Mouth-Watering Outdoor Kitchens (And Surprise! Their ROI Is Great)
![Outdoor kitchen on home backyard deck](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d5fd55073e736525e22fe8/60ed9d6a97441b21164f5dd3_outdoor-kitchen-ideas-standard_d7636169cd4f7ac2be1279a7e35c5824.jpeg)
Building an outdoor kitchen is more than an indulgence: These backyard beauties can improve your home's value. Outdoor kitchens typically get a 71% return on investment, according to the "Remodeling Impact Report" from the National Association of REALTORS® — and that's on top of your own outdoor-cooking joy.
The investment can be a little — or a lot. These five outdoor kitchen ideas fit a range of budgets and homes.
#1 A Tiny Outdoor Kitchen for Limited Spaces
![Small outdoor entertaining area with grill and oven](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d5fd55073e736525e22fe8/60ed9d6d22be824d5b334ea7_outdoor-kitchen-ideas-tiny-space_73edf403fdf956311e32383054dcab82.jpeg)
If you boil down an outdoor kitchen to the basics, what more do you need than a grill, a little oven, cupboard space, and a cozy place to sit? This setup does it all efficiently, for as little as a few hundred dollars if you already have outdoor electricity. An electrician will add to the cost.
#2 An Outdoor Kitchen From a Kit
![Concrete outdoor kitchen with sink and wood-burning oven](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d5fd55073e736525e22fe8/60ed9d6aea279515493c66ea_outdoor-kitchen-ideas-kitchen-kit_dd09b2a4185e083d70e978f5e4baf928.jpeg)
Modular kits, like this one from WWOO (starting around $1,500), can be customized to suit your backyard. Some companies even offer design help for additional cost.
The galley-inspired layout here also does double duty by adding privacy. (Keep in mind the cool outdoor sink requires additional plumbing, which will increase the cost.)
#3 An Outdoor Kitchen Made of Concrete & Steel
![White concrete and stainless steal outdoor kitchen](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d5fd55073e736525e22fe8/60ed9d6b03c0263510f8acde_outdoor-kitchen-ideas-conrete_b6984c2d3908a56137d1c00664970153.jpeg)
DIY-savvy homeowners used concrete and cement board to create this L-shaped outdoor kitchen that mimics today's indoor layouts. Guests relax at the counter while the host flips burgers — it's open-concept living in the great wide-open.
No, this isn't DIY 101, but if you've got the skill set you can do it for the cost of materials — and concrete is cheap. If you hire a pro, though, the typical cost is about $14,000 for a kitchen that includes an inset grill, steel drawers, ice chest, sink, and concrete countertop, according to the "Remodeling Impact Report."
#4 An Outdoor Kitchen With Personal Style
![Wooden outdoor kitchen with grill, mini fridge, and table](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d5fd55073e736525e22fe8/60ed9d6a6ddf6960110b5066_outdoor-kitchen-ideas-wood-retina_retina_8a3197147cb69f08e4f9cd36699c5875.jpeg)
Your outdoor kitchen doesn't have to look like everyone else's. But it should match your home's style if you want to get a return on your investment. This DIY kitchen fits the home's rustic style and comes with enough storage any indoor cook would envy.
#5 An Outdoor Kitchen That Says "Sit a Spell"
![Outdoor dining area with yellow umbrella over table](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d5fd55073e736525e22fe8/60ed9d6beeb3d05fbcc3e44d_outdoor-kitchen-ideas-multi-level_ed21c1904c2d9e7b76cda3757e96385a.jpeg)
Your outdoor kitchen can play the same role in your yard that your kitchen inside does: as the heartbeat of every gathering where guests will want to stay awhile. And bonus: The added deck and pergola could also kick up your home value a couple of notches.
Get more outdoor entertaining space ideas here.
![Author photo of writer Jamie Wiebe](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/60d5fd55073e736525e22fe8/60e32b52a01e02978e0bb93f_jamie-wiebe-author-retina_retina_fa899aafa6c1758bd21713886124493a.jpeg)
JAMIE WIEBE
Jamie Wiebe is a writer and editor with a focus on home improvement and design. Previously, she worked as a web editor for "House Beautiful," "ELLE Decor," and "Veranda."
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Published on:
Thursday, July 1, 2021