Small Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

There’s something about preparing and eating a meal outside, amid twinkling lights or a glowing fire pit, that just makes food taste better. Outdoor grilling brings out people’s gregarious spirits and encourages them to share their time with others. Therefore, it’s no surprise that many homeowners these days decide to install a small outdoor kitchen.  

At Stono Outdoor Living, we want you to enjoy your meals under a sunny or starry sky whenever you desire. To make planning a small outdoor kitchen easier, we offer some ideas on how to use our outdoor kitchen islands. 

The Sullivan: Offering Maximum Customization 

One of our most popular outdoor kitchen islands is The Sullivan. The Sullivan is 92 inches of solid powder-coated aluminum that looks chic and can help you cook an outdoor feast. You can use it with a grill or griddle, and it features side burners and soft-close drawers, so there’s no limit to what you can prepare with it.  

Its sleek design gives you the chance to incorporate the island with your existing decor style. You can go for an ultra-modern outdoor kitchen featuring stone tables and stainless steel chairs, with this island placed in the middle to ensure you’re still part of the conversation even when you’re cooking.  

If you prefer a mid-century style vibe, The Sullivan’s silhouette is efficient and functional without being boring. You can pair it with wireframe chairs or even outdoor wishbone chairs and tulip-shaped tables for a funky and cool outdoor kitchen style that takes your guests back to the 50s and 60s.  

The Morris: Upgrading the Farm-Style Look 

The Morris kitchen island is a bit smaller than The Sullivan, great for a small outdoor space, and packs enough charm to transform your outdoor area. With its many color options and the chance to incorporate everything from a mini-fridge to drawers, you can get a full kitchen in 71 inches. 

The Morris would fit right in if you have a farm-style look throughout your outdoor space. You can add counters or even a sink so that you can enjoy meals without having to prep inside the house. The Morris would look as much at home on a deck in front of a rustic farm-kitchen table as it would be tucked next to a patio door and picnic bench setup.  

If you lean toward the Mission style, The Morris offers classic and simple horizontal and vertical lines and flat panels. You can style it in a darker color and pair it with stools to get the Mission kitchen you’ve always wanted without the need for excess space. 

The James: Bringing Beauty and Convenience 

Your outdoor kitchen may be small, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be functional for any chef. The James makes that possible. At 62 inches, this kitchen island can fit into even the smallest of outdoor spaces. Add a few wire-frame chairs and a French-style cafe table, and you have a stylish nook that doesn’t take up extra space. 

The James can also look stunning in a tiki hut setup. Add a backdrop of bamboo mats or artificial thatch and wooden benches to introduce tiki vibes to your backyard. You can enhance the look with torches and your favorite decor. 

Another excellent way to create a small outdoor kitchen with The James is to place it next to bar seating. This allows you to get the classic “L” shape that fosters conversation while you grill. You don’t need much to achieve this — just a few additional inches of space and some bar stools.  

Tips for Creating Your Small Outdoor Kitchen 

Working with a small space can make you feel too limited to achieve the look you desire, but that doesn’t have to be the case. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy cooking outside. 

First, prioritize selecting the right appliances to fit your needs. Do you want a mini-fridge? Do you prefer a full grill or a griddle? Planning your setup can help you better structure the space.  

Establishing your unique style can help you choose the right kitchen island. Make sure to select the necessary customizations. When you do, you’ll also get a better idea of the furniture you’ll need. 

Think outside the box. You may want an L-shaped kitchen but may not have room for it. Consider placing the kitchen island and extra counter space facing one another instead.  

Small Outdoor Kitchens: Compact Luxury  

At Stono Outdoor Living, we’re proud to offer kitchen islands that are ready to turn your outdoor area into your next hangout spot.  

Let the experts at Stono Outdoor Living help create your dream outdoor kitchen. Start building your kitchen with our 3D configurator; it's simple and easy to use. You can schedule a no-obligation design consultation to tailor a custom outdoor kitchen design that combines comfort, functionality, and style. We guarantee a perfect fit, free shipping, and easy assembly. Shop islands or schedule a consultation today.