Custom Vs. Prefab Kitchensets: Which Is Right For You? – With an outdoor kitchen kit… it’s now easier than ever to get a backyard grilling station up and running.
In this article, we will provide you with all the necessary information about outdoor kitchen kits…from our perspective as true outdoor kitchen kit manufacturers.
Custom Vs. Prefab Kitchensets: Which Is Right For You?
There are four types of outdoor kitchen kits to choose from… modular, prefabricated, ready-to-finish, and ready-to-assemble.
Slab Kitchen Cabinets
Let’s start with a brief overview of each one…and the main advantages and disadvantages of each one.
These usually have a full metal frame that is already finished for you (usually with a masonry or stucco finish).
Most of the time, prefabricated kitchens will arrive at your home already assembled. Some prefabricated kits do require minimal assembly, though (you may need to put in appliances or place countertops).
You don’t need to do elaborate planning. Basically all the work has been done for you.
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You don’t have to spend time worrying about which equipment to choose… what layout you want… or how to complete your island.
Simply browse online for the kitchen kit you’re interested in, place your order, and it’ll be delivered to your door, ready to go
There’s a reason why prefabricated outdoor kitchen kits tend to be cheap…and that’s because the quality is often far from ideal.
While this may be fine in the short term…if you want a kitchen that will last for decades, prefabricated panels won’t suffice.
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They will have multiple layers of materials… including internal metal framing, cement board and cladding materials, as well as external finishes.
Especially if you live in an area that experiences frequent freeze-thaw cycles, your kitchen can settle over time, causing pieces of exterior finish to peel off…eventually leaving the interior metal framing exposed.
If the metal is not of high quality (like 304 stainless steel) it will rust, corrode, and chip…not a good sign for outdoor activities
What’s the main difference here? Modular outdoor kitchens are made up of smaller, prefabricated outdoor kitchen units that you simply place in your yard to create a cohesive grilling island.
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Just like a prefab kitchen…modular kits are a more affordable solution for adding a grilling station to your outdoor living space.
Again, the total cost will depend on the quality, the equipment included, and the number of modules required to create the grilling station.
If you’re on a smaller budget and want a short-term, inexpensive outdoor kitchen kit solution…modular may be your best option.
They are typically made from powder-coated aluminum or low-grade stainless steel…both of which will rust or corrode quickly.
Kitchen Cabinetry At Lowe’s
You may also find plastic or polymer kitchen modules. While they won’t rust or corrode, they run the risk of cracking or fading.
In addition to low-quality materials, many modular islands also come with short warranties, further illustrating their lack of longevity.
Looking for a more engaging DIY project? Ready-to-use (or RTF) kitchen kits may interest you.
To give you a better idea of the pros and cons of an RTF kitchen, let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons.
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That said, you may still need to vet and hire a contractor to get the job done.
Depending on the RTF kitchen kit you choose, the appliance cutouts may already be done for you…but this is not guaranteed.
Not to mention… RTF kitchens are made using the same framing system we mentioned in the prefabrication section. (
To better understand the features of an RTA kitchen, let’s take a closer look at some specific pros and cons.
Kitchen Design Trends
We want to make your outdoor kitchen experience as convenient as possible… with a kitchen that’s simple and easy to assemble!
They will arrive at your home in 95% condition…no heavy equipment required to transport them to your backyard.
This means your kitchen can be up and running in just a few hours…and there’s no need to hire a contractor to do the work for you. (
Unlike other kitchen kits on our list… we can confidently say that every element of the RTA kitchen will stand the test of time.
Modular Steel Outdoor Kitchen Sets
Our kitchen panels are made from heavy-duty, high-performance concrete…and not only have a 100-year lifespan…but they also come with a limited lifetime structural warranty!
Like the RTA island, all Coyote products are designed for outdoor use… Constructed with 304 stainless steel to resist rust and corrosion, rain or shine.
An RTA may be cheaper than a custom outdoor kitchen built from scratch…but let’s be honest, the initial price will probably be higher (
Your kitchen island and appliances will last a lifetime…so you won’t have to spend more to replace it! Over time, this equates to a lower cost of ownership.
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Finally, as with prefabricated or modular outdoor kitchens…there will be equipment limitations with RTA kitchen kits.
While Coyote’s appliances are of high quality…the truth is, you’ve probably already set your sights on a built-in grill (
These pre-designed island kits are a compilation of our “best hits,” if you will. We’ve taken the best-selling outdoor kitchen designs… and made them available for purchase online.
Just order the design you like…and we’ll ship it to your door…and within a few hours you’ll be grilling for a lifetime.
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This 6′ tall island comes in our Stacked Stone Graphite finish…but if that doesn’t suit your taste, we have a total of 8 premium finishes to choose from!
Equipped with a 34-inch gas grill, you can whip up burgers for small to medium-sized gatherings… This simple island is perfect for your everyday picnics.
There’s also a set of 31-inch dual access doors just below the grill…allowing for easy access to the interior of the island.
This 7-foot-tall island features our Weathered Wood Gray finish… But there’s more to this outdoor kitchen set than just looks.
Hokku Designs Kambria 5
This layout increases the grill size from 34 inches to 36 inches, giving you more grilling space… and also adds a second cooking appliance, a dual-side burner.
You can cook a variety of sauces and side dishes…turn your DIY outdoor kitchen kit into a chef’s delight.
There are access doors under the grill and side burners… allowing you to access the interior of the island and store propane tanks underneath.
Can’t seem to decide between a gas or charcoal grill? Our G7 Asado Island truly gives you the best of both worlds.
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The 36-inch gas grill is perfect for medium to large gatherings…and the ceramic kamado cooker is the workhorse of your grill smoking.
This Coyote Asado cookware sits in a proprietary sleeve…and also has a drawer underneath that doubles as outdoor kitchen storage. (
With a pellet grill, you can go far beyond burgers and dogs. You can smoke, fry, bake, and grill (of course)!
So if you’re an accomplished cook and only have room for one appliance…this built-in grill set is a smart choice.
Outdoor Kitchen Gallery
This DIY kit also comes with storage drawers under the grill…and an outdoor refrigerator to keep cool refreshments on hand.
The BBQ island features a classic 36-inch grill, outdoor refrigerator, dual access doors, and a single-pull trash can.
The adjacent bar island has some combined storage space for your grilling essentials…but it also doubles as a built-in dining area.
Instead of a dining area against the bar…this layout includes an outdoor sink and refreshment center, rather than leaving the 7-foot bar empty.
How To Design An Outdoor Kitchen
This small kitchen sink station is perfect for hand-washing… but the unit also includes a small cooler and integrated cutting board for serving cocktails.
Otherwise, the 7-foot grill island layout is the same as the previous example. You have a 36-inch gas grill, outdoor refrigerator, dual access doors, and a pull-out trash can.
Love the look of these outdoor kitchen cabinet kits…but don’t see a layout you’re happy with?
Instead of just limiting yourself to gas, pellet, or charcoal grills, you can start thinking about some more unique equipment. Pizza ovens, griddles, electric burners, different faucets, you get the idea.
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Plus, you can unlock more layout options. Is the L-shaped space not enough? The huge U-shaped layout accommodates all the grilling accessories you could want.
If you like having matching features… you might even consider adding a fireplace or fire pit that matches your outdoor kitchen decor!
You’re in luck…because we have a free online design tool that can help you do just that.
Talk to one of our expert designers who will guide you from planning to installation. Schedule a call today.
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Outdoor kitchen kits can come in many forms, but broadly speaking… An outdoor kitchen kit is a kit that allows you to install your own outdoor kitchen. Typically, the parts are shipped to your door…and you install or assemble them yourself.
There are many brands of outdoor kitchen kits on the market…but which one is best for you depends entirely on your needs. If you want a completely hands-off process, a prefabricated outdoor kitchen kit might work…an outdoor kitchen modular kit might be better if: