Check Out These Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Any Budget

best outdoor kitchen ideas
25 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Any BudgetMY 100 YEAR OLD HOME


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There are a lot of things to consider when setting up an idyllic backyard. You might put in a patio where you enjoy a pitcher of lemonade shared among friends. Or add a garden with flowers to beautify your space. But if you’re a regular gourmet, just like Ree Drummond, you might want to think about adding the ultimate culinary feature to your home: An outdoor kitchen! They’ve become popular in recent years, and for good reason. It’s fun to cook in the great outdoors instead of being inside, and your pals and loved ones can sit right alongside you and join in on the fun, too.

You can build a kitchen right next to your outdoor table for easy entertaining, or you can place it on your patio for dinner followed by a bonfire to end the evening. Include a grill, countertop, or even a refrigerator for all the essentials, and make sure you’re using outdoor-friendly materials that can withstand all kinds of weather. There are lots of ways to go about it—ahead, we’ve included a mix of tutorials so you can construct the kitchen yourself, inspiration in case you’d like to hire a pro to take it on, and kitchens you can purchase ready-made. It’s time to get ready for barbecue season!

Pull Up Some Barstools

To make outdoor cooking a family affair, or to set the scene for gathering with friends, make sure to include a bar and don’t forget the pretty barstools.

Learn more at Living Gardens Landscape Design.

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best outdoor kitchen decor
LANDSCAPE DESIGNER: LIVING GARDENS LANDSCAPE DESIGN/PHOTOGRAPHER: BRETT HILTON

Display a Waterfall Countertop

A waterfall countertop isn’t just reserved for indoor kitchens! This stylish accent can also be added to an outdoor kitchen, making for a visual that’s both eye-pleasing and functional.

Get the tutorial at Nest Out West.

best outdoor kitchen decor
@NEST.OUT.WEST

Showcase Brick

As a durable material that will withstand the elements, and cooking regularly, you can’t go wrong with brick for your outdoor kitchen.

Learn more at Revival Construction.

best outdoor kitchen decor
REVIVAL CONSTRUCTION/JEFF HERR

Keep Things Fresh in White

Outdoor spaces should always look easy and breezy, and one way to do just that in your outdoor kitchen is to go with a white palette, from the walls to the barstools.

Learn more at Oyster Creek Studios.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
OYSTER CREEK STUDIOS/ANALICIA HERRMANN

Keep Logs Close By

If you’re pondering purchasing a pizza oven, make sure to include spaces to tuck logs away, keeping them at the ready whenever you fire up the oven.

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best outdoor kitchen ideas
Antoninapotapenko - Getty Images

Include a Burner

Most people tend to center on a grill for their outdoor kitchen, which is great! But we’re always for those extra little bonuses that will make the experience even better, like a burner so you can keep food simmering while you grill.

Learn more at Our Emerald Home.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
@OUR_EMERALD_HOME

Go with Black and White

While an outdoor kitchen certainly serves a practical purpose, it should also fit in with your overall aesthetic. If you lean toward shades of black and white and love modern, fresh looks, consider weaving the hues into your outdoor cook space.

Get the tutorial at Just Destiny Home.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
Just Destiny Home

Use Wood

Wood, as long as it’s properly sealed, is a great material choice for an outdoor kitchen. It’ll nod to nature while looking stylish and classic.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
TimAbramowitz - Getty Images

Make a Pizza Oven the Focal Point

Perhaps your only wish is to grill pizza in your outdoor kitchen! In this case, you definitely need a pizza oven, and this tutorial will show you how to build it.

Get the tutorial at Tikkido.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
Tikkido

Keep Tools Within Arm’s Reach

To make your outdoor kitchen a whole lot more functional, set aside spots for your must-have tools. For instance, you can hang a tray, cutting board, and grilling tools on the wall.

Learn more at Addison’s Wonderland.

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best outdoor kitchen ideas
ADDISON’S WONDERLAND

Transform Your Deck

Did you know that you can place an outdoor kitchen on your deck? If you have the space, follow this tutorial, and even keep a bonfire spot nearby, too.

Get the tutorial at At Home with the Barkers.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
AT HOME WITH THE BARKERS

Make It Mobile

If you’d prefer that your outdoor kitchen not be a permanent fixture of your backyard, you can make it mobile! Follow these steps to put your kitchen on wheels.

Get the tutorial at Houseful of Handmade.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
Houseful of Handmade

Craft a Concrete Countertop

Concrete is a hardy material that can easily live outside (considering it makes up driveways and sidewalks!), so it’s a natural choice for an outdoor kitchen.

Get the tutorial at Honey Built Home.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
HONEY BUILT HOME

Hang Outdoor Pendant Lights

Planning to do some cooking at night? Then you’ll need some outdoor-friendly pendant lights to illuminate your space. They’ll add a dose of visual interest, too.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
Eirasophie - Getty Images

Don’t Forget Cabinets

As you know, cabinets are ultra-handy inside, so why not place them outside, too? This portable outdoor cabinet will keep everything in place and it doubles as a prep station!

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F54998667%3Fselected%3Dtrue&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepioneerwoman.com%2Fhome-lifestyle%2Fg44055643%2Foutdoor-kitchen-ideas%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Don’t Forget Cabinets</p><p>$225.00</p><p>walmart.com</p><span class="copyright">Walmart</span>

Give It a Farmhouse Look

Even an outdoor kitchen can benefit from some decor and a design scheme. If farmhouse is your thing, outfit your space in bygone aesthetics, like timeworn barstools, galvanized metal planters, and a neutral color palette.

Learn more at My 100 Year Old Home.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
MY 100 YEAR OLD HOME

Tuck It Alongside a Hedge

If you’re scratching your head, wondering where you could possibly put an outdoor kitchen in your yard, consider tucking it in right next to your landscaping. An island and a grill, on a surface like gravel, could be ideal.

Learn more at City Farmhouse.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
CITY FARMHOUSE

Simplify with a Serving Station

Not ready to commit to a full-on outdoor kitchen just yet? Instead, you can create an outdoor serving station that’ll act like a mini version of a kitchen, providing a work surface and cubbies where you can stash items you’ll need.

Get the tutorial at Live Laugh Rowe.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
Live Laugh Rowe

Set Up an Outdoor Table

An outdoor kitchen is only good if you have a table to eat at! This one brings the indoors out with its stylish design and table setting.

outdoor kitchen ideas outdoor table
Westend61 - Getty Images

Include a Drink Station

In addition to a grill, make sure to reserve some spaces for your refreshments! This bar cart has a built in cooler that you can fill with ice, plus places to store your wine glasses.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2F184647999%3Fselected%3Dtrue&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepioneerwoman.com%2Fhome-lifestyle%2Fg44055643%2Foutdoor-kitchen-ideas%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Include a Drink Station</p><p>$249.99</p><p>walmart.com</p><span class="copyright">Walmart</span>

Embrace Luxe Details

Make your outdoor kitchen just as special as your indoor kitchen with the help of stunning hanging lanterns, a stone countertop, and some beautifully-placed tiles to act as flooring.

Learn more at Chris Loves Julia.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
CHRIS LOVES JULIA

Put It Under Cover

To have the option to cook in the rain or other inclement types of weather, place your outdoor kitchen under cover. Here, a galvanized metal roof does the trick.

Learn more at Savvy Apron.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
SAVVY APRON

Consider a Marble Countertop

Yes, marble really can be used outside, as long as it’s sealed correctly. It’ll add a touch of elegance to your outdoor kitchen.

Learn more at SKG Designs.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
SKG DESIGNS

Open Up Your Indoor Kitchen

If there’s absolutely no room in your yard for an outdoor kitchen, think about building or remodeling your current kitchen to open up to the outdoors.

best outdoor kitchen ideas
Westend61 - Getty Images

Opt for Stainless Steel

No matter if it’s inside or out, stainless steel is a go-to material if you’re looking for durability, something that proves to be important in an outdoor kitchen.

<p><a href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=74968X1596630&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wayfair.com%2F--%2Fpdp%2Fvevor--31-x-31-bbq-access-island-double-door-outdoor-kitchen-stainless-steel-cabinet-31yc304bxgbbqscgmv0-l3746-fxnu1209.html&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thepioneerwoman.com%2Fhome-lifestyle%2Fg44055643%2Foutdoor-kitchen-ideas%2F" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Shop Now;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link rapid-noclick-resp">Shop Now</a></p><p>Opt for Stainless Steel</p><p>$145.02</p><p>wayfair.com</p>

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