Outdoor kitchens: the convenience of those at home, the freedom of open spaces
Ease of use, modularity, flexibility in space through modular modules. These are typical features of an easy-to-use outdoor kitchen, where everything is simple and well thought out, ready to host convivial moments. When deciding to install an outdoor kitchen, certain details should be taken into account and one should avoid choosing superficially or based solely on one’s aesthetic tastes. In fact, the choice of an outdoor kitchen should be based on the frequency of use, the size of the space and the style of furniture, and take into account the exposure to climatic conditions, in order to understand where to place the cooking space, so as not to contaminate the area intended for the consumption of food with intrusive fumes and odors. By popular culture, outdoor kitchens originated in masonry, but in recent years the concept has evolved: the development of materials and technologies now make it possible to revolutionize the very concept of the garden, turning it to all intents and purposes into an extension of the home, and this leads by necessity to having functional outdoor areas, especially weatherproof, and in which to cook many varieties of food.
In fact, there are models with a removable plate that allow different foods to be cooked in succession, without mixing flavors. Indispensable elements certainly include the sink, which in the case of a compact kitchen can be replaced by a tank; cooking space, with stove and grill, preferably consisting of a hybrid system; and counter space.
There are also elements dedicated to oriental cooking, such as the Teppan Yaki griddle, and smokers that allow wood chips of various essences such as cherry, pear, apple, or oak to flavor dishes with hints of the scents of the preferred wood essence. Next-generation barbecues combine direct and indirect cooking to ensure food is always cooked to perfection. And ‘hot’ modules are matched by ‘cold’ ones: refrigerated drawers capable of maintaining their characteristics down to 43 degrees outside.
The materials are often taken from the marine industry, such as AISI 316 stainless steel, which is not afraid of rust and is suitable in salt- or chlorine-rich environments, typically those by the pool. The doors are lightweight and indestructible, such as those with aluminum honeycomb panel then covered in warm solid mahogany, where the coldness of metal is successfully mitigated.
Rigor and flexibility for the Artusi outdoor kitchen by Arclinea
Strength, rigor and openness of design. These are the peculiarities of Artusi, the outdoor kitchen that declines the previous indoor version created by architect Antonio Citterio for Arclinea. Dedicated to the great chef Artusi, inspirer of a versatile concept based on freestanding composition, it is the perfect synthesis of design, ergonomics, and function.
It is based on the composition of self-contained, multifunctional and ergonomic steel working blocks. Rational and concrete, but also extremely flexible, able to adapt to different spaces, it also has as a peculiarity the mix of materials that offers possibilities for customization. All exterior surfaces are coated with stainless steel for maximum hygiene, strength and durability.
The recessed handle “Italia” is an exclusive Arclinea patent. The doors are made of 4-cm-thick stainless steel, filled with a special insulating material and equipped with a magnetic seal to preserve interior spaces from infiltration and insect intrusion. The drums are made of Okoumé marine plywood, which offers excellent resistance to outdoor environments and good thermal insulation. The integrated barbeque is available in different sizes and solutions upon request. Completing the design is a thermal container with internal drawers for storing the temperature of food and beverages, a stainless steel faucet, and a dedicated cylinder compartment with ventilation.
Norma, Roda’s versatile cuisine with a Mediterranean soul
Norma: these five letters are enough to evoke the Mediterranean atmosphere, summer, the smells of Italian cuisine and the table as a time of sharing. That is why Roda chose to call Norma its first outdoor kitchen, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni.
It is an outdoor kitchen with elegant profiles and high performance, modular and versatile thanks to the independent structure designed to fit both small and large spaces.
The Smoke-colored freestanding island with Lapitec top houses the steel sink block and a compartment underneath that, if desired, can also hold the refrigerator; the peninsula, on the other hand, extends to form a suspended overhead plane that can also be transformed into a dining area. The five-burner gas-fueled cooktop lives independently, can have fixed feet or casters, which allow it to be stored under the peninsula work area if necessary, and at the bottom has larch slat shelves and a practical tool-hanging bar. Optional features include stainless steel plates and wooden cutting boards that fit neatly over the work surface.
Open by Boffi, the outdoor kitchen that stimulates conviviality
“Open is an island, a place that connects the actions of cooking, eating, and being together. It can fit in a room, but also outside.” This is howarchitect Piero Lissoni, defines Open, his kitchen created for Boffi, where everything is designed for hospitality: the proportions, materials, style and performance. It is a system characterized by the open structure and marked by essentiality.
Its centerpiece is the inline monoblock that houses the cooking and washing elements, made of Aisi 316 stainless steel. In the center is a removable solid iroko cutting board, beneath which are two drawers. The block rests on a steel frame equipped with a low shelf made of clear retina glass. The ensemble is completed with a trolley on wheels to be placed under the sink, with a matte satin-finish stainless steel frame, equipped with an upper three-compartment container and a lower seven-compartment container, both made of solid iroko wood. The cooking and washing block can be flanked by a large snack counter made of solid iroko wood, supported by a tubular steel structure equipped with two lower shelves made of screened glass.
