As the warm summer months approach, you may find yourself spending more and more time outdoors entertaining guests or simply enjoying leisurely meals alfresco. However, if your outdoor cooking space is cluttered and disorganized, all that time outdoors can quickly become more frustrating than relaxing.
The solution? An outdoor kitchen prep table with ample storage. This multi-tasking table can help transform an overcrowded outdoor kitchen into a functional entertaining oasis. Read on to discover how the right prep table can maximize your outdoor workspace and keep tools and accessories neatly organized but within arm’s reach.
Why You Need a Prep Table for Your Outdoor Kitchen
An outdoor kitchen prep table offers a number of advantages that can help streamline your outdoor cooking and entertaining experience:
- More prep space for cooking and serving. A spacious tabletop provides plenty of room for chopping, seasoning, and arranging food before it hits the grill or serving platters.
- Keep tools and accessories organized. Built-in storage like shelves, drawers, and cabinets allow you to neatly tuck away utensils, platters, spices, and other items when not in use.
- Provide extra storage capacity. In addition to kitchen tools, a prep table can provide space to store dishes, glassware, pantry items, or extra bagged ice for beverages.
- Streamline workflow from indoor to outdoor kitchen. With a prep table stationed just outside, you can seamlessly transport food from your indoor kitchen to the outdoor grill area.
- Serve prepared foods and stage tablescapes. The tabletop can also be used for composed salad platters, cheese boards, dessert displays, and arranging table decorations.
In short, an outdoor kitchen prep table is like gaining extra real estate for accomplishing all your outdoor cooking and entertaining tasks in an organized manner. Just one multi-functional table can often replace the need for several temporary fold-out tables that have to be set up and taken down each time you cook outdoors.
Look for Portability and Mobility Features
Since prep tables are designed for outdoor use, many come with features that make them easy to move around your deck, patio, or yard. Wheels and folding legs allow you to reposition the table based on sun exposure or proximity to other appliances like your grill or sink. Some wheeled prep tables even have locks to keep them stationary once placed. Tables with foldable legs can collapse for convenient storage in sheds or garages when not needed.
If you like to frequently reconfigure your outdoor cooking area or want the flexibility to move the prep space to different event locations on your property, prioritize portable and collapsible designs.
Opt for Versatility and Multi-Functionality
While prep and storage are key functions, today’s outdoor kitchen tables incorporate features that allow you to get even more use out of them. Look for options that multitask beyond food prep:
- Built-in coolers keep beverages and perishables chilled.
- Warming drawers, burners, or grill tops for cooking right on the table.
- Bottle openers, sinks, trash receptacles keep necessities handy.
- Side tables or shelves for serving prepared foods.
The more tasks you can accomplish with one outdoor table, the less you have to move back and forth between separate appliances and accessories.
Key Features to Look For
When evaluating outdoor kitchen prep tables, keep an eye out for these top features:
Durable and Waterproof Construction
Look for heavy-duty construction that can withstand exposure to sun, rain, humidity, and temperature fluctuations. Stainless steel and powder coated aluminum are popular options that resist rust and wear. Teak, eucalyptus, and cedar are naturally weather-resistant woods. Plastics like polyethylene can also hold up well outdoors.
Avoid non-laminated particleboard, which won’t fare well with moisture. Also inspect the quality of hinges, clasps, and handles which can deteriorate and break over time.
Spacious Tabletop Surface
Ideally, your prep table should offer at least 30 inches of depth and 3 feet of width for ample food prep space. Look for a non-porous surface that is easy to clean and won’t trap food debris. Surfaces like stainless steel, solid surface composites, and closed-cell polyethylene sheets are good choices.
Abundant Storage Space
Storage needs can vary, but ideally your table should include some combination of:
- Shelves: For cooking tools, serving platters, glassware.
- Drawers: Deep drawers to store utensils or flatware.
- Cabinets: Enclosed storage for spices, condiments, paper goods.
- Side racks: For hanging grilling tools within easy reach.
- Towel bars and hooks: For kitchen towels and potholders.
Closed storage will keep items protected from dust and debris when not in use.
Customizable, Modular Design
Look for a table that allows you to customize the storage setup to your needs. Some tables feature modular, mix-and-match components like drawers, cabinets, and shelving units that can be arranged into your ideal configuration.
Optional Special Features
Depending on your budget, you may want to look for extras like:
- Cutting boards: Built-in or sliding boards provide additional prep space.
- Spice racks: Keep seasonings and oils handy but out of the way.
- Stemware storage: Safely store delicate glasses.
- Towel rods and hooks: Keep towels and potholders close by but off the prep surface.
- Trash or recycling bins: For easy cleanup during cooking and entertaining.
- Lighting: Task lighting or string lights illuminate your workspace or create ambiance.
Important Factors to Consider
Keep the following in mind when selecting your ideal outdoor kitchen prep table:
Dimensions
Consider both the size of your existing outdoor kitchen space as well as what you want to accomplish with the table. Be sure to measure the footprint and check the table’s dimensions will fit your available area.
In terms of surface area, larger tabletops allow you more room to work but take up more space. Compact sizes around 3 feet wide may suffice for smaller patios or if you primarily need the table for storage versus active food prep.
Weight Capacity
Check that the table can support the weight of whatever you intend to place on it. For instance, heavier materials like stone, concrete, and stainless steel tend to be more durable for holding pots and appliances like mixers or griddles. Plastic and aluminum tables may only support lighter items.
Design Style
Choose a style that complements your existing outdoor kitchen and backyard decor. For contemporary spaces, tables with sleek stainless steel bases and minimalist lines fit right in. Traditional homes may prefer classic farmhouse designs and natural wood finishes.
Placement
Determine the optimal placement for workflow and functionality. You likely want to situate it near your grill for convenient access while cooking. Check that the location allows for at least 3 feet of clearance on all sides when fully opened and doesn’t obstruct walkways or doorways.
Also consider sunlight exposure. Placing it under or near trees provides shade and prevents heat damage. Similarly situating it under an overhang or awning protects from rain.
Budget
Outdoor kitchen prep tables range widely in price from around $100 up to $2,000 or more. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and which features are must-haves versus optional add-ons.
For instance, you may be able to find an affordable table with ample storage but fewer bells and whistles. Quality stainless steel could be preferable for durability, but can come at a higher cost. Decide based on your needs and room in your budget.
Recommended Prep Table Picks
Ready to find the perfect prep table for your outdoor cooking needs? Here are some excellent options to consider:
Best Overall: Keter Unity XL Prep Table
Our top overall pick is the Keter Unity XL Prep Table , which combines ample stainless steel workspace and storage at a reasonable mid-range price point. At around $300, this spacious 47″ table has expandable wings to customize the surface space up to 67″ wide. The stainless steel top provides a durable and waterproof food prep surface that’s easy to clean. Underneath, two shelves and two hanging bins provide versatile storage. Locking casters let you roll the table where needed or keep it stationary.
Best Budget-Friendly: Lifetime 4428 Adjustable Prep Table
For shoppers on a budget, the Lifetime 4428 Adjustable Prep Table delivers ample workspace with Storage starting at around $120. Made from weather-resistant polystyrene, the 48″ wide tabletop adjusts to 24″, 32″ or 40″ heights to suit your workflow. Underneath, two fold-down shelves provide storage and prep space. The lightweight plastic construction means you can move the 44-pound table in and out of storage easily.
Luxury Pick: Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchen Stainless Prep Table
For a high-end designer look, Brown Jordan’s Outdoor Kitchen Stainless Prep Table elevates any outdoor cooking space. Starting around $1,400, these polished 304 stainless steel tables are made to last with precision welded construction. Thick countertops provide ample prep room. Tables with storage include drawers, cabinets, and lower shelves. Optional features like cutting boards, side shelves, and towel bars customize the functionality.
Space Saver: Cosco 3-in-1 Mini Prep Table
If you’re tight on space, check out the Cosco 3-in-1 Mini Prep Table . Despite a petite footprint under 2 feet wide, this little table still packs handy functionality starting around $45. Choose from two tabletop heights while fold-down sides provide added prep space. Underneath, a lower shelf stashes tools and accessories. Locking casters let you roll the 17 lb. table in and out of storage.
Honorable Mentions
A few other excellent options worth considering are:
- Amazon Basics Kitchen Prep Table: An affordable option with wood-look laminate top and chrome storage rack.
- Origami Folding Prep Table: Features a plastic top and folds completely flat for storage.
- Catskill Craftsmen Outdoor Prep Cart: Rustic design with butcher block top and folding side shelves.
Transforming Your Outdoor Kitchen
Once you’ve selected the ideal prep table for your space, it’s time to integrate it into your cooking zone. Follow this advice for maximizing usage and organization:
Strategically arrange surrounding appliances and tools to create efficient workflow. Position your grill, side burner, and sink within easy reach of the prep table. Mount utensil hooks or racks nearby for grab-and-go access to tongs and spatulas.
Organize interior storage areas to keep items visible but out of the way. Use baskets or small organizers inside cabinets to neatly corral spices, condiments, paper towels. Store platters upright in open shelving.
Keep tabletop surfaces clutter-free by storing unnecessary items in drawers, shelves, or cabinets when not in use. Remove chopping boards, knives, and prep bowls once cooking is complete. Wipe down the table after each use to keep it clean.
Use vertical space wisely by mounting hanging racks or hooks above the table. Hang frequently used tools like grill brushes and thermometers overhead within arm’s reach.
Consider setting up zones for different prep stages, like an area for chopping produce, a marinating corner, and a landing spot for cooked foods straight from the grill. Your table keeps each task organized in its own workspace.
With a versatile, well-equipped prep table anchoring your outdoor kitchen, you’ll be able to cook, entertain, and clean up with ease. No more scrambling to find tools or hustling platters in and out. You’ll have everything you need right at hand – and plenty of space to appreciate cooking and time with guests outdoors.
Adding a multi-functional outdoor kitchen prep table can be a game changer for your next warm weather get-together. With ample food prep space and organized storage options, these tables allow you to cook and entertain outdoors in a streamlined, clutter-free environment.
Keep an eye out for weather-resistant construction, mobility features, and versatile designs to get the most out of your investment. And don’t forget to measure your space, assess your needs and budget, and read reviews to select the best option to maximize your time outdoors.
You’ll be ready to serve up good times and great food with a prep table.
