How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
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The short answer: most outdoor kitchens cost $5,000 to $17,000. Lawn Love puts the national average at about $13,180, and HomeAdvisor's average is about $16,145. A small prefab island with a basic grill can come in near $3,000, while large custom kitchens with premium appliances can pass $40,000.
National average outdoor kitchen cost
| Source | Average | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Love (updated December 2025) | $13,180 (about $495 per linear foot) | $5,060 to $17,280 |
| HomeAdvisor (2022 data, cited by BBQGuys) | $16,145 | $6,127 to $26,163 |
| Fixr (2025 data, cited by BBQGuys) | Not given | $6,000 to $30,000 |
The spread is wide because "outdoor kitchen" covers everything from a grill set into a small island to a full kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, pizza oven and roof. Lawn Love's extremes run from about $2,880 to $40,755, and BBQGuys notes that high-end kitchens can reach $80,000 to $100,000.
Cost by size and build type
Outdoor kitchens are often priced by linear foot of counter. Lawn Love's estimates for a complete kitchen:
| Size | Counter length | Prefab kit | Custom build |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | Under 10 ft | Under $3,650 | Under $4,950 |
| Small | About 13 ft | $4,745 | $6,435 |
| Medium | About 16 ft | $5,840 | $7,920 |
| Large | Over 20 ft | $7,300+ | $9,900+ |
Prefab and modular islands arrive finished or nearly finished. Lawn Love puts prefab frames at $250 to $475 per linear foot, against $320 to $670 for custom frames. Ready-to-assemble kits you put together yourself can save a further 20% to 40%.
Custom builds use a steel or block frame finished with stone, brick or stucco, built to fit the space. They cost more but suit awkward layouts and high-end finishes.
Appliances
| Appliance | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Grill (gas, charcoal, pellet or electric) | $180 to $8,400 (Lawn Love) |
| Outdoor refrigerator | $400 to $2,900 (Lawn Love); outdoor-rated units we checked ran $374 to $5,200 |
| Outdoor dishwasher | $400 to $2,000 (Lawn Love) |
Any fridge you put outside must be rated for outdoor use. We compare models in the best outdoor refrigerators, and built-in grills in the best built-in grills.
Countertops and finishes
| Countertop | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Ceramic tile | $6 to $50 |
| Soapstone | $50 to $160 |
| Concrete | $60 to $95 |
| Granite | $65 to $75 |
| Stainless steel | $75 to $100 |
Island facing adds more: Lawn Love lists stucco at $5 to $8 per sq ft, brick veneer at $9 to $15, manufactured stone at $15 to $25 and natural stone at $20 to $40. More on choosing a surface in outdoor kitchen countertops.
Figures from Lawn Love, updated December 27, 2025.
Utilities and labor
Gas, water and power are where location matters most. A kitchen against the house wall can often tap existing lines; one at the far end of the yard needs new trenches and longer runs. Lawn Love lists plumbers at $45 to $150 an hour and electricians at $45 to $100 an hour. Outdoor circuits need GFCI protection and weather-resistant covers, and gas and electrical work usually needs a licensed installer and a permit.
Want to cover the kitchen? Lawn Love puts a pergola over an outdoor kitchen at $2,220 to $8,960. See pergola cost for the detail.
Where you live changes the price
Labor rates vary a lot by region. HomeAdvisor's 2022 figures, cited by BBQGuys, put the average outdoor kitchen at about $19,605 in Los Angeles against about $11,737 across Texas.
Ways to save
- Build against the house to shorten gas, water and power runs.
- Choose a prefab or ready-to-assemble island over a custom masonry build.
- Start with the grill, counter and storage; add the fridge, sink or pizza oven later.
- Use granite remnants or large tiles instead of full stone slabs, as BBQGuys suggests.
- Spend on the grill and outdoor-rated refrigeration first; they are the hardest parts to swap later.
Next steps
- Choosing appliances? See the best outdoor refrigerators.
- Covering the cooking area? Compare pergolas and gazebos.
- Browse all outdoor kitchen guides.
Sources
- Lawn Love: How much does an outdoor kitchen cost in 2026? (updated December 27, 2025)
- BBQGuys: Outdoor kitchen cost (cites Fixr 2025 and HomeAdvisor 2022 data)
- Outdoor refrigerator prices from retailer listings, checked October 9, 2026.
Common questions
What is a realistic budget for a basic outdoor kitchen?
A basic setup with a prefab island, a standard grill and simple finishes can start around $3,000, according to both Lawn Love and BBQGuys. Most finished projects land between about $5,000 and $17,000.
Is a prefab outdoor kitchen cheaper than custom?
Usually, yes. Lawn Love's figures put prefab kitchens about 25% below custom builds of the same size, for example roughly $5,840 versus $7,920 for a medium kitchen of about 16 linear feet.
What adds the most to outdoor kitchen cost?
Appliances and utilities. A grill alone can range from under $200 to over $8,000, and running gas, water and electricity to a kitchen far from the house adds plumber and electrician time.
Does an outdoor kitchen need a permit?
Often, especially when you add gas lines, electrical circuits, plumbing or a roof. Rules vary by town, so check with your local building department before you start.