11 Outdoor Kitchen Designs Any Home Chef Will Love
If you can’t stand the heat, hang out in the outdoor kitchen
Fresh air and sunshine are natural benefits of being outside, but what about barbeque? An outdoor kitchen is at the top of many homeowners’ wish lists when it comes to outdoor living. From wood-fired pizza ovens to a refrigerator stocked with cold drinks, outdoor kitchens turn cooking from a chore into a beloved social event. Here are some beautiful outdoor kitchen ideas to inspire you to stop dreaming and get cooking on your plans.
11 Amazing Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
The most beautiful outdoor kitchens complement the existing home design and landscaping while meeting the outdoor chef’s particular needs. Whether you’re looking to create your own barbeque haven or have an artist’s outdoor kitchen retreat in mind, these designs will help inspire you to create an outdoor kitchen unique to you.
1. Simple Outdoor Kitchen on a Deck
Not every outdoor kitchen area is necessarily built with concrete and masonry. This outdoor oasis proves that even if you don’t have a custom patio or large deck space right outside your backdoor, a separated, elevated deck like this can create a designated space for cooking and entertaining. Wood railings, slatted side walls, and a built-in bank of benches for storage enclose this intimate space. The grill stands on its own as a purely functional piece of this outdoor kitchen.
2. Stone Grill Surround and Fireplace Oasis
For a larger outdoor kitchen budget, this layout features a built-in grill and refrigerator with side countertops that serve as workspaces and staging areas. The stone surround continues up on the sides and back to create a defined space similar to the backsplash of an indoor kitchen countertop. Stonework benches connect the grill surround and the massive wood-burning fireplace, coordinating with the slate color of the paver patio as well as the tan in the wood lattice pergola walls.
3. Custom Wood Countertop Outdoor Kitchen
You don’t need extensive custom work to create a gorgeous outdoor kitchen. This L-shaped layout features repurposed materials including vintage, reclaimed barn wood for the countertops and butcher block island, all built on an exposed aggregate concrete patio. The long side of the L stands at the window, allowing for connection between interior and exterior. Stainless steel grills can be connected to natural gas lines installed by a professional plumber, or remain a self-contained unit with a propane gas tank in the cabinet below the grill top.
4. L-Shaped Grill Surround With Pizza Oven and Stainless Steel Storage
A brick L-shaped outdoor kitchen area on the corner of a brick paver patio keeps the essential workspaces within reach, with the dual stainless steel grill, pizza oven, and open countertop with below-deck storage all in arm’s reach for the multitasking outdoor chef. A wood box sits below the pizza oven for easy access. Poured concrete, limestone slabs, or a harder material like quartz countertops can achieve this look. The prices will vary depending on material and installation complexity. Limestone and concrete are more porous and can absorb spills and grease, making it important to keep a fresh coat of sealer on to prevent stains.
5. Covered Outdoor Smokehouse Kitchen
Building a roof over your outdoor kitchen may cost more upfront, but it will help protect your countertops and appliances from the weather and increase the time you can use it by protecting you from the weather. The L-shaped layout fits a square or rectangular roof naturally, leaving space to work and hang out under cover of the gazebo- or pavilion-style roof. A slatted back wall adds increased protection from the elements. Protection from the roof and wall open the options for what materials you use to build cabinets. Stained, sealed wood can hold up rather well when protected.
6. Bar-Style Kitchen Setup Outside
This outdoor kitchen takes its inspiration from inside with a darker wood reminiscent of a bar style. The stainless steel sink off to the side leaves plenty of room for prep. Access to the window makes teamwork easy when passing items back and forth to keep progress going on the meal. Overhead outdoor kitchen lighting makes this space useful at all hours of the day or night. Just be careful of the bugs that might be attracted to the lights and find your food and drink even more appealing.
7. Outdoor Living Rooms
Here we have not only an outdoor kitchen, but also an outdoor living space adjacent to it, complete with seating and a fire pit at its center. The shelter ensures the cook stays out of the sun or rain. The custom concrete countertops match the floating seating area, offset by a distinctive slate laid out using a method of hardscaping where pavers of various shapes and sizes are laid out in a seemingly random pattern. The grill stands beside the massive pizza oven with a wood box underneath it. A long countertop extends from the grill across the oven opening to another open work area with a wine cooler and fridge below.
8. L-Shaped Modern Outdoor Kitchen
You don’t always need a major remodel to get your dream outdoor kitchen. This kitchen is assembled on an existing composite deck. The black cabinets and stainless steel doors and appliances complement the straight lines of the modern design. The relatively compact layout strikes a balance to maximize usable kitchen space and leave plenty of room for dining and entertaining.
9. Enclosed Outdoor Kitchen With Raised Garden Box
Your outdoor kitchen may be part of your garden, but is your garden part of your outdoor kitchen? This kitchen not only incorporates the natural outdoor setting, but it goes one step further by integrating edible plants and herbs and plenty of counter space directly into the design. Having fresh ingredients at your fingertips is one of the big perks of having a kitchen outside. The dark wood cabinets, decking, and raised garden walls complement the lush green surroundings. Natural granite countertops and a lighter toned sink countertop anchor the theme of integration with nature.
10. Double Up on Grills
What’s better than an outdoor grill? Two outdoor grills. Whether it’s for a big family gathering or using one grill just for veggies, having two grills side-by-side is an unexpected addition to an outdoor kitchen that guarantees everyone will get their fill.
Among the things to consider when designing an outdoor kitchen, what you’ll cook on should be at the top of the list. Your grill or pizza oven will be the center of your entire kitchen, so deciding how many you need is essential. This stacked-stone grill surround with granite countertops pairs perfectly with the dual stainless steel grills. The space is compact yet this small outdoor kitchen is as functional as it gets.
11. L-Shaped Rustic Retreat
By using the same kind of stone for both the accent wall and the structure of the kitchen—as well as adding a planter directly above the countertop—this outdoor kitchen blends perfectly into the landscape. Your kitchen design can be integrated into a patio or landscape remodel to achieve a harmonious look while offering plenty of outdoor storage, a sink, and outlets.
How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
The cost of installing an outdoor kitchen can range dramatically. On average, the cost range is between $5,520 and $22,150. Luxury kitchen designs fall on the higher end of the scale and are often part of a more extensive redesign of outdoor living space.
Modular outdoor kitchens can be installed directly onto an existing patio or deck without a significant remodel. They can give the look of a high-end kitchen for around $5,000 or less.
Should I Build an Outdoor Kitchen Myself or Hire a Professional?
Some DIY outdoor kitchen projects can be built and installed by homeowners who possess a good deal of know-how and plenty of tools. However, because most dream outdoor kitchens usually include sinks and refrigerators, you’ll need to involve a plumbing and electrical specialist. If you are doing anything beyond the basics with your kitchen, it’s a good idea to hire a local outdoor kitchen design professional to ensure the work is done correctly and the kitchen will withstand the elements.