Get matched with top outdoor kitchen pros in Groton, SD

A fireplace is, by definition, an enclosed space where you burn wood or other fuel for the purpose of generating light and heat. A firepit burns wood and is much less expensive to build, but they aren’t technically a fireplace as it isn’t enclosed. An outdoor oven—commonly outdoor brick pizza ovens—often uses wood as fuel, but its primary purpose is to cook food, and you’d rarely just burn wood inside them for warmth or aesthetic reasons.

The best height for a pizza oven is one that allows the user to easily see what’s going on inside and comfortably place pies without having to crouch over. In general, that means the opening should be between 36 and 48 inches off the ground. By contrast, the height of the dome is totally up to your preference, because different heights create different results. Shorter domes are better for creating Neapolitan-style pies, whereas taller domes are ideal for NY-style recipes.

The least expensive way to build an outdoor kitchen is to start small and use an existing patio space as close to the house as possible. If you have access to appliances that you can reuse or have the carpentry skills for DIY outdoor kitchen cabinets, that will save the most cash. Otherwise, start with a few basics and work towards your dream kitchen by adding a little each year.

Summer kitchens can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $50,000 to build. The average price is on the lower end of that range, however, at $15,500. The typical homeowner is more likely to pay between $6,000 and $25,000 than approach the $50,000 mark. Materials for framework, flooring, and countertops are the most expensive type of expenditure, with appliances coming in second. There are a few additional costs that may not immediately come to mind when planning an outdoor kitchen, some of which include: permits, routine maintenance, pest control, and winterization.