Outdoor kitchen cost in 2026: the 3 budget ranges and what they include
The budget for an outdoor kitchen varies widely depending on the level of finish you are aiming for. This guide compares three ranges, from the mobile solution to a complete, connected kitchen, with what each one includes in practical terms. You will also find the main costs to plan for to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Budget range: a mobile kitchen to test usage, without a major investment
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Between €600 and €900 for a compact griddle placed on a simple trolley,
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Between €1,000 and €2,000 for a larger trolley with storage and an integrated worktop.
This requires no fixed structure and no permanent connections. It is the most affordable entry-level budget to get started.
This allows you to test real-world use before investing more, and to define how often you cook, your storage needs and the amount of worktop space you require.
Mid-range: a semi-fixed structure with built-in equipment
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For a kitchen of around 5 m², allow typically between €3,000 and €6,000.
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For an area of around 10 m², the budget is more likely to be between €6,000 and €12,000.
This range corresponds to a semi-fixed structure: a light slab or simple masonry unit, built-in cooking equipment, a tiled or polished concrete worktop, and a water connection generally included. It is the most common level for regular seasonal use, from spring to autumn.
High-end outdoor kitchen: fully covered and connected
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For a high-end kitchen of around 10 m², allow typically between €15,000 and €25,000.
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At around 20 m² and with more advanced finishes, the budget may exceed €30,000 to €40,000.
This range corresponds to a complete, covered outdoor kitchen, with a pergola or fixed roof, a worktop in a premium material such as stone or thick stainless steel, and integrated water, gas and electricity connections designed in from the outset. An outdoor fridge often completes the setup.
Any fixed structure of 5 to 20 m² requires a prior declaration of works, and planning permission above that (threshold raised to 40 m² in an urban area covered by a PLU). A link to our dedicated guide will help you explore this point in more depth before starting the work.
Important
To confirm what applies to your specific situation, please consult our guide to planning permission and prior declaration before starting your work.
Comparison table of the 3 ranges
This table summarises, for each range, the typical equipment, the level of structure and the connections generally included.
| Range | Typical equipment | Structure | Connections | Indicative budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile/entry-level | Griddle or barbecue on a trolley | None, no fixing to the ground | No permanent connections | €600 to €900 |
| Mid-range | Built-in griddle or barbecue | Semi-fixed structure or light slab | Water generally connected | €3,000 to €12,000 |
| High-end | Fully equipped complete kitchen | Covered, built-in masonry or bespoke | Integrated water, gas and electricity | €15,000 to €40,000 |
Cost items to plan for
The price ranges by tier are only an overview. In practice, the total budget is split across several cost items, and it is their combination that explains the price differences within the same tier.
Here are some more details to help you understand exactly where your money goes, and which item to adjust if you want to reduce the total.
Structure and flooring
Groundworks, concrete slab or lightweight structure depending on the range chosen.
Allow typically between €150 and €400 per m² depending on the type of structure and the level of ground preparation required.
Worktop
The cost varies widely depending on the material selected, from entry-level composite panels to premium ceramic. To compare options in detail, see our materials guide for an outdoor kitchen.
Allow typically between €150 and €800 per linear metre depending on the material chosen.
Water, gas and electricity connections
This labour cost is often underestimated, especially if the kitchen is far from existing supply points.
Allow typically between €500 and €2,000 depending on the distance to cover and the number of connections required.
Equipment
This is the main part of the budget, to be chosen according to the range you are aiming for: countertop griddle, built-in griddle, or a higher-power range.
Other equipment can be added depending on what you want: pizza oven, additional hobs, outdoor fridge, lighting, furniture.
Allow a few hundred euros for a simple countertop griddle, up to several thousand euros for a fully equipped, complete kitchen.
Upgrade your outdoor kitchen over time
There is no need to install everything in the first year. Many people start with a minimalist set-up—for example, a griddle on a trolley—then upgrade gradually: adding a storage module, moving to a semi-fixed structure, or going for a full build a few years later.
This phased approach is a genuine budget advantage: it spreads the cost over time and gives you time to refine your real needs before investing in a permanent structure.
