How to Build the Perfect Outdoor Kitchen: The Outdoor Kitchen Planning Guide

Prefabricated (or pre-configured) outdoor kitchens are a great, easy-to-install “turnkey” option. Trusted brands such as Urban Bonfire and Haven Outdoor—both of which are made in North America—offer modular, pre-assembled configurations that are all-in-one units and fairly customizable. Urban Bonfire’s Classics Collection, for instance, offers an array of kitchen configurations to suit any need (whether you’re looking for a simple food prep area of a fully functioning island with appliances and a built-in grill) that can be customized by cabinet color, countertop, appliances, and optional add-ons. “We have done our very best and continue to try and position this as a kitchen outdoors—versus an outdoor kitchen,” says Urban Bonfire Co-Founder and President Ryan Bloom. “People do not have to sacrifice, compromise, or settle on quality, aesthetic, functionality, durability, movability on any of those things, just because it's an outdoor product.”

Likewise, Haven Outdoor prefab kitchens can be customized with two different finishes and with appliances by Alfresco and Coyote. Both Urban Bonfire and Haven Outdoor are also specifically designed to be (relatively speaking) quick and easy to install.

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If you’re working with a uniquely shaped space or you have a specific vision, custom outdoor kitchens offer more flexibility and personalized details. Danver—a kitchen-industry leader for more than 20 years—offers expertly engineered outdoor kitchens that customers can completely customize by size shape, configuration, door style, cabinet color, hardware, and more. Urban Bonfire kitchens can also be fully customized to fit any appliance brand (thanks to a laser-cut trim) and feature the configuration, colors, hardware, and finishes that speak to you. NatureKast also offers custom options. Their weatherproof cabinetry is backed by a lifetime warranty is expertly crafted in North America with natural-looking wood finishes made of 100% waterproof PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) materials. To build a custom outdoor kitchen, it’s best to work with design professionals who specialize in outdoor kitchens, like the team at AuthenTEAK.

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A good rule of thumb is to keep your outdoor kitchen relatively close to the side of the house (just not closer than 10 feet; otherwise, you could have a fire hazard on your hands), as this will be easier (and less expensive) to run utilities from the house. Once you’ve decided where you’d like your kitchen, take measurements of your space so you can determine what kind of outdoor kitchen island will fit best.

The size of your outdoor kitchen island will depend on the size and shape of your space, as well as how you intend to use your kitchen. A good rule of thumb is to allow about 12 inches of countertop space on each side of every sink and grill. It’s also ideal to have at least 24 inches of uninterrupted countertop space somewhere on your island to allow for food prep.

Remember that a BBQ island is just one component of your outdoor kitchen. Made-to-order islands are a great way to get started with your project, but a true outdoor kitchen is an additional room that you’re adding to your home, so it’s important to think about functionality as well as aesthetics. Below are some common made-to-order island sizes:

Browse outdoor kitchens 6 ft. or less

Browse outdoor kitchens 6.25 ft.–8 ft.

Browse outdoor kitchens 8.25 ft–10 ft.

Browse outdoor kitchens 10.25 ft. or more

Urban Bonfire utilizes non-combustible, thick-gauge marine-grade aluminum in the construction of all its cabinets, planters, accessories, and backsplash systems. This aluminum is twice as thick as most stainless-steel cabinetry on the market, yet lighter in weight. Aluminum is also relatively easy to transport and cooperates well during installations. It is the ideal material for extreme outdoor climates (snow, ice, salt water, humidity) and long-term quality.

Each Urban Bonfire outdoor kitchen island features a proprietary NACRAĒ™ powder-coated finish. NACRAĒ™ is FDA-approved and crafted with a micro-textured formulation that maintains a stable depth of color throughout any weather conditions. Its four-season formula is resistant to scratches, fading, and stains while offering integrated, all-natural antimicrobial properties for maximum safety and freshness. NACRAĒ™ is available in a variety of specialty colors that have been developed in collaboration with noteworthy designers. All Urban Bonfire kitchens come with premium Dekton countertops available in two finishes (see the countertop materials section below for more information).

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Haven Outdoor outfits its modular outdoor kitchen solutions in 100% weather-resistant aluminum, available in two brushed finishes (antique bronze or antique black). Crafted using only the highest-grade materials and a robust production process consisting of multiple support points and a triple-coated powder coating, these aluminum outdoor kitchen islands are backed by a three-year warranty. Aluminum is also relatively lightweight, allowing Haven Outdoor’s modular designs to be easily movable and quickly assembled (Haven Outdoor promises that its kitchens can be installed in less than an hour). The Urban Bonfire Classics Collection comes with durable concrete countertops (see the countertop materials section below for more information).

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Backed by a lifetime warranty and made in North America, NatureKast’s 100% weatherproof cabinetry is expertly crafted with natural-looking wood finishes made of 100% waterproof PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) materials. NatureKast replicates the textures and nuances of wood in molded high-density polyurethane doors and panels. These parts are hand-finished by artisans, so the finished product is near impossible to differentiate from the wooden originals used create to make the molds. NatureKast offers cypress or teak wood grains in a variety of styles and in a wide range of pleasing colors. Sign up for a free design consultation to learn more.

Danver’s stainless steel cabinetry is made in the United States and offers unparalleled functionality and a timeless look. This cabinetry is available in a variety of powder-coated finishes, including realistic wood grain finishes. Each component of these powder-coated doors is painted prior to assembly, eliminating direct exposure of the stainless steel to the environment. Powder coating hinders the chance for rust over time and provides a nearly maintenance-free powder coat finish. Danver has also partnered with Brown Jordan to create the Brown Jordan® Outdoor Kitchen collection, which also features stainless steel cabinet doors and drawer fronts. Visit AuthenTEAK’s Atlanta showroom or inquire with our team to learn more.

The entire Urban Bonfire Classics Collection of outdoor kitchen islands comes with premium Dekton® countertops available in two finishes: Keon and Danae. Dekton is an ultra-compact surface by Cosentino that offers extreme performance and a sophisticated blend of raw materials. It boasts superior technical properties, such as resistance to UV rays, scratches, stains, and thermal shock—and very low water absorption, making it the perfect material for outdoor applications. For custom projects, countertops are not provided by Urban Bonfire and must be sourced locally.

Browse outdoor kitchens with Dekton countertops

Aluminum countertops are a great option for outdoor kitchens, thanks to their durable, weather-resistant properties and resistance to corrosion. All Haven Outdoor kitchens, for instance, come with 100% aluminum countertops, available in a concrete-like finish.

Browse outdoor kitchens with high-quality aluminum countertops

If you’re working with less square footage and need small outdoor kitchen ideas, a prefabricated kitchen with a grill between 27 and 30 inches might be for you. If space isn’t an issue and you’re hoping for maximum cooking surface area, look at prefabricated kitchens with larger grills, between 36 and 42 inches. (If you’re building a custom kitchen, on the other hand, your built-in grill options can be as large as 56 inches.)

Liquid propane grills are fueled by propane tanks, which will need to be refilled.

Natural gas grills must be connected to a natural gas line by a professional and never run out of gas.

Pellet-fueled grills utilize ignited wood pellets and a system of fans to heat food to a specific temperature, almost like an outdoor convection oven. Pellet grills can be used to smoke, grill, bake, and even braise food.

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit and is a measure of how much heat a grill can produce. The BTU of your built-in grill is a reflection of the total heat output of all burners per hour. When choosing BTUs, consider how often you’ll be cooking on your grill and how much food you’ll be cooking (cooking for a large crowd is very different than cooking for a small gathering). More compact grills will have lower BTUs and likely longer cook times, while larger grills will have higher BTUs and might be more suitable for cooking at a high volume more often.

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Built-in grill: A built-in grill is the centerpiece of a well-equipped outdoor kitchen. Choose from natural gas, liquid propane, or pellet-fueled built-in grills to suit your desired cooking experience.

Built-in refrigerator: An under-counter refrigerator unit is a perfect solution for keeping drinks, food, or ingredients cold and within reach.

Built-in trash drawer: Ensure easy cleanup after an outdoor meal with a built-in trash drawer with a slide-out bin.

Built-in storage: Drawers, cabinets, and/or shelves help keep clutter at bay—and store everything you might need within easy reach.

Built-in sink: Save yourself many trips inside by washing your hands or rinsing vegetables at a convenient outdoor sink.

Pizza oven: Outdoor pizza ovens from trusted brands offer a convenient way to achieve quality, wood-fired flavor.

Side burner: Add additional cooking space with a side burner.

Ice maker: Eliminate the need to traipse back to your indoor kitchen by stocking your outdoor kitchen with a convenient icemaker.

If you already have an outdoor appliance you’d like to build into your outdoor kitchen, Urban Bonfire kitchens are available without built-in appliances (with just an appliance hookup), giving you the option to add in your own appliance so long as it’s one of The Urban Bonfire Classics Collection’s compatible brands. If you shop through AuthenTEAK, our team will work with you to confirm your appliance is compatible with Urban Bonfire.

Even the most well-appointed outdoor kitchen isn’t complete without an outdoor dining area. Just like your kitchen, your dining area should suit your space and needs.

Dining sets are an easy, all-in-one option for a cohesive dining and entertaining space.

Mix and match outdoor dining tables with dining chairs to create a look that’s custom to you.

Bistro sets offer space-saving seating for smaller spaces.

Create an outdoor bar with weather-resistant bar stools and bar and counter tables.

If you’d like to add extra coverage to your outdoor kitchen to shield from the elements, consider adding a pergola (which can help protect from the sun or wind) or a patio umbrella. Outdoor cantilever umbrellas—also known as offset umbrellas—feature an arched or jointed pole positioned off to the side, allowing the canopy to hang freely, making them a great option for larger dining tables or deep-seating lounge areas. Market umbrellas—or center-pole umbrellas—offer a more traditional look.