Outdoor cooking made easy: bring your kitchen outside.

Yesterday was Father’s Day in Spain, and as usual, the barbecue was in my hands. Outdoor cooking has always been a bit of a “dad thing” for me, a moment to gather with family and enjoy the sun. But an outdoor kitchen is so much more than just a place to grill meat. It’s a way to transform your outdoor space into a lively, cosy spot, where you don’t just cook, but truly live.

An outdoor kitchen is not a luxury in Spain. It’s a smart move that keeps the heat out of your house and lets you make the most of the climate. The best part? You don’t need to set up a full-blown asador with a built-in stone oven and massive gas stove. Whether you have a small balcony or a spacious patio, with a few smart choices, outdoor cooking can be just as easy as cooking indoors. And maybe even more fun.

Why cooking indoors in Spain doesn’t make sense

The Spanish sun is fantastic—until you bring it inside. Ovens, stoves, and even a simple kettle slowly turn your house into a greenhouse. And when you’re wiping the sweat off your brow while hovering over your stove, you realize: this can be done differently.

Outdoor cooking is not just a way to outsmart the heat; it’s also about efficiency. By preparing your food outside, you keep the heat out of the house and save on air conditioning costs. Plus, food cooked outdoors just tastes better. Maybe it’s the smell of charcoal, maybe it’s the fresh air. Either way, a grilled steak on a terrace always tastes better than one cooked indoors in an overheated pan.

What do you need for a functional outdoor kitchen?

Not everyone has the space (or desire) to build a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. But even on a small balcony or terrace, you can easily set up an efficient cooking space. The key is to approach it smartly.

• A compact gas or charcoal barbecue is a great start. On a larger terrace, you can set up a permanent BBQ, but a portable version works just as well.
• A sturdy workspace prevents you from having to run inside for chopping and prep. A folding table or a solid plank on trestles is often all you need.
• A place for your kitchen tools is essential. A simple storage box or a few sturdy hooks on the wall will keep your utensils handy without turning your terrace into a mess.
• Good lighting is key—just because it gets dark early doesn’t mean you have to give up your barbecue. A few well-placed solar lights or a string of lights above your cooking area can make all the difference.
• A sink or water tank? Nice to have, but not necessarily essential. A simple jerrycan with a tap works just as well for rinsing hands and vegetables.

My friends at Outdoor Living Spain can tell you even more about what you’ll need for your outdoor kitchen.

What can you cook outdoors without too much hassle?

You don’t necessarily need a giant smoker or a professional paella burner to cook outdoors. The best part about an outdoor kitchen is that simplicity often works best.

• Grilling is always a good idea. A barbecue isn’t just for meat; it’s also perfect for vegetables, fish, and even bread.
• Plancha cooking is your best friend. A griddle plate on gas or a sturdy cast-iron pan on the BBQ allows you to cook everything from fish to pancakes.
• Slow cooking? Why not? A Dutch oven on a fire pit or a slow cooker set up outside keeps your house from smelling like simmering stew all day.

Outdoor cooking = outdoor living

There’s a reason Spaniards eat outside so much. It’s not just practical, it turns eating into an experience. Instead of quickly tossing something in the pan and being back behind your laptop in fifteen minutes, cooking becomes something you do consciously. Add a glass of wine, some music in the background, and before you know it, cooking is no longer a chore but a part of a relaxing evening.

Anyone living in Spain who still prepares their food indoors every evening is missing out. A chance to make it easier, more enjoyable, and more comfortable. And a chance to turn a simple meal into an experience.

Gusto: What are you cooking in your outdoor kitchen?

Now that the setup is ready, it’s time to think about what you’re going to cook outdoors. Luckily, Wouter knows all about that. Soon, you’ll read in Gusto all about the best Mediterranean dishes that are perfect for outdoor cooking.

So, do you already have an outdoor kitchen, or are you planning to build one? Let us know and stay tuned for the next step—the food itself.