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Outdoor kitchen costs in the UK vary enormously - and if you've started searching, you've probably noticed that most guides give you a number without explaining what it actually includes. This guide focuses specifically on how much an outdoor kitchen costs when you're building a block-built structure: the type Kitchen in the Garden specialises in. We'll break down the component costs, explain what else you'll need to budget for, and help you understand what drives the overall price.
What Type of Outdoor Kitchen Are We Talking About?
Not all outdoor kitchens are the same. At one end of the spectrum, you have flatpack modular units that arrive in boxes and can be repositioned on a patio. At the other, you have block-built outdoor kitchens - permanent structures constructed by a contractor, into which specialist cooking equipment and fittings are installed.
This guide is about the block-built approach. A contractor builds the structure from blockwork, then renders, tiles or clads it to your specification. Kitchen in the Garden supplies the components that go inside and on top: the BBQ or grill, side burners, refrigeration, doors, drawers, pizza ovens and accessories. The worktop - whether granite, porcelain or stainless steel - is a separate item, templated and fitted once the structure is complete.
It's a fundamentally different product to a flatpack kit. Done well, a block-built kitchen becomes a permanent garden feature that lasts for decades. If you'd like to explore the full range of formats before reading further, our guide to types of outdoor kitchen is a good starting point.
What Do the Component Parts Cost?
The components supplied by Kitchen in the Garden are the heart of the kitchen - the equipment and fittings that make it functional. These are the costs you can plan and specify in advance, before a contractor has even been approached.
Component categories and their typical price positions include:
- Built-in BBQs and grills - This is usually the largest single component cost. Entry-level built-in grills from brands such as Beefeater start at a few hundred pounds. Mid-range built-in grills from Napoleon and Bull sit in the thousands. At the upper end, a Kalamazoo built-in grill represents a significant investment - and a significant step up in performance and longevity.
- Pizza ovens - Wood-fired, gas and dual-fuel options are available.
- Outdoor refrigeration - Weatherproof outdoor fridges designed for permanent installation range from a few hundred pounds upwards, depending on capacity and specification.
- Doors and drawers - Stainless steel access doors and drawers for under-counter storage are priced individually and add up depending on how many runs your layout requires.
- Side burners and additional appliances - Teppanyaki grills, side burners, rotisseries and warming drawers each carry their own cost and are selected to suit how you cook.
- Accessories and consumables - Covers, tools, cookware and fuel are ongoing costs worth factoring into the overall picture.
Example Component Packages
To give a sense of real-world component pricing, here are three example configurations at different price points:
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Option 1 - Bull
- Bull Angus built-in grill: £2,739
- 80cm door and drawer combo: £912.25
- Slim trash bin: £743.15
- Vertical access door: £432
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Option 2 - Napoleon
- Napoleon Pro 500 built-in grill: £2,469.99
- 36 x 24" door and drawer combo: £902.49
- 18 x 24" double drawer waste bin: £617.49
- 18 x 24" reversible single door: £256.49
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Option 3 - Beefeater
- 1600S 4-burner built-in grill: £697.50
- Single door and double drawer combo: £725
- Single door: £235
- Note: no integrated trash drawer available in this range
These are component costs only. The structure, worktop and connections are all additional - covered in the next section.
What Else Do You Need to Budget For?
This is the section most cost guides skip. Understanding the full picture before you commit is what separates a well-planned project from an expensive surprise.
Contractor Costs
The blockwork structure needs to be built by a qualified contractor. Costs vary considerably depending on the size and complexity of the kitchen, the finish you choose (render, porcelain tile or natural stone cladding), and your location. We recommend getting at least two or three quotes from contractors with experience of outdoor kitchen builds. Our team can advise on what information a contractor needs before quoting accurately.
The Worktop
The worktop is both a significant cost and a key design decision. Popular materials include granite, porcelain, Dekton and stainless steel. Each has different cost implications, durability characteristics and maintenance requirements. Porcelain and sintered stone surfaces are increasingly popular for their weather resistance and low maintenance. The worktop should be specified alongside the component layout to ensure accurate templating - leaving it as an afterthought can create problems.
Gas and Electrical Connections
If your kitchen includes a gas BBQ, side burner or gas pizza oven, a Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out the permanent gas connection. Electrical connections for refrigeration, lighting or outdoor power points also need to be planned and installed by a qualified electrician. These are typically coordinated through your contractor but are worth budgeting for as separate line items.
Groundworks and Base
A block-built kitchen needs a solid, level base. If you're building onto an existing patio of sufficient strength, this may already be in place. If you're starting from scratch, groundworks and a concrete base will be part of your contractor's scope and quote.
What Affects the Overall Cost of a Block-Built Outdoor Kitchen?
The range in outdoor kitchen pricing is wide - and for good reason. Here are the main variables:
- Size and layout - A compact linear kitchen costs considerably less than an L-shaped or U-shaped configuration with multiple appliance zones.
- Appliances chosen - A single compact built-in grill is a very different investment to a multi-burner BBQ with rotisserie, side burner and integrated pizza oven.
- Number of components - Each additional appliance, door or drawer adds to the component cost. More components also means more contractor time to fit them.
- Worktop material - This is one of the most significant variables in total cost. Granite, porcelain and sintered stone all sit at different price points.
- Cladding and finish - Render is the most economical finish. Natural stone or large-format porcelain tile cladding increases both material and contractor costs.
- Location and access - Contractors in central London and Surrey tend to price higher than those in more rural areas. Access to the garden also affects how quickly the job can be completed.
- Brand and quality - Kitchen in the Garden stocks brands built for longevity and outdoor performance. These represent a long-term investment, not a short-term purchase.
For inspiration on what's possible at different scales, take a look at our recent outdoor kitchen projects.
Is an Outdoor Kitchen Worth the Investment?
A well-specified block-built outdoor kitchen adds lasting value to a property. Unlike modular alternatives, it becomes a permanent architectural feature of the garden - something that works with the house rather than sitting alongside it.
The cooking equipment, when chosen carefully, is designed to perform in the UK climate for many years. Brands like Napoleon, Bull and Kalamazoo are built to commercial standards. They don't need replacing every few seasons.
Beyond the practical, an outdoor kitchen changes how you use your garden. It extends the usable space of the home and becomes the natural focus for entertaining from spring through to autumn - and beyond, with the right setup.
Our bespoke design service helps clients make the most of their budget from the outset - choosing the right components, planning the layout and producing a specification that a contractor can work from directly. If you're looking for ideas before committing, our outdoor cooking ideas pages are worth exploring. And if budget is a consideration, it's worth checking our ex-display savings for discounted components from our showroom.
Frequently Asked Questions - Outdoor Kitchen Costs
Do the prices at Kitchen in the Garden include installation?
Prices at Kitchen in the Garden cover the component parts - the BBQ, appliances, doors, drawers and accessories. Installation by a contractor and the worktop are arranged separately by the client. Our team can advise on what information contractors need to provide an accurate quote.
Do I need planning permission for a block-built outdoor kitchen?
In most cases, a block-built outdoor kitchen falls within permitted development rights in the UK. However, this depends on the size of the structure, its position within the garden, and any local planning restrictions that may apply to your property. It is always worth checking with your local planning authority before work begins.
How long does a block-built outdoor kitchen last?
When built correctly with quality components, a block-built outdoor kitchen is designed to last for many years - often decades. The structure is permanent and the components from reputable brands are built to withstand regular outdoor use in the UK climate.
Can Kitchen in the Garden help me plan my outdoor kitchen layout?
Yes. Kitchen in the Garden offers a complimentary design service to help clients choose the right components, plan the layout and produce a specification that a contractor can work from. The service is available across Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire and London.
What is the difference between a modular and a block-built outdoor kitchen?
A modular kitchen uses pre-made units that slot together and can be repositioned. A block-built kitchen is a permanent structure constructed by a contractor, into which specialist components are fitted. Block-built kitchens offer greater design flexibility and are generally more durable - they are built into the garden rather than placed on top of it.
Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen with Kitchen in the Garden
Kitchen in the Garden is the South's leading specialist in outdoor kitchens and BBQs, based at Cedar Nursery in Cobham, Surrey. Our showroom is home to one of the largest selections of outdoor kitchen components in the UK - and you're welcome to visit and see the ranges in person before making any decisions.
Our design team is here to help you plan your project, choose the right components and produce a specification your contractor can build from. Whether you're at the early research stage or ready to commit, we're happy to talk it through.
Visit us at Cedar Nursery, Cobham, Surrey, or speak to our team at kitcheninthegarden.co.uk to book a design consultation. Kitchen in the Garden specialises in the design and supply of exceptional outdoor kitchens, working with the world's leading brands including Kamado Joe, Napoleon, Bull, DeliVita, KönigOutdoor and more. Browse our full range at kitcheninthegarden.co.uk or contact our design team on 01932 556266 for expert advice. We deliver nationwide via courier.