Al fresco cooking is one of summer’s simple pleasures: at its most essential, all that’s required is an open flame, fresh ingredients and an empty belly. But that experience can be wholly elevated – and here are four contemporary outdoor kitchens that transform terraces into full-blown cantinas.
The Kettal PH1 Pavilion
At Salone del Mobile, Spanish outdoor furniture brand Kettal unveiled the PH1, a reconfigurable pavilion defined by a sturdy aluminum frame and teak slats. Suitable for a range of outdoor environments – in the brand’s words, it could function equally well in maritime or mountain locales – the PH1 was designed to create spaces that flow freely and openly into each other. Permeable walls separate dining spaces from cooking spaces, allowing light, conversation and scents to intermingle.
Kettal’s pavilion also includes an optional trolley, surely inspired by mid-century bar carts, and a sleek kitchen. Resembling a kitchen island, the PH1’s rectangular island features a sink and sliding white marble panels, which can be used as cover appliances during inclement weather. Beneath it all, sliding teak doors conceal a storage area, with back- or undermounted water and electricity connections. This island can be optionally outfitted with a wine fridge, barbecue or ceramic hobs. Equally suited for residential or commercial applications, the PH1 pairs wonderfully, we imagine, with a pool.
The Brown Jordan ASA-D2 Modular Kitchen
Brown Jordan‘s ASA-D2, a freestanding kitchen designed by Daniel Germani Designs with Dekton by Cosentino, prioritizes versatility above all else. Born from Germani’s desire for a piece of avant-garde outdoor furniture, the ASA-D2 is a modular barbecue island that, from afar, resembles a credenza. Up close, it’s a 360-degree workspace, with cabinets that open from both sides, an optional refrigerator and a Caliber barbecue with a fully retractable lid. An optional planter allows chefs to keep fresh herbs within arm’s reach.
Along with its striking looks, the ASA-D2 is also built to withstand the elements. Constructed from a heavy-duty steel frame and a compact Dekton countertop, the island also comes in four powder-coated finishes: the matte black Domoos, the high-gloss Halo, the oxidized steel finish of Trilium and the Calacatta marble-inspired Aura. We expect the last to become a quick favourite.
The Abimis Outdoor Kitchen
Before Eurocucina 2018, we named Abimis‘ outdoor kitchen a launch to keep an eye on. Salone del Mobile is now long gone, but the charm of the Italian brand’s kitchen has only grown as the mercury rises. Made from AISI 316 – an alloy that is corrosion-resistant, can tolerate temperature extremes and thrives in salty and chlorine-filled environments – the outdoor kitchen is fully customizable, and can be adjusted to include all the features of its indoor cousins, including grills, fryers and hot plates.
The rectangular kitchen was also designed for functionality: its angular construction prevents bacteria from building up, while pull-out surfaces reduce wear and tear on dishes, plates and bowls. Abimis offers the system in a range of painted colours, though the stainless steel variant might be the most eye-catching.
Boffi AH-01
As culinary trends go, quality ingredients cooked simply never goes out of style. And that’s where Boffi’s AH-01 enters. This system isn’t really for those who like to slather their food in heavy sauces – resulting in a smoky environment. Instead, it was designed to handle a wide variety of lightly seasoned foods with minimal flavour transfer. Go ahead, the brand suggests, grill courgette, meat and pineapple on its cooktop in succession. Your caramelized fruit won’t taste like steak.
So, how does the AH-01 minimize flavour transfer? The system, which nestles a Paperstone block between two AISI 316 stainless steel workspaces, features a Frytop plate that inclines gently, allowing runoff to be collected in a removable pan. Reducing runoff reduces smoke, says the brand, which minimizes flavour contamination. The workspaces sit atop open shelving, and a removable Paperstone lid keeps the cooktop covered when not in use. It’s an ideal system for someone who enjoys food seasoned with a brush of olive oil, salt, pepper and little else.
