Outdoor Kitchens | Our products and services at Hot Box

Outdoor Kitchens | Whats on offer at Hot Box ®

Outdoor kitchens are the must have garden accessory for 2021.

At Hot Box, we have set our stall out to offer both quality products and full design and installation packages.

Our focus for this coming season is to provide a turnkey solution for clients wishing to have an outdoor kitchen installed.

As usual, we have carefully selected only the very best in appliances from BBQ’s to Pizza ovens.

Further, we have trained and equipped our teams to build your perfect outdoor cooking area.

So, let’s get started and take a look on whats on offer.

Outdoor Kitchens | Why have we built a display unit

We believe that tangibility is an important factor when it comes to making a major purchase for your home.

Further, without seeing, touching and engaging with a product it is difficult to understand its value versus alternatives.

At Hot Box, we believe that our offerings provide great quality and offer long term value.

An outdoor kitchen and its component parts need to last.

Outdoor Kitchens | Getting started

We understand that making the decision to install an outdoor kitchen is not one to be taken lightly.

Costs can escalate and it is important to understand them fully before you set out.

Over the course of the last few months we have been busy building a new designated display area.

Remember, this is England, not the Costa Del Sol, so we have had a little think.

Our new outdoor kitchen display unit has been hand built inside a 40ft shipping container to help keep the weather off.

This designated unit is set to house a fully functioning outdoor kitchen with fridge, pizza oven and a full range of fixtures.

Installed within our reimagined container, we will clearly display both the products and services on offer from us.

Importantly, we will be installing the following items to showcase what Hot Box can offer you this BBQ season.

• U shaped kitchen form.
• Wood fired pizza oven, fully installed by our HETAS engineers.
• BBQ head by Fire Magic.
• A range of flush mounted stainless steel cupboards and drawers.
• Integrated waste receptacle.
• Blastcool integrated outdoor fridge, importantly this needs to be IP24 rated to ensure that it is electrically safe.
• Fully finished worktop.

Outdoor Kitchens | What else is in our display unit

Further, our range of outdoor kitchen products is just the beginning.

At Hot Box, we understand that offing a variety of functions is important to our customers.

As such, our unit will also be home to Traeger Smoker Grills, Pizza Ovens from Clementi and Alfa.

Moreover, we will also offer Pizza Oven Firelighters Hot Box ® Firestarter, wood fuel, rubs and sauces to complete the range.

Additionally, come winter time, and to make the most of the space, the unit will be repurposed to supply logs and firelighters for the winter season.

Outdoor Kitchens | Installation options from Hot Box ®

Now that we have covered how we intend to showcase our range of outdoor kitchens, let’s consider the services available to our clients.

At Hot Box, we continually strive to offer comprehensive product ranges backed up with quality services.

Thats why, this season from June onwards, we will be making ourselves available to install complete outdoor kitchen packages.

So let’s begin.

Instant online quote

If you are looking to install an outdoor kitchen, you may want an initial idea of the costs associated.

As such, our intuitive instant quote tool is online and allows a user to specify certain key elements to build an idea of cost.

You will choose from a range of set criteria which will build you a ball park figure, subject to survey.

Thereafter, our system will send you an e mail detailing the initial proposal for your consideration.

If you feel that the costs are within budget, we can then proceed to the next step.

Get your instant outdoor kitchen quote

Remember, our instant quote tool is not exhaustive but is designed to represent a guide price only.

Costs may vary once we have undertaken a survey for your outdoor kitchen installation and discussed more precise requirements.

Visit our outdoor kitchen showroom

If of interest, we highly recommend that you visit our online kitchen show unit.

Once on site, you can peruse the products on offer and decide whether or not they are what you are looking for.

There is no pressure from us, we are happy to guide you through the products on display and can provide guidance regarding other options.

If you think we can help and you like what we have to offer, we can proceed to the next step.

Youtube video coming soon….

Do I need planning permission for my outdoor kitchen area?

Planning permission is of course an important consideration.

Generally speaking, for garden structures, no planning permission will be required.

Such structures, so long as they fall within certain parameters, are considered permitted development.

Rather than explain in depth the details of any permissions, there are articles available online.

The Planning Portal offers a comprehensive insight as to what is allowed and where. 

Remember however, certain other factors need to be considered if your property is listed, in a national Park or AONB.

What about Building Regulations?

Again, building regulations or BR are not normally required.

However, it is always best to check and design your outdoor kitchen space within the scope of the guidance.

Such guidance on BR for outdoor structures is available via Planning Portal. 

What comes next?

If you are satisfied in terms of what you want, the equipment required, and planning permissions for the same, we can proceed.

Most clients then request that a detailed survey is carried out by Hot Box to finalise any designs and pricing.

This process gives us greater insight into your home and allows us to present an accurate fixed price.

Moreover, the person who visits you will provide a detailed specification and quotation for the elements of work and the appliances discussed.

Your specification and quotation will then form our agreement before we can proceed to the next phases.

Comprehensive outdoor kitchen survey and detailed specification and quotation.

Once you have obtained your instant quote using our intuitive tool, its time to arrange a survey.

And perhaps you have visited our show unit.

One of our team will meet with you at your home to discuss your requirements.

They will bring with them a whole host of knowledge and some further product literature.

Whilst on site we will carefully examine the following elements:

• Position of your outdoor kitchen, where you want it installed is up to you. However, we may offer other ideas that you had not considered.
• Requirements to build a base or foundation. Depending on what exists already we may need to offer this as part of the service.
• Power supply and proximity to and suitability of the existing consumer unit to provide adequate power.
• Water supply, if you are thinking about an outdoor sink, we will need to get water to it from your house.
• External finishes. You may be considering render, bricks, timber cladding or other more contemporary materials.
• Roof or canopy, we can offer purpose made solutions to provide a roof covering over your new outdoor space. Roof coverings can be Sarnafil Single ply, zinc, lead, or we can, in conjunction with GNR Roofing Services provide pretty much any type of roof you can think of.

What about design?

3D modelling can be offered as part of the initial design process. The use of such tools will allow you to consider what your outdoor kitchen will look like before you commit.

Further, the 3D model also allows you to make changes to suit your individual requirements and visualise them at design phase.

Outdoor kitchen designs are often very individual and we are happy to work from any existing ideas and sketches that you may have produced.

Alternatively, some of our clients engage architects to design their space as part of other home alterations.

We are more than happy to work from architects drawings and collaborate to make sure all of the parts fit in the space provided.

Its all about the base…

Importantly, as with all construction work, the foundation or base is pivotal to the success of the end result.

Usually, outdoor kitchens will be constructed on top of a new concrete foundation.

Such foundations will need to be reinforced and laid on a damp proof membrane.

This base or raft will usually, depending on the location of your kitchen, be pumped into position.

At Hot Box ® we will arrange all of this inclusive of timely delivery of the pump equipment and concrete using local suppliers.

This slab or raft foundation forms the starting point for most of our outdoor kitchen installations.

We can construct this to suit your space and al fresco kitchen requirements. Moreover, the dimensions and positions will be discussed during your site survey.

At Hot Box ®, we can carry out all relevant ground work to facilitate the installation of the base for your outdoor kitchen.

Importantly, it is at this stage that you will need to consider the following elements.

• Power supply, usually an armoured cable and separate consumer unit neatly tucked away as part of your kitchen.
• Any requirements for external plug sockets.
• Lighting requirements. We can install strip LED lighting, outdoor rated spot or downlight units. Alternatively, we are able to install any form of lighting fixtures to suit your taste.
• Water supply, if you are having an outdoor sink unit, this will need to be desginged in at this stage.
• Drainage for an outdoor sink, usually connected to a foul water drainage system.

Outdoor Kitchens | From the base up…

Once your base has been built and is fully set, we can look at building your outdoor kitchen units.

Often, such units are constructed from lightweight breeze blocks bedded in cement mortar.

Such blocks form a sturdy base for your kitchen and provide a square, uniform structure.

Further, we can easily build in openings for appliances such as outdoor fridges, cupboards and drawers along with important work areas.

Additionally, formed blocks can then be finished to suit your needs.

Popular surface finishes of our outdoor kitchens include but are not limited to:

• Render systems such as K Rend, Weber, Monocouche or Parex. Often, due to the relatively small surface area, such finishes are applied by hand but on occasion a machine rendering system may be used. Importantly, there are a range of colours available to suit most taste requirements.
• Alternatively, a cement render can also be used which will then need to be painted to suit. Remember however, painted surfaces will need maintaining moving forwards where as through cloud render systems will not.
• Other options include wood cladding, this can be a popular choice but may not be advisable if you are considering a wood fired pizza oven.
• Bricks or brick slips are also popular to form a rustic appearance.
• Additionally, the blockwork for could be clad in tiles or composite panels to offer a contemporary finish.

What about outdoor kitchen floor coverings?

Choosing the right floor finish for your outdoor cooking area is important.

Options include, but are not limited to, exterior floor tiles, paving slabs, composite decking systems or even wood.

Remember however, this is an outdoor cooking space and something which can be cleaned is going to be easier should a spillage occur or a pizza go astray!

Frequently, the floor coverings inside outdoor kitchens are laid as part of a wider patio area.

At Hot Box, we can provide a full schedule of work to complete an outdoor kitchen space to exact requirements.

In brief therefore, floor coverings can be chosen as follows:

• Paving slabs from leading manufacturers. 
• Exterior floor tiles.
• Composite decking. 
• Timber decking.
• Reclaimed materials such as stone or cobbles. 

Remember, it is critical to choose this in advance so that correct work heights can be set. The integration of lfloor coverings into the kitchen and wider space are crucial to achieving a good finish.

Outdoor kitchen worktops, which works best?

Remember, this is England, it gets cold and is wet.

Choosing a worktop that can withstand the elements is crucial to how long it will last.

Further, your material should be workable and easy to keep sanitary for food preparation.

The following options are popular choices and can easily be integrated into your outdoor kitchen.

• Granite, a range of options are available. Further, granite is relatively maintenance free.
• Slate, a durable material for outdoor kitchens. However, slate will need sealing and maintaining each year.
• Composite resin worktops are ideal for this application.
• Stainless steel provides a durable worktop that will last. Usually, this will be formed around a timber substrate and will need to be designed into the build.

The choices of worktops is significant and comes down to personal preference.

Your requirements can be discussed at point of survey.

Further, Hot Box are happy to source them on your behalf or we can work with your preferred supplier.

Remember, your choice of worktop will need to be cut to size and the edges polished.

Further, any appliance openings will need to be cut out in advance.

Worktops require planning and thought to ensure they are correctly cut and fit for purpose.

Moreover, they are a significant element in terms of cost so getting them right first time is crucial.

Moving onto the business end of your outdoor kitchen, the appliances.

Outdoor kitchens, what do I need?

Your base has been formed and your outdoor units constructed. Let’s consider what you are going to cook with.

Importantly, you should choose your appliances in advance along with any cupboards, drawers and fridge units so that they can be integrated into the unit.

Remember, outdoor kitchen equipment can be expensive to its best to consider what you are really going to use.

often, less is more when it comes to an outdoor kitchen.

The offerings available from Hot Box are comprehensive.

However, you should carefully consider how much your kitchen will be used and want you are actually going to cook.

There is no point buying a fridge unit for instance if the kitchen is close to the one in your house, or is there?

At Hot Box, we believe in setting out everything that you may need. Once you start to use your outdoor kitchen you may quickly realise that certain things that you could have had may her been useful after all.

As such, it is important to carefully consider how you will use the space in advance of installation.

Keep things simple, think about the following:

• What do you want to cook and how? Pizzas, BBQ, Smoked meats etc.
• What will you keep in your outdoor kitchen? Cooking utensils, pizza peels, tongs, knives etc.
• Will you need to store cold food and drinks? If so, you may want to consider a fridge.
• Do you need fuel storage? Space for logs under your pizza oven can be a handy addition for instance. Further, if you are integrating a gas BBQ you will need space to store a gas bottle.
• Waste disposal? If you are serious about cooking, an integrated bin could pay dividends.

At Hot Box, we are able to offer the following component parts for any outdoor kitchen.

• Pizza oven. Consistent with our heritage, we prefer wood fired versions.
• BBQ heads, our range of stainless steel built in BBQ’s are superb.
• Outdoor fridges. Ip24 rated refrigeration units for both drinks and food storage are available through us.
• A range of cupboards and drawer units in stainless steel which are fully built in.

Popular choices for an outdoor kitchen

Usually, clients tend to opt for the following core items.

• Pizza oven.
• Outdoor fridge.
• Set of cupboards.
• Set of stainless steel drawers.
• Waste bin.
• BBQ head.

Importantly, all appliances required should be chosen in advance so that they can be fully integrated into your outdoor kitchen design.

What about a roof or canopy?

When installing an outdoor kitchen in the UK a roof or canopy is essential in our opinion.

Even during the summer months we are prone to rain, in case you have not noticed!

Roof structures and coverings for outdoor kitchens require careful thought.

Usually, a timber or metal frame is erected and a flat roof built over the entire area,

Further, a covered seating or dining area can also make the space more usable for more of the year.

Importantly, if you are thinking about a roof or canopy, also think about flues for a pizza oven or smoker grill.

Integrating a flue system through the roof will keep the cooking area smoke free.

At Hot Box, we can offer fully installed wood fired pizza ovens connected to twin wall flues.

Further, working alongside GNR Roofing Services, we can make good the roof to create a water tight seal.

Should I connect my pizza oven to a flue?

Putting a twin wall flue from a pizza oven is only the same as connecting a wood burning stove in flat roof extension for instance.

Your options for roof coverings have already been mentioned and will vary depending on the overall look you want to achieve.

Purpose made louvred canopies are available.

However, putting a flue from a pizza oven through them is not going to be possible.

Further, they do not keep the weather out so its best to opt for a roof covering that does.

Generally, our advice is to erect a steel or timber frame, install a flat roof deck and cover it in zinc or single ply.

This will allow for a waterproof covering and also allow a passenger for the pizza oven flue.

Moreover, integration of lighting and even heating under the canopy can then also be considered.

Can I repurpose an existing building or structure?

Of course, in fact existing outbuildings or structures can offer a great space for an outdoor kitchen area.

Alternatively, at Hot Box, we are more than happy to repurpose a shipping container or cabin to form a kitchen.

Our outdoor kitchen showroom provides a great example of this.

Having designed and repurposed a 40ft shipping container for use as a a display we are ideally placed to offer this.

Depending on the space available you can opt for a 10, 20 or 40 ft container.

The container can be altered to form an opening and a new roof covering installed to keep it weather proof.

Further, if you don’t like the look of the metal, the container can be clad in timber or similar to disguise it.

if you are thinking of a project like this then talk to us. We can offer great insight into the conversion of an existing structure for use as an outdoor kitchen.

Moreover, our teams have imagination and will help you design a space that’s right for you.

Heating for your outdoor space?

In the UK, the winters are long and even summer nights can get chilly.

As such, it is important that you consider some sort of heating if you want to use your space throughout the year.

At Hot Box, we have spent over a decade installing wood burning stoves.

Further, we have also installed a range of outdoor fireplaces as part of our daily activities.

We have a superb selection of outdoor stoves and fireplaces that can be fully integrated into any outdoor entertaining space.

Moreover, as part of our summertime ranges, we can also provide stylish outdoor furniture to compliment your space.

What about a Hot Tub?

Great idea, if you have the budget available and are looking for the ultimate outdoor kitchen and living space then why not.

Again, wood fired hot tubs have become popular this summer season.

At Hot Box, we have kept things simple and chosen to offer only the best wood fired tubs on the market.

As with the rest of the items in your outdoor living space, a hot tub can be fully integrated and connected to a flue as part of the construction process.

By connecting the unit to a twin wall chimney you will negate the smoke whilst relaxing in your hot tub.

Our offerings, known as the Dutch Tub are a superb examples. 

Our suppliers of outdoor kitchen appliances

So, we have carefully examined the construction processes of creating an outdoor kitchen. Let’s move onto the stuff that goes in it.

As with all products on offer from Hot Box, we have taken our time to carefully source each component part.

By spending this time, we are confident that we can offer the best outdoor kitchens available.

Now we can take a look at each part in detail.

Pizza Ovens

We have limited our offerings to two main suppliers of pizza ovens to form part of our outdoor kitchen range.

Clementi Pizza Ovens

Clementi offer some superb quality stainless steel pizza ovens that can sit on your outdoor kitchen worktop.

Why not take a look at our post which puts this brand in focus. 

Their Family range is available in 3 colours and 3 sizes.

Further, starting at £1095.00 plus delivery costs, they offer superb value for money.

Alfa Pizza ovens

Great quality pizza ovens with a range of colour options.

Further, Alfa offer ovens which can be customised to suit your space.

These ovens are an insulated shell which is designed to be finished in render to clad in bricks at the discretion of the owner.

BBQ Heads

A good quality BBQ head will pay dividends.

At Hot Box, havering looked at a number, we came back to one manufacturer, Fire Magic.

There are two main ranges on offer, Echelon and Aurora. 

Further, the entire brochure of the offerings from ire Magic is available to download. 

Outdoor kitchen doors and cabinets.

Again, Fire magic offer some superb stainless steel doors and outdoor kitchen units.

These units are made form stainless steel and are designed to be built in.

Further, integrated bins and gas tank storage options are all available.

Outdoor kitchen drawer units

You will invariably need somewhere to store your BBQ accessories.

Our range of drawer units offer an ideal solution.

Made from stainless steel on heavy duty runners these units are built to last.

Outdoor kitchen fridges

Importantly, outdoor fridge units need to be IP24 rated to make them safe for use outside.

Blastcool are our preferred supplier. 

Their range provides a solution for all applications.

Single, double and even triple undercounted outdoor fridges are available.

Further, half drinks with a glass door, and half food storage with a stainless steel door form part of the range.

Outdoor kitchens | The Kitchen Sink

We have outlined information on pretty much everything but the kitchen sink.

These are also on offer too.

Our recommendation , although specific sinks are available is to opt for any stainless steel sink unit.

If we are building your outdoor kitchen we can integrate this into it.

Further, you can choose a tap to meet your requirements and we can build that in to.

Remember however, getting both hot and cold water to your outdoor kitchen can be invasive and expensive.

Modular Outdoor Kitchens | Outdoor kitchen islands

Above we have outlined out custom outdoor kitchen offerings.

however, we also like to provide alternatives for those who may not want to turn their garden into a building site.

Importantly, there are a range of modular systems available that integrate some of the above items.

These units come fully equipped and can easily be placed onto an existing patio or decked area.

However, remember that a firm level base is still required and it may, depoending on the unit, still be necessary to have a power supply.

Outdoor kitchens | What to choose

At Hot Box, we are here to help you with any outdoor kitchen requirements.

Ultimately what you want is up to you.

However, our team is available to help you make the right choice.

It is important that you follow the steps above and gather all of the information possible in advance of making a decision.

Further, actually seeing the products that we sell may also help you make that decision.

At Hot Box, we have always chosen to offer quality over quantity.

We are unlikely to be the cheapest outdoor kitchen supplier out there.

However, you can rest assured that each component part has been carefully chosen to make up a superb outdoor space that will last for years to come.

Importantly, our knowledge of all relevant construction practices, coupled with an in depth understanding of our products makes us a great choice to install an outdoor kitchen.

If you are looking for an outdoor kitchen design and help with making a space theta right for you then why not book a survey.

In the alternative, if you just want an initial idea of cost, our Instant Quote Tool will help.

In short, from 2021 onwards, Hot Box are set to become the leading outdoor Kitchen supplier across Yorkshire.

Further, our Franchisees will also be coming on board to offer the same products and services in your area. 

My outdoor kitchen has been fitted, what next?

Now it is time for your to enjoy your new outdoor living space.

Depending on what you have had fitted, Hot Box will remain available for the entire lifecycle of your new kitchen.

We can arrange the following additional elements to help you get the most out of your new appliances.

Outdoor Kitchens | Pizza oven wood

Hoy Box can provide quality, dry wood fuels which are ideal for use in wood fired pizza ovens.

Further, such fuels can be used for wood fired hot tubs and outdoor fireplaces.

If you are struggling to light your pizza oven we also have the solution.

Our patented firestarter is perfect for use in Pizza ovens and outdoor fireplaces, fire pits and wood fired hot tubs.

Check out our videos to see how Hot Box ® Firestarter can help you light yours…

Outdoor Kitchens | How to light a pizza oven using Hot Box ® Firestarter

Outdoor Kitchens | How to light a fire pit using Hot Box ® Firestarter

Further, at the end of the season, our teams can even service your wood fired pizza oven, bring you more logs and firelighters.

Moreover, due to our supplier relationships, we can arrange solutions should anything go wrong.

After sales services are available on all products including our range of BBQ heads, outdoor fridges and anything else that we may have installed.

Thats all for now, we will keep updating this post as our outdoor kitchen display unit takes shape.

Further, we will add some of our recent projects here to keep the feed current moving forwards.

Outdoor Kitchens | Conclusions and recommendations…

At Hot Box, we make a point of testing the items that we sell.

Importantly, from our perspective, there is no netter test than to use them for their intended purpose to see if there is anything missing.

Our range of outdoor kitchens is no exception.

As the owner of Hot Box, I get to trial some of our products in my own home, one of the perks of the job.

I often take new products and use them as they are intended.

By doing this, we can offer a unique inset into what is required in an outdoor kitchen area.

The example below sets a scene and provides insight into getting your outdoor kitchen installation right first time. This is instead of using your space and thinking, I wish I had installed…..

Outdoor Kitchen Installation | Get it right form the start..

So, it is a Saturday afternoon in August 2021, after long periods without social interaction we decide to host an outdoor party.

Being of the age where kids feature heavily we have incorporated a bouncy castle into our plan and decided to host the event in our garden.

The weather is fine and the bouncy castle is set up and ready for the day ahead..

The number of guests is an important consideration when designing your outdoor kitchen. How many people will you usually cater for at any one time?

In this instance, we had 10 adults and 6 kids!

For ease, we opted for wood fired pizza and drinks as opposed to a BBQ event. However, you need quite a number of pizzas to feed 16 so get prepared!

For such a gathering, the following outdoor kitchen set up was created…

• Outdoor kitchen with 3.0m countertop, you need space for food prep and making the pizzas.
• Countertop pizza oven with flue, up through a covered roof area.
• Outdoor sink for washing and preparation.
• Two outdoor fridges, one for drinks and one for food.
• Waste bin, important to keep things tidy. This was integrated under the countertop.
• Log storage under the pizza oven or close by, you need token feeding these things!

The above set up allowed me to easily make enough pizzas to keep everyone fed. Further, the two outdoor fridges meant I could also have cold beer on hand to satisfy all whilst still having plenty of space to keep the food chilled.

What was I missing from this outdoor kitchen?

Although the set up worked well, I still had to use the main house kitchen for some of the work.

Fir example, I made the tomato sauce for the base on the hob inside, a small gad ring would have been ideal to have outside, this would have meant I could rely solely on the outdoor kitchen space for the whole event.

Other than that, I didn’t need a BBQ head on this occasion but may do next time.

Remember, workspace is very important when catering for numbers. if you want multiple cooking options try and add more workspace of separate it entirely.

An outdoor kitchen island, if space is available, would be ideal with the cooking equipment on a separate run or countertop for example.

Further, I found that I lacked drawer space for utensils and also space to store my pizza tools when not in use. These can be easily added to any outdoor kitchen option.

Further, I lacked a place for cleaning equipment after the event to really make the outdoor kitchen self contained.

This could be resolved by adding outdoor cupboards and really thinking about everything that you are likely to need.

Remember, installing an outdoor kitchen is expensive, it is important to get it right first time…

Hot Box Stoves Limited | From Yorkshire with ❤️

Want more on outdoor kitchens and living from Hot Box?

Check out our little brochure…