best outdoor kitchen · modern · modular · modular cabinets · modular kitchen · modular outdoor kitchen · outdoor · outdoor cabinet · outdoor cabinets · outdoor cooking · outdoor design · outdoor entertaining · outdoor items · outdoor kitchen · outdoor kitchen cabinets · Outdoor Living · outdoor space design · outdoor storage · small backyard patio design · small space design ·Jul 15, 2025

Outdoor Cooking Storage You Will Love

Why Do You Need Outdoor Cooking Storage?

Outdoor cooking storage is essential for anyone who regularly cooks or entertains outside. It helps create a more organized, efficient, and enjoyable cooking experience. We offer the best storage solutions for your outdoor cooking needs, whether you need small, ample, or mobile storage remedies.

Here are the key reasons and benefits of having outdoor cooking storage:

1. Convenience & Efficiency

Store grilling tools, utensils, spices, and cookware right where you need them—no more running back and forth to the kitchen. For more ideas on all the cooking accessories you might need for your outdoor kitchen, check out our blog, 13 Outdoor Kitchen Accessories Every Cook Needs.
You can prep ingredients and store them outside, reducing setup time when it's time to cook.

2. Organization & Cleanliness

Having a place for everything—from skewers and tongs to foil and marinades—makes cooking smoother and cleanup faster.
Keep your outdoor cooking area clutter-free and well-organized.

3. Protection from the Elements

Proper outdoor storage keeps your tools and supplies protected from rain, sun, wind, and pests.
Helps extend the life of your gear by shielding it from moisture and rust.

4. Elevated Experience

Seamless hosting with everything you need is close at hand; you can spend more time with your guests and less time managing the details.
Enhancing your outdoor kitchen's aesthetics with integrated cabinets, drawers, or storage benches can give it a polished and professional look.

5. Safety

Store propane tanks, fire starters, and sharp tools safely in secure, dedicated compartments.
A tidy space reduces the risk of tripping or accidental burns.

6. Customization

Outdoor storage units can be built into grills, prep stations, or standalone islands, tailored to your cooking habits and space.
With modular cabinets, you can design your outdoor kitchen storage to fit your specific needs and the parameters of your outdoor space. For design inspiration, check out our blog - The 5 Best Modular Outdoor Kitchens.

Best Outdoor Cooking Storage Solutions:

CABINETS

Frances Teak Storage Cabinet: Plantation-grown, slatted teak cabinet with hinged top for additional storage. Stainless steel hardware and adjustable interior shelves make this cabinet both beautiful and functional.

Larnaca 2-door Metal Cabinet: Durable, lightweight aluminum creates a sleek silhouette, with a spacious interior featuring two adjustable shelves. The expansive stainless steel top provides a perfect space for food preparation, serving, or display.

Larnaca Teak Cabinet & Prep Collection: Weather-ready, natural teak storage pieces with sturdy stainless steel countertop to prepare or serve from.

BARS & ISLANDS

Westport Bar: This aluminum frame featuring ample storage and a high-quality teak bar top is a perfect combination of style and functionality.

NewAge Outdoor Island: Go large or small with this kitchen island collection from NewAge. You can add or subtract modular pieces, like a corner cabinet, to increase the footprint and create more counter prep space. With a stainless steel frame and louvered doors, these islands feature ample drawers and cabinets, as well as a selection of accessories, including grills, sinks, refrigeration, and more.

Abbott Acacia Wood Bar with Storage: This beautiful and sturdy outdoor bar is hand finished and features a solid, moisture-resistant concrete countertop. There's plenty of storage in the cabinets with removable shelving, two drawers, integrated towel hooks, and a bottle opener. The seating side of the bar features an industrial steel footrest for comfort.

PORTABLE OUTDOOR CARTS

Patio Kitchen Island Mobile Bar: This movable trolley has a porcelain prep-space countertop, stainless steel cabinet drawer storage, refrigerated drawer storage, and an outdoor fridge. This cart is a perfect addition to any patio, poolside, or outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Mobile Bar Cart: This sleek stainless steel bar cart is the ultimate in outdoor entertaining. Easy to move, despite its generous storage capacity, this bar cart boasts dual-zone refrigeration compartments and can hold up to 39 wine bottles. Apart from the dry and cold storage, this cart has a roomy work surface including an oak prep-board, serving tray, and removable ice basket with temperature control.

Teak Bar with Beverage Tub: This beautiful, high-quality teak cart is the perfect beverage center for your outdoor space. The top panels slide open to reveal a stainless steel removable beverage tub and a companion ice bucket. Open storage on the bottom shelf gives you space for additional items.

WEATHERPROOF DRAWERS

Newport Outdoor Kitchen Sideboard: This outdoor kitchen storage is made in matte black or stainless aluminum and has five functional drawers, cleverly disguised as cabinet doors. The center drawer is deep and can accommodate a waste bin. The countertop is made of weather-proof sintered stone, perfect for prepping, cooking, or serving meals.

Stainless Outdoor Drawer Refrigerator: This durable, rust-resistant, two-drawer outdoor fridge is the perfect space-saving addition to any outdoor kitchen storage. This piece is a practical enhancement that improves organization and convenience in your outdoor kitchen.

Choosing The Right Outdoor Kitchen Storage:

Selecting the right outdoor cooking storage depends on your budget, space, cooking habits, and the kind of weather your storage will face. Here are the steps to consider in helping you choose the best option for your needs.

1. Assess Your Needs & Budget

What do you cook? Grill? Pizza oven? Smoker?
What do you need to store? Utensils, cookware, fuel tanks, seasonings, food, or drinks?
How often do you cook outside? Daily use may require more permanent storage.
What is your budget for adding outdoor kitchen storage? You can purchase modular outdoor kitchen pieces over time and extend your outdoor kitchen storage as your budget allows. It can be worth paying a little more for durable, weather-proof, and well-designed storage that will last for years and enhance your outdoor cooking experience.

2. Measure Your Space

Check available square footage for storage.
Consider proximity to your grill or cooking area for convenience.
Ensure there's sufficient room to open drawers, doors, or lids.

3. Choose The Right Type Of Storage

Modular or Built-in Cabinets: Great for permanent outdoor kitchens. Seamless and weatherproof.
Rolling Carts or Prep Stations: Flexible and portable. Ideal for smaller or temporary setups.
Drawer Units & Side Shelves: Perfect for organizing tools and accessories.

4. Look For Weather-Resistant Materials

Stainless Steel: Rust-resistant and easy to clean.
Powder-Coated Metal: Affordable and weather-resistant.
Teak or Weather-Treated Wood: Stylish, but requires more maintenance.

5. Match Your Outdoor Aesthetic

Coordinate with your grill, countertops, or patio design.
Match your landscaping or interior cabinetry style to seamlessly flow from inside to outside.

6. Additional Features To Consider

Built-in trash bins and/or recycling
Refrigerated drawers or coolers
Lighting, for nighttime cooking
Hooks, towel bars, or magnetic tool strips
Easy-to-clean surfaces and any drainage needs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best material for outdoor cooking storage?

The best material for outdoor cooking storage depends on your climate, usage, budget, and aesthetic preferences, but stainless steel is widely considered the top choice. Here's a quick assessment of the best materials:

1. Stainless Steel is best for permanent outdoor kitchens, frequent use, and coastal or humid climates.

Extremely durable and weather-resistant
Easy to clean and sanitize
Modern, high-end look
It can get hot in direct sunlight
Higher Cost

2. Teak or Weather-Treated Wood is best for aesthetic appeal and blending with wooden decks or rustic outdoor spaces.

Warm, natural appearance
Resistant to insects and rot (especially teak, cedar, or redwood)
Can be sealed for better durability
Requires regular maintenance (sealing/staining)
Less resistant to moisture over time compared to metals

3. Powder-Coated Aluminum or Steel is best for budget-conscious setups with moderate exposure to weather.

Resistant to rust if the coating is intact
Wide color and finish options
Lightweight and affordable
Coating can scratch or chip, exposing metal to rust
Not as long-lasting as stainless steel

How Do I Maintain Outdoor Storage In Winter?

Maintaining your outdoor cooking storage during winter is crucial to extend its lifespan and keep everything in top condition for the next season. Spending a few hours prepping now will save you from replacing damaged gear in the spring.

Here are a few practical steps for winter maintenance:

Empty and Clean Everything:

Remove all tools, utensils, food, and propane tanks.
Deep clean the inside and outside with mild soap and water.
Let everything dry thoroughly to prevent mold or rust.

Protect with Covers:

Use weatherproof, breathable covers for cabinets, carts, and grills.
Avoid plastic tarps directly on wood or metal—they trap moisture and can cause mildew or rust.

Elevate and Ventilate:

If possible, elevate furniture or storage slightly off the ground to prevent water damage from snow/ice.
Ensure air circulation inside storage boxes or cabinets—slightly open vents or crack lids if safe.

Can Outdoor Cooking Storage Be DIY-ed?

Yes, outdoor cooking storage can absolutely be DIY-ed, and it's a great way to save money, customize your setup, and match your personal style. With the right tools, materials, and planning, you can build anything from a simple storage cart to a full, built-in cabinet system.

Why DIY?

Custom fit for your space and cooking style
Budget-friendly, especially compared to prebuilt or custom outdoor kitchens
Creative freedom with materials and design
Satisfaction of building something useful and stylish with your own hands

Tips For Success:

Plan first: Sketch your design, measure carefully, and determine material quantities before you begin building.
Waterproof everything: Use sealants, weather-resistant finishes, or outdoor-rated paints.
Ventilation matters: Add gaps or vents to avoid moisture buildup inside closed storage.
Use casters for mobility: For carts or movable islands, heavy-duty casters make them easy to store away in bad weather.
Add covers or roofs: For longer-lasting protection, consider a roof over your unit or position it under a patio.

Need additional inspiration?

Explore our blog page for a range of design ideas to enhance your outdoor living space. We even have you covered with our blog on how to create a cozy retreat in small backyard spaces. Or, see how we work collaboratively with you to bring your outdoor space dreams to life in our recent project transformation blog.

Still not sure where to start?

I can help. Drop me a message with some photos of your space, and we can get started!

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