What Are the 3 Types of Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Kits?

A recent survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) shows that outdoor kitchens have become the most popular home specialty feature requested by clients. Homeowners are building outdoor kitchens to increase property values, create entertainment areas, expand living space, and design a family gathering place. 

What Are the 3 Types of Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Kits?
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But, adding an outdoor kitchen is a big investment, especially if a contractor designs and builds it. With that in mind, many homeowners choose more-affordable prefabricated kitchen kits, which some property owners install themselves. Customers can buy finished ready-to-assemble, modular, or ready-to-finish prefab outdoor kitchen kits.  

1. Finished Ready-to-Assemble Kits

Ordering a prefabricated, ready-to-assemble (RTA) outdoor kitchen kit from professionals like RTA Outdoor Living is the next easiest thing to hiring a contractor to build a kitchen. Manufacturers handle all of the complex design decisions, so when a kitchen kit arrives, it has everything the customer needs. In many cases, homeowners can install the feature-rich kitchens themselves.  

An RTA outdoor kitchen will include a framework, appliances, countertops, a grill, and any other features customers choose. Feature for feature, RTA kitchens tend to be the least expensive kits. Because the kits are so complete, some customers can install them within a few hours without professional help. In comparison, a contractor may take anywhere from three weeks to four months to complete a kitchen.

While the designs for these kits start with a grill, customers can order prefab kitchens in the shape and size they want. Designs can be as simple as a grill and storage or include an array of features like a refrigerator, an oven, and a seating area. In some cases, homeowners can order elements like a roof and entertainment features.  

RTA kits are often called the kitchen or barbecue islands, and the main component is always the grill. With that in mind, clients need to spend time selecting a bbq grill that is the right type and size for their needs. 

During the design phase, it is also important to consider whether to decide on grill fueling choices. Natural gas grills are common, but that means running a gas line to the outdoor kitchen, which is expensive. Fortunately, suppliers offer propane-fueled models that can be installed anywhere.  

2. Modular Kitchen Kits 

A modular kit could be ideal for those who want a little more creative freedom but need to save money on their outdoor kitchen. With a modular kit, components like the grill, refrigerator, cabinet, or sink are treated as individual modules. Modules are designed to match, and homeowners can arrange them in various ways.

Before ordering a modular kit, design professionals recommend that homeowners decide what size kitchen they want and consider which functions will be most important. Building a fully functional outdoor kitchen in a small space is possible even if it includes only a grill, counters, and a cabinet.

One advantage of modular kits is that they can be configured to accommodate round, narrow, and other hard-to-fit spaces. Homeowners can even order just a grill and refrigerator and add them to a deck.

Customers can choose only modules they want, giving them the freedom to create a variety of configurations. Being able to alter the layout can help save money and make the kitchen more convenient. For example, a homeowner can skip the sink and refrigerator by creating a convenient layout near the inside kitchen.

Appliance manufacturers often sell modular outdoor kitchen kits, which means they use their brand of refrigerators, grills, stoves, smokers, coolers, and other modules. However, that can be a benefit. If customers are dealing with a trusted brand, they have fewer decisions. It also guarantees that all the elements work well together.  

In most cases, modular kits are pre-finished, so they have attractive exterior surfaces made of materials such as wood, steel, or stone. They do include a framework, but there are usually no countertops or siding. But, sellers typically offer ready-to-finish products, too, and they can be a good option for DIY homeowners who want to choose their own finishes.  

HGTV experts point out that modular kitchen kits can typically be installed on various surfaces, including brick, pavers, and concrete, making them ideal for do-it-yourselfers. However, before ordering a kit, homeowners should see if they need to add plumbing, electricity, or gas. If a planned location needs to have utilities installed, doing so can significantly increase the cost of the kitchen.

3. Ready-to-Finish Kitchen Kits

homeowners who want the most freedom of choice when installing an outdoor kitchen will do well with a ready-to-finish (RTF) kit. Each kit includes adjustable frames for components such as the countertop, sink, grill, refrigerator, and cabinets. There are many suppliers offering both modular and RTF kits, but the quality can vary widely. It is crucial to buy from a trusted seller with a reputation for delivering high-grade products. 

A well-made kit provides several benefits. Customers can add any material they want, making it easy to finish kitchens to match their homes. They also choose their preferred appliances, countertops, grills, and other components. Then, they buy pre-framed cabinets that will accommodate them. 

RTF frames are made of metals such as steel or aluminum and have paneling for sides. They have cutouts so that owners can fit various components. Homeowners need to measure cutouts to make sure they fit and might need to make adjustments, but installation is generally quick. Suppliers help clients choose their cabinets and may offer to custom cut them.

One of the great advantages of RTF kits is that homeowners can easily create any layout they want. Even customers with little landscape knowledge can design and install a beautiful RTF outdoor kitchen, with the help of online tutorials. Resources like LandscapingNetwork are excellent sources of tips and instructions.

Outdoor kitchens have become very trendy because they serve so many purposes. Kitchens can become entertainment centers, family gathering places, and an extension of indoor dining areas. With that in mind, many homeowners order prefabricated outdoor kitchen kits to save money and installation time. Kits fall into one of three categories. Customers can order finished ready-to-assemble, modular, or ready-to-finish kits. Each has benefits, so there is a product to meet any homeowner's needs.