Top 60 Best Outdoor Kitchen Ideas – Chef Inspired Backyard Designs
There’s nothing like the taste and sensation of feasting outdoors, and any camping and barbecue enthusiast will tell you that food prepared out in the open is twice as mouthwatering.
For those who need a little more than a cooking fire or grill, the outdoor kitchen is the perfect culinary companion.
Designed with all the conveniences of an interior kitchen, these outdoor kitchen ideas provides ample space to prepare meals and likewise entertain, with added shelter options to ensure against increment weather. With state-of-the-art plumbing, refrigeration, and full stove and oven utilities, the outdoor kitchen is a gourmand’s second home. Full scale dining amenities allow for optimal ambiance, with a multitude of possible seating and serving arrangements.
Rustic or refined, the outdoor kitchen is an extension of your home and culinary flair. Whether you prefer to cook under the open skies, swinging lanterns, or a bespoke canopy, you are master chef in your outdoor domain. From industrial surfaces to New England seafronts, there is no limit to the outdoor kitchen’s destination motif.
There are few joys in life that compare to cooking and nourishing one’s self and loved ones. An outdoor kitchen elevates that joy to the backyard and open sky, where you and your family can feast in natural luxury all year long.
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Outdoor Kitchen Ideas
This outdoor kitchen has a bachelor vibe or it could be an outdoor entertainment area for corporate guests. Either way, it’s a quality design with tall shrubs for privacy. A great setting for intimate gatherings.
Swimming pool, kitchen, cool vibe, and beautiful environment, what more can you ask for? A lovely place to chill out on hot summer days enjoying a cold drink with family and friends.
Ocean blue gravel framing pearl white concrete slabs shaded by a dark wood pergola and luscious green, is paradise. What more do you need?
This is the type of outdoor kitchen where you hang-out every chance you get. A modular sofa makes the environment extra comfortable with a view to complete the experience.
A gable roof with recessed lighting is the highlight of this outdoor kitchen. Random laid stones and wicker furniture and fireplace says home in every way.
Beauty and practicality are what this beautifully designed outdoor kitchen is all about. Soft lighting, grey hued stones, and strong wood beams add an unusual warmth and amiability.
How Much Does it Cost to Build an Outdoor Kitchen?
First of all, you can spend as much as you want on your outdoor kitchen. If you have any DIY skills, you might want to put them to good use as well. Regardless of your situation and whether you have a tight budget or no budget at all, it’s better to have an idea of what you intend to spend on your new exterior kitchen. This will also give you more control over the outcome of your outdoor kitchen design.
For all intent and purposes, let’s assume that you’re on a budget and searching for the best price to get your new outdoor kitchen digs operational.
You should check your finances and determine how much you can spend compared to how much you want to spend. For example, if you want to go all out and install a top of the line, outdoor kitchen with state-of-the art appliances like a smart refrigerator, bar, two-sided grill, and other extravagant constructs, your outdoor kitchen will cost you at minimum $55,000. And that’s being modest.
If you have the funds for a high-end outdoor kitchen, great! However, most people don’t have that kind of extra cash lying around.
Do your research to get an idea of the price range of all the outdoor kitchen features you think you will need like lighting, hardware, seating, etc. Use this list when speaking with contractors. If you are informed before you make the rounds for a good contractor, you might be able to negotiate a better price.
It is crucial, when it comes to your budget, to find a balance between what you think you want and what you can actually afford.
Basic Outdoor Kitchen Component Basics and Their Potential Cost
1. Grill
There’s no outdoor kitchen without a grill and usually the entire outdoor kitchen is designed around this one feature. However, experts do agree that if you want to skimp on money, don’t do with the grill.
Distinct from other outdoor appliances, grill heads and parts frequently differ along with material quality and warranties. And seeing that the grill is usually the first outdoor kitchen feature you will purchase, check your options for the best your money can buy.
For example, maybe you prefer a stand alone grill equipped with a side burner, or perhaps you favor a grill built into your outside kitchen’s framework. After considering basic features, a grill will cost you anywhere from $200 for a more primitive model to $15,000 for a high-end model.
2. Appliances
As far as appliances are concerned, a fridge would be a cool convenience to have outside; however, it’s not necessary. OK, it might be easier than having to go back-and-forth into the house to fetch food and drinks. And it’s especially annoying if you forget things and have to go back inside, or someone has a special request that can only be found, you guessed it, in the fridge. But, such is life. You can expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $1000 for a decent outdoor fridge.
3. Framework
An outdoor kitchen requires some type of framework to fit into. You can purchase a ready-made model for roughly $200 to $400 per linear foot. Or, you can go the custom made route and pay approximately $400 to $600 per linear foot.
The framework finish can be derived from a variety of materials including manufactured stone, poured concrete, stucco, granite, or natural stone. Prices per square foot will widely differ. For instance stucco will cost $5 per square foot while poured concrete will set you back $135 per square foot.
4. Plumbing, Gas, and Electricity
Your outdoor kitchen will require a proper substructure to get things working. For instance, electrical appliances will need electricity and an outdoor sink will require access to water and a hook-up to a sewer system. The expenditures can get expensive, so be sure when you request an estimate, everything you need is included in the costs.
5. Work Surfaces
Exterior work surfaces should be easy to keep clean, long-lasting, and aesthetically pleasing. There are a variety of materials to choose from like concrete, granite, and flagstone is available. According to the professionals, external work surfaces can run anywhere from $3,500 to $5,000.
6. Sinks
Though some may consider an outdoor sink a luxury, there’s really no way to work around not installing it unless you have a backyard mini-pool that will work as a substitute. A sink installation will cost around $300.
7. Material Choices
The materials you choose for your outdoor kitchen will have a huge impact on the costs. Not only that, your choice of material will determine how well your kitchen can withstand the climate and the return you can anticipate on your investment.
In addition, you might consider using materials comparable to your indoor kitchen. This may work as far attractiveness goes, but will be a disappointment in terms of practicality and durability. Take for example wood cabinets. They might look charming in an indoor kitchen, but as far as outside where they will be exposed to various elements like rain and sunlight, the idea doesn’t seem so practical after all. In fact, it’s not practical.
Are Their Any Outdoor Kitchen Features You Shouldn’t Waste Your Money On?
Actually, yes, there are quite a few. First off, forget about an outdoor dishwasher and oven. They might be convenient but any dish washing can be performed inside the house. As far as keeping food warm, take advantage of the top-rack of your grill and use unconventional ways to grill large slabs of meat.
A custom designed pizza oven may be great as a highlight, but they’re not easy to use and keeping them clean is a hassle. You can purchase a good quality worktop model for more than half the price of an installed one. Stone worktops and floors have aesthetic appeal, but tile is more versatile and cost less.
The Splurge
These are a few of the key components that will get your outdoor kitchen up and running along with their estimated cost. But, keep in mind that there will be extra cost for various features like lighting, roofing structure, building permits, and so on.
What’s more, unless finances are not an issue, you will have to make concessions here-and-there. The only place where it is suggested that you should never compromise, and it was emphasized before, is the grill. You need a state-of-the-art grill which doesn’t necessarily mean the latest features or the largest. You simply need a good quality grill that will do what you need it to do and one that will last.
The second feature that you might want to splurge a little on is the sink. A fridge, not so much. However, if you had to make a choice between the fridge and the sink, get the sink. You can always fill it with crushed ice and use it to keep drinks cold.
Additional Things to Consider
We’ve gone through the basics, but want about other features like flooring, seating, entertainment, insect repellents, fire pits for cool days and nights, foliage, bar, and protection from the elements? This things should be discussed with your contractor since where and how they will be placed will depend on your outdoor kitchen’s basic construction.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
With cellphones so ubiquitous, your watch choice can be less about telling time and more about personal style. However, a watch is not ‘just’ a watch. For example, the vast majority are made for right-handed people, but a select few cater to the lefties among us. There is a wide range in functionality and size.
The wristwatch is also one of the few socially acceptable accessories for men, so why not have a small selection? If you’re not cashing a CEO’s paycheck just yet, here are the top 28 most handsome watches for men that retail for under $500.
Got a bigger budget? Then check out our guide to the best men’s watches under $1000 instead.
Top 29 Best Watches Under $500 For Men
1. Tommy Hilfiger Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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If you like the feel of a pliable, non-metal band but aren’t comfortable with genuine leather, this watch comes equipped with a handsome synthetic band. At 46mm in diameter, this watch is perfect for men of smaller stature, as it will not overpower your hand or make it look like you’re wearing your father’s watch. With bold Arabic numerals, a stainless steel case, and classic styling, this watch is an outstanding choice for an everyday watch and the man on a budget.
2. Nordgreen Pioneer – Black Dial
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Not everyone has an endless amount of cash to drop on a luxury timepiece. If you’re money-conscious but want something high-end, then why not consider the Nordgreen Pioneer.
An inspired take on a classic Chronograph, Nordgreen celebrates the Danish with what they call a timepiece “that captures the sustainable future.” Available in various dial colors from blue, black, and white. There’s even the choice of three case colors – gunmetal, silver, and rose gold. A perfect addition to the collection of any watch enthusiast.
3. Fossil Grant Brown Leather Watch
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This lovely offering by Fossil features slim Roman numeral hour markers and delicate cut-out hands. The casing is stainless steel and is water-resistant to 165 feet, making it a great dive watch. The band is made of supple, soft calfskin leather and uses a buckle closure.
Of course, this timepiece also comes with the generous 11-year warranty and it’s own fun tin. This watch oozes class and is great for nearly every occasion in your life.
4. Citizen Sport Stainless Steel Men’s Watch With Brown Leather Band
If you don’t want to deal with changing out a battery in a digital watch, this watch is powered by either natural or indoor lighting. The mineral crystal face and stainless steel case make this watch water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for swimmers and snorkelers.
Handsome and utilitarian, this is a great watch for everyday wear. It’s one of the best watches for men who are always on the go.
5. Fossil Men’s Machine Chronograph Silicone Watch
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This watch was designed with the active man in mind. The knurled silicone band stands up to sweat and oils without issue, and the timepiece itself is water-resistant to 165 feet.
The patterned bezel and quality craftsmanship of the black dial is excellent, as is to be expected from a Fossil watch. It even comes in the iconic and collectible tin!
6. Citizen Men’s Eco-Drive Watch
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This men’s watch features Japanese quartz movement that charges itself indoors or out when exposed to light, making it a great choice for those who don’t want to change out the battery too often. The stitched canvas strap is soft against your skin and will wick away moisture, while the mineral crystal face stands up to the rigors of your everyday life.
Water-resistant to 330 feet, this dive watch is a classic and simple design you’ll be proud of for years to come.
7. Invicta Pro Diver Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Another gorgeous offering by Invicta, this watch features a bold design with a slightly nautical feel to it. It will look at home whether you’re wearing a business suit or are going for a dive of less than 660 feet. This piece is also covered by a one-year warranty as a matter of course. The luminosity feature and magnified date window make it a great choice if you work or play in low light.
If you want something that looks like a Tag Heuer but without the luxury watch brand price tag, this is a good option!
8. Casio Edifice Multi-Function Men’s Watch
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This watch has three sub-dials for 12 hour, 60 minute and 60-second displays, in addition to the standard time. It also features a fold-over, push-down clasp on the stainless strap, keeping it secure throughout your activities. If you’re looking for a classy timepiece that shrieks sophistication, this is a great choice.
9. Fossil Machine Three Hand Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This quality watch is a chameleon piece. It looks at home as a dress watch riding below the cuff of your best suit, and it also looks great paired with jeans and a t-shirt. Backed by Fossil’s 11-year warranty as a matter of course and beautifully crafted, this smoke-colored piece is guaranteed to become the go-to accessory for nearly every occasion.
10. MVMT Watches Black Face Men’s Watch
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If you like the look of a simple watch, this minimalist offering from MVMT is right up your alley. With just a plain black face, tick marks to denote the hours and a single date window, there is nothing overdone or extravagant about this design. The is understated and suited to the simple design. It’s definitely a classy, low-key piece for the budget-conscious.
11. Timex Weekender Watch
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If you’re looking for a fun watch to pair with casual outfits, this is a great option. The band is blue and yellow woven nylon, and the face features both civilian and military timekeeping. An Indiglo night light is also included. This watch is water-resistant to 99 feet, meaning it can withstand splashes of water or exposure to rain but you won’t want to submerge it.
12. PUMA Ultrasize Black Sport Men’s Watch
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Boasting a 50mm diameter, this piece is perfect for the large-framed man or one who likes to wear his accessories oversized. A true fashion statement, this sports watch comes in eight different colors schemes to match your favorite hues.
Do be aware, however, that the dial knob is configure for left-handed men!
13. Timex Easy Reader Men’s Watch
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Another dress watch designed with the older gentleman in mind, this watch features a white dial with generously sized numerals that do not appear comical to the casual observer.
It’s also an excellent choice if you take your contacts out at night and still want to be able to check the time. With classic lines and a simple white face, the watch would not be out of place at any casual gathering. It comes with Timex’s one-year warranty at no additional charge.
14. Fossil Nate Men’s Chronograph Watch
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For men who like a more gritty, industrial feel to their accessories, this Fossil watch is right on point. The bezel is gear-edged and the face is utilitarian black and gray. Water-resistant to 165 feet, this watch is a great choice if you like your adornments to be understated yet add visual interest.
It’s definitely a stand-out piece, for those who would take notice!
15. Timex Expedition Field Chronograph Men’s Watch
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Featuring an indigo night light, tachymeter, a date window and a buckle closure, this watch is perfect for men who like to work or play outdoors. It is also water-resistant to 330 feet, making it a great choice for snorkeling or swimming.
You won’t want to wear it for diving, however. With classic, black styling and a genuine crystal face, this is a timepiece that will stand the test of time in both form and function.
16. Seiko 5 Automatic Stainless Steel Men’s Watch
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This Seiko automatic watch has all the bells and whistles you need, but presents it all in a plain and strikingly attractive manner. It features a date window in either English or Spanish, sword-shaped hands, a sweeping second hand and a mineral dial window. This is a great option for the man on the go. The canvas strap can be removed and hand-washed if sweat or other odors become an issue.
This watch is not water-resistant, so you’ll only want to wear it when you won’t be popping by the pool for a swim!
17. Invicta Pro Diver Collection Silver-Tone Men’s Watch
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For those who prefer an all-metal timepiece, the stainless steel Invicta fits the bill nicely. It has a similar aesthetic to a Tag Heuer watch, but at a more affordable price. Equipped with a unilateral bezel and removable links, the band can be customized to fit your wrist perfectly. The face is flame fusion crystal and features a magnifier to highlight the date window.
It’s also water-resistant to 660 feet. If you’re looking for a gorgeous watch that stands up to an active lifestyle, this is an excellent choice.
18. Seiko Men’s Adventure-Solar Classic Casual Watch
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This Seiko watch derives its power from either natural or indoor light and can withstand water depths of up to 330 feet. The supple brown leather strap and timeless brushed steel give this piece an attractive look, and the alarm chronograph is easy to set.
If you’re looking for a watch that can serve as a backup for your wake-up call while traveling, stand up to the elements and look awesome, this casual wrist watch is a winner.
19. Nautica Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Blue Resin Band
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Featuring a plethora of options and a smart, snappy style, this a great casual watch with a eye-catching blue dial. The hardy resin band is adjustable, and the face is protected by a mineral window. Whether for work or play, this bold blue design is handsome and substantial on the wrist. It comes with Nautica’s five-year warranty at no additional charge.
20. Citizen Sport Men’s Stainless Steel Watch with Black Leather Band
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The black, red and white face of this piece eschews the traditional two-tone color scheme so often employed in other watches, and the contrasting stitching on the band adds creative flair. It comes backed by Citizen’s five-year warranty and will compliment any casual outfit.
21. Alessi Tic15 Analog Display Analog Quartz Black Men’s Watch
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Another not-quite-round offering on our list, the curved square casing of this piece gives it instant visual appeal. Sleek and clean, this unfussy design will be a compliment to almost any occasion. It has quartz movement and is water-resistant to 99 feet, making it a great choice for everyday wear.
22. Invicta 1517 I Force Collection Watch
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Another on our list designed for left-handed men, this watch is something special. Water-resistant to 330 feet and featuring oversize stenciled numbers and a sub dial, this watch is great for any casual outfit. The cloth band is extremely durable and stands up to dirt, sweat and grime.
If you lead an active lifestyle, this watch will be right at home in your collection.
23. TRIWA Blue Steel Nevil Canvas Watch
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This watch comes in a whopping 14 color variations, all of them beautiful. You may decide to add more than one to your collection!
Designed in Sweden, this watch features Japanese quartz movement, a stainless steel casing and a strap made from Tärnsjö organic leather. TRIWA, which stands for Transforming the Industry of Watches, believes in the artistry of fine jewelry and it shows in their product.
24. Victorinox Swiss Army Alliance Watch
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Another fine dress watch from the makers of the Swiss Army knife, this watch is emblazoned with the internally recognized cross and shield emblem. It has no sub-dials, tachymeter or other add-ons to detract from its simple and appealing style.
This watch will be at home with all but the most formal of outfits and carries a two-year warranty.
25. Ingersoll Automatic Stainless Steel Bull Run Watch
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Again, Ingersoll remakes the classics and brings them into the present day. With a highly polished stainless steel casing, two sub-dials, a date aperture and arrow-shaped hands, this quartz watch is beautiful.
The band features contrasting stitching on the fine-grain leather, adding depth and detail to the workmanship. This watch will compliment any casual occasion and can be relied upon for years to come.
26. Tissot Quickster Chronograph Black Leather Men’s Watch
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Made with scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and Swiss automatic movement, this watch is a smart and utilitarian choice. If you’re looking for a solid Swiss watch that isn’t flashy, this is an excellent option. It’s also guaranteed for two years.
27. Seiko Sport Solar Men’s Beige Watch
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Are you getting tired of squinting down at your watch or holding it closer and closer to your face? Don’t worry, we all get a bit nearsighted with age, especially over the age of 40.
If you’re not quite ready for reading glasses or a comically huge watch, this is a great choice from Seiko. The numerals, indices and luminous hands stand out in stark white against a black background, and the numerals are generous in size. It’s a perfect casual watch for the older gentleman.
28. Seiko Men’s 5 Watch Blue Canvas Band
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This simple and affordable watch has a clean, crisp aesthetic to it and doesn’t bog down its design with a ton of bells and whistles. It’s time and date, end of.
If you want a watch for casual wear, this Seiko is a shoo-in. The band is forgiving and comfortable against your wrist, and it’s blue color will likely compliment your existing wardrobe. The price is also extremely affordable.
29. Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Stainless Steel Watch With Brown Leather Band
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Featuring the Hilfiger logo at the three o’clock position, this wrist watch is a statement piece. It is a bright, shiny stainless steel work of art that you’ll be proud to wear at all but the most stuffy of workplaces. The calfskin leather band uses a buckle closure and the date window is beside the logo at three o’clock.
If you’re a fan of Tommy clothing, cologne or luggage, you can complete your look with this stunning accessory.