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Outdoor living is gaining popularity, and cooking is moving outdoors as well. There’s nothing wrong with a cozy barbecue, but for those who want to excel in the kitchen, there are more and more options available today. The trend toward full-fledged outdoor kitchens continues unabated, with high-end solutions that perfectly balance culinary possibilities, comfort, and—not least—high-quality aesthetics.
Along with growing demand, the selection of outdoor kitchens is also steadily expanding. First and foremost, there are the custom-design specialists and the brands that focus exclusively on outdoor living. In addition, we’re seeing more and more patio furniture retailers adding outdoor kitchens to their product lines. Finally, many international kitchen brands are now confidently venturing into the outdoor space. This is a trend we’d like to explore in more depth. It’s striking that many outdoor kitchens are derived from existing indoor concepts but have been technically adapted for outdoor use, featuring durable and weather-resistant materials.
Outdoor kitchens are continuing to gain ground, particularly in the Italian kitchen scene. Boffi’s K6 Outdoor, designed by Norbert Wangen, is a further development of the earlier models from the iconic K series. It translates the concept of the monolithic kitchen to the outdoor space. The design is characterized by a sleek, sculptural form in stainless steel and Corian, in which cooking, washing, and work functions are fully integrated. A striking feature is the sliding countertop that can cover the functions while simultaneously creating additional work or serving space. When closed, the unit appears as a sleek, unified volume, further enhancing the architectural character of the outdoor kitchen. Scavolini, in turn, has designed the Formalia Outdoor, a weather-resistant version of the successful indoor concept, created by Vittore Niolu. The robust aluminum frame and the countertop with an integrated sink form the basis, while the fronts are available in two finishes: stainless steel for a high-tech look or Okoumé plywood with a teak finish for a warmer, more natural appearance.
Modular kitchen concepts are also gaining popularity for outdoor use. Giuseppe Bavuso designed the K-Garden outdoor kitchen for Ernestomeda, which was unveiled at Milan Design Week 2026. The various modules—for cooking, food prep, washing up, and dining—turn the outdoor kitchen into a fully-fledged living and social space in the garden. Thanks to sustainable materials such as stainless steel, natural stone, and solid wood, the kitchen can withstand wind and weather while also serving as an architectural piece of furniture that blends seamlessly into the outdoor environment.
Last but not least, the Frame Kitchen—designed by Salvatore Indriolo for Fantin, known for its colorfully painted steel furniture—is both beautiful and modular. Originally designed for indoor use, the kitchen is also available in an outdoor version, featuring a specialized paint finish that prevents rust and provides protection. The outdoor kitchen is available in 20 colors and can be configured with two or three modules, complemented by an integrated barbecue. The exposed metal frame serves as its signature design element. The modular design allows for extensive customization and enables the outdoor kitchen to be fully tailored to the architecture of the outdoor space. In this way, the kitchen becomes not only the warm heart of the home, but also of the garden.
