Estimated Expense for Setting Up an Outdoor Kitchen in Your Garden This Year: A General Overview of Costs
Goin' all out and designing an alfresco dining area for those sweltering summer barbecues or chill pizza nights? It’s a popular home improvement project, and here’s a darn good guide on budgeting for that fancy outdoor kitchen setup.
Dishin' on Outdoor Kitchen Ideas:
Mix up your garden with an outdoor kitchen far from the house or that perfect sun-drenched dining spot. Typically decked with a grill, pizza oven, cool box, and prep stations, these spaces make for a hard-working addition on cozy summer nights. But just how much dough should you save up for this bad boy? We chatted with experts and crunched some numbers to bring you a breakdown of the costs.
Money Talks - What's the Price Tag on Outdoor Kitchens in 2025?
Outdoor kitchens can run anywhere from a grand to twenty grand, or even more. If you're a DIY whiz or thrifty upcycler, you might pull off a reasonable price. When planning your budget, be sure to include kitchen storage, countertops, tools, cooling appliances, and cooking equipment. It all boils down to whether your kitchen ends up simple, mid-range, or luxury. Below we’ll give you the lowdown on what to expect.
Basic Budget Beater Outdoor Kitchen:
For a no-fuss setup, you'll run on a tight budget, so opt for DIY solutions and adapted materials. Keep costs minimal by using appliances you already own like a cooler or string lights, and consider these essentials:
- Free-standing coal barbecue
- Softwood work surface
- Open shelving
- Cool box
- Bucket for washing up
- Parasol
- Battery-powered lighting
- @ £2,000 or less *
Mid-Range Marvel Outdoor Kitchen:
A mid-range setup can come with purpose-built structures, better cooking methods, and quality materials. Check out flat-pack companies like IKEA for customizable setups, or garden centers for deals on barbecue housings and cupboards. Here's what you should target:
- Built-in gas or high-end coal barbecue/pizza oven
- Hardwood or tile work surface
- Off-the-shelf cabinetry for a bespoke look
- Mini fridge
- Built-in Belfast sink, with a simple hose or outdoor tap
- Basic pergola
- Plug-in string lighting
- ~£3,000 to £5,000 *
Bells and Whistles Luxury Outdoor Kitchen:
If you're going all out, a luxury kitchen alfresco could cost big bucks. Look forward to professional installation, high-end equipment, and hard-wearing materials. "We provide clients with detailed utility drawings and photo-realistic renders to assist with planning and visualization," explains Simon Burvill, co-founder of Gaze Burvill. Among other extras, ensure your kit includes:
- Two cooking methods (for different temps or cooking types)
- Stone or steel work surface
- Built-in cabinetry
- Fridge and wine chiller
- Fully plumbed-in sink
- Bespoke shelter
- Hard-wired wall lights
- Around £6,000 and up *
Simon teamed up with Christian Gaze to found outdoor furniture company Gaze Burvill, blending traditional techniques with innovative tech.
Money Tips:
- Prep Work: Remember the importance of prep work? It makes or breaks the success. Budget for any necessary repairs or improvements to your patio or deck to ensure your setup is safe and stable.
- Location: When cooking far from the house, be sure to plan a clear path for transporting food and equipment. Consider extra features like washing up stations to make your life easier.
- Maintenance: Don't forget to protect your investment! Protect appliances with covers during winter, and maintain countertops to keep them looking fresh.
- Lighting: To keep the party going till the wee hours, set aside funds for lighting. String lights are a cost-effective option, or opt for hard-wired lights for a more sophisticated feel.
- Permission: Some outdoor kitchens may require site inspections or permits. Check with local authorities to ensure you’re in the clear before starting construction.
Party On, Spectator!
Now that you've decked out your alfresco dining area, it's time to invite family and friends to enjoy all that tasty grub. Happy outdoor dining!
- To complement your outdoor kitchen, consider investing in DIY tiles for your flooring, focusing on trendy colors that perfectly match the art of your outdoor-living space.
- Transform your alfresco dining area with a contemporary kitchen design, incorporating high-quality furniture to align with the latest lifestyle trends.
- For a more luxurious touch, consider upgrading your outdoor kitchen countertops with stylish, durable materials like stone or steel, which will elevate the overall aesthetic appeal.
- To add a touch of sophistication to your outdoor dining area, integrate an outdoor living room with comfortable seating and shelving for storing your top-of-the-line cooking equipment and appliances.
- To bring your home-and-garden design to life, don't forget about the surrounding tiles and walls, as using tiles with intricate patterns or designs can create a visually appealing backdrop for your stunning outdoor kitchen setup.
