Outdoor kitchens have an average cost is $18,387, but there are plenty of less expensive options as well as larger, more luxurious outdoor kitchens.
You can choose between DIY-ing most of the project yourself or hiring a professional contractor to complete the job.
If you want a pre-fab outdoor kitchen, visit a big-box store like Lowe’s. Otherwise, you can order a custom kitchen that will be professionally installed for you.
What Is Considered an Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen is exactly what it sounds like – an outdoor space where you can cook for your family and friends during warmer months.
It’s usually viewed as an accessory or an extension of the main kitchen, which is why it’s typically positioned on the patio in close proximity to the main kitchen to ease the transfer of food. These types are called perimeter outdoor kitchens.
However, an outdoor kitchen can also be near the pool or garden area and have all of the main features – cooktop, refrigerator, etc. – included to make it truly independent of the main house kitchen.
When they’re away from the house, they’re called satellite outdoor kitchens.
Average Total Cost of Outdoor Kitchen
Building an outdoor kitchen is one of the most expensive exterior remodeling projects.
The average total cost of an outdoor kitchen is $18,387. However, you can build an outdoor kitchen for as low as $5,475 and as much as $31,300.
Materials and appliances cost around $230-$800 and $1,600-$16,100, respectively.
With regard to professional labor, you can expect to spend between $3,645 and $14,400 to have the kitchen installed.
| Appliance | Cost |
|---|---|
| Grill | $200-$8,500 |
| Sink | $200-$600 |
| Fridge | $500-$3,000 |
| Dishwasher | $400-$2,000 |
| Ice Maker | $300-$2,000 |
| Materials | Cost |
| Framework | $200-$600 per linear foot |
| Flooring | $1-$60 per square foot |
| Cabinets | $4-$40 per square foot |
| Countertops | $25-$100 per square foot |
| Labor | Cost |
| Electrician | $300-$1,000 |
| Plumber | $300-$1,800 |
| Gas Engineer | $45-$1,600 |
| General Contractor | $3,000-$10,000 |
Naturally, the average total cost depends on several factors. Two main aspects that affect the price of your outdoor kitchen are its size and the included appliances.
A basic kitchen with a grill, a sink and a countertop made from more affordable materials will place the cost in the lower range, between $2,500 and $5,000.
Adding luxurious materials and first-rate appliances will raise the cost significantly higher, around $50,000.
Pro Tip: If you want to save on appliances like the fridge and sink, you should position your outdoor kitchen close to your indoor one. It will not only lower the initial cost but also save you money on utility bills in the long run.
How Much Does a Covered Outdoor Kitchen Cost?
Adding a cover to your outdoor kitchen helps you protect it from weather elements and ensure its longevity.
Pergolas typically add between $2,000 and $6,000 to your overall cost, depending on the size of your outdoor kitchen and whether they’re pre-built or custom.
Outdoor Kitchen Cost Per Linear Foot
Outdoor kitchens can be measured in linear feet. On average, one linear foot costs around $500. However, their range can be from $325 to $675 per linear foot.
Depending on the size, outdoor kitchens are divided into:
Mini outdoor kitchen – Less than 10 linear feet. Mini outdoor kitchens usually only feature a grill and a small countertop. You can expect their price to be less than $6,000.
Small outdoor kitchen – Around 12 linear feet. Small outdoor kitchens have everything a mini one has, plus a small fridge and sink. Their cost is over $6,000.
Medium outdoor kitchen – Around 15 linear feet. Medium-sized kitchens include everything above as well as a small seating area. Expect to spend around $8,000 on medium outdoor kitchens.
Large outdoor kitchens – Over 20 linear feet. In addition to already mentioned items, in large kitchens, you’ll also find pizza ovens, pergolas, outdoor heaters, etc. They cost over $10,000.
How many linear feet of outdoor kitchen you can afford depends on how much space you have and your budget.
Cost Breakdown
As you’ve seen, the cost of your entire outdoor kitchen installation highly depends on what appliances you include. The total cost will also depend on the material of the countertop, cabinetry, kitchen frame, etc.
Cost of Appliances
A grill is the central piece of your outdoor kitchen. You can expect to spend between $200 and $8,500 on it. If the main kitchen isn’t nearby, you’ll also have to spend money on a sink and a fridge.
A fridge can cost from $500 to $3,000. A sink is less expensive and costs around $200-$600, but most of the cost connected to it will go toward installation and plumbing.
If you also need a dishwasher, that’ll cost an extra $400 to $2,000. Ice makers will add another $300 to $2,000.
Cost of Building Materials
For your kitchen framework, you can choose wood, aluminum, or steel. Expect to spend between $200 and $600 per linear foot.
Countertops come in wood, steel, granite, ceramic tile, concrete, quartz, and soapstone. They all have their benefits and downsides. But whichever option you choose, the cost will be within the $25 to $100 per square foot range.
For cabinetry, you can choose natural stone, manufactured stone, stucco, brick veneer, or standard brick. Depending on your chosen material, you’ll pay between $4 and $40 per square foot.
Flooring can be made of brick pavers, gravel, natural stone, concrete, and decking. These materials can cost anywhere from $1 to $60 per square foot.
Cost of Professional Installation
As mentioned, labor typically accounts for 20%-40% of the entire project cost, which is around $3,645 and $14,400. That includes hiring a professional plumber and electrician to run gas, water, and electricity lines to your outdoor kitchen.
You can expect the electrical work to cost between $300 and $1,000. Plumbing will cost another $300 to $1,800 while installing gas lines costs between $45 and $1,600.
If you don’t want to DIY the rest of your outdoor kitchen, you’ll need a professional contractor, who will charge around $3,000 to $10,000.
Cost to Run Plumbing to an Outdoor Kitchen
Hiring a plumber to run pipes to your outdoor kitchen can cost from $300 to $2,000 for the whole project. The cost depends on how far the outdoor kitchen is from the house and how many appliances use water.
Cost to Build an Outdoor BBQ
Building an outdoor BBQ can cost between $4,000 and $10,000.
Additional Cost Factors for an Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen installation comes with certain additional costs. They might not be necessary for your particular project, but it’s good to have them in mind.
Landscaping can make the entire surrounding area more enjoyable and appealing. These gardening projects might cost you between $6 and $44 per square foot.
You might also want to add outdoor lighting to illuminate the kitchen in the evenings. This requires hiring an electrician and will add around $2,000 to $4,500 more to the overall cost.
Outdoor Kitchen Benefits
While outdoor kitchens might seem like an unnecessary luxury, they actually come with various benefits.
Low utility bills – during the summer months, it might be too hot to cook inside. You’ll likely spend a lot of electricity on keeping the fan or air conditioning on every time you cook. But if you cook outdoors, you won’t have to worry about too much heat accumulating in your home.
Extended living space – outdoor kitchens provide a great space for hanging out with your friends and family. You’ll have a space to host birthday parties, fancy dinners, or just enjoy the view during every meal.
No smelly rooms – cooking outside allows you to grill and cook food that you might avoid cooking indoors because of the smell. You won’t have to have the lingering odor of fish or onions in your dining area or your furniture and curtains. Even your clothes won’t smell like you’ve just cooked, so you can just sit down with the guests afterward.
More time outdoors – an obvious benefit is that both you and your family will spend more time outdoors. In addition, it can quickly turn into a relaxing group activity and quality family time. If you invest in an outdoor kitchen cover, you won’t even have to worry about being outside under the sun for too long.
Big Box vs. Pre-Fab vs. Custom Outdoor Kitchen
Getting an outdoor kitchen from a big-box store like Home Depot is generally less expensive than custom orders.
You can buy components for $1,500 to $5,000 and assemble them yourself or opt for pre-fabricated or modular outdoor kitchens.
For modular outdoor kitchens, you can expect to spend between $4,500 and $15,000 for the entire kitchen kit. Custom outdoor kitchens are the most expensive and can cost over $1,000 per linear foot.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro For Installation
DIY-ing your outdoor kitchen will cost less because you’ll save on labor. However, you’ll still need a plumber and an electrician to connect electric and water lines to the appliances.
You can only DIY the framework, shelves, and other less demanding aspects if you have enough knowledge.
Where to Buy an Outdoor Kitchen
Outdoor kitchens can be found at home improvement retail companies like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Costco, and Menards.
Lowe’s modular outdoor kitchens come from brands like WeatherStrong, Char-Broil, Cal lame, and NewAge Products. You can purchase one for up to $14,761, depending on the size and appliances.
Where to Place an Outdoor Kitchen
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The ideal proximity is between 15 and 20 feet from your main kitchen. As mentioned, you can place your outdoor kitchen close to your main one and share some of the appliances, like the fridge and sink.
That way, you can easily transport food, dishes, utensils, etc. When you place an outdoor kitchen close to your house, you also benefit from the shade it casts and can save on outdoor kitchen covering.
Of course, the outdoor kitchen can be a satellite one, positioned so you can enjoy the view as you cook or show off your culinary skills to your guests.
But in those cases, you need to consider additional aspects. Primarily, the kitchen must have access to gas, water, and electricity.
You should also think about wind and shade. If there are no trees nearby, use pergolas, umbrellas, or patio covers to protect you and your guests from the sun.
However, note that trees aren’t ideal shade providers for windy areas. You might get leaves and other tree debris in your plates and food. Similarly, umbrellas might be a good choice for the sun, but they can’t withstand too much wind. Choose a more secluded place that shelters you from the wind.
A more secluded area will also feel more comfortable in terms of privacy. If you don’t have fences, walls, or trees that hide you from the neighborhood, use tall potted plants or grow some vines on your pergola
Pro Tip: While the poolside might be the perfect place to position your outdoor kitchen, be mindful of the activities that might take place in the pool, especially if you have children. Similarly, don’t place the outdoor kitchen next to a sports field if you don’t want volleyballs flying into your grill.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Need to Be Covered?
When choosing an outdoor kitchen, you have the option to have it covered or leave it open. While a covered kitchen might defeat the purpose of an outdoor kitchen, it’s a smart choice.
Regardless of the climate you live in, a cover will ensure your outdoor kitchen stays in top shape over the years.
In climates with a lot of sun, a cover will not only provide shade. It’ll also protect your appliances from UV rays which can cause discoloration. This is especially helpful if you have furniture in a seating area included with your outdoor kitchen.
In regions with a lot of rain and snow, covering your outdoor kitchen is a must. Even if it’s an enclosed kitchen, the wind can blow the rain and snow inside.
If you dislike the idea of a permanent outdoor kitchen cover, you can find plenty of temporary options like a grill or table cover. For winter, you should also drain the water lines and move anything you can indoors so you have fewer items to cover. That includes furniture, decorations, and similar.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Need a Foundation?
Like other structures in your house, the answer is simple – yes, you need a foundation. This can be a concrete slab or a deck area. It needs to be even so the appliances on top are secure and don’t wobble.
Pro Tip: If you already have an existing patio, ensure that it can handle the weight of your outdoor kitchen. Standard patios are typically 4 inches thick, which isn’t enough to withstand the weight of a more elaborate outdoor kitchen.
Can You Add an Outdoor Kitchen to an RV?
Cooking inside the RV can be uncomfortable for many reasons. It’s hot, causes smells to linger for days and can be a real fire hazard. That’s why most RV owners opt to have an outdoor RV kitchen. You can install the outdoor kitchens yourself or buy an RV with a built-in one.
Most RVs have a basic fold-out kitchen on the side. It often features a mini-fridge and a slide-out gas cooktop. There might also be extra storage space, but you won’t find a sink or a grill.
On the other hand, more luxurious RVs can have an entire bar setup with microwaves, grills, and running water. You can also tow your outdoor RV kitchen behind the camper and bring everything you need.
What Is the Best Material for Outdoor Kitchen Countertops?
Natural stone, concrete, and granite are the best materials for outdoor kitchen countertops.
They’re all durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting. Granite is best at enduring direct sunlight, so use it if your outdoor kitchen isn’t covered. Just seal it first to make it resistant to moisture and mold.
Can You Use Wood for Outdoor Kitchens?
Wood can be used for outdoor kitchen countertops if appropriately sealed and regularly resealed. Some recommended options are elm, maple, chestnut, and white oak.
But rather than using bare wood, you should apply a strong and reliable finish that is resistant to moisture, rotting, and warping.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Increase Home Value?
While an outdoor kitchen might seem like an addition that serves little or limited purpose to you and your family, know that it might add to your home’s value.
The most significant factor determining this is the climate. If you live in a location where warmer weather is dominant, the value of your outdoor kitchen increases.
In regions where it’s mostly cold throughout the year, outdoor kitchens might not be considered a valuable home asset.
Did you know? When selling a home, outdoor kitchens can produce a 100% to 200% return on investment if they’re in warmer climates and made from durable materials.
Is a Built-In Outdoor Kitchen Worth It?
Considering the benefits mentioned above, having an outdoor kitchen is definitely worth it – but only if you’ll use it often. Otherwise, it might be an unnecessary cost that won’t pay off.
Elevate Your Entertainment Style With an Outdoor Kitchen
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An outdoor kitchen can significantly improve your cooking experience and help you devote more time to your family and friends. It’s also an excellent way to spend more time in nature and eat healthier.
Moreover, an outdoor kitchen will boost your home’s resale value and attract more buyers.
You can customize your outdoor kitchen to fit any house aesthetics you want, add any appliance you deem necessary, and place it as close or as far from your main kitchen as you desire.
