your East Tennessee
Outdoor Kitchen experts
The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Outdoor Kitchen in Knoxville (2025 Edition)
If there’s one thing Knoxville homeowners know, it’s that life is best lived outdoors. Whether you’re tailgating for a big SEC football Saturday, grilling with friends while the kids splash in the pool, or just winding down after work, an outdoor kitchen can make your backyard the MVP of your home. (Yes, we said MVP — Peyton would be proud.)
This guide is your playbook for designing, purchasing, and enjoying an outdoor kitchen in Knoxville, TN. Let’s huddle up and dive in.
Why Invest in an Outdoor Kitchen in Knoxville?
Knoxville isn’t just the gateway to the Smokies — it’s a city that knows how to host. Here’s why an outdoor kitchen makes sense for your home:
Entertainment Central: Perfect for Tennessee watch parties, backyard barbecues, or hosting family during the holidays.
All Four Seasons: Knoxville’s mild climate lets you cook outside nearly year-round.
Property Value: Outdoor kitchens are one of the top amenities Knoxville homebuyers are looking for.
Lifestyle Upgrade: Whether you’re in Farragut, Maryville, Powell, or part of the Vol Navy (yes we've installed on house boats before), an outdoor kitchen transforms your backyard into a destination.
Outdoor Kitchen Layouts: Which One Fits Your Home?
When it comes to outdoor kitchens, one size doesn’t fit all. Here are the top three layouts we recommend:
Linear Outdoor Kitchen
Ideal for smaller patios or tighter spaces.
Straight-line design makes it compact and efficient.
L-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
Great for medium to large spaces.
Offers separate cooking and prep zones.
U-Shaped Outdoor Kitchen
The king of outdoor entertaining — tons of space and seating.
Wrap-around counter space that makes you the star quarterback of every gathering.
Ideal for larger properties on lakefront homes at Norris or Tellico Lake.
Pro Tip: Not sure which layout fits your playbook? Schedule a free consultation with our Knoxville design team, and we’ll help you draw up the winning formation.
Outdoor Kitchen Materials & Finishes for Tennessee’s Climate
Knoxville weather can be tricky — humid summers, occasional ice in the winter, and plenty of rain. Choosing the right materials ensures your kitchen looks great for years to come.
Countertops:
Granite – Durable, natural, and a local favorite.
Steel Reinforced Tubing – Sturdy as heck, customizable, built to last.
Aluminum, Powder Coated – Contemporary and weather-resistant.
Island Finishes:
SOK Ridge Line – Inspired by Tennessee’s ridges and mountains, featuring rustic stone and natural tones that look right at home in the foothills.
SOK River Line – Sleek, modern finishes perfect for lakefront living or riverside entertaining.
Appliances & Features You’ll Love
Here’s where the fun begins — the gear that turns your outdoor kitchen from good to great:
Grills (the heart of every kitchen): Summerset built-ins are fan favorites, but we have a wide range from which to choose, including Artisan, Coyote, Blaze, Al Fresco, Fire Magic and more.
Refrigerators & Ice Makers: Keep your sweet tea, craft beer, and game-day dips perfectly chilled.
Side Burners: Because sometimes you need to simmer chili while grilling burgers.
Pizza Ovens: Who doesn’t love a game-day pizza party?
Storage & Prep Space: Never underestimate the value of extra counter space.
How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Knoxville?
Let’s talk numbers — because every good game plan needs a budget. We generally use a per linear foot calculator (before appliances, doors and storage) for preliminary budgets:
Entry-Level Prefab Kitchens: $500+ / linear foot
Our Mid-Range Semi-Custom Kitchens: $800+ / linear foot
Our Luxury Custom Kitchens: $1000+ / linear foot
Contractor / Built on Site Outdoor Kitchens: $2000+ linear foot
Keep in mind: utilities and ground prep work (think concrete pads, etc...) may add to the final cost, and we aren't contractors, so we can't connect the water, gas and electrical.
Why Choose Tennessee Outdoor Kitchens
We work with manufacturing partners that have been building durable outdoor kitchens since before they were called outdoor kitchens (they used to be called grill islands (or BBQ islands)).
We understand East Tennessee sensibilities and climate.
We feature exclusive collections you won't find anywhere else.
White-glove service: From design to delivery, we can design, build and deliver your outdoor kitchen without the hassle of a full backyard project renovation.
We're generally 30 to 50% less than a general contractor.
The Ultimate Guide to Buying an Outdoor Kitchen in Knoxville, TN (2025 Edition)
We dig into outdoor kitchen cost breakdown, popular layouts and key components, and why Tennessee Outdoor Kitchens is your ideal partner in designing, building and delivering your outdoor kitchen to E... ...more
Outdoor Kitchen Buyers Guide
September 04, 2025•3 min read
About Tennessee Outdoor Kitchens
EASY DESIGN + ORDERING
Outdoor kitchen design should be fun
With more than 80 years of combined manufacturing experience, we make the process of designing and building an outdoor kitchen easy. We'll offer free 3D renderings for your home renovation project.
CUSTOM MATERIALS + RANGE OF BRANDS
Unlimited Possibilities
Simply Outdoor Kitchens has a national network of suppliers and manufacturers to design, build and install your perfect outdoor kitchen. We offer granite, travertine, stacked stone, shiplap-styled steel paneling, aluminum powder coat, and much more.
DELIVERY + SETUP INCLUDED*
One-day Installs
Avoid months-long construction zones in your backyard. Our teams are trained to install your outdoor kitchen in a single day, usually around 2 to 4 hours.
BEST VALUE
Simple, guaranteed pricing
We provide a single price for designing, building and setting up your outdoor kitchen. We don’t believe a budget is negotiable.
TESTIMONIALS
What our clients are saying
"Exceptional"
Simply Outdoor Kitchens did an exceptional job with our project. The material used are top of the line including grill and appliances. I would recommend using SOK again.
R. Heagarty
"Great product!"
I am very pleased with my outdoor kitchen from SOK! I was considering having my GC, who built my home, build something but learned that a kitchen from SOK designed and built for my space came in at a substantially less in cost."
B. Hardin
"Highly recommended"
"Good communication and provided a great service."
J. Everett
Landscape & Gardening
Effortlessly beautify your yard with our landscaping services.
Transform your outdoor space with ease using our professional landscaping services. From design to maintenance, our expert team ensures your yard stays lush, vibrant, and beautiful year-round. Let us handle the hard work while you enjoy a stunning, stress-free landscape.
PHOTO GALLERY
Tennessee Outdoor Kitchens is a division of Simply Outdoor Kitchens. We design, build and deliver custom outdoor kitchens to Farragut, Oak Ridge, Knoxville, Alcoa, Maryville, Sevierville, Hardin Valley and the greater Gatlinburg area.
Quick Links
Atlanta Outdoor Kitchens
Outdoor Kitchens of Huntsville
Birmingham Outdoor Kitchens
Nashville Outdoor Kitchens
About Simply Outdoor Kitchens
1100 Market Street, Suite 600, Chattanooga Tennessee 37402
Phone (423) 874-6883
