Cooking Under a Gazebo: Setup Tips & Meal Ideas
In New Zealand, outdoor adventures and great food go hand in hand. Whether you’ve prepared your meals the night before or prefer to wing it on the day, there’s something special about eating outside, especially at the beach or while camping.
To make the most of the experience, it pays to be prepared for sunny skies, unexpected rain, and everything in between. An inflatable or pop-up gazebo is a simple solution that’s easy to pack, set up, and take down. Even better—you can cook under it too! Read our go-to outdoor cooking tips below.
How to safely set up a cooking station under a gazebo
Heat and gas don’t play well with enclosed spaces, so you should never set up a gas cooker inside a tent. Under a gazebo, however, you have enough airflow to safely cook breakfast, lunch, or dinner. That said, there are still some guidelines you should be mindful of when preparing your outdoor gazebo kitchen setup.
- Allow for airflow: Keep the sides of the gazebo open fully or partially to keep the air flowing. This will also help prevent smoke and any cooking smells from building up.
- Position centrally: Make sure your equipment is distanced from the walls and other components of the gazebo.
- Watch the roof: Over time, you may notice a buildup of grease or some staining on the ceiling of your gazebo. For casual gazebo users who aren’t using it every season, this won’t be a noticeable problem for years.
- Keep an eye on the cooking: It’s good practice to keep an eye on your cooking—not just to avoid burning or overcooking your food but also to ensure you can respond quickly if the weather changes or a hazard arises.
- Inspect your equipment: Before heading out, double-check the condition of your gazebo and cooking equipment. Responsible maintenance is the first step to safety. If any part of your gazebo looks worn or damaged, it might be time for an upgrade—gazebo cover replacementsand other accessories are readily available.
Perfect for backyard BBQs and family entertaining
Firing up a BBQ is practically a Kiwi summer tradition. A gazebo provides shelter to do so under cover, especially on those days when the weather can’t make up its mind. Whether it’s a fresh catch from over the weekend, sausages from the local butcher, or a classic piece of steak, a gazebo is a great venue for enjoying a quality meal with family.
Shade from the sun and protection from passing showers make a gazebo a worthwhile investment for backyard feasts, but where they really shine is by creating an easy-access anchor point to hang out. Bring out some chairs, reshuffle some outdoor furniture, and you’ve got a hub for spending hours outside without the sunburn. With the kids playing on the lawn and the grill working away in the background, it’s the perfect setup for entertaining family, friends, and guests.
Level up your camping setup with an outdoor kitchen
Whether you’re heading off on your first summer road trip or setting up a backyard camping experience for the kids, a gazebo can be game-changing for creating a temporary kitchen and outdoor dining space. With the help of a gazebo, you automatically create a dedicated area for preparing meals, storing drinks, and staying protected from the elements. Windy? Close up the side walls and make sure your gazebo is properly anchored and weighted down. Feeling stuffy? Roll up the door and let the breeze flow through!
Pair your gazebo with a foldable trestle table, a few chilly bins, and a portable gas cooker. With some fairy lights or camping lamps, you’ve got yourself a cosy alfresco kitchen that makes the occasion extra special.
Practical tips for shade, comfort, and convenience
Cooking under a gazebo should be enjoyable, not a chore. A few touches can turn your outdoor setup into a relaxed and functional space that does all the work for you.
- Set Up Your Gazebo in the Right Spot: If there’s any wind, set up your gazebo to avoid direct exposure. A gentle breeze is fine—it provides natural ventilation while cooking and helps keep things cool on warmer days. However, avoid placing your gazebo in extremely windy locations. If you can position it under a bit of afternoon shade, that’s even better.
- Add lighting: For outdoor cooking occasions that will go into the night, setting up someLED gazebo lights and lamps before the sunsets will keep the experience going seamlessly past the evening.
- Keep essentials close-by: The last thing you want to do when you’ve set up a cosy space is to leave it. Use tables or boxes to store utensils, condiments, and all the other essentials you need to have a good feed.
Upgrade your outdoor cooking experience with a pop-up gazebo
Cooking in the sun all day can be exhausting, and a sudden downpour can quickly ruin your plans. With a pop-up gazebo, you can set up shelter wherever you need it and enjoy protection from the elements.
At Hercules Gazebo, we have everything you need to make your next outdoor adventure more comfortable. Cook your favourite meals under the shade of a strong, reliable gazebo. Durable, sturdy, and built with replaceable parts—browse our range today or get in touch to find the perfect solution for your setup.
