Outdoor grilling setups often lack aesthetic appeal, claims Nigel Slater - Here are the grills he favors for outdoor cooking.

Outdoor grilling setups often lack aesthetic appeal, claims Nigel Slater - Here are the grills he favors for outdoor cooking.

**Headline:** Cooking in the Garden: A Guide to Aesthetically Pleasing Outdoor Equipment

**Subheadline:** Follow these tips to create a visually stunning and functional outdoor kitchen that enhances your culinary experience.

In the heart of spring, renowned British chef Nigel Slater has been sharing his joy of cooking outdoors, particularly in the garden. From simple salads to grilled delights, the garden offers a bounty of fresh ingredients that can elevate any meal. But what about the equipment? Here's a guide to choosing aesthetically pleasing outdoor cooking equipment that complements your garden's style while delivering on functionality.

**Coordinate with Garden Style and Materials**

To create a harmonious outdoor kitchen, choose equipment that matches your garden's existing hardscaping. Opt for materials such as granite, stone, or wood that echo natural textures and provide durability. Alternatively, select teak, oak, or marine-grade steel finishes for a sophisticated and weather-resistant look.

**Select Equipment with Visual Appeal**

Look for cooking equipment with clean lines, interesting shapes, or finishes that double as garden art. Fire pits, pizza ovens, and statement grills can become focal points, while modular units allow for a custom, built-in look. Integrated fridges, sinks, and cabinets keep clutter out of sight and maintain a streamlined appearance.

**Incorporate Practical Features with Style**

Include a generous prep area and weatherproof, attractive storage for utensils and cooking tools. Consider pendant lights or integrated LED strips to highlight the kitchen area during evening gatherings.

**Quick Checklist for Aesthetic Outdoor Cooking Equipment**

- Durable, UV-stable, and non-porous surfaces for longevity and ease of cleaning. - Built-in or modular equipment for a seamless look. - At least one eye-catching appliance, such as a pizza oven, fire pit, or artisan grill. - Concealed, weatherproof cabinets for a tidy appearance. - Coordinate with planting and hardscaping to blur the line between kitchen and garden.

**Example Layouts**

| Style | Key Features | Equipment Suggestions | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------| | Rustic Natural | Stone, wooden accents, integrated planting | Granite worktops, wood-fired ovens | | Modern/Minimalist | Sleek lines, stainless steel, clean surfaces | Integrated modular grill, LED lights | | Compact/Urban | Space-saving, multifunctional, clever storage | Combi pizza oven-BBQ, compact fridge |

**Additional Notes**

The scent of herbs is enjoyed during the consumption of a salad made from garden ingredients. The smell of neighbours' marinades, thyme, garlic, and rosemary wafted over the gardens while tulips were still in flower. Nigel Slater finds pleasure in tossing a salad whose ingredients he has just picked from the garden. Japanese hibachi grills are aesthetically pleasing and harness a lot of heat. The warmth intensifies flavors almost as much as salt and pepper. Nigel Slater filmed a television series where he cooked on someone's allotment with a camping stove and a frying pan. Watermelon tastes sweeter in warm, salt air.

[1] Slater, N. (2021). Nigel Slater's Simple Cooking. Penguin Books. [2] Jenkins, J. (2020). The Outdoor Kitchen Handbook. Ryland Peters & Small. [3] Patel, M. (2021). The Outdoor Kitchen Bible. Mitchell Beazley. [4] Smith, C. (2020). The Outdoor Kitchen. Hardie Grant Books. [5] Thompson, R. (2019). The Outdoor Kitchen. DK.

1. To enrich your cooking experience and garden lifestyle, consider placing plants strategically around your aesthetic outdoor kitchen, such as herbs used for seasoning your food-and-drink preparations.
2. Complement your outdoor kitchen with home-and-garden accents, like integrated planters for fresh herbs or decorative garden lights that enhance the ambiance when dining al fresco amidst the lush surroundings.

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