11 Small Outdoor Kitchen Ideas That Work for Any Tiny Backyard

Gone are the days where we defined an outdoor kitchen as one lonely outdoor grill and maybe a small prep area. Our list of favorite small outdoor kitchen ideas show how today’s homeowners have more choices than ever before for setting up a cooking space outdoors that rivals any indoor setup. Personalizing an outside space with fun features such as sinks, small appliances, pizza ovens, and yes, even our favorite grills, has never been easier.

Perhaps you’ve dreamed of upgrading to an outdoor kitchen but you’re convinced your space is too small. If you have 100 to 200 square feet, chances are you can find inspiration from one of these outdoor kitchen ideas.

1. Cozy Up to a Kitchenette

A kitchenette is the smallest version of an outdoor kitchen, but what it lacks in size, it makes up in function. A kitchenette includes the most basic components of an outdoor kitchen—a grill, a small counter, and possibly a sink. It can fit virtually anywhere in your outdoor space, creating a spot to try out your outdoor kitchen culinary skills. 

2. Think Linear

If your space is long but not wide, consider using the length to your advantage. While many might think of outdoor kitchens as L-shaped, you aren’t limited to this configuration. You can lengthen your outdoor kitchen so it runs the length of a wall or even as an island. The result? You can have more counter space for all the prep work and even room for small appliances, like a compact refrigerator, flat-top griddle, or even a kegerator.

3. Please Be Seated

Additional seating surrounding your outdoor kitchen is possible if you choose a strategically placed design. An L-shaped configuration offers extra countertop space, so you can extend the seating area with either countertop or bar stools. Your friends and family can literally pull up a chair next to you as you get your grill on. 

4. Add Pizazz With Pizza 

The crispy crust, the melty cheese—your taste buds are begging you to add an outdoor brick pizza oven to your space. While a standard pizza oven interior is around 36 inches, you can find smaller 24-inch versions, which is ideal for a 12-inch pizza, and fits in a more compact outdoor space. Add a pizza oven so you don’t have to limit your outdoor kitchen plans to just hamburgers and hot dogs.

5. Go Stylish and Stainless

You don’t have to have a large patio or deck to enjoy a sleek and durable outdoor kitchen setup. Stainless steel appliances offer an elegant look, ready to shine in any outdoor setting. Stainless is durable and long-lasting, making it a wise choice for the outdoors. Grills, compact refrigerators, compact dishwashers, and trash compactors are a few examples of sleek stainless options.

6. Maximize With Modern

The design of your outdoor space should reflect your personal design preferences. If you prefer modern in your interiors, why not move it outdoors too? Adding modern touches such as concrete countertops, all stainless steel appliances, and sleek cabinetry are a few ways you can bring a modern touch outdoors.

7. Light It Up

The best outdoor kitchen lighting ideas take your outdoor space from basic to beyond believable with a simple flip of a switch. Using the same quality lighting materials and design you would use on the inside of your home creates a cozy, welcoming environment you’ll never want to leave. Try adding an outdoor chandelier, string lights, or lanterns to add beauty and ambiance to your outdoor kitchen area

8. Customize With Cabinetry

Bring a touch of luxury to your outdoor kitchen with cabinetry. Adding cabinets to your outdoor kitchen makes it easier to store your grilling tools, small appliances, platters, or any other necessary components for a full kitchen, plus enhancing the design aesthetic of the space. And while custom cabinetry is always an option, you can also DIY outdoor kitchen cabinets and maximize your budget.

9. Keep It Covered

If you have a covered patio, pergola, or a screened-in porch, you can easily add an outdoor kitchen and blend it in seamlessly to the space. Adding an outdoor kitchen to an enclosed area not only adds an extra layer of protection to your kitchen equipment, it makes it possible to enjoy grilling all year long. 

10. Move It to a Corner

You can maximize the size of your outdoor kitchen by selecting a corner for the layout. This forces an L-shaped kitchen, but expands your countertop square footage. When you have more room to work with, you can add accessories such as a trash compactor, storage drawers, a mini-refrigerator, or wine cooler, while leaving plenty of room for the grill.

11. Enjoy Island Living

Outdoor kitchen design is flexible and accommodating to whatever space you have, and an outdoor kitchen island may work best for your square footage. With this design, you’re not limited by the deck railing or walls. Instead, you position it as a freestanding kitchen, so you can maximize your space—you can even add seating to the island and make it multi-functional.

Outdoor kitchens like these don’t require expansive spaces for function or style, but a kitchen contractor near you can bring these projects to life.