22 Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Cooking and Dining Alfresco at Home

You don’t need a huge space to make a functional outdoor kitchen. Adding a small bar area for prepping food and serving meals alongside your trusty grill can have a huge impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of your deck or patio. Add some recessed lighting for evening entertaining and outdoor ceiling fans to keep air circulating on a hot day.

23 Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Elevated Cookouts

Kristin Hohenadel has written on design for publications including the New York Times, Interior Design, Slate, Fast Company, and the international editions of Elle Decor.

Covering your outdoor kitchen with a roof, awning, pergola, or canopy can make preparing meals more enjoyable, protecting you and your cooking equipment and gear from too much rain or shine. From fully equipped standalone kitchens to patio grill stations attached to the house, check out these stylish covered kitchen areas in a range of styles and price points for inspiration.

Outdoor Kitchen Pergola

This Southern California outdoor kitchen from Brian Brown Studio is partially covered by a pergola to mitigate harsh rays while you’re working over the grill or whipping up brunch on a Sunday.

Covered Kitchen Dining

This L-shaped covered patio from Audrey Drought Design and Giles Campbell Architects includes an outdoor kitchen grilling station. A mix of brick, concrete, and wood creates a modern, transitional feel, and integrated lighting makes the space usable day or night.

Covered Balcony Kitchen

Not everyone has a backyard that can house a large outdoor kitchen, but if you’re an apartment or condo dweller who is fortunate enough to have a balcony, a built-in grilling station can feel like a luxury. This small outdoor space from White Sands has a compact grilling station and lounge seating, but an outdoor table and chairs would work here, too.

Outdoor Kitchen Skylight

This poolside kitchen and dining area from Florida-based interior designer Maite Granda includes an outdoor kitchen that is partially sheltered by wood slat walls and a pitched steel and glass skylight that allows the light to pour in while protecting the space from the elements. A tempered glass fence between the patio and the pool keeps kids safe and diners dry.

L-Shaped Patio Kitchen

This L-shaped covered outdoor kitchen area from Marie Flanigan Interiors occupies the corner of an outdoor patio. The space is decorated with a patterned tile backsplash and equipped with stainless steel appliances and refrigerated storage. A large range hood is a luxurious touch.

Outdoor Grill With Pergola

This outdoor grilling station from Cathie Hong Interiors is located just outside the indoor kitchen, creating an effortless flow between indoors and out. A pale wood pergola partially shades the cooking area and echoes the wood slat doors of the outdoor kitchen cabinetry.

Outdoor Kitchen Awning

This outdoor kitchen from Fantastic Frank is sheltered from the elements by a large awning, and equipped with a wall of black appliances and prep space that includes a full-size fridge.

Semi-Shaded Kitchenette

This Florida outdoor kitchen from interior designer Maite Granda is set up corridor-style and behind a half wall that’s tall enough to hide clutter from the lounge space on the other side. A slanted wood slat pergola-style roof adds partial shade and protection from the elements.

Outdoor Kitchen With Roof

This luxurious standalone outdoor kitchen from Officine Gullo on the property of waterfront house in Colorado is fully equipped for preparing gourmet meals with a view, sheltered from the elements by a pitched roof.

Transitional Style Kitchen

This transitional style outdoor kitchen from Marie Flanigan Interiors has a signature oven hood with a pewter finish that creates a focal point and provides an essential service for those who don’t like choking on smoke from the barbecue. Located on the back patio just off the kitchen makes it feel like a well integrated extension.

Outdoor Kitchen Cabana

This standalone covered outdoor kitchen on an Ibiza property from Fantastic Frank feels like a private bar and grill. The cooking and prep area is largely hidden behind a covered outdoor bar that includes integrated lighting for nighttime use. Two open sides ensure that the breezes keep flowing and that the kitchen and bar area remains open to the rest of the backyard pool and entertaining space.

Half Wall Kitchen

This multifunctional outdoor space from Mary Patton Design has a contemporary feel, with comfortable modern seating, clean lines, and pops of color and pattern. A half wall kitchenette with a grill station, sink, and refrigerated storage for preparing meals is finished in the same painted white brick as the adjoining white brick corner fireplace for a seamless look.

Outdoor Farmhouse Kitchen

This standalone modern farmhouse-style kitchen from Marie Flanigan Interiors has an indoor-outdoor feel but is well protected from the elements.

Screen Porch Grill Station

This screen porch from Dodson Interiors and Giles Campbell Architects includes a semi-outdoor kitchenette integrated into the red brick wall that includes a large grill, hood vent, and refrigerated storage.

Covered Pool Patio Kitchen

This covered poolside kitchen from Fantastic Frank has a sleek built-in kitchen wall and a large outdoor dining table. A sculptural hood vent and large carved stone sculptures on either side of the kitchen wall define the space and create a dramatic handcrafted focal point when viewed from behind the glass doors on the inside.

Covered Patio Pizza Kitchen

This all-white covered kitchen from A Beautiful Mess is built into a back wall of the large poolside patio and features a bright yellow pizza oven.

Outdoor Kitchen Pavilion

This covered outdoor kitchen pavilion from Crisp Architects is equipped with everything an avid cook would need to whip up a meal in the open air, positioned so that home cooks have a view of the adjacent pool while they work.

Covered Patio Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen from interior designer Lance Thomas of Thomas Guy Interiors is tucked onto the back wall of a spacious exterior patio that creates a bridge between the interior and the backyard and pool space.

Screen Porch Kitchen

Depending on the climate where you live, a fully outdoor kitchen isn’t always desirable or realistic. This semi-outdoor kitchen from Martha O’Hara Interiors is located on the back screened in porch of a Prior Lake, MN, bungalow that protects it from the elements and keeps cooks and diners safe from the bugs.

Rustic Covered Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen from Crisp Architects is nestled into a stone hillside below a guest bedroom on a covered patio not too far from the main kitchen. The rustic outdoor space includes a stone chimney and a view of the surrounding woods.

Covered Patio Kitchen

This outdoor kitchen from Lisa Gilmore Design includes both a cooking area with an island and bar seating and an adjacent dining room for sit-down meals.

Covered Kitchen and Dining

This outdoor kitchen and dining space from Crisp Architects includes a roof-covered dining area and an adjacent corner kitchen sheltered by a pergola but positioned to offer wide-open views of the surrounding landscape.

Outdoor Kitchen at Night

This covered outdoor kitchen from Officine Gullo has a large central island anchored by a pair of pendant lights hung from the rafters that helps make the waterfront space comfortable and functional after dark.

Should you cover an outdoor kitchen?

It’s a good idea to cover your outdoor kitchen to protect it from the elements. A patio roof, pergola, canopy, or awning will protect your outdoor kitchen from rain and moisture and help keep it in good working order for longer. A retractable awning can shelter a kitchen as needed, allowing you to still cook in full sun, weather permitting.

How do you protect an outdoor kitchen in winter?

Protect your outdoor kitchen in winter to keep out moisture, dirt, bugs, and critters and to prevent rust, corrosion, or mold. Protect kitchen islands with breathable covers that won’t trap moisture. Cover and unplug outdoor refrigerators. Clean and cover your grill and turn off the gas. If you have an outdoor sink, drain the pipes of excess water before the first winter freeze.

22 Covered Outdoor Kitchen Ideas for Cooking and Dining Alfresco at Home

You can enjoy home-cooked meals with family and friends in the open air when you add a covered outdoor kitchen to your backyard.

By Deirdre Mundorf | Published Jul 28, 2022 6:06 PM

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A covered outdoor kitchen allows you to take advantage of good weather by cooking and eating outside. The best covered outdoor kitchen designs will be both functional and attractive, with a spacious layout, top-quality outdoor appliances, and plenty of aesthetic appeal.

If you’re ready to start planning an outdoor kitchen, these covered outdoor kitchen ideas can give you the needed inspiration to transform your backyard into your own personal outdoor oasis.

1. Patio and Pergola

Convert your patio area into a spacious outdoor kitchen by adding a grill, comfortable seating, and a pergola paired with some climbing vines to help provide cooling shade and cover from the elements.

If you plan to build everything yourself, don’t forget one of the most important tips for building an outdoor kitchen: Make sure the foundation is level before adding any pavers or placing grills, cabinets, or appliances in the space.

2. Pool-Side Haven

Take outdoor cooking and entertaining to the next level with an outdoor kitchen and pool house with a built-in fireplace. If your covered outdoor kitchen plans include granite countertops, a built-in grill, refrigerator, drawers, cabinets, and a bar, this example by Texas Custom Patios should provide plenty of inspiration. The freestanding structure’s wood and stone columns, gabled roof, vaulted ceiling, and double-sided fireplace add a touch of luxury to the space.

3. Grilling Headquarters

Need simple outdoor kitchen ideas? The Backyard Discover Saxony XL Grill Gazebo may be just what you need for any non-charcoal grill. Designed with a corrosion-resistant steel roof, you can grill outside in nearly any weather conditions. Plus, the steel roof helps to reduce heat transfer by up to 20 degrees, making grilling outside more comfortable and enjoyable.

The gazebo is spacious enough to accommodate two grills, griddles, or smokers, and it features two built-in countertops for preparing and serving food and 10 accessory hooks to keep all your favorite grill tools right at your fingertips.

4. Clean and Modern

If you’re looking for modern covered outdoor kitchen designs, stick with clean lines and neutral colors. This design idea offers a generously sized island with plenty of space for food prep, a large kitchen sink, and a gas cooktop. With the right outdoor lighting and paint colors, it can be the ideal addition to a modern home.

5. Cooking and Entertaining

Create the ideal spot for outdoor cooking and entertaining with a functional and inviting set-up such as this outdoor galley design. The Cal Flame Outdoor Kitchen 4-Burner Barbecue Grill Island offers prep space, an outdoor refrigerator, and a stainless steel grill to cook up burgers, hot dogs, kebabs, and all of your other favorite recipes.

Add three outdoor bar stools along the backside of the island for guests to enjoy their meals fresh off of the grill. You can further enhance the space with a pizza oven, sink, or other outdoor cooking essentials.

6. Outdoor Retreat

If you have ample backyard space, consider creating an outdoor cooking retreat with a Trex outdoor kitchen like this one. With room to fit a large grill, a smoker, a kitchen sink, a refrigerator, or other outdoor appliances, you may find that your outdoor kitchen is just as functional as your indoor kitchen. Plus, a Trex outdoor kitchen is designed to be durable, long-lasting with minimal required maintenance.

7. Grillin’ and Chillin’

Turn your backyard into a personal refuge with a covered outdoor kitchen like this. With elegant yet rustic stone pillars, your outdoor kitchen can double as a backyard statement piece. The covered space will afford you with plenty of room to grill and entertain while your guests relax in the shade.

8. Open and Spacious

Mixing different textures is an outdoor kitchen design idea you may just want to steal from this example. The wood, stainless steel, stone, wicker, and canvas materials work together to create an elegantly natural feel. Rather than looking haphazard, the different neutrally-colored textures offer a unique, calm, and inviting ambiance to the space.

9. Stately Outdoor Kitchen

The right materials can help you create a truly luxurious and upscale outdoor kitchen, and this design by Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens features a large bar area with seating for four. With stone countertops, white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and elegant wooden columns, this kitchen may become your guests’ favorite new hangout.

10. Covered Grill Gazebo

Add this Hampton Bay Hard Top Grill Gazebo to your outdoor kitchen to keep the grill master comfortable as they prepare a backyard feast. With the interior storage shelves and counter tops, you can keep all your grilling tools, seasonings, and items ready and in reach. The open sides of the gazebo also allow the countertops to double as serving buffets for beverages or food.

11. Dining With a View

Adding a covered kitchen doesn’t mean you have to block your view of the great outdoors. Consider adding a glass roof over your outdoor kitchen to allow you to continue to enjoy the overhead greenery, blue skies, and starry nights while you cook and eat.

12. Covered Patio Kitchen

If you’re looking for a way to reinvent your patio, consider converting it into a covered outdoor cooking area. Larger patios and decks often provide ample space to add a kitchen section with a grill, counters, and cabinets, while still having enough room to add an outdoor dining table and even comfortable seating for friends and family. Add some recessed lighting and ceiling fans to make the space more functional after dark and ensure sufficient airflow for maximum comfort.

13. Wood-and-Steel Gazebo Kitchen

Install this Outsunny Wood Framed Gazebo with Steel Hardtop Roof over your patio, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting an outdoor kitchen. Once the gazebo is set up, add a grill with prep space and any other needed outdoor appliances. Consider adding a patio dining set, or building a high-top stone bar area with seating. Install some lights or hang string patio lights to finish setting the mood, and then get ready for your next outdoor get-together.

14. Covered Kitchen and Bar

You don’t need a huge space to make a functional outdoor kitchen. Adding a small bar area for prepping food and serving meals alongside your trusty grill can have a huge impact on both the aesthetics and functionality of your deck or patio. Add some recessed lighting for evening entertaining and outdoor ceiling fans to keep air circulating on a hot day.

15. Stone and Steel

Make a statement with your covered outdoor kitchen by combining a stainless steel grill and other appliances with rustic stone. Add a wooden pergola to further pull the space together and offer some shade and relief from the heat. Installing a fan or growing climbing roses or ivy to offer more coverage can help keep the kitchen even more cool and comfortable for the chef.

16. Kitchen With Awning

Installing an awning is another novel way to create an outdoor covered kitchen. Choose an awning that is large enough to provide ample shade, and to shelter the grill, prep area, and outdoor seating. Consider using a retractable awning if you want to be able to bask in the sun on nice days when it isn’t too hot.

17. Rustic Retreat

If you love camping, recreate that outdoorsy feeling at home by making a wood, stone, and brick outdoor kitchen. Build a few little canopies to cover your grill, outdoor pizza oven, and picnic table, and you’ll be able to enjoy your own rustic retreat in your backyard.

18. Weathered Teak Cabinets

Customize the layout of your covered outdoor kitchen with the modular cabinets of this Isola Outdoor Kitchen. Each cabinet is crafted from gorgeous and durable teak wood and features an all-weather wicker door front. Add a grill, refrigerator, sink, and appliances to complete your dream outdoor space. If you place everything under a shelter or pergola, you’ll be all set to cook and entertain in almost any weather.

19. High-Top Dining and Grilling

If you’re looking for backyard covered outdoor kitchen ideas that will be easy to replicate in your own space, try using a wooden pergola to provide shelter for your kitchen. Use stones and concrete to create a sturdy nook for a built-in grill, then add storage cabinets and a high-top table for dining and relaxing.

20. Contemporary Appeal

With its stainless steel appliances and neutral colors, this covered backyard kitchen nicely complements a contemporary outdoor living space. It offers a large built-in grill station with plenty of counter space for food prep or dining. With built-in speakers, recessed lighting, low-voltage step lights built into durable composite decking, and a privacy wall that doubles as the perfect spot to mount a TV, this outdoor kitchen is well-equipped for home gatherings.

21. Stainless Steel Cabinets

These New Age stainless steel modular cabinets will allow you to create a custom-built look for your covered outdoor kitchen at a fraction of the price. Another benefit of the cabinets is that the stainless steel material is designed to hold up well to all-season outdoor use; the weather- and corrosion-resistant cabinets feature restaurant-grade 304 stainless steel construction with reinforced double wall doors.

22. Sleek and Stylish

Upgrade your outdoor living area with a covered kitchen like this one. The space features a large grill with ventilation hood, two sinks, counter prep space, and a large island for preparing or serving meals. The sleek stainless grill and sinks combined with the neutral countertops and a marbled back wall help to give the space an upscale modern feel.