Create a Budget Outdoor Kitchen With These 10 Finds
Skip the reno, and get straight to the party.
Having your own outdoor kitchen is a luxury most of us only dream about. But even if we have the room in our backyard, sometimes we just don’t have the budget to build one out. But that doesn’t mean that we’re totally out of luck. You can still create your own (makeshift) outdoor kitchen using a few key items and creativity. We’ve rounded up our favorite ideas that will help you to put together a cost-effective outdoor kitchen of your dreams.
1: Two-Burner Propane Grill
Home Depot
One of the first purchases for your outdoor budget kitchen will likely be a grill. This two-burner propane grill includes two folding side shelves for extra space, as well as an even-heat system to help cook your food more evenly. The bright-red finish adds a retro look.
$299, homedepot.com
2: Outdoor Sink + Drinking Fountain
Amazon.com
Building an outdoor sink area is no small task (and costs quite a bit of money), but you can skip that entirely with this piece. Simply mount it to a wall or to another cabinet, then connect it with any outdoor spigot. The sink even includes a drinking fountain so you can grab a quick sip of water while you’re outside.
$36, amazon.com
3: Pizza Oven
Wayfair
Hardcore pizza lovers should consider adding a pizza oven to their outdoor kitchen setup. This oven is meant to help mimic a brick oven while still being portable enough to move around your outdoor space. It's the perfect choice if you and your family love thin, crisp, brick oven-style pizza.
$234, wayfair.com
4: Wooden Cooler
World Market
Instead of an outdoor refrigerator, use a sleek, outdoor cooler like this one. You can easily fill it up with ice (and empty it when you’re done). When it’s not in use, you can use it as extra seating, or use the top surface to store any other necessities for your space.
$149, worldmarket.com
5: Wicker Bar Cart
Overstock.com
You can use a bar cart as a hub in your outdoor kitchen. You can either use it as a serving piece (drinks on one shelf, food on another), or use it as chic storage. You can keep dishes, flatware, grilling tools, linens or other outdoor accessories stored for easy access whenever you're prepping a meal outside.
$215, overstock.com
6: Serving Tray
Kohl's
These grill trays are the perfect spot to put all of your grilled meats, veggies and skewers. These heavy-duty trays are meant to hold hot food, so you never need to worry about them holding up with grub straight off of the grill.
$107, kohls.com
7: Gas Smoker
Overstock.com
If your family is made up of some serious carnivores, you might want to think about adding a smoker. But even if you’re a vegetarian, you'll still love this tool in addition to your grill. You can easily smoke fish, meats and veggies, all while watching everything cook through the window. The wood chip tray ensures that everything will have that delicious, smoky flavor.
$183, overstock.com
8: Drink Dispenser
Crate & Barrel
This large, sturdy drink dispenser can hold a big batch of fresh lemonade, water or a yummy prepared cocktail for the adults. If you usually host a big crowd, consider buying a few to hold a variety of beverages.
$39, crateandbarrel.com
9: Kids' Picnic Table
Wayfair
This adorable kids' picnic table ensures that the little ones have their own area to play and eat dinner. You can even use several lined up together if you need a bit more space for little ones.
$92, wayfair.com
10: Easy Kabob Prep Set
Sur la Table
This kabob "loader" helps you put together each of your kabobs without the normal mess. You add all of your meat and veggies to each of the channels, then close the top and put your skewers in when you're done. This is also a great tool to use to store kabobs in the fridge while they’re marinating.
$18, surlatable.com
Get more DIYs and resources to help you "build" your perfect budget outdoor kitchen:
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