How to Create an Outdoor Kitchen Without Breaking the Bank

Watching home improvement and renovation shows can make it seem like you need an unlimited budget to build an outdoor kitchen. Whether you imagine making pizza in a wood-fired oven or becoming the ultimate party house on the block, you don't need to spend more on your outdoor kitchen than you did on the one you use daily. We found some great tips that help anyone on a tight budget create an affordable kitchen outside.

Know what you need

While we know that having a brick oven is a dream for many, it is not always an attainable reality. Start by compiling a list of what you need to make a working kitchen. The basics include a grill, refrigerator, or other means of keeping ingredients cold, lighting, and some type of storage. Once you price those items, you'll see how much money is left in the budget for other items. To upgrade the kitchen and cooking area, consider more affordable alternatives like a countertop pizza oven rather than a custom brick oven. You may want to invest in an outdoor oven or sink, too.

Buy it cheap

It is never too early to hop on the internet and look for things others give away or sell cheaply that will work in your kitchen. Do you need a new grill, or will one that is a few years old work just as well? Instead of buying a new full-size refrigerator, consider one designed for dorm rooms. Many are listed for sale in the summer when students no longer need them. You can also look for coolers that people sell when they upgrade their old ones. Tucking one under the counter gives you storage for ingredients that don't cost much. Our marketplace is a great spot to find nearby certified professionals who can install used appliances outside or help you with the kitchen's overall design.

Reuse and recycle

Who says you can only use things the way the manufacturers designed them? Repurpose an old grill to make a new storage area. Just remove the tank and anything else you don't need. Lift the lid to tuck grilling tools and accessories inside, and use the bottom to store charcoal and larger items. You can even seal the grilling space inside and turn it into a funky cooler. Look for ways to reuse other items like gardening buckets and planters as kitchen storage.

Stay close to the house

Building an outdoor kitchen is often expensive because you need to run new power and water lines. The further it is from your home's kitchen, the more this will cost. We recommend staying as close to your house as possible. Plumbers and electricians can then run any new water, power, or refrigerant lines that you need to the outdoor kitchen for less. This also makes it easier for you to run inside when you forget an ingredient or need more supplies.

With as much fun as you'll have designing an outdoor kitchen, these tips will help you follow your budget. Find other budget-friendly tips and ideas on our official Facebook and Instagram pages.