35 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas: Best Designs For Inspiration & Entertaining (2024)

Have you been daydreaming about an outdoor kitchen project?

With all the benefits an outdoor kitchen has to offer… We don’t blame you. We obsess over it too.

Time outdoors… Memories with friends and family… Delicious, fresh-grilled food… It’s an experience most of us cherish every summer.

But we don’t need to remind you why outdoor kitchens are amazing. You’re already sold on the concept.

You’re just struggling to come up with some outdoor kitchen ideas.

And if you’re looking for inspiration… You’re in the right place.

We’re here to walk you through outdoor kitchen designs crafted by our very own Design Experts to get your creative juices flowing.

We’ve designed thousands of kitchens over the years… And with that experience, we’ve learned how to design effectively for functionality, efficiency, and aesthetic beauty.

With that said, let’s get inspired.

Quick Links:

• 35 Absolutely Unmissable Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
• How To Bring Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Ideas To Life

These outdoor kitchen designs are all real-life examples… Crafted by our Design Experts for our happy customers.

We have a wide selection of outdoor living ideas for your perusal, so let’s take a peek.

When you think of an outdoor kitchen… There’s a good chance you’re imagining a complete unit.

But this small outdoor kitchen design is an excellent example of how that doesn’t always have to be true!

First, let’s look at what’s in the barbecue grill island.

Obviously, we have a lovely built-in grill.

Below is a combination drawer and door, for some much needed storage.

The drawers are great for keeping any and all cooking utensils… Without cluttering up your small space.

And the attached door allows you full access to the grill.

The final aspect of this grill island is a sink to keep your hands clean with ease.

This straight island is great for those whose primary focus is cooking excellent food.

Like the previous design… This outdoor kitchen design is useful for those with limited space.

The double side burner is an excellent choice to boost cooking capacity. You can have two pots or pans going while you are grilling burgers… And easily make sauces and side dishes to complement the main component of your meal.

This covered outdoor kitchen idea is perfect for those who want to optimize their space for grilling potential… No matter the weather.

Just add a dining table to sit at, and there’s nothing more you need.

This space is nothing short of absolutely stunning…

If you’re looking to create a stylish, at-home outdoor bar setup… We’d suggest taking a page from this homeowner’s book!

This space is under a full-roof cover, equipped with string lighting for that indoor outdoor space feel.

The bar is directly attached to the island… So you can grill and entertain without missing a second of the action.

Even if you don’t have a spacious backyard… That doesn’t mean you can’t have an L-shaped outdoor kitchen.

A shorter grill island paired with a longer bar island can be the perfect compromise in a limited space.

While the functionality of this island is undeniable… The style is also show stopping.

The wooden pergola, plush patio furniture, and bright yellow bar stools give this kitchen a mid-century modern ambiance… Plus a welcome pop of color.

This rustic stacked stone grill station design isn’t only beautiful… It’s also the ultimate in outdoor cooking and entertaining.

If you want outdoor kitchen ideas that get you to be the envy of the neighborhood, this custom design is where it’s at.

The huge footprint of this BBQ island makes it the ideal canvas for entertaining large family dinners.

Grill and serve your dishes family-style… All in one place!

If you don’t consider yourself a grill master… You might be more interested in letting a pizza oven become the star of the show.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find in this modern entertaining area… Packed with all the appliances you could ever want!

This authentic, Italian-made pizza oven from Alfa is accompanied by a set of hanging pizza turners and peels. So if you’ve got a sudden hankering for a fresh made pie… You’re always prepared.

Can’t decide between a natural gas and a pellet grill?

Well, why not include both?

It’s the best of both worlds. Sometimes you want the convenience of a built-in gas grill… Other times you’ll want the rich, smoky flavors that wood pellets bring to the table.

And with this design, you’ll never have to choose one or the other!

If you’re looking to factor a basic outdoor kitchen into an intricate outdoor living room design… This idea is worth your attention.

This homeowner’s impeccable knack for backyard design makes this setup particularly compelling.

Clean white across all elements of the space creates a stunning continuity… With pops of cheerful color here and there to maintain a lively feel.

This cozy paver patio kitchen design is the pinnacle of outdoor relaxation.

We certainly wouldn’t mind sitting in the shaded seating area a few steps away… Chatting with friends… And enjoying a freshly grilled meal. (With a drink in hand, of course!)

And even when the sun goes down… Outdoor string lighting makes this the ideal nighttime hangout spot.

Outdoor kitchen ideas like this one make your yard the optimal summer hangout.

It truly doesn’t get much better than an outdoor kitchen with a fire pit… And this one’s perfectly located beside the large, L-shaped island.

There’s also an expansive outdoor countertop… Including a bar corner unit with plenty of space for guests to gather.

And once dinner’s over… Relax under the nearby pavilion, or grab a chair and keep warm around the fire pit!

Remember when we said it doesn’t get much better than an outdoor fire pit?

Well, an outdoor fireplace is another fantastic option.

While this sleek fireplace is a stunning addition to this homeowner’s outdoor living space… It’s merely complementing the main focal point: The rustic outdoor kitchen.

With this design, you get the best of both rustic and modern elements.

This beautiful outdoor kitchen is truly something to behold, isn’t it?

With a huge stainless steel grill insert, power burner, refrigerator, sink, and even a pizza oven… You’ll be well equipped to entertain parties of just about any size.

And we can’t forget about the raised island for bar seating, either.

We’d say it’s a dream come true.

When it comes to your very own outdoor kitchen setup… Why do all the islands need to be squished together?

You’ll note that there are actually three separate islands here, each in different locations.

There’s a bar island with two refrigerators… A grill island with a power burner… And yet another island with a pizza oven!

And we have to say, the clean-cut white finish and stainless steel appliances certainly look striking against the greenery.

If you’re after modern outdoor kitchen ideas… Look no further.

What first catches your eye here is the aesthetic. The sleek, black, plank finish is a standout in any modern space.

Situated on a deck, this design is perfect for small gatherings.

With plenty of dining space right by the grill island… This is a spot where everyone will want to hang out!

Not much is missing from this outdoor living space.

And as you perfect your culinary craft, your guests can watch the magic happen from the nearby seating area.

We also can’t overlook the refrigerator and double access doors, both of which are seamlessly incorporated into the design.

What better way to get fresh air?

An outdoor kitchen on a deck is a match made in heaven… As evidenced by this beautiful outdoor kitchen idea.

The white finish of the grill island flawlessly meshes with the dark wooden deck and dining table.

And ambient outdoor lighting is provided by way of a hanging chandelier.

This outdoor kitchen cabinetry is simply the definition of elegance.

This U-shaped kitchen design seamlessly optimizes every square inch of space.

So if you’re looking for a large outdoor kitchen idea, take notes!

You can truly cook for a crowd in this kitchen design… And you probably won’t even break a sweat.

If you want to cook under the stars, and have your kitchen look great while you do… This outdoor kitchen idea may be illuminating (literally!).

The surrounding retaining wall is tastefully lit up, providing the perfect backdrop… And casting just enough light on this large U-shaped setup.

Day or night, you’d certainly get the most from this BBQ island.

Want outdoor kitchen patio ideas made for the cooking enthusiast in you? This idea is it!

There are three cooking appliances featured in this kitchen… The asado smoker, double side burner, and Coyote gas grill.

Plus, this homeowner incorporated an umbrella into their design… So, you can catch some shade as you grill, and your guests don’t have to sit in the blistering hot sun at the bar island.

Want to build an outdoor kitchen by the pool? Let this idea inspire you.

Just steps away from the cool, refreshing pool… Is a convenient L-shaped kitchen island.

The roof covering keeps this kitchen and bar island cast in shade… For some additional comfort.

And though this may not be the largest design, it sure is functional.

If you’re after landscape decor ideas to complement your summer kitchen… Here’s a unique example of what’s possible!

This kitchen blends cleanly into the overhead pergola, like it was always meant to be there.

Pops of greenery keep the space from feeling austere… And the abundance of space draws your eyes directly to the outdoor kitchen.

This outdoor kitchen idea features a backsplash for safe outdoor grilling… But it’s done in a tasteful way that adds to the aesthetic, rather than taking away.

We love how the subtle variations of gray play off the bright stacked stone finish and stainless steel appliances.

And with plenty of food prep area, this is a design to keep in mind!

Wondering how to maximize space under a shaded structure? Look no further than this design.

The extra long island abutting the house provides the perfect serving area. (Buffet-style serving makes hosting so much easier.)

A gap between the two islands provides added mobility under the pergola, so you’ll never feel crowded while cooking.

If you love to host.. This is a near perfect setup!

Need some outdoor kitchen design ideas that incorporate a TV? With this example, you’ve got it made.

This indoor outdoor kitchen space is framed with two outdoor TVs, one on each side. So whether you’re at the grill island, or the bar island… You won’t need to crane your neck to get a good look at what’s on the screen.

And can we just mention how lovely the modern stone finish looks here?

If you play your cards right… You can bring all the amenities of your indoor kitchen to your outdoor space.

And that’s exactly what these homeowners did.

With a fully functional outdoor kitchen and a large dining table only a few steps away… This family can enjoy dinner outside every night of the week. (And look at that view!)

This outside kitchen offers the best of both worlds. With a full-fledged gas grill and charcoal grill… All your grilling dreams will be realized in a single unit.

And for the cherry on top… This outdoor kitchen idea features tons of storage space for your utilities and other necessities.

Between double access doors, a single drawer, and double drawer storage… There’s more than enough to keep you from running in and out of the house ever again.

If you’ve got a freshly installed patio… There’s nothing better to add to your backyard than a patio outdoor kitchen.

And with this example, you’ll see just what we mean.

The beautiful pavers are enhanced by the modern stone finish on this BBQ island… Firmly establishing the grayscale theme these homeowners were looking for.

Need we say more?

When it comes to your outdoor kitchen cabinet design… The built-in grill should be the star of the show.

And with this outdoor kitchen idea, it certainly is. But there’s also a couple other kitchen appliances to add to the fun.

A side burner and outdoor pizza oven add some much-welcomed versatility… So your backyard BBQ’s will truly become the talk of the town.

Keep your precious outdoor kitchen protected with this creative idea.

This gazebo offers plenty of cover for the spacious outdoor kitchen… And a nearby seating area as well.

So kick back, relax, and enjoy a couple drinks… Without worrying about a sudden change in the forecast.

This outdoor kitchen plan is a true show-stopper!

A pellet grill, flat top griddle, pizza oven, refrigerator, and storage are all efficiently packed into a relatively simple layout.

Plus, there’s plenty of counter space left over for food prep and rolling out pizza dough.

We’ve got to hand it to them… This homeowner thought of everything!

Got a deck that’s begging for an outdoor kitchen area?

You’re going to love this simple outdoor kitchen idea.

This sleek island is packed with all the essentials for entertaining… And a view we could stare at all day long.

Bring a bright, summery feel to your backyard year-round with this outside kitchen idea.

The reclaimed brick finish is a beautiful blend of the modern and rustic aesthetics… With a light hue that’s easy on the eyes.

Decorating this island with flowers, fruits, and other summery adornments will prove to be a great mood-lifter all season long.

Designing an outdoor kitchen is an exciting time… And this homeowner offers a prime example of how to get your BBQ island to match your house.

The stacked stone finish on this island seamlessly complements this brick home… While also retaining its own unique feel.

Not to mention the excellent array of appliances! The power burner, gas grill, and countertop pizza oven are all you need for incredible meals right outside.

Make all your lakeside dreams come true with this incredible outdoor kitchen idea.

You can enjoy the view and the sound of water lapping up on the shore without hopping on a boat or kayak… You can get all the benefits by grilling just a few short steps away from your home.

And once you’re done… Hop on over to the bar island, enjoy your meal, and bask in the sun!

If you live in an urban area… You don’t necessarily have to dash your hopes for an outdoor kitchen BBQ.

And these extraordinary outdoor kitchen images more than prove it.

This rooftop island is made with a sleek, modern concrete finish… Yet meshes seamlessly with the more traditional architecture of the building.

Appreciate the city skyline that much more with the help of this grill island idea!

Alright, that’s all the outdoor kitchen inspiration we have for you today.

But if you’re ready to take things a step further… Read on for the perfect way to begin.

So… What do you think?

We’ve taken a look at many outdoor kitchen ideas.

Hopefully, your creative juices are flowing at this point!

You should also know, when you work with RTA… This is just a small sample of your possibilities.

And if none of these spark the creative spirit for you… Feel free to use our outdoor kitchen design tool. It’s online, free, and takes just a few minutes to create the perfect custom design for you.

You can customize your ideal size, dimensions, layout, finish, and more… To create something truly personalized and tailored to you.

Even if you don’t decide to work with us… This tool is extremely helpful for your research.

And if you’re still in the early stages of planning… Our Learning Hub is another great resource to help you out with your project.

If you do decide to work with us here at RTA… Here’s what you can expect.

Once your design is submitted and finalized… We’ll ship your kitchen island straight to your door, 95% complete and ready to assemble.

It’ll arrive in panels… Which simply need to be bolted together to set up.

Then, the granite or concrete countertops and appliances can be placed… And that’s it! Your new kitchen is up, running, and ready for business.

This can be a DIY project, completed in one afternoon with a few sets of hands…

Or, you can choose to sit back and let one of our Pro-Installers do the work, if you’d prefer.

Then, you can enjoy your new outdoor entertaining area for life… Because that’s how long Coyote’s 304 stainless steel appliances and our reinforced concrete kitchens last! (Our limited lifetime warranty backs up this claim!)

As always, we are happy to help! If you’re looking for more guidance on your outdoor kitchen project, just reach out.

There’s nothing we love more than helping homeowners like you obtain the outdoor kitchen of their dreams.