Uncovered vs covered outdoor kitchen designs - what's best?

The British love affair with outdoor living is no longer reserved for high summer. Increasingly, our gardens are becoming multifunctional spaces designed for year-round use – somewhere to cook, relax, entertain, and unwind. And at the heart of this trend? The outdoor kitchen. But one question we hear time and again is: should an outdoor kitchen be covered?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Much depends on your lifestyle, garden layout, and how you like to entertain. So, let’s explore the practicalities of covered outdoor kitchen designs vs. uncovered layouts – and show how one Cheltenham family created a beautiful, open-air outdoor kitchen that works perfectly with their garden.

What are the benefits of a covered outdoor kitchen?

Covered outdoor kitchen designs offer clear advantages, especially in the UK where weather can be, shall we say… variable. A roof or pergola provides shelter from sudden downpours, shade during heatwaves, and protection for appliances and furniture year-round.

Key benefits include:

• Weather protection: Keeps cooking areas dry and usable in all seasons.
• Extended usability: With heaters and lighting, you can dine alfresco even in the colder months.
• Design flexibility: A cover allows for built-in lighting, ventilation, and electrical installations.
• Longevity of appliances: Barbecues, pizza ovens, and cabinetry are better protected from the elements.

For those who entertain frequently or want a seamless indoor-outdoor experience, a covered kitchen can be a smart investment. But, as we’ve seen with some of our clients, uncovered outdoor kitchens can be just as compelling, with a little thoughtful planning.

Why choose an uncovered outdoor kitchen?

An uncovered layout offers a different sort of charm: open skies, garden views, and a connection to the landscape that’s hard to replicate under a roof. And in the right setting, it can be the perfect choice.

Take, for example, the uncovered outdoor kitchen we designed for this Regency Garden in Cheltenham: a contemporary family garden designed for outdoor living. This bespoke space includes a beautifully crafted uncovered outdoor kitchen, built with socialising, summer evenings, and flexible use in mind.

With no overhead structure, the kitchen is free to blend into its surroundings. Positioned on a large, porcelain-paved terrace, it includes a sleek, built-in gas barbecue, spacious counters, and stylish cabinetry, proof that an outdoor kitchen doesn’t need a roof to be practical or beautiful.

An open air kitchen design that works in all weathers 

When our Cheltenham clients approached us, they wanted a garden that would evolve with family life, a space for cooking, laid-back lounging, and relaxed dining. Central to the design was a custom-built outdoor kitchen, but the decision was made early on not to cover it.

Instead, the kitchen was integrated into the flow of the garden, adjacent to a large dining table and surrounded by layered planting. To make the space work uncovered, we made sure the layout and materials were hardwearing and weatherproof. Powder-coated cabinetry, porcelain worktops, and a built-in gas grill mean there’s no need to cover up in a hurry when clouds roll in.

See the full case study here: Regency Garden Design in Leckhampton

Should an outdoor kitchen be covered? 

So, how do you decide what’s right for your garden?

The key to a successful outdoor kitchen lies in making it feel like a natural extension of your home. Whether you go covered or uncovered, it should reflect your lifestyle, complement your garden’s design, and serve up both practicality and pleasure. It’s all about clever positioning, robust materials, and integrating the kitchen within the broader outdoor living space. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Garden orientation and exposure
   If your garden is south-facing and gets a lot of sun, a pergola or slatted roof can offer useful shade. If it’s more sheltered, an uncovered kitchen may work beautifully.
2. Entertaining frequency
   Are you planning casual weekend barbecues, or big gatherings all year round? If it’s the latter, a cover will make entertaining more comfortable whatever the weather.
3. Style and space
   Covered kitchens can be a strong architectural feature but may feel bulky in a smaller garden. An uncovered kitchen can blend more seamlessly into modern garden designs.
4. Maintenance and durability
   With the right materials, like stainless steel, porcelain, and powder-coated finishes, an uncovered outdoor kitchen can be every bit as durable as a covered one.

Deciding between a covered or uncovered kitchen?

So, should an outdoor kitchen be covered? Only if it suits you. Whichever route you choose, careful planning is essential, especially when it comes to durability, comfort, and cohesion with your overall garden design.

If you’re dreaming of an outdoor kitchen – covered or not – we’d love to help you create something beautiful and bespoke, that works for you and your garden. Contact us to discuss your ideas.