Ashe Samuels
Ashe Samuels
Senior Editor
Ashe Samuels is a specialized business writer and marketer in the food and beverage niche. She's helped small businesses, start-ups, and online publications reach their...
Which one is best: outdoor kitchen vs outdoor cabinets? Both areas have a lot of overlap, actually – the answer lies in what you plan to do with your set-up once you’re done.
Outdoor kitchens recreate your indoor kitchen as closely as possible so you can grill, cook, or hang out with the family. Outdoor cabinets are a little simpler, primarily functioning as weatherproof storage units. That said, you can still use them to put an outdoor kitchen together!
We’ll help you narrow down your options so you can finally create the outdoor set-up you’ve always wanted. Below is the difference between an outdoor kitchen vs outdoor cabinets and which one suits you best.
Header Source Image: ExtCabinets
Source Image: ExtCabinets
What is an Outdoor Kitchen?
An outdoor kitchen lets you cook, grill, and even bake in the great outdoors. These elaborate set-ups should have features that replicate your indoor kitchen with a few weatherproof bonuses.
Aside from setting up a circuit board to have steady access to electricity, there are two main elements required from an outdoor kitchen – a grill and a fridge. You can then build on these fundamentals with any addition you can think of.
Grills
Do you like kicking back with the family during a sports match or get-together? Your outdoor kitchen will have a minimum of at least one grill.
Other additions include smokers and side burners. You can then use outdoor HDPE cabinets to keep spare blocks of wood, coals, or cooking supplies.
Fridge
The other minimum requirement for an outdoor kitchen is a fridge. If you’re a fan of an ice cold drink, you can supplement the fridge with a wine cooler or portable freezer.
Ovens
While not a requirement for an outdoor kitchen, ovens are a popular addition you can consider. These can be conventional ovens or classic brick ovens for pizza or bread.
Sinks
Don’t forget a sink to clean your dishes or get running water! While you could always use a simple basin for dishes, a popular choice for outdoor kitchens is a mobile utility sink.
Storage
This area is where outdoor kitchens usually come up a little short. Many pre fab outdoor kitchen units will offer the basics of a grill and fridge, but not much in the way of storage.
If you’re not sure where you’ll put extra dishes, food, or tools, weatherproof cabinets will utilize your space to the fullest. If you’re still not sure whether to choose outdoor kitchen vs outdoor cabinets, let’s take a look at the latter below.
Source Image: ExtCabinets
What is an Outdoor Cabinet?
An outdoor cabinet is a useful storage option for just about any outdoor activity you can think of – cooking, gardening, painting, you name it. In fact, your outdoor cabinet can also house built-in grills or kitchens.
They’re also a wonderful way of keeping out pet toys, garden tools, or anything that needs to stay out of the house. Whatever you enjoy doing outside, weatherproof cabinets are ready to save you a headache while lasting a very long time.
Outdoor cabinets made from HDPE pair well with outdoor kitchens by giving you the following benefits.
Plenty of Storage to Keep Your Space Clear
If you’re tired of piling up garden tools in the corner of your backyard or need extra space for spare dishes, you’ll enjoy the benefits of an outdoor cabinet. These handy storage options will keep your items safe with weatherproof materials that hold up to rain, snow, and heat.
Use Empty Space for a Better Purpose
Not only do you clear up much-needed outdoor space, you can finally use empty space for a better purpose. Weatherproof cabinets open up a world of possibilities, from housing extra cans of soda to storing cleaning supplies.
Save You Trips Running in and Out of the House
When you have cooking or gardening to do, the last thing you want are constant trips to fetch items inside the house. A strategically placed outdoor cabinet will save you time and a few headaches.
Even better? You’ll also clear up space inside the house to put more furniture or decorations.
Eliminate the Risk of Mold
While you should always be vigilant for mold growth in wood or cloth items, you can rest easy with HDPE outdoor cabinets. Mold can’t grow on this versatile material, making it safe and quite cost-effective in the long term.
Not only can you say farewell to tossing out moldy and warped cabinets, you can…
Shave Down Maintenance Costs
Maintaining outdoor kitchens or outdoor cabinets can be a lot of work due to weather, sun, or insect damage. The durable benefits of HDPE cabinets will shave down cleaning and replacement costs.
Since HDPE is resistant to corrosion such as stains or sun damage, you won’t have to worry about polishing it up for guests. It’s also resistant to drastic temperature changes and won’t warp under water or sunlight. Compare this material to PVC, which is rather sensitive to sunlight and degrades under exposure.
Wood, another common material for cabinets, also risks becoming moldy from water exposure. Mold growth is stubborn and difficult to remove from wood, which can lead to you using even more money on a replacement.
Source Image: ExtCabinets
The Key Differences Between Outdoor Kitchens and Outdoor Cabinets
Let’s break down the outdoor kitchen vs outdoor cabinets even further. By the end of this section, you’ll have a clear idea on which set-up suits your needs best.
Outdoor Kitchens Have a Minimum of a Grill and a Fridge
Outdoor kitchens need a minimum of a grill and a fridge to qualify. That said, many people will add multiple functionalities to recreate the indoor kitchen experience closely.
These extra functions could be a wine cooler, a second mini fridge, or a mobile sink.
Outdoor Cabinets Can Be Elaborate Set-Ups or Simple Storage
Outdoor cabinets are extremely flexible. They can be elaborate set-ups like an outdoor kitchen or used for simple storage purposes, such as:
- Storing cooking supplies and tools
- Storing food and drink
- Fitting into outdoor kitchen set-ups to hold cooking equipment
Outdoor Kitchens Usually Take More Time To Set Up
Outdoor kitchens, by virtue of having a minimum of a grill and a fridge, take more time to set up. You can use an outdoor cabinet immediately after purchase.
For example, let’s say you want to set up an outdoor kitchen for holiday gatherings. You may need a grill, a mini fridge, and a handful of countertops for everyone to eat. You may also need extra chairs and tables to make sure everyone is comfortable.
To contrast, an outdoor cabinet is ready to use upon arrival. You could outfit it into a mini-kitchen or just use it to keep all your spare grilling supplies.
Outdoor Cabinets are Faster to Install and Use
Outdoor cabinets are faster to install and use since they’re, at their core, storage containers. They come completely assembled and ready to be set up in your backyard, patio, or front deck.
The Best Outdoor Cabinets Use 100% HDPE
The best outdoor cabinets use 100% durable and easy-to-clean HDPE. Some outdoor cabinet brands only use HDPE sparingly in their panels and doors, which won’t give you the full benefits.
If some of the cabinets are still made out of wood or stainless steel, you’ll have a less durable solution that won’t stand the test of time. Stainless steel is prone to corrosion such as spots or stains, meaning your cabinet will visibly age eventually. A wooden cabinet is also not fully weatherproof, risking the development of mold or inviting burrowing insects.
100% HDPE cabinets are the most sturdy and long-lasting, withstanding weather and the test of time with marine-grade material. Yes, HDPE is tough enough to be used for boats!
Outdoor Kitchens Can Use Several Materials
Outdoor kitchens, by virtue of using several tools to put everything together, often have a blend of materials. However, the more HDPE you use, the more durable and long-lasting your kitchen will be.
Instead of gambling on a blend of fragile PVC and wood, you can HDPE outdoor cabinets to house your kitchen materials or food supplies.
Source Image: ExtCabinets
Frequently Asked Questions
Still want to learn more about getting an outdoor kitchen vs outdoor cabinets? We have answers to commonly asked questions to help you make the most reliable purchasing decision.
Can You Use Regular Cabinets For Outdoor Kitchens?
Regular cabinets made out of PVC or wood aren’t suitable for outdoor kitchens because of warping, staining, or getting mold. Outdoor kitchens using HDPE cabinets are more durable to the elements, saving you time and money in the long-term.
Do Outdoor Kitchens Need to Be Vented?
Venting outdoor kitchens is necessary to avoid the accumulation of gas and smoke from stoves, reducing the risk of an accident. Outdoor kitchen cabinets will help you utilize your space more efficiently so you have room to keep everything vented and clean.
Are Outdoor Kitchen Islands and Outdoor Cabinets the Same?
Outdoor cabinets are any cabinets built with durable, weatherproof material with the great outdoors in mind. However, HDPE is the most reliable material – while outdoor kitchen islands can be made out of any cabinet, only the most hardy materials will do.
Source Image: ExtCabinets
HDPE is Ideal for Outdoor Cabinets and Outdoor Kitchens
Whether you want to create a lavish outdoor kitchen or beef up your outdoor storage, HDPE outdoor cabinets are the solution. This tough and long-lasting material will protect your appliances or food from the elements for decades.
Outdoor kitchens require a minimum of a grill and a fridge. An outdoor cabinet is any storage unit designed for outdoor usage. However, you can make outdoor kitchens with HDPE outdoor cabinets to store your grill, supplies, or food items. These solutions are ideal because they don’t rely on finicky wood, PVC, or stainless steel materials that degrade over time.
Ready to put your outdoor set-up together? Get a quote on our outdoor cabinets today – we’ll even send over a refundable sample so you can experience the quality yourself!