Do you dream of creating the ultimate outdoor cooking and entertaining space in your backyard? Do visions of sizzling steaks on the grill and laughter-filled dinners under string lights fill your mind? If this sounds like you, modular outdoor kitchen kits make it surprisingly easy to build your outdoor oasis from scratch. With pre-designed components that simplify the installation process, you can create a fully-equipped and stylish outdoor kitchen without the headaches and costs of a custom build.
In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of modular outdoor kitchen kits and show you how DIY-friendly these systems can be. From island frames loaded with features to mix-and-match cabinetry and high-end appliances, modular components allow you to tailor your outdoor cooking space to your needs and lifestyle. We’ll also share planning tips to design your ideal layout and choose the right products. Let’s get started designing your dream outdoor escape!
What Are Modular Outdoor Kitchen Kits?
Outdoor kitchen kits consist of modular, prefabricated components that allow you to install a fully-functioning outdoor cooking area on your patio, deck, or backyard without the complexities of building one from scratch.
Unlike custom-built outdoor kitchens that require hiring designers and contractors, modular systems are intended for DIY installation. The components make it simpler to create an outdoor cooking space on your own timeline and budget.
There are several benefits that make modular outdoor kitchen kits a smart choice:
- Flexibility to customize your layout and features
- High-quality construction without a custom price tag
- Simplified installation compared to custom build projects
- Ability to start small and expand your kitchen over time
Modular outdoor kitchens allow you to hand pick the amenities you want rather than paying for ones you don’t. Now let’s look at the types of components included in typical kits.
Modular Cabinetry and Islands
The centerpiece of most outdoor kitchen kits is the grill island. This is a standalone modular structure designed for hosting a barbecue grill and often includes additional features like side burners, sinks, countertops, and storage. The frame and shape of islands vary, but they are designed specifically to accommodate your grill and other built-in components.
Kitchen kits also include modular cabinetry that allows you to customize your layout. Components like cabinet boxes, doors, shelves, and drawers can be mixed and matched. You choose the combination you need for your prep, storage, and serving needs. Durable stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum are common cabinet materials suitable for outdoor use.
The modularity lets you configure your own unique L-shaped, U-shaped or linear kitchen. Extend your space over time by adding more cabinets. Islands and cabinetry come in materials like weather-resistant wood, bamboo, and concrete to suit your style.
Grills and Appliances
Outdoor kitchen kits allow you to cook with power by integrating top grill brands like Lynx, Weber, and Traeger seemlessly into your island setup. Enjoy features like sear burners, smokers, and rotisseries without sacrificing counter space.
Beyond the grill, kits offer a range of outdoor kitchen appliances to equip your space. From beverage refrigerators and kegerators to side burners, sinks and pizza ovens, you can create a fully functioning outdoor cooking area.
Kits provide the needed cutouts, connections and wiring to hook up gas, electricity, and plumbing to operate appliances safely outdoors. You avoid the hassles of hiring specialty trades to take care of these complex install details.
Materials and Finishes
Modular outdoor kitchen kits don’t compromise on quality with all-weather construction designed to withstand the elements. Powder coated stainless steel, concrete, and synthetic solid surfaces stand up to UV rays, moisture and temps.
You also get design flexibility with choices of cabinet fronts, drawers, hardware and counters in materials from aluminum to reclaimed wood. Tactile tile, natural stone, and quartz countertops up the style. Accessorize your look with integrative lighting solutions and waterproof cabinets. With the right materials and finishes, your kitchen will not just be durable, but beautiful.
Why Choose a Modular Outdoor Kitchen?
Constructing an outdoor cooking space from scratch can be a head-scratcher. But modular outdoor kitchen kits make the process simple by giving you pre-designed components that simplify installation and customization. Let’s look at the top perks of using an outdoor kitchen kit.
DIY Installation
Modular outdoor kitchens are designed specifically with DIY-friendly installation in mind. Since cabinets and islands are delivered pre-built, you avoid much of the grunt work required of custom builds.
Instead of framing, wiring, plumbing and more, it’s largely an assembly project. Kits come with detailed blueprints and instructions so you can construct your kitchen like a piece of furniture, without advanced skills.
You’ll need basic tools on hand like drills, wrenches and screwdrivers. But you can comfortably install your kitchen without the headaches of managing contractors and specialty trades.
Customized High-End Features
One of the best aspects of modular outdoor kitchens is that you can custom tailor high-end features to fit your cooking and entertaining needs, as well as your budget. You aren’t paying for added elements you don’t want.
Start with necessities like a grill and sink, then select finishing touches like trendy tile backsplashes, additional storage and lighting features. Down the road, expand your space with extra cabinetry, beverage coolers and more.
While custom builds require designing everything upfront, modularity lets you gradually create your ideal outdoor cooking oasis over time.
What To Look For In a Kit
To select the right outdoor kitchen kit, take time to consider your space constraints, usage needs and style preferences. Measure your patio or installation area and think about your must-have features. Here are some key planning factors.
Space Planning
Grab a tape measure and sketch out the footprint where you plan to install your kitchen. Account for existing structures like patios, decks and pergolas when mapping out potential layouts.
Think about optimal placement for your grill, taking clearance into account. Picture traffic flow for the chef and guests. Decide if you want multiple access points or zones within your kitchen.
Make sure the kit dimensions you choose allow ample counterspace and clearance around appliances. Islands should be large enough to avoid feeling cramped.
Appliances and Features
Consider which appliances are essential to your grilling, prep and entertainment vision. Measure your must-have grill to find the right island cutout size. Factor in fuel requirements like gas, electricity or propane.
Account for plumbing needs if you’ll install a sink, water line or ice maker. Decide if you need cabinets for storage, trash/recycling bins, lighting or accessories.
Browsing kitchen design photos can provide inspiration on features to incorporate. Focus on elements that suit your cooking style.
Materials and Finishes
Opt for low-maintenance, weather-resistant base materials made for outdoor use like powder coated aluminum, stainless steel and concrete. Select more natural-looking finishes like wood cabinetry if your style is rustic and cozy.
Consider your home exterior elements like siding, brick and roofing materials to find finishes that complement your architecture. Match metals across fixtures and hardware for a cohesive look.
Shopping for Modular Outdoor Kitchen Kits
Once you’ve defined your project scope, it’s time to start shopping! Here are helpful tips for choosing a quality kit and getting the perfect design for your needs.
Company Services
Look for companies that offer 3D design visualizations so you can view your kitchen prior to purchasing. Many provide free design assistance and let you make revisions until you’re happy. This makes it easy to experiment with different layouts.
Some companies have in-house installers who can handle full assembly and construction if you want help. Just make sure you understand any additional costs beforehand.
Costs and Financing
Kit prices vary based on features, materials, appliances and more. Expect to spend $2000 – $5000 for a basic starter kit, while larger gourmet kitchens with all the bells and whistles can cost $15,000 – $30,000.
Get quotes for multiple options to find the best value. Look at ways to scale down or phase in features to meet your budget. Some companies offer financing plans to make purchases more manageable.
Reviews and Examples
Read through customer reviews and look for photos of real installations to evaluate quality. Check that cabinet doors line up properly and finishes have held up. Reviews can provide insight on any issues during or after construction.
Photos also give you visual inspiration for design elements to recreate. Follow modular outdoor kitchen hashtags on Instagram for more outdoor kitchen porn!
Bringing Your Outdoor Kitchen To Life
Once your modules arrive, it’s time for the fun part – assembling your outdoor entertaining oasis! Here are tips to make installation smooth and hassle-free.
Installation Tips
Carefully review the included instructions before beginning. Have all tools and materials handy to avoid delays. Prepare your site by leveling the ground, pouring footings or running any electrical or plumbing lines.
We recommend recruiting a few friends to help with large cabinetry pieces and your grill. But take your time and follow instructions to avoid damaging components.
Decorate and Accessorize
Add your style finishing touches like plush patio furniture, cozy throw pillows and welcome mats. Integrate mood lighting like string bulbs or lanterns. Landscape with ornamental grasses and blooming perennials.
Display your grilling must-haves like utensils, prep bowls and linens for easy access. Mount hooks for grilling tools and paper towel holders. The details make your space feel homey.
With some thoughtful planning and elbow grease, you can install a luxe outdoor kitchen without the huge price tag or construction headaches. Modular kits allow you to finally create your outdoor grilling and dining sanctuary tailored to your family’s lifestyle.
Spend those long summer evenings gathered around the grill and those cool autumn days lounging fireside with a view instead of more DIY to-do lists. You can finally host backyard bashes and holidays without juggling dishes across the yard. So grab your toolkit and let your design dreams become an outdoor reality!