How to create a mini outdoor kitchen to take meal times alfresco in a super-small space

Outdoor kitchens are on the rise, as more and more of us look to enjoy the benefits of alfresco dining as soon as the sun starts to shine. And you don't have to have a huge outside space to enjoy one, as this mini outdoor kitchen idea shows.

With the popularity of the best pizza ovens growing each year too, even if you have a particularly small space, there is always a spot to squeeze in an outdoor kitchen set up. 

So if you have a spare afternoon, just a little bit of DIY knowledge and the enthusiasm to enjoy your next meal outside, give this mini outdoor kitchen idea a try.

How to create a mini outdoor kitchen 

While you might be wondering exactly how to build an outdoor kitchen, for most designs, you will need a bit of space, so those of us with balcony gardens or small patios might worry we are missing out.

But with this mini outdoor kitchen idea, it has such a small footprint (around 80cm wide by 35cm deep) that it can be slotted into even the teeniest of outdoor spaces, to take dining outside from a dream to a reality.

What you'll need

• Single trellis fence panel like the slatted trellis panel, £22.50, Wickes
• 4 wooden crates like the natural wooden crates, £9 each, Hobbycraft
• An exterior wood paint of your choice
• Dust sheets or plastic sheeting
• A quality paintbrush
• A handheld or electric screwdriver
• Screws
• A couple of S hooks

Step-by-step

1. Protect the area

First things first, lay down your dust sheets or plastic sheeting to protect the ground and any nearby plants from getting splattered with paint. You'll need a dry day to take on the painting but not one that is too hot and sunny as the paint could turn sticky. Most DIY outdoor kitchen ideas lend themselves to a clear, dry but not too sunny day- luckily the UK provides plenty of days like that! 

2. Paint your panel

Next, paint your wooden panel and crates in the same colour of your choice. If you're not sure what shade to go for, looking at garden paint ideas should give you some inspiration, but think whether you want your mini outdoor kitchen to blend seamlessly into its surroundings, or be bold and make a statement in it's space.

If it's the former, shades of green, grey and black will make it less imposing, but if the latter is more your bag, choose a bright pink, yellow or aqua. 

3. Attach your crates

Once your panel and crates are dry, turn the crates onto their side and stack together to make a 2 by 2 formation and screw securely together. Next place the stack at the bottom of the panel and screw this together too. 

4. Position in place

Once the crates and panel are securely attached to each other, position against a wall, side of a shed or against a balcony railing. You might want to use a couple of cable ties if positioning against railings, to ensure it doesn't get blown over in any heavy winds. 

5. Add S hooks to hang cooking essentials

Now that your mini outdoor kitchen is in place, you can fill each of the crate cubbies with all your dining and eating essentials, such as crockery, glasses and condiments. Hang a couple of S hooks from the trellis panel to hang kitchen utensils, bread and serving boards, placemats and even barbecue tools, so everything is at hand.

Then set up your best barbecue or pizza oven nearby and enjoy many a meal time in the sunshine.

Here are some of our favourite buys for cooking up summer meals in a small-space.