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There may be no greater gathering place than the kitchen, and that applies to both indoor and outdoor versions. Now that summer has arrived, it’s time to stock up on outdoor kitchen essentials, including everything from kitchen appliances to grilling tools.
We’ve gone through some of our favorites, all tested and recommended products, to compile a list of essentials for the outdoor kitchen ranging from just over $25 to under $1,000.
1. Wooden Handle Grill Tool Set
To create the ideal outdoor kitchen, you’ll want top-of-the-line grill tools. This all-in-one Cuisinart Wood Handle Grill Tool Set includes tongs, a grill brush, skewers, a metal spatula, and more, all in an easily transportable set that is ideal for grilling.
Get the Cuisinart grill tool set at Amazon for $22.99.
2. Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
No outdoor kitchen is complete without a grill, and the Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker is an incredible bang for the buck at under $500. Delivering great results, its auto-start ignition and digital temperature control make this grill an extremely user-friendly option for those who like to set it and forget it.
Get the Z Grills grill and smoker at Amazon for $419.00.
3. Outdoor-Rated Compact Refrigerator
Keep your summertime beverages cool with the Blaze 15-Inch Outdoor Compact Refrigerator. It can hold up to 74 cans and is made from heavy-grade stainless steel, meaning your drinks will stay cold and protected from unruly weather. It’s also one of the more affordable outdoor models at under $800.
Get the Blaze refrigerator at Amazon for $749.99.
4. Workstation Sink Topmount
If your plan for an outdoor kitchen includes a build-out, the Ruvati Outdoor BBQ Workstation Sink Topmount is a must. Ruvati’s marine-grade sink is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it the preferred pick for anyone looking for a sink for an outdoor space that can last.
Get the Ruvati sink at Amazon for $398.
5. Cooler Patio Table
Weather-resistant and multifunctional, the Keter Cool Bar Drink Cooler Patio Table can pop up to convert into a cooler. It can keep drinks cold for up to 12 hours, has a drain plug for easy cleanup, and can hold up to forty 12-ounce cans at a time, making it a great pick for any outdoor space.
Get the Keter cooler at The Home Depot for $82.84.
6. Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot
Keep your grill grates sparkling clean with the Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaning Robot. With the press of a button, this automated brush scrubs off grease and grime, leaving your grill sparkling clean. While it’s an investment, it’s well worth the money when you aren’t spending the night chipping away at burger scraps.
Get the Grillbot grill cleaning robot at Amazon for $148.95.
7. Grill Gazebo
Spare the cook from the hot rays of the sun with a gazebo. The Aecojoy 2-Tier Waterproof Outdoor Grill Gazebo With Vented Top fits right over the grilling area and offers extra storage space for items like tongs, spatulas, plates, silverware, and grilling condiments.
Get the Aecojoy grill gazebo at Wayfair for $149.98.
8. Sizzle-Q
Perfect the art of the smash burger with a griddle. The Little Griddle Sizzle-Q is an affordable way to up your grilling game without spending too much on your outdoor kitchen setup. This essential piece of outdoor equipment goes right on the grill grates and works wonders on everything from burgers to shrimp to seared scallops.
Get the Little Griddle Sizzle-Q at Amazon for $50.16.
9. Cast Iron Burger Press
Make your burger patties juicy and smashed with the Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press. Made from cast iron, this press smashes meat down into a 6.5-inch patty so its edges crisp up on the griddle. Your burgers will be delicious, crispy, and juicy on the inside with this outdoor kitchen essential.
Get the Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press at Amazon for $17.38.
10. Portable Gas Pizza Oven
Don’t let summer go by without throwing an outdoor pizza party. Up the ante in your outdoor kitchen with the addition of the BakerStone Portable Gas Pizza Oven. This easy-to-use model produces crispy pizzas in under 2 minutes. It’s also compact, with legs that can be folded up and put away until the next time the carbs come calling.
Get the BakerStone pizza oven at Amazon for $339.99.
11. Resin Outdoor Trash
It may seem like an uninteresting addition to the outdoor kitchen, but an outdoor trash can is an invaluable commodity, especially if you’re fond of entertaining. This 33-gallon Suncast Hideaway Can Resin Outdoor Trash Can is made from durable resin and can hold up to all the elements. It’s compatible with standard 30-gallon garbage bags and latches securely to keep trash in the bag, which is particularly useful when guarding against outdoor pests.
Get the Suncast trash can at Amazon for $59.
12. Portable Outdoor Serving Prep Station Table
You don’t have to build an entire outdoor kitchen from scratch to get a little more space for cooking, prepping, and storage. The Suncast Portable Outdoor Serving Prep Station Table is an affordable way to expand your outdoor footprint. The drop-leaf extension offers 40 inches of prep space, with two cabinets dedicated to storage. It can be wheeled around your patio area for use wherever you need it most.