IKEA’s New Modular Outdoor Kitchen Looks Custom-Built – But Costs Less Than $500
It's the solution to a custom outdoor kitchen without the custom price tag
As summer grows ever nearer, it's time to start thinking about how you are going to effortlessly host alfresco. And if an outdoor kitchen has been on your wish list for a while, this might just be the year it's granted.
Designing and installing an outdoor kitchen is a huge endeavor, with high costs and potential upheaval attached. But IKEA's BÅTSKÄR series is the instant (and affordable) alternative you've been searching for.
Article continues below 
This L-Shaped design is IKEA's BÅTSKÄR Outdoor Kitchen with Gas BBQ+Bar Table, $1,974.
If you've ever looked into the cost of a custom outdoor kitchen, you'll know that the average spend ranges from $10,000 to over $40,000. Even many of the non-custom options can cost you up to $15,000 and require further installation fees.
Which is exactly what makes IKEA's outdoor kitchen collection all the more appealing. The collection, which starts at just $490, features a range of freestanding units in varying sizes and a selection of add-on components, so you can choose one or a few to curate your perfect outdoor kitchen.
The modular design of the units allows you to add or take away the features you require. For example, you could keep things really simple by introducing just the BÅTSKÄR Shelf Unit for Sink, or the BÅTSKÄR Gas Grill with Side Burner for a small but perfectly formed outdoor kitchen.
For something larger and more sociable, they even have a few outdoor kitchen island designs that blend style and function beautifully. The BÅTSKÄR Outdoor Kitchen Island with Bar Table creates space for food prep and casual dining without a visual divide. It feels high-end without the cost of a custom design.
This sophisticated outdoor kitchen has been created using IKEA's BÅTSKÄR Outdoor Kitchen Island with Bar Table, $1,360.
To create a more personalized design, the add-on accessories take these modular outdoor kitchen units to the next level. The Add-On Shelves attach easily to the base units, providing vertical storage for canisters, utensils, and your favorite potted herbs.
For larger additions, the Bar Table can be purchased separately to integrate with different base units, or even as a separate seating area for casual dining and bar-style seating. For extra storage and prep space, the square Open Kitchen Unit connects to the end of the other outdoor kitchen sections, with open shelving beneath the counter.
The appeal of the BÅTSKÄR outdoor kitchen range goes far beyond function. Every piece has a powder-coated steel frame, finished in dark gray for a truly stylish and versatile look. This deeper color is not only ideal for a hardworking outdoor kitchen, but it can blend into backyards designed in a modern or more traditional country style.
The countertops are all stainless steel, adding durability and effortless style. IKEA describes the series as a design that 'combines the practical and robust functions of a professional restaurant kitchen with the neat lines and stylish details of a regular indoor kitchen,' and that's exactly what this range offers.
Shop the BÅTSKÄR Outdoor Kitchen Range
Size: 47 1/4" x 23 5/8"
The most basic of the range, this closed kitchen unit is great alone as a small but practical outdoor kitchen or connected with other components from the range. It features three spacious cabinets and a slatted shelf for additional storage.
Size: 47 1/4" x 23 5/8"
This design is very similar to the closed unit, but it has a ready-cut hole for an outdoor sink to be added. Simply attach to your water pipe for water access – a strainer and water trap are included. IKEA recommends the BOHOLMEN Sink and Tap.
Size: 47 1/4" x 23 5/8"
If cooking is the focus, this grill unit has a large cooking area, 4 independently controlled burners, 1 side burner, a warming rack, and a built-in thermometer in the hood. Compatible with bottled propane. A Charcoal Grill option is also available.
Size: 94 1/2" x 23 5/8"
If you want to create a more substantial outdoor kitchen, this option is the grill and closed units together. It comes at the same cost as buying them separately, but it's much easier to buy them as a combination for ease if you are building in one go.
Size: 47 1/4" x 47 1/4"
There's something really transformative about an outdoor kitchen island, creating ample storage, prep space, and a more social layout. This square design has plenty of space to create a gathering place. It's also available in a larger size, too.
Size: 70 7/8" x 70 7/8" x 59 7/8"
These L-shaped configurations really tick all the boxes, and they come in a few different styles. Here, you have a charcoal grill and a closed unit with the extra shelving above, but you can also choose the same configuration with a gas grill, or with a charcoal BBQ and bar seating instead of the shelves.
This outdoor kitchen range proves you can have a high-functioning, stylish space without the cost of a custom design. And with so many configurations and components to choose between, it's never been easier to create an outdoor kitchen perfectly suited to your needs and yard space.
If you're searching for an outdoor kitchen that's even tinier than this one, we've also spotlighted IKEA's NÄMMARÖ Open Kitchen Unit, made from acacia wood and stainless steel.
Love beautiful design ideas, expert advice, and inspiring decor trends? Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest features delivered straight to your inbox.
