Enough of all that running in and out of the house to fetch ingredients. Get yourself a trolley with several shelves, a couple of baskets, and load them up with everything you need to create your meal. Roll it all out to your outdoor kitchen and get cooking.

Use the bottom shelves of your outdoor kitchen for storing some of your most used items. Logs, coal, and a big tub to gather your dirty dishes, all stay close by and out of the way. Your most used nonperishable ingredients, like salt, pepper, and olive oil can be kept here, too, in lidded, water repellent boxes. Just make sure the containers you’re using are all sturdy enough to withstand the elements (preferably metal and plastic!).

The most important feature of your outdoor kitchen? The grill, of course. After all, this is where the magic happens. Keep yours ready to go with your grill tools like tongs, brushes, mallets, and towels nearby, and set up a spot next to it where your food can rest right before and after cooking. And why not keeps some fresh herbs growing here, as well? Just snip them and add while you’re cooking. When it’s time to clean your grill, don’t worry; the grill station is free-standing and easily separated from the units on both sides.

Every kitchen needs a good workspace, and an outdoor kitchen is no different. Start with a surface made of stainless steel. Not only will it stand up to the brutal weather, but it’s so much easier for you to clean off after a messy prep session. Keep a box handy, filled with utensils, tools, and a selection of chopping boards (we’d suggest different boards for meat, fish and veggies).

If you’re entertaining, try setting up a station for drinks so your guests won’t need to run to the fridge throughout the night. Fill up a tough, handled plastic box with ice and refreshments, place it on the trolley, at the end of the dining table, or wherever you like, and let your crew help themselves.

We love to see our customers get creative with our products. Go for it! But please note that altering or modifying IKEA products so they can no longer be re-sold or used for their original purpose, means the IKEA commercial guarantees and your right to return the products will be lost.

Made by

Interior designer: Marianne Eriksson
Photographer: Kristian Krebs
Writer: Vanessa Algotsson