Outdoor kitchens of the outdoor trend that stays

In recent years, a newfound appreciation for entertaining in our gardens and outdoor spaces has emerged, and with it, the popularity of outdoor kitchens has risen, as people seek increasingly creative ways to bring the indoors outside. As the spring season approaches, we take a comprehensive look at some of the key outdoor kitchen trends we can expect this year.

Outdoor Kitchen: Outdoor Living Space

With the growing trend of hosting family and friends at home, it's no surprise that our gardens must now be fully functional living spaces, complete with areas for relaxation, cooking, entertaining, and dining. Outdoor kitchens are the heart of this lifestyle, offering an all-in-one solution for every aspiring chef. Specialized equipment such as pizza ovens, gas grills, and ceramic charcoal grills provide a variety of exciting cooking options, while extras like sinks and outdoor-rated refrigerators reduce the need to go inside while cooking, ensuring the chef is always part of the party.

It's common for outdoor kitchens to be accompanied by a generous outdoor dining table – perfect for socializing while cooking and for creating an atmosphere for guests as they hear the sizzle of the grill and catch the delicious aromas on the breeze. To keep the party going into the night, there's a growing trend to integrate an outdoor bar or cocktail station into the design of an outdoor kitchen, providing a great opportunity to let creative juices flow when crafting cocktails. The combination of cooking and socializing outdoors creates not only culinary experiences but also unique moments of community. The outdoor kitchen becomes the hub of family life in the garden, a place where stories are told and memories are created.

Customized Design for Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen is personal to each customer, from the size and layout to the choice of countertop and appliances. There's a higher demand than ever for customized design for outdoor kitchens, as people move away from pre-fabricated, pre-designed outdoor kitchen layouts and opt for a design tailored to their personal taste. A customized outdoor kitchen can be anything from a single unit for a pizza oven to a fully customized design with a variety of appliances for different cooking styles and kitchens. Personalization extends to materials, colors, and functionalities. From sintered ceramic surfaces to modern stainless steel applications, there are endless possibilities to adapt the outdoor kitchen to individual style and needs. These personalized kitchens are not just places for cooking but outdoor artworks that reflect the personal expression of each garden owner.

As people become more adventurous and move away from traditional garden parties, an outdoor kitchen offers the exciting opportunity to experience one of the many specialized outdoor kitchen appliances, be it a Teppanyaki grill, pizza oven, or a ceramic grill (e.g., Big Green Egg or Primo). The diversity of appliances allows for pushing culinary boundaries and transforming the garden into a gourmet oasis.

Sustainable Design for Outdoor Kitchens

In December, we looked at the top garden trends for and gathered opinions from some of Switzerland's leading landscape architects, all of whom agreed that sustainability and future-proofing will play a significant role in our gardens in 2026. Sustainability and the lifespan of an outdoor kitchen are crucial factors when exploring different styles. Depending on the provider, outdoor kitchen furniture is available in a variety of materials, including HPL, steel, stainless steel, concrete, or even masonry. At Theiss, all our outdoor kitchen furniture is made from high-quality stainless steel. The worktops and fronts can then be selected accordingly, with options such as ceramic, HPL, wood, and more available. Theiss outdoor kitchens are characterized by their environmental friendliness, as the recycling rate of our ceramic models is practically 100%. The decision to use sustainable materials in outdoor kitchens not only reflects an environmentally conscious mindset but also offers benefits in terms of durability and resistance to the elements. An outdoor kitchen made from sustainable materials thus becomes a timeless statement that not only meets current needs but also provides for future generations.

Conclusion

The outdoor kitchen trend in 2026 promises an exciting blend of style, function, and sustainability. From personalized designs to eco-friendly materials, the outdoor kitchen becomes more than just a place for cooking – it becomes an experience that elevates outdoor enjoyment to a new level. Look forward to impressing your guests this year with a modern and customized outdoor kitchen that not only appeals to the senses but also captures the spirit of nature. Bon appétit outdoors!