Installing an outdoor modular kitchen prefabricated carries a uniquely different set of preparations than constructing an eclectic outdoor dining space by hand. It’s a decision guaranteed to immensely improve the value of your home but requiring a hard, investigative approach before you commit a substantial dedication of space and money.
I’ll walk you through a substantive breakdown of three core elements to consider before purchasing an outdoor modular kitchen: the logistical factors that go into the preparations, the quality factors to consider in legitimate modular kitchens, and the features included in the supreme kitchens that exude functionality and taste. You have the vision and I’ll help provide the facts for you to enter your research process with confident buying authority.
Logistical Factors to Weigh Before Implementing Your Outdoor Modular Kitchen
Let’s dive right in here with the logistical factors needed before you can install the kitchen. The following preparatory measures should be checked and then double checked off a list before making a big commitment to install something that isn’t fun to move once it’s made a home in your backyard.
Dimensions of the Kitchen: How Much Space Do You Need?
An early decision is whether you’ll engage in installing an L-shaped or straight-line unit, and how many modular pieces you’ll look to include in your setup. I’ll go in-depth on the basic modular configurations in the next bullet point. If you’re hiring contractors to complete all the work, your task becomes hiring trustworthy experts. For a DIY installation, you’ll need to measure your patio space or if you plan to pour new concrete, the amount of space you’ll need to contain the kitchen. Make sure you know where you can lay a water line, electrical outlets for refrigeration, and a gas line if your kitchen does not support a mobile propane tank.
Typical Dimensions for Outdoor Modular Kitchen
Let’s get specific with the dimensions:
The average depth of any outdoor modular kitchen, whether it’s three or seven pieces, is 24 inches. The 22-24-inch range is overwhelmingly a standard depth and an easy measurement to put in your back pocket in the decision-making process. The height is another simple determinant, and most units will sit at a height of around 36 inches, with a spectrum ranging from 32 to 38 inches of height. Outdoor kitchen weight sits in the 325-550-pound range. The wild card factor is your kitchen set width.
The width fluctuates greatly with style and number of pieces. Cheap, standard three-piece straight-line units come in around 64 inches wide and nicer setups carry a much more spacious 101-inch width just for the bar countertop. Once you add on additional pieces to the kitchen, the brand and style will factor heavily. It’s good to study the specific drawer width in the product description. Drawer space fluctuates greatly depending on the kitchen style and can range from nine inches for a pair of small corner drawers up to 36 inches in a five-piece setup where your stored accessories have room to breathe. Many L-shaped seven-piece kitchens are around 145 inches wide when you add up the grill islands, sink and counter space.
Standard Modular Kitchen Configurations (3, 4, 5 pieces and more)
Your base price, installation costs and depth of planning all depend on the key ingredient of knowing how comprehensive the vision is for your kitchen. It’s time-consuming to research such a diverse spectrum of kitchen models, and you can make it easier on the decision-making by breaking the types of modular kitchens down into three categories: basic two and three-piece, mid-sized four and five-piece, and your comprehensive “deluxe” six to 13-piece kitchen setups.
I’ll call the baseline two- to three-piece outdoor kitchen island the minimalist category. Three pieces complete a baseline functional unit: grill cabinet, sink cabinet, and bar cabinet or countertop. Sink, grill, countertop. A two-piece setup will also be referred to by brands as a set of “BBQ grill outdoor kitchen cabinets”, and I’d go as far as saying that a two-piece set up is more of an elaborate grill than a true freestanding kitchen island. A two-piece model includes a functional built-in gas grill, or gas or charcoal grill insert, and an additional set of sturdy adjoined cabinets for storage with double stainless-steel grill access doors. A two-piece kitchen island is a quality consideration if you plan on buying your outdoor kitchen modules piecemeal and assembling the kitchen.
The grill cabinet in the sparser cost-effective models may simply be a grill insert cabinet, which is a measured space in the cabinet for you to install a propane grill, natural gas grill, or charcoal grill of your own. Kitchens with the insert cabinet feature will usually advertise the acceptable grill sizes directly in the product description (they’ll run 27 to 40 inches wide). Buying a basic three-piece outfit doesn’t mean your kitchen island has to arrive stripped down – many models include a gas grill and these are often legitimate four- or five-burner, 72 to 75,000 BTU gas grills with a side burner. To put that in perspective, a five-burner grill is perfectly comfortable simultaneously cooking 36 burgers.
Higher-end three-piece kitchen islands will take it a step further and include a 36-inch rotating rotisserie skewer with the grill – your path to chicken and beef at the same time. A secondary flexible option if you already have a backyard grill separate from the kitchen is that some three-piece models substitute a smoker for the grill, adding a whole new level of cookery to the barbecue.
The sink choices in a three-piece are usually smaller than more elaborate models and may come as 8 or 11-inch deep stainless-steel sinks with a single-lever mixer to control the flow and temperature of the water. The sink type is usually an overmount (also known as a drop-in) that rests in a hole in the countertop. Read the product description carefully to determine if sink assembly is required. The countertop choices on a three-piece setup will overwhelmingly come as stainless steel or porcelain tile, but the one inspiring option is that some models substitute an adjoined chopping block for the traditional bar countertop.
Two-piece Outdoor Modular Kitchen Typical Components:
• Grill cabinets
• Built-in gas grill
Three-piece Outdoor Modular Kitchen Typical Components:
• Built-in gas grill or insert for installation of natural gas, propane, or charcoal grill
• Built-in rotisserie, smoker, or side burner features
• Stainless-steel overmount sink
• Stainless-steel or porcelain countertop, granite countertops, or chopping block counter
The Case for Going Even Bigger with Your Outdoor Modular Kitchen
Four- and five-piece grills graduate your choices from basic to fully functional. These are mid-sized kitchen models that don’t quite include every imaginable amenity but strive to either increase your cooking capacity or allow you to stay outside for the full meal without going inside to throw away trash or put food away.
Why Bigger Modular Kitchen Configurations Can Be Better
You’ll see an overall improvement in grill quality in four-piece models, as more models include additional burners, slide-out grease catchers, and stainless-steel flame guards. Four-piece models that focus on improving cooking capacity may include the insert grill cabinet and included insert grill as two separate pieces. Optimally, the kitchen island considers the grill with the cabinet as one piece. A more functional fourth-piece feature added to improve your cooking range is a dual side burner cabinet that allows you to simmer large pots of corn or chili. The upgrade from three- to four-piece models also improves your grill choices: many four-piece models include a beautiful wood-fired charcoal grill.
Four-piece sets that focus on expanding your functionality are models that include a pull-out trash bin cabinet or a nice 4.4 cubic-foot refrigerator. Additional models that claim four modules will sometimes focus on improving your storage by adding a set of double drawers or an 18-inch corner drawer in your L-shaped kitchen.
In five-piece setups, you’re likely adding two of the features I mentioned with the four-piece kitchen islands. A five-piece modular kitchen usually adds a refrigerator, and the fifth piece may be a set of cabinets or pull-out trash cabinet. Five-piece setups will strive to add more alluring features, like a built-in 65-liter wine cooler embedded with the refrigerator, or an included flattop grill, as you would see in a diner. Auxiliary features common in five-piece outdoor modular kitchens include cooking surface LED lighting, towel racks, and an umbrella hole with a built-in umbrella.
At the five-piece level, you’ll see an upgrade in sink and countertop material. You can still find a multitude of cost-effective stainless-steel or porcelain countertop models, but many five-pieces include stoneware or stucco-finished countertops.
Four-piece Outdoor Modular Kitchen Key Components:
• Built-in gas, propane, or wood-fired charcoal grill
• Sink cabinet and bar countertop
• Compact refrigerator or wine cooler
• Dual side burner cabinet
• Additional corner drawer or set of double drawers
• Pull-out trash cabinet
Five-piece Outdoor Modular Kitchen Key Components:
• Built-in gas, propane, or wood-fired charcoal grill
• Sink cabinet and bar countertop made of stainless steel, porcelain, stone, or stucco
• Compact refrigerator or refrigerator with wine cooler
• Added side burners, grill quality, and grill lighting
• Additional drawers for storage
• Pull-out trash cabinet
Six to 13-piece modular options are where you can find an eclectic range of module combinations, and I call this category the “all-in” bracket. You’re dedicated to a complete, luxurious model with nothing excluded.
Buying a model with 13 pieces doesn’t mean you’re automatically elevating the functionality of the unit. The upgrades mostly occur in the level of convenience. You already covered the basic functions needed like refrigerator, grill, sink, and counter in the two to five-piece models. What a larger outdoor kitchen will give you is advanced storage and convenience. 12 or 13-piece models usually include at least two additional sets of drawers with increased space – a common combo is a set of 42-inch double drawers matched with a smaller set of 19-inch double drawers. These elaborate models will include single or double towel dispensers, double side burners, grill covers, umbrella holes, and countertop finishes ranging from stoneware to 304 stainless steel. Almost all models at this elite level include a built-in GFCI outlet.
Comprehensive 6 to 13-piece Outdoor Modular Kitchen Components
• Built-in gas, propane, or charcoal grill
• Sink cabinet and bar countertop made of stainless steel, porcelain, stucco, or elite stone choices like granite
• Compact refrigerator or refrigerator with included cooler
• Elaborate grill features like a rotisserie and double side burners
• Massive increase in storage space, with one to two sets of additional double drawers
• Pull-out trash station
• Throw-in features like grill covers, umbrellas, double towel dispensers, LED lighting
• Built-in GFCI outlet
The sheer range of choices in your outdoor modular kitchen is impressive, but if you narrow your focus to specific needs, you’ll find a clearer path to the model that’s right for you.
Costs of Installation and Building Codes
I’ll start with the simple aspect of installation – getting the kitchen to your house. Many major brands offer free delivery and some, such as New Age, have in-house installation experts who will do everything for you at a quoted price. Brands like Best in Backyards include the service in their package and will deliver and install for free. Larger chain sellers carry different policies – Home Depot has free delivery, and Lowe’s carries free delivery of all major appliances over $400. Ask the seller what their delivery policy is before committing to a model.
Your installation costs will rival the cost of your actual modular kitchen, if not surpass it. You may need specific building permits from your township for the plumbing and electrical hookups and you must connect with local officials to ensure your plans align with local guidelines. Building permits fluctuate dependent on location and type of permit, but HomeAdvisor claims permits can range from $380 to $1,800.
If you do commit to the DIY approach to installation and construction, consult the professionals. Your local building department is a resource and a necessity. Nuances exist in all aspects of the build, such as knowing that codes require minimum clearances between the building and your grill to lower the threat of a fire. Additionally, you should not attempt to install a gas line on your own. Yes, you can find step-by-step guides on Google or Youtube, but the safety risk that comes with an improperly laid gas line isn’t worth the money you’ll save.
Should you hire contractors for an undertaking like an outdoor kitchen, they may charge you a fixed price. Electricians will work at $50 to $100 per hour and could take more than one day to install wiring for refrigeration and lighting. Plumbers often make in the $45 to $65 per hour range and will quote a price to you that includes the material costs of the piping and any fixtures needed. The plumbing costs fluctuate widely depending on the complexity of your job and may range from as little as $300 up to $6,500. If you don’t plan to use a freestanding grill with a propane tank, a master plumber or qualified gas engineer may charge $45 to $150 per hour to install a gas line, with $15 to $25 per linear foot dedicated to piping costs. The national average for gas line installation, according to HomeAdvisor, is $524.
Base Material on Which to Locate Your Outdoor Kitchen
Aligned with your planning for installation, it’s crucial to know not only where you can place your kitchen, but on what.
Any base material you use must adhere to the regulations of the IFC. The IFC is the International Fire Code, a deep rulebook of building regulations used for fire prevention. The IFC guidelines stipulated in Section 308.1.4 that “Charcoal burners and other open-flame cooking devices shall not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet (3048 mm) of combustible construction”. This means your kitchen cannot be placed on or under a wood deck, within ten feet of your house’s siding, within ten feet of a wood treehouse, or any other structure that can potentially catch flame from the grill. Exceptions do exist to the rule, such as if your deck is equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, but you should consult with local building ordinances to ensure you’re within the appropriate construction guidelines.
Existing within fire prevention regulations, your hardscaping options are tremendous, and you’ll have the option to use a variety of materials in construction. Matte slate and washed concrete are popular choices that create a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Elegant red brick or stamped cobblestone creates a warm, traditional atmosphere. Natural stone and ceramic tile also carry unique aesthetics and are known to be safe fireproof and slip-resistant options. Glazed tiles, porous stones, and porous tile options should not be used, as they pose a slip hazard when wet.
If you are fully committed to crafting your kitchen without outside help, paver patios can be built by hand with sub-layers of sand and about four inches of compacted gravel. Installation guides are aplenty on Youtube and retailers like Home Depot even have outlines of how to complete your project. When looking at cost, Outdoormancave.com quotes that you can pour concrete slab at a little over $5 per square foot, standard brick at $25 to $35 per square foot, and natural stone at $25 to $45 per square foot.
Basic Precautions to Consider Before Construction and Installation
Innate common-sense warnings exist when you install a piece of your home that includes heavy use of gas, electricity, and flame, but they can nonetheless be overlooked.
Make sure that the clearance from your home to the grill is significant and meets building code requirements. Check that eaves from your house don’t overhang the setup and that your gutters aren’t stuffed with loose debris that could float down onto the kitchen range. As we focus on the grill here, also think about the potential benefit of installing an exhaust hood. The clearance from grill to house should be far enough to deter any issues with smoke, but an exhaust hood is a worthy investment to prevent greasy fumes from entering yours and the neighbor’s windows.
Any electrical components, most likely the refrigerator and lighting, should run through grounded outlets, known as GFCI outlets (ground fault circuit interrupter). GFCI outlets are national electric code requirements. Your outlets will also need weatherproof covers, known as a “flip cover”. A flip cover includes a bubble lid that allows a cord to run out the bottom and protects the outlet from dirt and moisture. The outlets need to be installed with a gasket, cover plate, and a sealed connection to the wall to omit any opportunity for infiltration from the elements.
Stay away from using outdoor extension cords to power your outdoor kitchen appliances. They pose a fire and shock risk, as they’re exposed to prolonged weather. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy-duty cord with 10 or 12-gauge thickness. Check the amperage ratings for the cord to ensure it aligns with the appliance’s electrical requirements.
Finally, consider purchasing outdoor island kitchen covers. Most brands will brag about the durable nature of their material, but if you live in an extreme weather environment, it helps to add the extra layer of protection. Outdoor island kitchen covers are tear and abrasion-resistant. Consider them a helmet for your outdoor modular kitchen.
Quality Factors to Consider When Choosing an Outdoor Modular Kitchen
I’m going to start with a focus on what I consider the core ingredient with which to measure an outdoor kitchen’s quality, and that is the material composition. Your kitchen needs to exist outside 24 hours a day and maintain its value and aesthetic with prolonged use. With appliances like refrigerators, selection may be limited to stainless steel, but the upside of an outdoor modular kitchen is that they’re constructed from a variety of materials, each carrying a different aesthetic and material value.
Modular Outdoor Kitchen Materials: From Stucco to Steel and Everything In-between
The baseline, most cost-effective material for industrial appliances is 304 commercial grade stainless steel. This is also sometimes referred to as 18/10 or 18/8 stainless steel. Even outdoor modular kitchens comprised of mostly stone will have stainless steel as some percentage of their makeup, like the drawers or the side burners.
Here’s why stainless steel is so widespread in its usage: it’s highly heat-resistant, germ-resistant and can be easily washed with a damp towel and warm water. 304 stainless steel is well-insulated and contains less than 0.08 percent carbon, meaning it’s anti-corrosive and a stalwart defender against rust. The aesthetic is a cool, modern, and sleek exterior that fits in well in any environment because of its neutral chrome color tone. The central negative consideration with a stainless-steel outdoor kitchen is that in prefabricated models, it’s known to scratch easily. However, its durability competes with any other material.
Powder-coated aluminum is a pivot from stainless steel for those who wish to maintain the pristine surface of the outdoor kitchen but also include the durability of stainless steel. Many models will show this in the product description with phrasing like “304 stainless steel with sturdy aluminum powder-coated frame”.
Powder-coated aluminum is a veneer that protects the surface area from spills, fingerprints, and scratches, and locks in the color of the unit against the power of a beating sun. It is a mixture of resin and pigment, and when applied to your kitchen, it’s a material highly resistant to corrosion. Powder-coated aluminum is ideal in environments heavy with salt air and intense heat and humidity. It’s an environmentally friendly composite that doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (hazardous materials) and is a firm scratch-resistant option.
Admittedly, neither of the metals I just discussed are too incredible on the eyes. The aluminum framework can come off as sparse and simplistic, like an IKEA work desk, and stainless steel won’t blow anyone away with the artistry. Let me get into materials for the aesthetically motivated: Stucco finish and textured stone.
Stucco is a cement plaster covering that comes in a variety of textures and stucco models will often mingle their finish with stainless steel for the appliance doors and drawers. Stucco finishes include a sand finish, a smooth, scraped finish, and finishes that imitate compressed, artistic bricks. Stucco provides a contemporary style available in a wide range of textures and pigments. The downside of stucco is that as a plaster material, stucco is highly porous. Over time stucco is known to become brittle and crack as it endures moisture and sun.
Textured stone is a material composition for those ready to spend the extra money to achieve the style and durability combo. I’ve seen this style described as “cultured rock”, and some models will have a series of designs for you to choose from, such as “stacked stone”, “reclaimed brick”, or “weathered wood”. Stone designs generally increase the price of the model and I’ve seen them at $6,200 up to $15,000. Textured stone designs fit in gorgeously anywhere, but especially in midwestern climates where the natural rock facing blends in well with the environment.
“Ready to finish” Versus Prefinished Countertops
The one material I left out of the previous bullet point is concrete. Many top-tier brands will list a model as having a concrete base that is “ready to finish”. This means that you receive a naked, unfinished kitchen, and it’s up to you to choose the style of the surface exterior.
Granite is a top choice when it comes to outdoor kitchen countertop quality. Granite is one of the hardest materials naturally produced on earth and extremely durable. It comes in a variety of colors, has a defined, warm character, and won’t fade or lose color. It’s highly resistant to stains, gorgeous to look at, and is bought at $2 to $9 per square foot.
Porcelain is another popular finish, exceptionally durable and sleek, and incredibly easy to clean. Porcelain is a ceramic manufactured from fine-grained clay and tries its best to match granite in visual allure. The upside of porcelain is its practical application and price – it can be found for as low as $1 per square foot and does not require a sealant to stay clean.
Marble completes the trifecta of fine finishes. It compares just under granite in durability but exudes luxury and tastefulness. Marble is a cool material, resistant to weather, and can be found as polished marble and honed marble. Marble and granite should both be sealed for proper maintenance and installed by a professional.
Other frequently sought finishes include soapstone, a natural and durable stone finish, and quartzite, a non-porous manufactured stone that emulates the aesthetic of marble.
International Safety and Energy Certifications
Your outdoor modular kitchen may advertise certain acronyms in the product description that appear as a series of vague capital letters and numbers. These are your safety certifications, international stamps of approval from trusted entities that let the consumer know that your product will be safe, durable and energy-efficient.
Many prefabricated outdoor modular kitchens don’t list certifications directly in the product specs, and you may have to ask the seller to see a user’s manual. The certifications are more prominent if your kitchen comes with a refrigerator. The most prominent rating is a UL listing for outdoor use. UL is a nationally recognized safety testing third-party organization that provides international standards for consumer products. If you see a UL certification, it means the unit has been tested and approved to withstand prolonged wear and tear, and its internal components meet global appliance quality standards. Their specific safety focus is to determine whether the product has any elevated fire risk or risk of electric shock.
Two other similar certifications are a CSA certification or an ISO certification. Like the UL, the CSA is an established and respected inspection entity, and CSA stands for Canadian Standards Association. Their reach isn’t limited to Canada and CSA has been accredited by OSHA to inspect American products since 1992. ISO is a bit more confusing in that the organization doesn’t explicitly certify products themselves, but they’ve created the standards framework to which companies can adhere to for their products. For example, if an outdoor modular kitchen shows in its technical specifications that it is “ISO 9000 certified”, it means the brand adheres to the ISO 9000 grouping of standards and has checked the boxes off a list of world-respected quality management standards.
If your outdoor modular kitchen does come with a refrigerator, you can check it for an ENERGY STAR rating to determine if it will save you money on your electric bill as an environmentally friendly appliance. ENERGY STAR is the U.S. Department of Energy’s government-supported program in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency that provides consumers with unbiased information on energy efficiency for appliances. An ENERGY STAR rating on an outdoor refrigerator means the refrigerator performs at 10% less measured energy use than the federal minimum standards of energy efficiency.
Price and Warranty Considerations
The price of your outdoor modular kitchen will be weighed by the number of pieces you purchase along with the material composition of the kitchen. Three-piece stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum modular kitchens are the most cost-effective, as they often fall in the $1,100 to $3,800 range. Many four-piece models can be found between $4,700 and $5,500, and five-piece models without advanced features run between $1,400 and $6,600. It’s important to note that stainless steel models can go as high as $15,000 and aren’t limited to this price range, but you’ll find durable and functional models at that lower price spectrum.
A large selection of concrete ready-to-finish models are found in the $2,800 to $5,800 range and will oscillate higher as you determine what kind of finish you’ll apply to the unit. The floor of the price range increases dramatically as you start looking at stucco and natural stone outdoor modular kitchens. Many stuccoes and stacked stone models fall in the $8,300 to $15,500 range, although you can find them as low as $4,000.
Most brands will include a limited warranty for the kitchen, and this is often a two-year warranty. It’s important to read the user manual fine print, as these warranties aren’t known to cover service calls. You may invest as much as you’d spend on a used car, and it’s practical to weigh if it’s worth adding a comprehensive third-party warranty. Many customers praise respected brands for the style but feel disappointed that the internal components break down after a short period of use. With the refrigerator alone, outside-rated compressor replacements can cost between $800 and $1,300. Large retail sellers often pair the option of their warranty programs and you’ll need to weigh if the peace of mind is worth the additional cost.
Separating the Best: Features Included in Top-tier Outdoor Modular Kitchens
Through the tedium of picking out contractors and writing up a budget spreadsheet, the fact remains that there exists an empty space in your yard and you can build it into whatever vision you want. I’ll go through the fun features of an outdoor island kitchen that elevate a backyard oasis from the ordinary to the best.
Pull-out Trash Drawer
Most outdoor modular kitchens larger than a three-piece setup come with a pull-out trash cabinet. It sits within my requirements to be considered for the elite tier of outside kitchens. A pull-out trashcan is only noticed when it’s not there – the convenience is enormous, and you don’t have to drag a bulky outdoor trash can over to sit near the dinner table.
Outdoor Refrigerator
Buying a kitchen with a refrigerator is a decision that deserves some deep thought. An outdoor refrigerator adds the facet of electrical wiring to your outdoor space, and the addition of possibly hundreds or thousands of dollars in installation fees. It generally elevates the price of the kitchen by a couple of thousand dollars, and if you’re truly looking to stay on budget, you can forego the fridge and simply put the food in a cooler with a $3 bag of ice.
On the other side, maybe your vision is that you want a complete, functional outdoor kitchen. You’ve committed to the total package and want the convenience of food and drink ever-accessible right from the backyard. Many models include compact refrigerators of around 4.4 cubic feet, more than enough space to hold drinks, condiments and a veggie tray.
Countertop “Bells and whistles”: LED Lights, Canvas Umbrella, Built-in Bluetooth Sound
Maybe nobody truly *needs* a built-in Bluetooth phone hookup, but we’re not just looking at needs – these are the options to enhance the relaxing ambiance you’ve toiled so hard to create. Some models will include the optional add-on feature of a built-in AM/FM cd player and an MP3 docking station, or you can go with the more modern option of a built-in Bluetooth sound system with speakers. Connect your device and set the atmosphere from background music to loud party tunes.
LED lighting is a great way to enhance the presentation of your outside modular kitchen and sets a brilliant mood as dusk falls and you can enjoy good company in a soft glow. Many models have an LED control panel with the lights built directly into the countertop and grill, and some units require you to add them at an additional cost. Models that include one or multiple grill lights help prepare dinner after sunset and allow you to see the food you’re cooking. If you’re thinking of installing separately bought external lights, make sure to let your electrician know and they can plan the correct wiring and outlets needed.
A canvas umbrella is another add-on that gets overlooked until a family’s first meal outside and the sun is glaring down in their eyes. Many models will include the umbrella hole in the kitchen, and several brands, like Best in Backyards, will include a nine-foot canvas umbrella as an optional feature.
The Beauty of the Drop-in Ice Chest
A drop-in ice chest is a savvy alternative to the hefty expenditure of an outdoor refrigerator. It’s by far my favorite feature of an elite outdoor kitchen – a sleek, embedded cooler pouring out mist as you open it, containing everything you need for dinner and drinks. Models exist with drop-in chests included and some carry the option as an add-on. Cleaning is an easy process with a drain plug in the bottom and a typical drop-in chest will have an 18-26-inch depth with about two feet of width to store your chilled goods.
Bottle Opener and Catch
I’ll admit it’s not a life-altering feature when your kitchen has a built-in bottle opener, but for the visionary who doesn’t want to have to go back inside once they’re seated, it’s a must. A bottle opener is an easy throw-in feature for brands to include. It subtly elevates your level of convenience and doesn’t add substantial cost to the kitchen.
GFCI Electrical Outlet
Like the drop-in ice chest, an included GFCI electrical outlet is an important feature to look for as a budget-aware consumer. Purchasing a model with innate electrical plug-ins is a tremendous plus if you want to avoid the hassle of hiring an electrician to set up the electrical aspect of your kitchen. Besides the ability to plug in an outdoor refrigerator, it’s a solid convenience when you can go out for dinner and plug in your phone as you eat. Many models include an electrical outlet, and it’s often prominently displayed in the product description.
While investigating specific features, it’s helpful to remember the “big picture” range of modular segments to choose from when assembling your perfect kitchen setup. As you browse the appliances and features available to you, key elements to consider are your budget, functional needs and necessary space.
Most Useful Modules to Consider When Choosing Pieces for Your Ideal Outdoor Modular Kitchen:
• Built-in natural gas, propane, flattop, or charcoal grill
• Grill insert cabinet built for external grill installation
• Options for dual or single side burners, grill lighting, rotisserie, and smoker
• Stainless steel drop-in sink, built-in or to-be-assembled
• Stainless steel, porcelain, stone, or stucco bar cabinet or spacious countertop
• Chopping block countertop or countertop with embedded cutting board
• Storage space such as 42-inch double drawers, corner drawers, under-grill cabinets, and sink cabinets. The type of outdoor kitchen cabinet will depend on your space and design preferences.
• Other appliances like built-in refrigerator, wine/beverage cooler, outdoor icemaker, or combinations of these
• Towel dispensers
• Pull-out trash bin cabinet
• Umbrella holes with optional built-in umbrella
• GFCI outlet
• Pizza oven or pizza oven table base (pizza oven itself may not be included in the module)
• Add-on features like a drop-in ice chest, bottle opener with catch, built-in Bluetooth or other outdoor speakers, canvas grill covers, and LED lighting. Some people even add an entertainment module with television for watching the game.
Assessing the Value of Your Outdoor Modular Kitchen: Complete, Durable, and Stylistically Satisfying
It can be overwhelming to think of all the factors that go into crafting a personal outdoor living and dining experience. It’s helpful to make a checklist and write down your major planning phases: budgeting, contractors, safety precautions, and spatial considerations.
Beyond all the grown-up concerns attached to a large project, I like to think of the youthful excitement that exists in the potential. Once upon a time, you may have sat in the backyard in a sandbox or played with trucks or dolls in the grass. Years later, the sensation returns, only now your sandbox will have the ability to cook steaks and chill drinks.
Keep in mind that if you don’t have a full kitchen outdoors, you can always do some food prep in your indoor kitchen before moving to your outdoor cooking zone for the finishing or grilling stages.
Both scenarios share one thing in common – existing as an outdoor cooking space where you can gather with family and friends, a place to build a memory.
