9 Outdoor Kitchen Kits For Cooking Up a Storm (2024)

Home Rooms Kitchen

Don't mind us drooling; we're already dreaming about grilling hotdogs and burgers.

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If you already have a grill you don’t want to part with, consider thiscompact outdoor kitchen from Char-Broil.Though just 50 inches wide, it packs a lot into a small space.

This kit features asink, ice chest, tucked-away garbage can, electrical outlets and counter space for smalloutdoor kitchen appliances, all with a nicegranite countertop. It can be combined with other Char-Broil components to customize your outdoor summer kitchen. Here are a few tips for utilizing the compact space to make a small outdoor kitchen.

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If you’ve already got a grill and are content with amini-fridgeor even a cooler filled with ice, then all that’s missing is prep space. This hard-working, budget-pricedportable kitchen from Everdure checks many boxes.

It offers a butcher block work surface for food prep, food-grade containers for serving dips, condiments and BBQ trimmings, recycling bins, and a paper towel rack and utensil hooks. And it’s all on lockable wheels!

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If your idea of an outdoor kitchen is grilling, grilling and more grilling, then thisCal Flame Island Grillmay be calling your name. It features a four-burner grill, stainless steel refrigerator and side burner.

It offers plenty of room for cooking up protein and grilled vegetables at your leisure. A faux stone finish and high-end hardware make this a great backyard addition foroutdoor grillingaficionados.

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Seriously, we love everything about thisfour-piece modular outdoor kitchen from Mont Alpi. It’s a straight unit with a six-burner gas grill, sink, mini-fridge, side burner, cabinets and drawers!

And as you would expect, the pride and joy of your backyard comes with a heftier price tag.

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If you’ve got the masonry skills, you can build an outdoor kitchen to your specs and drop in your appliances. This seven-piece kitincludes everything you need to build a kitchen. It consists of a 40-inch gas grill, a gas double-side burner, a 5.5-cubic-foot refrigerator, stainless steel storage doors and vents. All that’s left is building a frame and weather-resistant outdoor countertoparound these components!

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While you can’t exactly load it in the car and take it to a local park, thisisland from Tytusis aportable gas grillwith sturdy wheels that allow you to move it around your patio or deck. It’s more like anoutdoor kitchen islandwith a cooking surface. The grill is fueled by propane and has no electrical parts, just a side sear burner and an ice bucket.

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Looking for a stylish yet customizable kit? Thesebuild-your-own metal kitchen kitsfrom Pottery Barn allow you to design around as many components as your space and budget.

Each piece can be ordered separately and looks stunning against any backdrop. These modular kitchen components are designed with rust-proof aluminum and a weather-resistant powder coating. This kit is made for open-air entertaining in a thoughtfully designed outdoor space.

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When we think of an outdoor kitchen, the Premium Q Grill Island from Lion comes to mind. It has all the components of a classic outdoor kitchen and comes with a 32-inch grill, but you can bump that up to 40 inches for a little extra cash. Additionally, you can choose from several different base options. The basic model includes a stainless-steel refrigerator and double doors for storing a propane tank. You can add upgrades like an outdoor sink and a side burner to deliver a complete outdoor kitchen to your door.

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As with many home improvement and enhancement projects, when you spend a little more, you get a little more. We chose thisL-shaped outdoor kitchen from RTA Outdoor Living as the best all-inclusive outdoor kitchen kit.

It has everything you need to assemble and start cooking from the get-go. Besides a 36-inch outdoor grill, sink, fridge and under-counter storage, this kit comes with finished surfaces—no need to worry about adding tile, granite or other materials. Yes, you’ll spend big, but you’ll have acomplete outdoor kitchenthat adds value to your home.

• Basic grill islands: These outdoor kits typically include a built-in grill and some counter space for food preparation. Ideal for small spaces, they are a simple budget-friendly choice.
• Modular outdoor kitchens: Modular kits are versatile and customizable, allowing you to add components like cabinets, drawers, sinks and refrigerators to create a more functional outdoor kitchen.
• Prefabricated kitchen islands: These kits come with pre-built island structures that include space for a grill, countertops and sometimes a sink or refrigerator. They are easy to install and offer a complete outdoor kitchen solution.
• Customizable outdoor kitchen kits: Offering the highest level of personalization, these kits allow you to design an outdoor kitchen that perfectly fits your needs and space. However, this level of customization often comes with a higher price tag and requires more planning and design work.
• Compact outdoor kitchen kits: This space-efficient setup includes all the necessary kitchen features in a compact footprint. They are perfect for those with limited space, but may not be suitable for larger gatherings.
• DIY outdoor kitchen kits: These kits come with all the components and instructions for building an outdoor kitchen from scratch. “DIYers can avoid extra service fees by completing the project themselves,” says Reeder.

What to Consider When Buying Outdoor Kitchen Kits

The first step is to determine how you plan to use the space, says Reeder. This allows you to figure out the best configuration for your needs. Next, measure your outdoor space carefully to ensure the kit you choose fits comfortably and allows for easy movement and functionality. Look for kits made from durable materials that can withstand outdoor conditions. Stainless steel, stone and weather-resistant wood are good options.

Be aware of any local regulations or restrictions regarding outdoor kitchens. “Anytime there is sewer, water, electric or gas, a simple permit and inspection is required,” says Gregg Cantor, president and CEO ofMurray Lampert Design. He advises checking with local officials forpermit requirementsbefore you start your build. If you’re a member of ahomeowners association(HOA), keep in mind there may be additional restrictions on outdoor kitchens.

Factor in installation costs when determining your budget. “Homeowners may find that it is more cost-effective to build their own outdoor kitchen, rather than hire a contractor,” says Reeder. A full outdoor kitchen costs between $1,200 to $2,500 per linear foot to install, excluding appliances, he reveals. “Costs can vary based on several factors, such as framing materials (concrete block or aluminum framing), type of veneer (siding, faux or real stone), utilities (gas for the grill, water for the sink/refrigerator) and countertops (granite, concrete, etc.).”

Why You Should Trust Us

I’m a national award-winning writer and journalist who specializes in outdoor trends, interior design, home decor and gardening. As an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman, I’m well-versed in researching products and recommending the best designs to suit various needs.

For this article, we also consulted Michael Reeder, the Brand President of Archadeck Outdoor Living, a company specializing in deck and patio design and installation. Reeder worked in the hospitality business with Hyatt Hotels for 15 years before beginning his career as an Archadeck franchisee in Columbus, Ohio.

How We Chose the Best Outdoor Kitchen Kits

When selecting the best outdoor kitchen kits, we started by researching a wide range of options available on the market. We considered various factors such as size, configuration, materials and added features to ensure that each kit offers a comprehensive solution for outdoor cooking and dining needs.We also assessed ease of installation and maintenance requirements to find user-friendly options for different skill levels.

Next, we reviewed customer feedback and user reviews to gauge real-world satisfaction and performance. We then consulted with experts in outdoor living and design to gain insights into what makes a high-quality outdoor kitchen kit. Through this thorough process, we were able to identify the best outdoor kitchen kits that excel in durability, functionality and value for money.

Mary Henn, MFA is an Associate Shopping Editor at Family Handyman. She’s also a national award-winning writer and journalist. Her expertise lies in interior design, home decor, gardening and outdoor trends. When she’s not working on the latest content at FHM, you can find her reading poetry or hiking with her dog, Henry.