You’re in the process of deciding on an outdoor kitchen solution, and RTA Outdoor Living is one of the contenders. But before you rule any other companies out, you’re wrestling with this question:
“Is an RTA Outdoor Kitchen Right for Me?”
It’s a fair question to ask! After all, if there aren’t enough good reasons… then RTA won’t be the right fit for your outdoor kitchen project.
Over the years, we have spoken with thousands upon thousands of homeowners about our outdoor kitchens and whether or not it’s the best product for their needs. As such, we’ve learned a thing or two about who an RTA outdoor kitchen is or isn’t for! Now, you might be expecting that in an article like this we’ll tell you RTA is a great fit for almost anyone… but that wouldn’t be the truth! The reality is, RTA is not a great fit for everyone, and this article is intended to help you make the right decision for you.
In this article, we’ll discuss 5 ways to know if an RTA outdoor kitchen is the right choice for your project, some hints that an RTA island might not be best for you… and by the end, you’ll have a good idea if RTA is the right fit for your outdoor kitchen project or not.
Quick Links:
- 5 Ways to Know if an RTA Outdoor Kitchen is Right for You
- An RTA Outdoor Kitchen Might Not be Right for You If…
- So, Should You Buy an RTA Outdoor Kitchen?
5 Ways to Know if an RTA Outdoor Kitchen is Right for You
Without further ado… here’s 5 ways to know if an RTA outdoor kitchen is right for your needs.
1. You Want a Long-Term Outdoor Kitchen Solution
Humor us for a moment, and visualize the future with your outdoor kitchen. How far into the future does your vision go?
Do you see your children or grandchildren spending countless summer nights at your outdoor kitchen as they grow up? Do you visualize yourself entertaining guests in your backyard year after year… decade after decade?
If you’re expecting to get many years of use out of your future BBQ island… then yes, you do want a long-term outdoor kitchen solution! And this is exactly something RTA Outdoor Living can provide for you.
2. You Want a Reliable, Low-Maintenance BBQ Island
When you’re dishing out thousands of dollars on an outdoor kitchen… you probably don’t want to worry about fussing and fixing it on a regular basis. You paid good money for your outdoor kitchen, and it should be convenient for you to use!
Let’s be clear: all outdoor kitchens do require some level of maintenance. However, that maintenance level varies greatly depending on what outdoor kitchen solution you choose. For example, many outdoor kitchens have finishes that can crack or pop off over a season or two… which leaves you picking up the ball on repairing the damage year after year.
To avoid this problem, RTA’s outdoor kitchen finishes are fully integrated into the concrete panel. There are no layers that could get damaged or pop off over time. All you need to do is gently wash down your panels with soap and water every so often to keep them clean… and every year or so, re-seal your countertops to keep them in tip-top shape. (All outdoor kitchen countertops require this maintenance.)
The same concept goes for the built-in grill and other appliances. Coyote’s premium-grade appliances are easy to maintain and reliable to use. When you find yourself with the hankering for a burger… the last thing you want is a flame that doesn’t start, and a problem you have to troubleshoot. Coyote appliances are reliable to use whenever the craving hits you!
So if a low-maintenance BBQ island is what you’re after, RTA may be a good choice for your project.
3. You Want Peace of Mind on Installation Day
Here’s the thing: DIYers on YouTube make building an outdoor kitchen look exceptionally easy. What you don’t see are all the problems and difficulties that get cut out in the editing process! If you are even the slightest bit unsure about your ability to build an outdoor kitchen from scratch… RTA may be a great fit for your project.
RTA offers a bit of a DIY-lite experience, let’s say. 95% of the heavy lifting is done for you by the time it shows up at your home… and you’re spending an afternoon putting it together with a few helpers. You get the satisfaction of a job well done, but without all the other anxieties that come with a full DIY install.
You don’t have to worry about applying the finish correctly, or ensuring the frame is properly assembled, or that your appliance cutouts are accurate. You’ll also have phone support available the day of your install, to ensure you have the peace of mind needed to complete this project.
And if you’re not comfortable with assembling an RTA outdoor kitchen yourself, that’s no trouble either. We have a nationwide network of Pro Installers at the ready to help you with this very task. They’ll make quick work of your install, so there’s no need to stress!
4. You Want a Fully Personalized Outdoor Kitchen Design
It’s no secret that an outdoor kitchen requires a large investment of both time and money. Therefore, it makes sense that you want such a resource-heavy project to reflect your personal style and tastes!
Aside from a fully scratch-built outdoor kitchen from a mason or contractor… RTA is among the most customization-friendly outdoor kitchen solutions on the market. From island length, to layout type, to appliance selection, to finish options… there are hundreds of thousands of potential combinations that you could choose from!
Of course, the sheer amount of potential is overwhelming, which is why our free online design tool helps you self-select a great starting point for your outdoor kitchen design.
5. You Want Customer Support that Goes Above & Beyond
What’s one of the worst things that could happen when you make a large purchase? Would you agree that it’s customer support ghosting you, or refusing to help, if you have a problem? If you do, RTA is a great choice for your outdoor kitchen project.
All of us have gotten burned by a company in the past… and that sting of wasted money and effort lasts for quite a while.
RTA Outdoor Living puts customer experience first in line before anything else. Every outdoor kitchen is produced with exacting detail, and our Project Success Managers are guiding you from delivery, to install… to beyond! Any problem is dealt with swiftly and with tact, so there’s never a question of whether or not you’ll get the assistance you need. RTA is not just an outdoor kitchen purveyor, we are an equal partner in your project.
Not Sure if an RTA Outdoor Kitchen is Right for You?
An RTA Outdoor Kitchen Might Not be Right for You If…
If you don’t find yourself nodding in agreement with the aforementioned points… perhaps you’re thinking RTA is not the right fit for you. Here’s how to tell.
You Have a Tight Budget
If your budget is tight with no room to budge… RTA is probably not the right fit for you. Outdoor kitchen costs are high across the board, and we cost about 20%+ more than other options available.
You’re Not Fully Committed to an Outdoor Kitchen Project
Consider how an outdoor kitchen will fit into your lifestyle. Do you intend to host large BBQ parties on a regular basis, or cook weeknight meals outside? If you’re perfectly content to grill a burger 1-2x a month on a freestanding gas grill… a full RTA outdoor kitchen might not be the right fit for your needs.
You’re Not Going to Stay in Your Home Long-Term
Thinking about moving anytime soon? Even if it’s a couple of years down the line… if you’re not going to be in your home long enough to get the full value out of your outdoor kitchen, it may not be the right choice.
Your Design Vision is Beyond Our Capability
You’re in a Tiny Space
RTA outdoor kitchens can work well in small spaces… but nothing too small! If you can’t fit much more than a regular cart model grill into your backyard, there’s no point in springing for an outdoor kitchen. Just stick with the freestanding grill!
So, Should You Buy an RTA Outdoor Kitchen?
Now that you’ve seen who an RTA outdoor kitchen is and isn’t for, where do you stand? Hopefully, at this point, you have a strong feeling one way or the other.
But to close it out, and leave no room for doubt… an RTA outdoor kitchen is right for you if:
- You want to enjoy your outdoor kitchen for many years to come
- You want an easy to maintain outdoor kitchen
- You want easy installation & flexible options
- You want full customization potential on the design
- You want an attentive and considerate customer support experience
- You have flexibility in your budget
- You have enough backyard space to support a functional design
And there you have it! If you find yourself still wanting a little bit more… the video linked above is an excellent testimonial from a homeowner in Colorado. This Happy Host is a joy to watch, and you’ll love hearing about his experience with RTA Outdoor Living!
