I'm a skeptic when it comes to outdoor kitchens. After all, who needs anything more than a grill and a pair of tongs? I'm keeping an open mind, however, after spotting—and swooning over—the ultimate setup from the Netherlands.
From WWOO Outdoor Kitchens comes the perfect combination of stylish design and Dutch practicality. The company uses modular components to create kitchens that range from barely-beyond-basic to fully equipped. Add-ons might include a pizza oven, a steel fireplace, and a stainless firebox. WWOO Showrooms are located throughout the Netherlands, and in Paris, Stuttgart, and Prague.
Those of us who live in the US can recreate the look using a contractor and the products we've sourced below:
Above: WWOO accessories range from wooden storage boxes to cutting boards and Big Green Egg ceramic grills.
Above: The designer behind WWOO Kitchens, Piet Jan van den Kommer, feels that many outdoor kitchens on the market are expensive, poorly designed, and require too much maintenance. His kitchen system is built for endurance.
Above: WWOO Kitchens are made of durable concrete, which needs next to no maintenance. The concrete components are available in gray or anthracite (shown).
Above: The stainless steel sink is topped with a stainless spout connected to a "fire tap."
Above: The Big Green Egg ceramic grill is a modern version of a Japanese kamado cooker—a wood- or charcoal-fired earthen vessel capable of achieving both high and low temperatures for greater control. The Big Green Egg comes in five sizes, from mini to extra large. The medium size is $950 (including a stand and other accessories). The Big Green Egg with a Compact Cypress Table on wheels starts at $1,175; both at Big Green Egg Chicago.
Above: Pair a Key Stop and Waste Valve with female inlet ($41.03 at Wayfair) with a Chicago Faucets Rigid Gooseneck Spout with a male outlet ($120.30) and the necessary plumbing fittings (contact your plumber) to attach to the water supply.
Above: The simple 15-inch stainless steel Lenova Rim Series Single Basin Sink is $392 at ATG Stores.
Above: For a flush counter grill, consider the Fire Magic Classic Drop-In Countertop Charcoal Grill; from $254.34 for the 23-inch size, from Amazon.
Above: For a countertop option, the stainless steel Kavkaz Mini Grill measures 16 inches wide and 12 inches deep (larger sizes available); $144.99 through BAS Metal. An optional top grate is available.
Above: The Lodge 6-Quart Camp Dutch Oven works for for campfire or fireplace cooking; $59.99 at Amazon.
Above: The sturdy Ratskeller Crate from Perry and Co. is made of pine and holds 24 glass bottles. Contact Perry and Co. for price and availability. As another option, look for vintage wooden crates offered by a variety of Etsy sellers.
For more on outdoor kitchens, see 10 Favorites: Ultimate Outdoor Kitchens.
Inspired to fire up the grill yourself? See World's Best Barbecue Grills.
This is an update of a post originally published August 14, 2012.
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