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How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost?

Chad Maag • May 31, 2022

An outdoor cooking and dining area is a popular addition to any home’s backyard. But how much does an outdoor kitchen cost?

The cost of an outdoor kitchen largely depends on several factors, including its size, location, the materials you choose, the appliances you install, and whether you DIY it or have it professionally built. An area with a patio, grill, and countertop can run a few thousand dollars, while a luxury design will cost substantially more.

If you are considering adding an outdoor kitchen area to your home, the following components can all combine to dictate the final price tag.

Size
Location
Building Materials
Appliances and Accessories
Furniture

Channel your outdoor chef and read on to learn more about these outdoor cooking and dining area elements and features and how they factor into the overall price.

Size

Size plays a huge part in the cost of an outdoor kitchen. Its overall square footage is probably the largest factor in estimating its cost. A modest outdoor kitchen area will cost you far less than a sprawling one.

The price of the materials you need to build an outdoor cooking area is often contingent on how much space you have to fill. The larger the area, the more factors come into play, the more “sections” it has, and the more appliances, furniture, and utilities are necessary.

Location

A perimeter outdoor kitchen means the location of it is adjacent to your home; often it will be on an existing patio or deck. Since it's located close to your home no additional utilities (electric, gas, or water) are usually needed. This type of setup is generally a less expensive option.

A satellite outdoor kitchen, however, is what it sounds like: a location separate from your home, out further in a yard. A cooking area like this usually requires dedicated utility hook-ups (electrical outlets and gas lines). In addition, access to water by way of a sink or basin makes it more convenient and keeps you from having to run to your home to wash your hands or rinse cooking gear. An outdoor cooking area further away from the house comes at a higher price point.

Building Materials

What makes an outdoor kitchen so challenging to estimate in cost is that each is a unique construction composed of varying elements. It can be like a build your own adventure. Will you use custom materials or prefabricated frames? Will you use decorative surfaces and finishes or keep it simple and streamlined?

Are you using high-end flagstone or everyday pavers as the foundation? Are you matching your outdoor kitchen to your home’s exterior or not? If you are incorporating a countertop, much like an indoor kitchen, your options are plentiful and will run quite the range in terms of cost. Talk to your landscaper about the different choices available and how they'll impact the overall cost.

Appliances and Accessories

The biggest ticket item for many outdoor kitchens is the grill. The size, make and model of your grill dictates how much you spend on it. Outdoor grills come in an inventory of options and choices, many with additional bonus items like warming drawers, side burners, or smoker sections.

After the grill is the need for an outdoor refrigerator with an ice maker or beverage chiller. You can keep it simple with a dorm-sized fridge, or you can go all-out with a fancy outdoor version that has all the bells and whistles.

Many homeowners are also adding built-in firepits or fireplaces to their outdoor dining areas. This attraction extends the use of this area during the cooler months of the year but certainly raises the expense.

Furniture

Don’t forget about the furniture. You will need an ample table and chairs to entertain outside. Be sure to invest in pieces that can withstand the weather and outdoor environment. You can purchase a basic outdoor dining set or you can go luxe.

A shade umbrella or awning, cushions, and side or serving tables all tack on to the overall cost of the space.

Homelight offers their breakdown for outdoor kitchen costs, how they are trending as valuable home amenities and that outdoor dining areas significantly increase the overall value of your home.

Final Thoughts

If you are keen on creating your very own alfresco outdoor kitchen area, set a realistic budget that allows for incorporating your top few wish list items. Over time, you can always continue to make additions that include landscaping or other accessories.

If the sky’s the limit, then go all out and build the outdoor kitchen that will be the envy of the neighborhood. No matter the size, you and your family and friends can enjoy the food and fun of the great outdoors in style.