11 Best Portable Outdoor Kitchen Units & Cooking Stations

I don’t know about you, but I will seize any opportunity to head outside to the grill. For a holiday, beautiful day, between the rainy clouds on a rainy day, or even as a reason to make some heat on a cold day, there’s just something inherently irresistible about spending time in the fresh air and throwing together some delicious food. Lucky for you, we’re here to the rescue with the best portable outdoor kitchen units to make your outdoor cooking all the better.

These cooking stations and kitchen-esque mobile cabinetry will keep your food protected and make sure you have a clean place to slice some watermelon, stir up some potato salad, or season your steak.

With restrictions keeping most of us at home, now is a better time than ever to bring the best portable outdoor kitchen to your own backyard! You can have the outdoor experience with a top of the line cooking area just steps away from your home. Okay, yeah, you have a kitchen, you may think. However, proper grilling can only happen outside. You can’t bring a charcoal grill into your kitchen, can you?

And grilling requires finesse. You likely don’t have a team of minions or Oompa-Loompas to shuttle food in and out from the backyard to the kitchen. Having your entire kitchen set up at your fingertips will make your job much easier.

Do You Need a Portable Kitchen Unit?

Imagine, a stable outdoor kitchen island or grill table to slice through veggies and mix together side dishes. Outdoor kitchens provide the outdoor chef with everything they need to put together a perfect meal.

So, here’s the real question: Do you like to cook or spend time outdoors? If yes, that means a proper outdoor preparation and cooking surface is a practical solution for you.

There are many different styles and designs, so determining which is the best for you is the real challenge. For more portability, there are also portable gas grills, portable camping tables, and more. These are great for those who have an RV or camp often. You can leave your cooking gear at home or take it with you to build out your own RV outdoor kitchen.

Kitchen Unit Portability

In curating this list, our focus was on portability. We know that during bad-weather seasons leaving your gear outside is not ideal. Particularly if you don’t have any protective structures built around the outdoor kitchen cooking area. So we’ve featured the more portable and affordable at the top of the list.

If permanence is more your style, don’t worry. Just scroll further down the post to check out some of the snazziest, more permanent options for the best portable outdoor kitchen units.

You’ll Need a Backyard Grill

Our list features the best portable kitchen cooking stations. This means the part of the kitchen that is for organization and preparation. Some (a rare few) have cooking sections built-in or offer oven solutions, but generally, you will need to invest separately in your own grill.

Our recommendation for the best grill will vary according to how you intend to use it and the style of your kitchen. We love stainless steel grills or the flat top backyard grill. Get both to double the magic.

Grills bring a world of their own. You may be interested in a simple portable grill, a camp stove, and cast iron. Or perhaps you are a bbq master and are debating between a propane grill or charcoal grill. We won’t go into the finer points of grills here, but we are certainly big fans of smokey flavor, so choose wisely.

1. CampLand Portable Outdoor Cooking Station – Best for Camping & Backyard

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Table, organizer
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 23.6 pounds
• Dimensions: 31.6 x 22.9 x 4.9 inches
• Warranty: Lifetime

Get the best of both worlds with the CampLand Portable Cooking Station. For camping fiends, this easy to set up and take down camping kitchen is a camping essential. Alternatively, it also works beautifully as an outdoor cooking station.

With adjustable counter height, it’s the best for customizing not just to the user but for the environment it is in. It is originally designed for camping, however, it can be used in your backyard or taken to the park as well.

We love that it’s waterproof, a relief for when the inevitable rains come through. This bad boy also folds up – making it perfect for stuffing in the minivan quickly while your toddler cries for something. Plus it features a nifty lamp for those late-night snacks when you’re camping in the dark (and maybe dancing too).

A lot of reviewers are amazed by this practical cooking station. It’s easy to set up and it’s not bulky to carry. However, a few reviewers had issues with the poles fitting into the correct spots, particularly the pole that holds the lantern. Others found the structure a bit fragile, but it does work as intended.

The unit’s dimensions are 31.6 x 22.9 x 4.9 inches. It weighs 23.6 pounds.

You really can’t beat the price on this thing, at just over $100, it’s a great way to dip your toe into this market and try it out before upgrading to something bigger.

View CampLand Portable Cooking Station on Amazon

3. Faulkner Camp Cuisine Portable Kitchen Unit

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Table, shelf
• Material: PVC, polyester
• Weight: 25 pounds
• Dimensions: 22″ D x 35″ W x 32.2″ H
• Warranty: 1 year

The Faulkner Camp Cuisine Portable Kitchen is a simple and easy to use portable kitchen that is perfect for a night on the outdoors.

This doesn’t cook anything, it’s just a portable kitchen storage unit. But that makes it great for storing pots, pans, and kitchen items in an organized way. Instead of jamming all these things in a big plastic tub, keep things tidy and you’ll be a happy camper.

Many reviewers really love the simple design of the portable kitchen. It’s easy to set up and it’s not bulky to carry.

A few reviewers mentioned that there were a few problems with the parts of the unit. Reviewers mentioned that the seams weren’t sewn it properly and there were also a few parts that were broken.

It has an aluminum top panel with a wind deflector. Each shelf can hold up to 20 pounds. Steel tubing construction with 600D polyester fabric.

If you’re looking for an easy to setup and carry portable kitchen unit, then this is a great option for you!

View Faulkner Camp Cuisine Portable Kitchen on Amazon

3. GCI Portable Folding Camp Kitchen

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Table
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 22.4 pounds
• Dimensions: 22.2 x 70.1 x 68.3 inches
• Warranty: Limited lifetime

The GCI Portable Folding Camp Kitchen is an affordable and easy to use portable kitchen. It’s the best for holding beverages, paper towels, cooking utensils, etc. This work station is perfect for modular kitchens.

This thing is amazing. Ever been to a park or campsite without a table? Unless you have a truck with a liftgate nearby, how do you even set up a kitchen? Impossible – until now.

This folding outdoor kitchen table unit is a hybrid of a table, workstation, and drying rack for dishes. It has a hanging lantern hook to keep things well-lit into the weening hours of the day.

Again, this isn’t just for camping. Set this up in your backyard when you have guests over – either as a serving buffet or chopping and prep station. The perfect complement to your backyard barbecue you love so much.

A lot of reviewers really love the portability, speed and functionality. It’s convenient and easy to carry.

There are a few reviewers who mentioned that the unit is wobbly. There are also a few who mentioned that product they received is damaged, but for the majority of reviewers, the product was in good condition.

The unit’s weight is 22.2 x 70.1 x 68.3 inches; 22.4 Pounds. It weighs 22.4 lbs. The materials used are alloy steel, aluminum, and metal.

If you’re looking for a simple and practical portable kitchen, then this is a great product for you!

View GCI Portable Folding Camp Kitchen on Amazon

4. SylvanSport Over Easy Camp Kitchen System

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Table, organizer
• Material: Polyester, aluminum, bamboo
• Weight: 45 pounds
• Dimensions: 40.6 x 21.5 x 8.5 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

The SylvanSport Over Easy Camp Kitchen System is a practical kitchen system that comes with a wash basin and a storage system. It’s light, durable, and properly organized.

It unfolds easily from its carry bag. The elegant bamboo work surface is lightweight and easy to chop on. It’s got a table on the right perfect for your two-burner stove. The storage area underneath is perfect for holding dishes and kitchen supplies. The left area has hooks for holidng pots and pans, and a fabric area for whatever other food prep you need.

This may just be our favorite portable kitchen yet!

A lot of reviewers really love this kitchen system. It provides a lot for a fair price.

The kitchen system’s dimensions are 40.6 x 21.5 x 8.5 inches. It weighs 45 pounds.

If you’re looking for a simple yet practical kitchen system, then this is a great option for you!

View SylvanSport Over Easy Camp Kitchen System on Amazon

5. Forimo Portable Kitchen Table

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Table, organizer
• Material: Aluminum
• Weight: 28.7 pounds
• Dimensions: 32.1 x 22.8 x 4.7 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

The Forimo Portable Kitchen Table is a spacious and convenient outdoor kitchen table that can house a multitude of items.

Reviewers really like this convenient kitchen table. The storage is nice and spacious, it’s good for outdoor activities, and the overall functionality is fantastic.

The table’s dimensions are 32.1 x 22.8 x 4.7 inches. It weighs 28.7 pounds.

If you’re looking for a spacious, outdoor kitchen table, then this is a great option for you!

View Forimo Portable Kitchen Table on Amazon

6. Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Oven
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 37.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 18 x 24 x 31 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

The Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven is a portable oven that utilizes a matchless ignition system, which makes it perfect for camping. Okay, yeah, so it’s less kitchen unit and more portable kitchen appliance. Either way, it’s a winner in our eyes.

We’ve all used those tiny Coleman two-burner stoves, but that severely limits what you can actually make – more sausage and beans anyone? This is an actual oven. Connect it to a propane tank, slide in some cookies, and you’ll be in ecstasy just 20 minutes later.

Many reviewers mentioned that the Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven is one of the best outdoor ovens they ever bought. It’s cheap, easy to use, and practical.

A few reviewers mentioned that the the camp produces a very mild flame, it does serve it’s purpose, but some of the reviewers were expecting a bit more heat on the oven.

The oven’s dimensions are 31″ H x 24″ W x 18″ L. The material used is durable stainless steel.

If you’re looking for an outdoor camp oven for your next camping trip, then this one is the best option for you!

View Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven on Amazon

7. Camp Chef Explorer Outdoor Stove

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Stove
• Material: Steel
• Weight: 30.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 34 x 14 x 29 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

The Camp Chef Explorer Outdoor Stove is an easy store and easy to use outdoor stove that has detachable legs, making it perfect for easy transporation.

A lot of reviewers really like this outdoor stove. The legs are nice and sturdy, it is super convenient to use, and the overall functionality is fantastic.

A few reviewers complained that the quality isn’t the best. There are also a few reviewers who complained that the legs are a bit too short.

The stove’s dimensions are 34 x 14 x 29 inches. It weighs 30.5 pounds.

If you’re looking for a convenient outdoor stove, then this is a great option for you!

View Camp Chef Explorer Outdoor Stove on Amazon

8. WEBER Summit S-660 Outdoor Grill

Technical Details:

• Unit type: Grill, oven
• Material: Stainless steel
• Weight: 289 pounds
• Dimensions: 31 x 42 x 51 inches
• Warranty: 1 year

The WEBER Summit S-660 Outdoor Grill is a well designed outdoor grill that is perfect for barbecue sessions and outdoor parties.

Reviewers absolutely love this outdoor grill. The design is very nice, it works perfectly, it is very easy to setup, and it syncs with natural gas really nice.

A few reviewers complained that the quality of the grill isn’t the best. There are also a few reviewers who complained that the price is a bit too high.

If you’re looking for a well designed, outdoor grill, then this is a good option for you!

View WEBER Summit S-660 Outdoor Grill on Amazon

9. Move Kitchen – A Compact Mobile Outdoor Unit

Move Kitchen is an innovative and compact mobile kitchen unit designed for outdoor use. Its small footprint and mobility makes it easy to install this kitchen anywhere you like, near pool, close to table for lunch, in the garden or even can be used as mini bar. The kitchen has stainless steel storage shelves for dishes and utensils and has an inbuilt refrigerator for food and beverages. Designed exclusively for outdoor use, the Move Kitchen is weather proof. The openings such as doors and drawers are designed in such a way that they prevent water from getting inside the module even in heavy rain. The kitchen has a 16A 220V power point for electrical appliances. The Monocoque composite construction following the technique of shipbuilding makes this kitchen very light and mobile. Check out the pictures of this truly mobile outdoor kitchen.

10. bbqube Outdoor Kitchen

Designer Michael Schmidt of Stuttgart-based studio code2design has created the bbqube Outdoor Kitchen. Michael Schmidt says: “Because we have started spending more of our lives outdoors once again, I wanted to not only barbecue outdoors but to also bring the entire process starting from food preparation down to the actual food consumption outside, extending the enjoyment and fun of cooking and barbecuing. I also wanted to combine traditional charcoal barbecues with cooking on gas.”

11. Critter Portable Kitchen

Critter is a portable kitchen unit created by Milan-based designer Elia Mangia in collaboration with Italian company Skitsch. The free standing mobile kitchen comes with a cooktop, a sink, garbage disposal system and work space for food preparation. The movable kitchen, designed for both indoor and outdoor use, is comprised of modular accessories. You can easily assemble or disassemble the whole kitchen unit in less than few minutes.

According to the designer, “Critter is a free standing worktop which typologically stands in between a traditional kitchen and a primus stove kitchen. In the attempt to innovate by forecasting future scenarios, Critter undermines one of the last bulwark of the static domestic landscape. Infact even though this kitchen was born to be easily moved around and used outdoor, Critter winks at the house, looking forward to replace his domestic cousins.

The main structure is made by two beams of solid wood on which are assembled the legs and a series of freely interchangable modular accessories. The whole kitchen is completely demountable in a few fast and easy steps and is kept together by only 8 screws.”

12. Contemporary Modern Outdoor Kitchen From Electrolux

Everyone who loves having a fully fledged outdoor kitchen will definitely go gaga over this new design from Electrolux. The designers have designed this outdoor kitchen to fit any given space, be it the oasis in your yard or the intimate deck. The countertops feature Electrolux’s integrated barbecue and integrated burner. The organic curves of the countertop and the use of neutral colors added the trendiness to the already elegant kitchen. The designer Jamie Durie is key person in the design of this stylish outdoor kitchen unit. Now don’t blame Electrolux or its designers if you are spending more time in outdoor kitchen than in indoor one.

Portable Outdoor Kitchen Units & Cooking Stations Comparison Table

Product name	Unit type	Material	Weight	Dimensions	Warranty
CampLand Portable Outdoor Cooking Station	Table, organizer	Aluminum	23.6 pounds	31.6 x 22.9 x 4.9 inches	Lifetime
Camp Chef Outdoor Camp Oven	Oven	Steel	37.1 pounds	18 x 24 x 31 inches	1 year
Faulkner Camp Cuisine Portable Kitchen Unit	Table, shelf	PVC, polyester	25 pounds	22″ D x 35″ W x 32.2″ H	1 year
GCI Portable Folding Camp Kitchen	Table	Aluminum	22.4 pounds	22.2 x 70.1 x 68.3 inches	Limited lifetime
SylvanSport Over Easy Camp Kitchen System	Table, organizer	Polyester, aluminum, bamboo	45 pounds	40.6 x 21.5 x 8.5 inches	1 year
Forimo Portable Kitchen Table	Table, organizer	Aluminum	28.7 pounds	32.1 x 22.8 x 4.7 inches	1 year
Camp Chef Explorer Outdoor Stove	Stove	Steel	30.5	34 x 14 x 29 inches	1 year
WEBER Summit S-660 Outdoor Grill	Grill, oven	Stainless steel	289 pounds	31 x 42 x 51 inches	1 year

Buyers Guide for Portable Outdoor Kitchen Units or Cooking Stations

Whether a camping fanatic, a camping as a necessity (music festival goer), or just love cooking in your backyard, there are some key considerations in play when selecting the right solution for your portable outdoor kitchen.

Where Will You Use Your Outdoor Kitchen Unit?

How you choose to use your kitchen unit will play a big part in what size and style you choose. Here are some scenarios to keep in mind:

• Camping: Limited space and uneven ground means adjustable, lightweight, and waterproof options are best.
• RV Outdoor Kitchen: More durable options, easy to set up and takedown.
• Backyard or patio: Depends on if you will leave it in your backyard more permanently or constantly set it up and take it down.

How Will You Use It? How Does It Need to Function?

Outdoor kitchen units include a wide range of features. You need to know whether you simply need extra counter space or if you want a section to set up a portable oven.

Another thing to consider is if you want to include a sink or need to use the kitchen when the sun has already set.

Will you be hiking many miles with your kitchen tucked up in a bag? Then lightweight may be the most important feature for you.

Do You Need to Carry Your Kitchen or Will It Be a Permanent Fixture?

Many of the best portable outdoor kitchens are popular for camping. So, a lightweight profile is coveted. Always take a look at the weight of the unit to understand how much weight it will add to your load.

However, with more and more families installing backyard kitchens or RV owners using these types of portable kitchen units outside their homes, heavier duty options are becoming increasingly popular.

There are even a large number of outdoor kitchens with luxe islands equipped with grills and sinks and more. These options aren’t necessarily thought of as portable, although they are moveable. So, they fall into this gray area between the two.

Will You Need to Easily Set Up, Take Down, or Pack Up Your Kitchen?

How easy is it to set up your portable kitchen and how easy is it to break it down (and pack it up)?

This question is very important for campers and it is important to read through the details of the portable kitchen unit to make sure the construction fits your expectations.

Similarly, check to see the size of the carrying case to determine what space the packed kitchen unit will take up. Ideally, you are looking for a thin and narrow design with a lightweight profile.

What’s Your Budget?

The range of prices for portable outdoor kitchen units will depend primarily on how you use it and how elaborate it is.

Super simple camping-style portable kitchen units and cooking stations generally run from $75 to a few hundred.

Of course, there are also incredibly durable and decked out thousand dollar luxury portable kitchens. If you are looking for something more permanent and long lasting that will be a feature in your backyard, spending a few thousand is worth the investment. You will get a lot of quality time grilling with your family and friends.

Portable Outdoor Kitchen Units & Cooking Stations FAQs