Everything you need to plan, design, and build the perfect outdoor kitchen — from a Great Grills expert.
Updated September 2026 · 8 min read
About this guide
Building an outdoor kitchen is one of the best investments you can make in your home. A well-designed outdoor kitchen adds living space, increases property value, and transforms how you entertain. But with hundreds of appliances, dozens of brands, and countless layout options, it can feel overwhelming.
This guide walks you through every decision — from choosing the right grill to selecting countertops, refrigeration, and storage — so you can build an outdoor kitchen you'll love for decades.
Questions? Call Mike: 562-755-7520In this guide:
The most common outdoor kitchen layouts are L-shaped, U-shaped, straight (linear), and island. L-shaped kitchens work well for corners and create natural traffic flow. U-shaped kitchens maximize counter space. Straight layouts are ideal for smaller patios. Island kitchens create a social focal point. Most homeowners start with a 10–14 foot linear island and expand from there.
The grill is the centerpiece of any outdoor kitchen. Choose a size that matches your cooking needs: 30"–32" for most families, 36" for frequent entertainers, 42"–48" for serious outdoor cooks. Budget $1,500–$5,000 for a quality built-in gas grill from Blaze, Summerset, or Coyote. For premium builds, Twin Eagles, Alfresco, and Lynx run $4,000–$12,000.
Shop Built-In GrillsAn outdoor refrigerator keeps drinks cold and ingredients fresh without trips inside. A 24" undercounter refrigerator is the most popular choice. Blaze, Coyote, and Viking make excellent outdoor-rated refrigerators designed to handle temperature extremes. Budget $600–$2,500 depending on brand and features.
Shop Outdoor RefrigeratorsA side burner or power burner expands your cooking options — boiling corn, sautéing sauces, or using a wok. A standard side burner runs 12,000–15,000 BTUs. A power burner delivers 30,000–60,000 BTUs for serious high-heat cooking. Most outdoor kitchen builders add at least one side burner.
Shop Side BurnersOutdoor kitchen cabinets store propane tanks, tools, and supplies. Choose between stainless steel doors and drawers (most durable), polymer cabinets (lightweight, rust-proof), or concrete block (permanent, custom look). Blaze, Coyote, and Summerset make modular stainless steel outdoor kitchen components that integrate seamlessly with their grills.
Shop Outdoor CabinetsOutdoor kitchen countertops must withstand heat, UV exposure, and moisture. Top choices: granite (durable, heat-resistant, requires sealing), concrete (custom, heat-resistant, heavy), porcelain tile (affordable, heat-resistant, grout maintenance required), and stainless steel (commercial look, heat-resistant, shows fingerprints). Avoid marble outdoors — it stains and etches easily.
Outdoor lighting extends your kitchen's usable hours. Under-counter LED strips, overhead pendant lights, and task lighting above the grill are all popular choices. For year-round use, add a patio heater from Bromic, Infratech, or IR Energy — infrared heaters are the most efficient and don't heat the air, just the people.
Shop Patio Heaters| Budget | What You Get | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|
| $5,000–$10,000 | 30" built-in grill + basic storage + countertop | Summerset, Bull, Lion |
| $10,000–$20,000 | 32"–36" grill + refrigerator + side burner + storage | Blaze, Coyote, Summerset |
| $20,000–$40,000 | 36"–42" premium grill + full appliance suite + custom cabinetry | Blaze, Viking, Fire Magic |
| $40,000+ | Full outdoor kitchen with premium appliances, custom countertops, lighting, heating | Twin Eagles, Alfresco, Lynx, Viking |
A basic outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill, countertop, and storage starts around $5,000–$10,000 for DIY builds. A professionally installed outdoor kitchen with premium appliances typically runs $15,000–$50,000+. The grill is usually 30–40% of the total budget.
Stainless steel is the most durable and weather-resistant material for outdoor kitchen cabinets. 304 stainless steel resists rust, handles temperature extremes, and looks great for decades. Polymer (HDPE) cabinets are a good budget alternative — they're rust-proof and lightweight. Avoid wood cabinets outdoors unless they're properly sealed and covered.
Most municipalities require a building permit for permanent outdoor kitchen structures, especially if they involve gas lines, electrical work, or structural changes. Always check with your local building department before starting construction. A licensed contractor can handle permits as part of the build.
A 10–12 foot linear outdoor kitchen is sufficient for most homeowners — it fits a 30"–36" grill, a side burner, a refrigerator, and storage. For serious entertainers, a 14–20 foot kitchen or L-shaped layout provides more counter space and room for additional appliances.
No — indoor appliances are not rated for outdoor use. Outdoor appliances are built with weather-resistant materials, sealed electronics, and components designed to handle temperature extremes, UV exposure, and moisture. Using indoor appliances outdoors voids warranties and creates safety hazards.
Authorized Dealer
Full warranty on every appliance
Lowest Price
Guaranteed price match
Free Shipping
Contiguous 48 states
Expert Advice
Call Mike: 562-755-7520
