Is a Modular Outdoor Kitchen Right for You? Pros, Cons, and Key Considerations
Outdoor kitchens are no longer a luxury reserved for Mediterranean villas - they’re fast becoming a must-have feature in British gardens too. Whether it’s weekend barbecues with family, entertaining friends late into the evening, or simply elevating your outdoor living space, the right outdoor kitchen can transform how you use your home.
But when it comes to outdoor kitchen design, one key decision stands out: should you opt for a modular outdoor kitchen or invest in a fully bespoke design? Both offer distinct benefits, and the right choice depends on available space, lifestyle, and ambitions.
At Walker Landscape and Design, we’re proud to offer both options - including sleek modular solutions from Roostr and fully customised kitchens from Fire Magic. Here, we explore the advantages of modular kitchens, while also exploring the benefits of a fully bespoke outdoor kitchen design. Let’s take a look.
Modular kitchens are a great choice for homeowners who wish to scale their outdoor kitchen space over time.
What is a Modular Outdoor Kitchen?
A modular outdoor kitchen is built from pre-designed, high-quality units that can be combined in a way that suits your garden - you choose the pieces that best fit your cooking style, entertaining needs, and available space to create the perfect setup for your lifestyle.
From integrated grills and fridges to prep stations, sinks, and storage, modular systems offer incredible flexibility while ensuring a seamless, stylish finish. Unlike fully bespoke kitchens, which are built from scratch, modular setups are quicker to install and easier to adapt over time. As a result, modular outdoor kitchens can evolve with your needs, whether that means upgrading appliances, reconfiguring the layout, or expanding your kitchen in the future.
At Walker Landscape and Design, Roostr modular kitchens are an exceptional choice, offering both premium quality and versatility to suit a wide range of outdoor living spaces.
Pros of a Modular Outdoor Kitchen
Flexibility and adaptability
Modular kitchens are designed to evolve with your lifestyle. Start with the essentials and add new units - like a pizza oven or bar station - when you’re ready to tackle a new culinary skill or want to simply expand your space.
Faster installation
With pre-engineered units, installation is much quicker than designing a kitchen from the ground up, meaning you can enjoy your space sooner, without awaiting a fully built in outdoor kitchen space, requiring much more labour from your installers.
Cost-effective (without compromising on quality)
Modular kitchens provide a premium finish at a more accessible price point than fully bespoke options, making them an attractive choice for many homeowners who may wish to upgrade other elements of their outdoor entertaining space at the same time.
Scalable over time
If you’re not ready to commit to a full outdoor kitchen from the outset, a modular setup allows you to build your dream space step by step. You’ll enjoy the benefits of your initial layout straight away, while giving yourself the flexibility to refine and add new elements over time - ensuring the finished kitchen is perfectly tailored to your lifestyle.
Works well with many design styles
With gorgeous sleek and contemporary designs, like Roostr outdoor kitchens, modular kitchens integrate effortlessly with a wide range of garden styles - from modern terraces to large landscaped plots, there’s a modular kitchen for every family home.
Roostr are renowned for their beautiful modular outdoor kitchens.
Potential Drawbacks of Modular Kitchens
While modular kitchens tick most boxes, there are some limitations to take into consideration when designing your outdoor kitchen space.
Configuration limitations
As you’re working with set units, highly unusual layouts or irregularly shaped spaces may require a bespoke solution.
Less ‘built-in’ feel
It goes without saying that a modular system may not achieve the same level of architectural integration as a kitchen designed entirely from scratch.
Specific requirements
If you have highly customised needs (for example, specialist appliances or intricate stonework), bespoke may be more appropriate to preserve the seamless integration and tailored craftsmanship of your overall outdoor kitchen design.
When is a Modular Kitchen the Right Choice?
Modular outdoor kitchens are a fantastic option for many homeowners, thanks to their balance of style, quality, and practicality. They’re especially well-suited to those who want to enjoy their space without the long wait times or higher investment that often come with bespoke projects.
They’re the right fit if:
You value quicker installation - Pre-designed units mean you can be cooking and entertaining outdoors far sooner than with a fully tailored build.
You prefer modern, functional design - Modular kitchens, especially Roostr, lend themselves to sleek, contemporary spaces that prioritise both style and usability.
You’re working with a set budget or timeline - With more predictable costs and a shorter lead time, modular kitchens are ideal for projects that need clarity and efficiency.
You like the idea of growing your kitchen over time - Start with the essentials, then add a bar station, pizza oven, or extra prep area when you’re ready.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a stylish, flexible, and scalable solution - one that allows you to enjoy your outdoor kitchen immediately while leaving room for future upgrades - a modular design is likely the perfect choice.
Want to explore the endless possibilities of our outdoor kitchens? Take a read of our blog - Outdoor Kitchen Must-Haves: The Features That Make All the Difference.
Fire Magic allow us to create stunning, bespoke outdoor kitchen solutions for our clients.
What About Bespoke Outdoor Kitchens?
For some homeowners, a fully bespoke outdoor kitchen is the ultimate expression of luxury. Unlike modular systems, bespoke designs are created entirely from scratch, with every detail tailored to your space, lifestyle, and personal taste. This means no limitations on layout, finishes, textures, or features - if you can imagine it, a bespoke kitchen can bring it to life.
Bespoke kitchens are particularly well-suited to:
Unique or complex spaces - Irregular layouts, multi-level terraces, or challenging garden shapes can all be seamlessly integrated.
Highly customised requirements - From specialist appliances to intricate stonework or architectural cladding, bespoke designs allow for complete freedom.
Clients seeking a statement feature - A bespoke outdoor kitchen can be designed to echo the architecture of your home, creating a sense of cohesion and permanence.
Premium, high-end projects - For those with larger budgets, bespoke designs represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship and exclusivity.
With Fire Magic at the forefront of unrivalled bespoke outdoor kitchen design, you can expect world-class performance, uncompromising quality, and a kitchen that feels like a natural extension of your home. While they require a higher level of investment and longer lead times, for many, the result is a one-of-a-kind outdoor living space that simply can’t be replicated.
Outdoor Modular Kitchens for Residential and Commercial Purposes
At Walker Landscape and Design, we believe the best outdoor kitchens are those that truly reflect your lifestyle. Whether that means the flexibility and contemporary elegance of a Roostr modular kitchen, or the bespoke craftsmanship and timeless quality of a Fire Magic design, we offer solutions that combine functionality, style, time constraints and durability. Our team will guide you through the options to ensure your garden kitchen isn’t just a feature, but a seamless extension of your home.
Browse our modular outdoor kitchens by Roostr, or book a design consultation today, and let us help bring your dream outdoor kitchen to life.