What's the cost of an outdoor kitchen? Everything you need to know about budgeting for your very own alfresco hub

Outdoor kitchens are becoming more and more popular in the UK as a hub for alfresco cooking and dining in the garden. But what's the cost of an outdoor kitchen?

For homeowners keen to hop on the trend and fulfil their own outdoor kitchen ideas, the quick answer is simply: 'as much as you'd like to invest!'

According to experts at Checkatrade, your minimum spend would be around £1000 but up to £50,000 for a bespoke design, with an average of £20,000 for a good quality outdoor kitchen.

And quality is everything. 'While the upfront cost of a high-quality outdoor kitchen may be higher, it can save you money in the long run, says Steve Esdaile, founder of EO Kitchens. 'Cheaper options might require frequent repairs or replacements, leading to additional expenses. Investing in a durable, well-made kitchen reduces these costs, making it a more cost-effective choice over time.'

Still, it is possible to try out DIY outdoor kitchen ideas if you're on a budget, and it will suffice until you decide you want a more permanent fixture. The amount of space you have will also be a factor, so if you're limited with space, you might find focusing on small outdoor kitchen ideas will save you money.

Steve Esdaile

A multiple award-winning designer, Steve Esdaile has run Esdaile Design for 20 years, creating original interiors for corporate multi-site retailers and luxury private spaces. Working from a practice in Surrey, Esdaile Design looks after clients and their projects at home and abroad, from the brief and initial inspiration through to final completion.

How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?

So, what's the cost of an outdoor kitchen? There are several factors to consider...

'An outdoor kitchen can be a great addition to any backyard or garden area. However, the cost of setting up an outdoor kitchen varies widely depending on many factors such as size and complexity, material used, craftsmanship, innovation, creativity and labour costs,' says Mara Rypacek Miller, managing director, Industville.

'A basic setup could cost anywhere around £3,000 to £5,000 for just the basics such as countertops, cabinets, appliances and other essential elements. For those looking to add more intricate features such as stone fireplaces or gourmet grills with special cooking options, it can go even higher with prices ranging from £5,000 upwards.'

Mara Rypacek Miller

Mara founded Industville over a decade ago, following a successful career in International Marketing & Business Development. An entrepreneur as well as designer, Industville was born to fill a gap in the market for unique industrial vintage reproduction lighting and furniture

Outdoor kitchen essentials

How much do outdoor kitchen materials cost?

These costs will depend on what you choose for your structure. Do you want simple modular units or a permanent outdoor kitchen made from top-quality stone or treated bespoke cabinetry? Then there are appliances to consider, like how you want to cook your food, refrigeration, sinks and taps, and extras like landscaping afterwards.

'Ultimately, there is no one set answer when it comes to how much an outdoor kitchen costs in terms of material costs because each project has different elements based on personal preferences and needs,' advises Mara. 'It is recommended that homeowners do their research before deciding on any particular design so they know exactly what kind of budget they have available for their outdoor oasis.

'With careful planning and consideration of all factors involved in creating an outdoor space tailored to their taste, they can ensure a successful outcome while staying within their desired budget range.'

For a ballpark figure though, if you are looking to go down the affordable pre-made modular route, IKEA's range of outdoor kitchen units starts at £75 for an outdoor kitchen island. However, if you're planning to keep costs down, you can save by sourcing second-hand and reclaimed materials.

How much does it cost to install plumbing and electrics?

This will depend on what kind of work needs doing, where your current supplies sit within your home, and how far they need to be extended to reach your outdoor kitchen.

Ideally, your outdoor kitchen needs to be situated as near to the house as possible as this will keep costs lower.

'Electrical work for an outdoor kitchen is relatively straightforward,' says Steve from EO. 'Typically, it involves running an automated cable to the designated position of your outdoor kitchen and installing an IP-rated socket at the end. You might need an electrician for about half a day. Including materials, the cost for this work usually ranges between £250 and £300.

Plumbing costs also depend on several factors, particularly the proximity to the mains drainage. 'If your outdoor kitchen is close to the mains drainage, plumbing can be relatively simple and inexpensive,' adds Steve. 'You might need a plumber for up to a day and a half. Including materials, this could cost around £700 to £800.

'If the drainage point is further away, the costs can increase. The plumber may need to dig and lay pipes over a longer distance, which adds to the labour and materials required. The exact cost will depend on the specifics of your site and the extent of the groundwork needed.

'If you want to include a hot water supply in your outdoor kitchen, you may need to install an electric water heater. The cost for adding an electric water heater typically starts from around £200.'

Contact a professional contractor or landscape architect to calculate a figure that's accurate for your property.

How much do the worktops cost?

Prices will depend on what length you need, but you'll definitely need to choose a material that can withstand the elements.

'The most important consideration is the weather and the climate when it comes to worktop surface choice for an outdoor kitchen,' says Hege Lundh, marketing director at Lundhs. 'Make sure you choose materials that will withstand changes in temperatures, exposure to the sun’s UV rays, moisture from the rain and dampness. The key to a long-lasting outdoor surface is something that will stand the test of time against these elements. The features you  should look for are a material that has low porosity, low absorption and resistance to UV.'

'Opt for a material that is easy to clean and is maintenance-free. The key to this is choosing a material that is 100% natural. A completely natural stone will be used to the elements and only require very little maintenance – a simple wipe with a damp cloth will suffice! 

'Take  safety  into consideration when planning your kitchen – if you are planning on installing a grill, for example, make sure you avoid flammable materials and choose a worktop and surfaces that can withstand high temperatures of up to 300°C.'

If you're wondering what's the cost of an outdoor kitchen in terms of worktops, it's important to consider that worktops will make up a large proportion of your spending. 'Using the general rule of thumb, consider that roughly one-third of your kitchen budget might be spent on worktops,' says Steve from EO.

'This means that for a £30,000 kitchen, around £10,000 could be allocated for high-quality worktops. This approach helps in planning and ensuring that you achieve a balanced, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor kitchen.'

How much does a BBQ/pizza oven cost?

'If I was building my dream outdoor kitchen and budget was not an issue, I'd choose the Kamado Joe Classic Joe BBQ, which I tested a few months ago,' says Ideal Home's expert BBQ reviewer, Molly Cleary.

There's a reason this one made our list of the best BBQs. 'It's beautiful, cooks incredibly and will be the talking point of all of your guests,' says Molly. 'It's seriously lovely – but it also weighs a tonne, so it's definitely more of an option you want to build in. This is the higher end of what a BBQ can cost, coming in at around £1,500.

'Something a bit more realistic in terms of affordability at under £200 (i.e the other end of the BBQ price range) is the Cadac Citi Chef 40 FS Gas BBQ, which absolutely aced our at-home tests. It's easy to move around, as well, so that you can catch the last of the sun in your outdoor kitchen.'

'Pizza ovens are up there with my favourite appliances, and my money-is-no-object pick would be the Gozney Dome, which is another one you'd have to build into your kitchen, as you could not move it again. OK, it's £1,799, but it's massive, makes professional-grade pizza and is absolutely stunning, meaning you'd be able to host effortless pizza parties for years. And this is my dream world, after all.

'The pizza oven I actually have and love, and another on our list of the best pizza ovens, is the Gozney Roccbox, which can be set up using gas and wood, meaning it's really versatile. Priced at £399, it's still very nice to look at, but a lot smaller, meaning you could take it in and out of your outdoor kitchen if you fancied a trip to the park or beach with it instead.'

FAQs

Is an outdoor kitchen worth the money?

'Absolutely,' says Steve Esdaile from EO. 'Provided it’s built to last. Not long ago, I visited a home where we were replacing an outdoor kitchen that had only been in use for about two and a half years. Despite this short duration, the kitchen was already looking rotten and worn out. This situation underscores the importance of investing in a high-quality outdoor kitchen from the start.'

Can I fit an outdoor kitchen myself?

Again, this will depend on what time of outdoor kitchen you desire. If you opt for a modular freestanding design like Ikea's Grillskär range, then yes, you can do it yourself. If it involves hard standing, electrics and plumbing then a tradesperson will need to install those elements.

'Make sure everything is specified for outdoor use – lighting must be at least IP44 rated fixture, but for more exposed areas we recommend an IP65 rated light– it all has to do with how much moisture can get inside the fitting. A fridge, and all electrical appliances should be outdoor-rated too,' advises Simon from Gaze Burvill.

Simon Burvill

Simon Burvill and Christian Gaze launched Gaze Burvill 30 years ago exactly! Creating timeless pieces for discerning garden lovers, the company has developed a unique expertise in making certified sustainable, comfortable and elegant designs for a long life outdoors, Gaze Burvill works with both garden and landscape professionals, and private customers. Our outdoor kitchen collection, 'A la Carte' was a sensational new concept in 2013, combining long experience of working with oak outdoors.

Do outdoor kitchens add value?

We asked Laura Dam Villena, head of sales at Knight Frank's Hyde Park office for her thoughts:

'Buyers can be as much drawn to the lifestyle dream a property offers as they are drawn to the property itself. With outdoor space adding more value to a home in the post-pandemic market I believe an outdoor kitchen could add value – but it needs to be discreet and well-proportioned for the space, and the quality of finish needs to be akin to the turn-key finish inside the home.'