8 Best Buys for an Outdoor Kitchen You Can Afford

An outdoor kitchen might not seem essential to some homeowners, but for those who treasure long summer nights and backyard fun, it's an absolute necessity. Whether your outdoor setup consists of a simple grill or an elaborate array of furniture and appliances, there are some amazing upgrades your can make to your space. Read on for eight of our favorites.

By Bob Vila Staff | Updated Aug 11, 2023 04:56 AM

Deckside Wet Bar

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Lynx Built-In Cocktail Station with Sink and Ice Bin Cooler

Instead of everything but the kitchen sink, how about everything and the kitchen sink? This multipurpose outdoor kitchen addition comes with a faucet, a deep stainless steel sink, a built-in water filter, and an insulated bin to keep your bottles chilled to perfection. Even better, clever extras like a towel bar and a slide-away cutting board make this compact station work even in backyards without any space to spare. Available on Amazon; $1,899.


Related: 17 DIY Mini Bars to Mix Up Your Outdoor Space

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Vinotemp Stainless Steel Outdoor Refrigerator

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Vinotemp Stainless Steel Outdoor Refrigerator

Savor the summer—and your food—by keeping fresh cookout ingredients at hand for your next alfresco dinner. When you install Vinotemp's Outdoor Refrigerator as a built-in or freestanding helper in your outdoor kitchen, all you'll need to do is set the temperature with the digital control panel, and let the small but mighty cooler do the rest. Available at Home Depot; $1,073.


Related: The Tiniest Appliances You Never Knew Existed

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Outdoor Prep Station

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Suncast Outdoor Prep Station

If you like to cook outdoors, then you know how often it can feel like a juggling act. With everything from condiment bottles to cutting boards in competition for a sorely limited amount of counter space, it can be a challenge to avoid frustration while preparing the meal. Simply put: You need a little more room. If you'd rather not employ something you already own—a potting bench, perhaps—consider the Suncast Outdoor Prep Station. With its drop-leaf extensions, the counter provides 40 inches of easy-to-clean work space. Plus, thanks to the casters mounted on its underside, you can easily wheel the unit to wherever it would add the most convenience. Available at Amazon; $120.


Related: 17 New Essentials for Your Best Ever BBQ

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Serving Cart

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Indoor/Outdoor Folding Rolling Serving Cart

Beside your outdoor dining table, or as a standalone bar area for evening cocktails, a serving cart like this one makes for a wonderfully versatile, always handy accessory on the deck, porch, or patio. Available in a range of colorful paint finishes, the stylish, easily portable unit on wheels also appeals because it folds up flat. It’s there when you need it, in other words—and when you don’t, you can store away the lightweight cart away, out of sight and out of your way (or alternatively, you can use it indoors, perhaps as a TV stand or dining room caddy). Available at Amazon; $65.30.


Related: Eating Out: 10 Essentials for Al Fresco Dining

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Feed the Flames

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Feed the Flames

This complete outdoor kitchen from Cal Flame fuels up on liquid propane to grill up a serious selection of barbecue meats and vegetables. Get several entrees started at their varying temperatures by dividing the menu over four burners. As you go, all cooking tools and platters can be kept in arm's reach behind the L-shaped island's access door and easily moved to the porcelain tile-topped bar once filled to serve friends and family immediately. Available on Amazon; $2,550.


Related: Design Ideas to Steal from 10 Amazing Outdoor Kitchens

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Bar None

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Christian Knight Home Outdoor Trinidad Wicker Bar

Boost any patio's sophistication and function with a do-it-all, three-tiered bar from Christian Knight Home's collection. The woven piece's dark brown tones blend with nearly any existing pieces: wood or wrought iron, black or brown. Plus, the iron framework and weather-resistant polyethylene wicker in this construction ensure that this sturdy bar will keep serving up refreshments for many seasons to come. Available at Overstock.com; $329.


Related: Get Grilling! 10 Best Grills Under $100

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Umbrella

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Patio Umbrella

Patio umbrellas are designed to make al fresco dining more comfortable by sheltering your guests from summer's harsh rays. But these sun screens by Cobana are just as helpful at night. Outfitted with solar-powered LED lights, the umbrella shines light on the table to which it is attached, illuminating a space for outdoor wining and dining, as well as games and lively conversation. Available on Amazon; $168.


Related: 12 Ways to Wake Up Your Tired Outdoor Furniture

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Table

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Six-Piece Acacia Hardwood Patio Furniture

No outdoor kitchen would be truly complete without an outdoor dining area. For an al fresco dining spot that beckons family and friends alike, you'll need a dining set that's both durable and attractive. This six-piece set fits the bill on both counts. Fashioned from acacia hardwood, it can stand up to the summer elements even while its appealing design makes it almost too beautiful to retire during the cold months of the year. Available on Amazon; $643.87.


Related: 10 Doable Designs for DIY Outdoor Furniture

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