Building your own outdoor kitchen

Do you already own a Big Green Egg, or is it on your wish list, and are you planning to build a stylish outdoor kitchen? Get inspired by the tips and examples on this page,whether it’s a compact barbecue corner in your garden or on your roof terrace, or a fully-equipped outdoor kitchen with a fridge and running water.

Have you been cooking on a Big Green Egg for years and now want to build a stylish outdoor kitchen for your kamado? Or are you thinking of buying a Big Green Egg and want to give it pride of place in a purpose-built outdoor kitchen? There are endless possibilities in this regarddepending on the space, your preferences, personal taste and budget. Are you a bit handy yourself? In that case, you could reuse materials to create your own little paradise, complete with stylish worktop, storage space for accessories and your kamado as the dazzling centrepiece. Or perhaps you’d prefer to use carefully chosen new materials for your outdoor kitchen and equip it with all mod cons.

Building your own outdoor kitchen

Are you, or do you know, a keen DIYer and are you planning to build an outdoor kitchen yourself (or have one built)? Then start with the basics and think about what is important to you, such as:

• Are you an all-season EGGer? Check out the options for installing the outdoor kitchen under a canopy or shelter. If needed, you can fit it with sliding glass walls.
• If you’re creating a lockable space, make sure there’s enough room to move around – and don’t forget a good extraction system.
• Think about how important features like running water and a fridge are to you. Sometimes, preparations for these facilities need to be made before building begins.
• Decide how much workspace – in the form of a countertop – is important to you.
• Consider storage space for your accessories.

Then determine which of these features are realistic within the space you have available for your outdoor kitchen.

Building the Big Green Egg into your outdoor kitchen

Whichever facilities you choose, one thing is certain: your outdoor kitchen will become the domain for you and your Big Green Egg. When building your kamado, there are a few important points to bear in mind:

• The lid of your Big Green Egg tilts back behind the ceramic base when opened. So, make sure there’s enough space between the EGG and the back wall to fully open it.
• Never place your Big Green Egg directly on a solid surface like a tile in your outdoor kitchen. Otherwise, the heat won’t be able to escape from the bottom, which could cause cracking. Use a Table Nest to allow warm air to flow away freely.
• Keep the front of your EGG clear to ensure sufficient airflow through the regulator at the bottom of the ceramic base. This is essential for accurate temperature control.

Which materials should you use for an outdoor kitchen?

As mentioned above, the materials you choose will largely define the look of your outdoor kitchen – and each comes with its own specific characteristics. Keep in mind, for example, that a wooden countertop is generally less hygienic than one made from stainless steel, polished and sealed concrete or granite. After all, the best outdoor kitchens are both beautiful and practical. And did you know that many outdoor kitchens have been built using reclaimed materials? Have a look around to see what you already have lying about and check websites for second-hand items. You’ll often find great quality basics to help you build a sustainable and stylish outdoor kitchen.

Inspiration for your outdoor kitchen

Now that we’ve shared some tips for building your outdoor kitchen, we’d also like to inspire you with real-life examples of stunning outdoor kitchens featuring the Big Green Egg. Take inspiration from the beautiful photos of outdoor kitchens shared by our fans.