As the weather heats up across the UK, more people are transforming their gardens into outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces.
From low-and-slow BBQ smoking to wood-fired pizzas and live-fire cooking, outdoor dining has become one of the biggest lifestyle trends of recent years.
Whether you’re planning weekend BBQs with friends, family garden parties, or simply upgrading your grilling setup, creating the right outdoor cooking space can completely change the way you cook and entertain at home.
Here’s how to create the ultimate outdoor cooking setup for summer 2026.
Start with the Right BBQ or Outdoor Cooker
The heart of any outdoor cooking setup is the cooker itself. The best option depends on the type of cooking experience you want to create.
Charcoal BBQs
Perfect for traditional grilling and smoky flavour. Great for burgers, sausages, steaks, and direct-heat cooking.
Smokers
Ideal for low-and-slow BBQ cooking such as brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and beef short ribs.
Kamado Grills
Extremely versatile and popular for both grilling and smoking. Kamado-style cookers are excellent for year-round cooking.
Pizza Ovens
Wood-fired pizza ovens continue to grow in popularity and are perfect for outdoor entertaining.
Planchas and Flat Tops
Great for cooking seafood, smash burgers, vegetables, and breakfast dishes outdoors.
If possible, combine multiple cooking methods to create a more versatile outdoor kitchen experience.
Create Separate Cooking and Social Zones
Cooking WithThe best outdoor cooking spaces are designed around both food and socialising.
Try dividing your garden setup into dedicated zones:
- Cooking area
- Food prep station
- Dining space
- Drinks and serving station
- Relaxed seating area
This creates a more organised flow when hosting guests and helps your outdoor setup feel like an extension of your home.
Add Shelter for All-Weather Cooking
British weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. Adding shelter allows you to enjoy outdoor cooking throughout the season.
Popular options include:
- Pergolas
- Gazebos
- Retractable awnings
- Parasols
- Covered outdoor kitchens
Adding outdoor lighting and patio heaters can also help extend your cooking and entertaining into the evening.
Invest in Essential BBQ Accessories
The right accessories make outdoor cooking easier, safer, and more enjoyable.
Must-have BBQ accessories include:
- Instant-read thermometers
- Cast iron cookware
- BBQ gloves
- Long-handled utensils
- Chopping boards
- Fuel storage containers
- Prep tables
Good preparation space is often overlooked but can dramatically improve your cooking experience.
Think Beyond Traditional BBQ Food
Outdoor cooking is no longer just about burgers and sausages.
Modern live-fire cooking includes:
- Smoked brisket
- Reverse-seared steaks
- Fire-roasted vegetables
- Seafood
- Flatbreads
- Wood-fired pizzas
- Smoked desserts
- Global BBQ flavours
Experimenting with different techniques and cuisines is part of what makes outdoor cooking so enjoyable.
Create a Festival Atmosphere at Home
One of the reasons BBQ festivals continue to grow in popularity is the atmosphere they create around food, fire, and social experiences.
You can recreate some of that experience at home by adding:
- Outdoor speakers
- Ambient lighting
- Sharing platters
- Fire pits
- Garden games
- Comfortable seating
Outdoor cooking works best when it becomes part of the entertainment itself.
Find Inspiration at Smoke & Fire Festival
If you’re looking for inspiration for your own outdoor cooking setup, Smoke & Fire Festival is packed with ideas, live demonstrations, BBQ brands, smokers, grills, outdoor kitchens, street food, and live-fire cooking experts.
Visitors can explore the latest outdoor cooking trends, discover new equipment, learn cooking techniques from pitmasters, and experience the atmosphere of live-fire cooking culture firsthand.
Whether you’re completely new to BBQ or already passionate about outdoor cooking, there’s always something new to discover.
MALDON SMOKE & FIRE FESTIVAL 2026
The UK’s Ultimate 10th Anniversary BBQ & Live Music Special
SAT 15th – SUN 16th AUGUST 2026 | Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex. CM9 5HD
SECURE YOUR TICKETS TODAY
What is the best BBQ for an outdoor cooking setup?
The best BBQ depends on your cooking style. Charcoal BBQs are great for traditional grilling, while smokers and kamado grills are ideal for low-and-slow cooking and versatility.
How can I create an outdoor kitchen in a small garden?
You can create a compact outdoor cooking setup using portable BBQs, foldable prep tables, vertical storage, and multi-functional seating areas.
What accessories do I need for outdoor cooking?
Essential accessories include thermometers, BBQ utensils, chopping boards, cast iron cookware, prep surfaces, and fuel storage.
Are outdoor kitchens worth it in the UK?
Yes. Outdoor kitchens and cooking spaces are increasingly popular in the UK, especially during spring and summer, and can improve both entertaining space and lifestyle enjoyment.
What food can you cook outdoors besides BBQ meat?
Outdoor cooking can include pizzas, seafood, vegetables, flatbreads, desserts, breakfast dishes, and international live-fire recipes.
Where can I get ideas for outdoor cooking setups?
BBQ festivals like Smoke & Fire Festival are excellent places to discover outdoor kitchen inspiration, BBQ brands, cooking demonstrations, and live-fire techniques.
