Why Understanding Your Products—And Your Competitors’—Matters in the Outdoor Kitchen Industry

In the world of outdoor kitchens, the difference between a good investment and an expensive mistake often comes down to one thing: understanding the materials and products being used.

At Shire Outdoor Kitchens, we’ve always believed that knowledge is the foundation of value. But over the years, we’ve also learned something just as important:

It’s not enough to know what you offer—you must also understand what everyone else is offering too.

Recently, we had a perfect example of why this matters.

A Real Conversation With a Real Customer

A couple reached out to us through our website and arranged a visit to our showroom. Like every project we take on, we sat down for a detailed consultation, talked through their ideas, needs and budget, and then put together a design and quotation tailored precisely to what they asked for.

But when the quote arrived in their inbox, their reply was one we hear from time to time:

“It’s just too much money. We found something online that gives us what we want much cheaper.”

On the surface, it’s an understandable reaction. The internet is full of products that appear similar, promise the same features, and come in at a fraction of the cost of a high-end solution. Sometimes the photos look convincing, and the descriptions sound reassuring.

But as anyone in this industry knows, appearance rarely tells the whole story.

The Challenge: Explaining Value vs. Explaining Cost

When you work with premium, certified, durable products, the conversation becomes less about price and more about long-term value.

A high-quality outdoor kitchen isn’t just about looking good on day one. It’s about:

• The grade and thickness of the materials

• Weather resistance and longevity

• Safety and structural integrity

• Manufacturing standards and certifications

• How it performs after five years—not just five weeks

This is why we always say:

Explaining the value of something is far easier than trying to justify the cost of something inferior.

The Questions Every Customer Should Ask

Instead of debating the price, we encouraged the couple to follow up with the online supplier and ask a few key questions:

• What materials are actually being used?

• Are the units rated or certified for outdoor use?

• What standards do they comply with?

• How is durability tested?

• What is the real expected lifespan?

These questions aren’t meant to challenge or criticise anyone—they’re meant to empower customers to make informed decisions.

When buying an outdoor kitchen, the quality of materials and construction directly impacts safety, performance and the long-term value of your investment. Unfortunately, many “budget friendly” alternatives don’t disclose the details that truly matter.

Why This Matters in Our Industry

There’s a growing number of suppliers entering the outdoor kitchen market, especially online retailers offering flat-pack or lightweight materials at low prices. While they can look similar in photos, the differences become clear over time:

• Rusting or swelling within the first year

• Weak structures that can’t support appliances

• Poor insulation around BBQ units

• Surfaces that fade, stain or warp

• Lack of certifications for heat or weather resistance

This is why knowledge—real, detailed, technical knowledge—matters more than ever. At Shire Outdoor Kitchens, we don’t just supply products; we guide our customers through the process so they know exactly what they’re getting and why it matters.

Our Commitment to Transparency and Quality

We will always prioritise:

• High-end materials

• Certified outdoor-rated components

• Honest and open consultation

• Tailored design

• Long-term performance

• Real value

Customers deserve products that last. They deserve guidance rooted in experience, not just attractive brochure photos. And they deserve clarity—not surprises.

Final Thoughts

The outdoor kitchen market is filled with options, and not all of them are created equal. Knowing your products inside and out is essential—but knowing the alternatives is just as important.

Because when a client can clearly see the difference in quality, craftsmanship and longevity, the conversation shifts from:

“Why is this more expensive?”to“Now I understand why this is worth it.”

And that’s exactly the standard we aim to uphold at Shire Outdoor Kitchens.