We love our outdoor spaces and being able to enjoy that beautiful sun (when it chooses to make an appearance!). That’s why the boundaries between our indoor and outdoor spaces continue to blur; many people want more from their garden than a patio set. A garden is now often seen as a secondary social hub, a relaxing sanctuary, and even a secondary kitchen.
While an indoor kitchen has to contend with everyday life, splashes and spills, an outdoor kitchen must survive everything from the hot midday sun to the depths of a British winter. That’s why, when designing your outdoor kitchen, you have to choose the right appliances, cabinets and worktops.
What is an outdoor kitchen, and why do I want one?
While many of us have a traditional BBQ as a standalone appliance, an outdoor kitchen is a fully functional space, similar to a normal indoor kitchen. It typically features built-in cabinetry, integrated grills or pizza ovens, sinks and ample worktop space for preparation and serving.
There are a few reasons why an outdoor kitchen has grown in popularity, including building an outdoor social hub. It allows the cook to remain part of the conversation rather than being stuck indoors while guests enjoy the garden. It’s a similar idea to why kitchen-diners have grown in popularity; it’s all about creating a social space for everyone to enjoy and chat.
Another reason that outdoor kitchens are increasing in popularity is the versatility of outdoor dining. More and more people are reasoning that a morning coffee on a sun-drenched worktop, or a midnight wood-fired pizza, are small moments of the day that they love. It turns the garden into a year-round space, not just for the summer.
If you’re planning a garden kitchen, your choice of worktop is a key decision, and so we recommend porcelain worktops.
Porcelain worktops are UV- and weather-resistant
One of the main challenges for an outdoor worktop is the sun. Some engineered stone surfaces can fade or turn yellow when exposed to direct UV rays over time. Our porcelain worktops are engineered to be UV stable, which means whether you choose the crisp, marbled veins of 504 Lumena or the moody, industrial tones of 516 Locura, the colour will remain as vibrant in ten years’ time as the day it was installed.
Plus, porcelain is non-porous – this is incredibly important for freeze-thaw resistance. When moisture gets into porous stone and freezes, it expands, leading to cracks. Porcelain’s density prevents this moisture absorption, making it impervious to frost and heavy rain.
Are porcelain worktops resistant to heat?
When cooking in a garden kitchen, it often revolves around high-heat appliances like pizza ovens, heavy-duty gas grills and kamado-style ceramic charcoal barbecue cookers like Big Green Egg. As Caesarstone porcelain worktops are made to withstand high temperatures, they’re able to sit parallel to these high-heat appliances.
Unlike many other surfaces, porcelain can handle direct contact with high heat. While we always recommend using a trivet to keep your worktop pristine, porcelain’s ability to withstand thermal shock means it won’t crack or scorch when placed near a hot grill or under the heat of a summer afternoon.
Porcelain worktops are low-maintenance, high-enjoyment
The point of an outdoor kitchen is to relax, not to spend your Sunday scrubbing and maintaining your outdoor kitchen worktop. Because porcelain is non-porous, it is stain-resistant. Pollen, bird droppings, fallen leaves and grease from the barbecue won’t penetrate the surface.
There’s no need for the regular sealing that natural stone requires. A simple wipe-down with warm, soapy water is usually all that’s needed to keep the surface hygienic and ready for food preparation. We also offer these easy tips for care and maintenance, should you want to know more.
Aesthetics without compromise with Caesarstone
Some people believe that durable outdoor worktops are rugged or utilitarian in appearance. But with our porcelain collection, the look and feel is up to you, as we have a great range of outdoor kitchen worktops for you to choose from.
For a modern aesthetic, opt for the sleek, fresh cement-inspired look of 413 White Ciment or industrial and dark 510 Impermia to complement stainless steel appliances and minimalist landscaping.
545 Fossillia Porcelain Worktop
Or for a more classic outdoor kitchen design, choose the timeless elegance of 545 Fossillia or 501 Snowdrift to create a high-end, Mediterranean feel.
When choosing a worktop, it’s not just about design but also about texture. Textures like our Ultra Rough finish provide a tactile, stone-like quality that feels at home amongst greenery and natural wood decking. On the other hand, a Honed finishes look beautiful under patio lights and sunshine.
Creating a seamless outdoor-indoor flow
For homeowners with bi-fold or sliding doors, using the same porcelain surface for both the indoor kitchen island and the outdoor prep station creates a stunning visual continuity. This look makes the entire home feel larger and more cohesive, effortlessly drawing guests from the house into the garden.
Ready to start your outdoor transformation?
Explore the full Caesarstone Porcelain Collection and find the perfect match for your alfresco dining dreams.
