When we first started dreaming up our outdoor kitchen, I knew I wanted it to feel like an extension of our home—not just a grill on a patio, but a true place to cook, gather, and enjoy life outside. After so much research and a few failed Pinterest boards, we finally landed on the perfect solution: an RTA Outdoor Living Kitchen.
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If you haven’t heard of RTA yet, they make ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchens that are truly the best of both worlds. You can customize the layout and appliances like you would with a fully custom kitchen, but it arrives ready to install and is typically done in just one day. Yes, really. It’s kind of magic.
I’d like to thank RTA Outdoor Living for sponsoring this project!
So if you’re thinking about building your own outdoor kitchen, here are my honest must-haves—plus a peek at what we chose and why we’re loving it.
1. A Thoughtful Layout (U-Shape FTW)
We went with a U-shaped layout, and I wouldn’t change a thing. One side of the U has a big countertop with an overhang—we added this specifically to create more room for prepping veggies, seasoning meat, and plating up food. Eventually, we’ll add barstools to that side, but even without them, it’s already become a favorite gathering spot. We’ve served family-style meals right from that counter and it’s the first place people gravitate to when we’re outside.
Underneath, we tucked in a refrigerator (perfect for drinks and marinating meats) and a pull-out trash can—a little detail that has made a big difference when we’re cooking and cleaning up outside.
2. A Versatile Cooking Setup
In the center section of our kitchen, we have two heroes: a flat top griddle and a gas-powered grill, both with storage underneath.
The flat top has honestly surprised me. We’ve made everything from crispy bacon to smash burgers to sautéed vegetables—it’s become our go-to for quick meals. And the best part? We can use both appliances at the same time. While Carter grills chicken, I’m over on the flat top tossing together some onions and peppers. It’s teamwork, outdoor-style.
Our grill is the Coyote C-Series gas grill, and it deserves its own moment. A few things we’ve loved:
- Ceramic briquette system for even heat
- An infrared searing burner that gets HOT fast
- Removable grates that make cleanup super easy
It’s hands down the most-used appliance in the entire space—and it never disappoints.
3. Cold Storage and Clean-Up Zones
On the third side of the U, we added a sink and refreshment center, which might sound a little extra… but trust me, it’s a game-changer. Having a sink outdoors means we can wash hands, rinse utensils, or clean up small messes without constantly going inside.
The refreshment center is like a mini hosting station—great for prepping drinks, keeping snacks cool, or holding condiments during a cookout. And right next to it, we added a platform for our existing smoker grill, so everything we need is right there in the same zone.
4. Durable, Weatherproof Materials
Living in Florida, weather is a big consideration—and this kitchen is built to last. The frame is made from weatherproof cement panels that can handle humidity, rain, sun, and salt air without flinching. It looks beautiful and performs well, which is exactly what we needed in our backyard.
We’ve loved using this space more than I ever expected. It’s not just a place to grill—it’s become part of our everyday rhythm. Whether it’s breakfast on the flat top, grilling dinner with friends, or just sipping something cold it’s truly added so much joy to our home.
So if you’re planning your own outdoor kitchen, these are my must-haves. And if you’re on the fence about whether RTA is worth it? I’d say: 100% yes.