in contact with nature.
Cooking in the open air, under a porch or pergola, is a way to spend more time in nature, enjoying the benefits for health and the mind that this activity offers.
Those who cook outdoors can enjoy the summer breeze or autumn sunsets, while preparing their culinary delicacies; admire the view or be enchanted by the sound of the sea; listen to the chirping of birds or be intoxicated by the scent of the surrounding flowers. A true sensory delight in 360 degrees. A unique atmosphere that enhances the culinary experience.
Open-air cooking encourages conviviality.
Cooking outdoors under a porch or pergola, on the terrace or on the bioclimatic veranda is not only a matter of practicality, but also of conviviality. In fact, so-called “outdoor rooms” are perfect for welcoming friends and family, for sharing meals and special moments. The long tables, surrounded by greenery and the freshness of nature, create a truly unique atmosphere of celebration and hospitality. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared good food while chatting, relaxing and having fun in the open air. And so can the chef…
In addition, outdoor kitchens are usually installed near the living-dining area.
For this reason, outdoor diners can continue to talk to family, guests or friends, without having to keep running back and forth between the indoor and outdoor kitchens.
The design of outdoor kitchens is unique.
Outdoor kitchens are usually installed in the garden or terrace, under a porch or pergola, on the veranda or by the pool. They are all particularly well-kept areas, furnished with care and with great attention to detail. Real open-air rooms, often made unique by an evocative lighting system, by the presence of greenery, hedges, flower pots or creepers.
These are almost always privileged places, of great beauty, to be enjoyed day to day and to be shown off to guests and friends.
It is clear that, when choosing a kitchen to furnish these outdoor spaces, great attention is paid to the design.
Today, outdoor kitchens are designed not only to be functional and to offer the chef maximum performance.
But also to be beautiful, light and compact; to integrate and harmonise as best as possible with nature, with the surrounding landscape and with the outdoor furniture.
Outdoor kitchens are equipped like home kitchens.
Until a few years ago outdoor kitchens as we understand them today didn’t exist. Those who wanted to cook in the open air could build a masonry structure, which was often very bulky, with a grill and, sometimes, a small wood oven. Or they could get out the traditional garden barbecue, small and limited in function.
This also meant that the storage space was poor (and not easy to clean) and there were no appliances.
Today, however, outdoor kitchens are not inferior to indoor kitchens in any way. They follow the same lines and design but above all are very practical, functional and high performance.
Contemporary outdoor kitchens can incorporate sinks and almost all appliances: gas or induction hobs, grills, teppanyaki grills, barbecues, refrigerators, chilled wine and champagne racks, ice machines… and above all, they have large, well-equipped and very easy to clean containers.
It is crucial to choose a suitable material for the outdoor kitchen, primarily stainless steel.
READ OUR ARTICLE: HOW TO CHOOSE APPLIANCES FOR OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Stainless steel outdoor kitchens.
The best outdoor kitchens are made of AISI 304 or AISI 316 stainless steel.
The latter is an even more resistant steel to chlorine and salt, which is used when the kitchen is to be mounted near the sea or by the pool.
Stainless steel is resistant to bad weather, moisture, extreme heat and frost.
It is also a naturally antibacterial alloy, which does not release harmful substances, flavours or odours even when in direct contact with food (steel is the most widely used material for cooking and storing food).
Finally, it is a very resistant material, extremely easy to clean and sanitise (for these reasons professional catering kitchens are made of steel).
Even more important when we have to cook in the garden, under a porch or on the terrace. A damp cloth is sufficient to remove dust, which inevitably settles outdoors. And you need very little detergent to remove any dirt.
Cooking outdoors is therefore a unique experience, combining a passion for cooking, a love of nature and the pleasure of conviviality.
It’s a way to create unforgettable memories with friends and family, while immersing yourself in an evocative and rejuvenating environment.
A way to try out, taste and share the experience of a freshly prepared meal, amid the beauty and magic of nature.
