Not sure what brand of outdoor kitchen you want?
We understand completely.
An outdoor kitchen project requires quite a bit of time and money. You want to be sure you’re investing it wisely!
It’s going to be the crowning jewel of your outdoor space, after all.
From time to time… Customers will ask us for more info about outdoor grill islands made from metal cabinetry.
Today, we’re going to explore two popular companies that offer this exact product. A Challenger outdoor kitchen and a New Age outdoor kitchen.
Both may seem interesting to you.
…But which option is best for your outdoor space? (Maybe neither!)
Today, we’ll be outlining the similarities and differences of both products. By the end… You should have a good idea of which brand may be best for your needs.
Just to be clear… We won’t be deciding which brand is “best”.
Both companies have benefits to serve the unique needs of their customers.
Without further ado…
Let’s get started.
Quick Links:
DISCLAIMER: RTA Outdoor Living is in no way affiliated with Challenger Designs or Newage Products.
Challenger Designs Company Overview
Challenger Designs seeks to transform small spaces into functional work and entertainment areas.
The homeowner’s outdoor space will be transformed by Challenger’s outdoor kitchen cabinets. It’s a outdoor project renovation made simple.
In addition to an outdoor kitchen grill cabinet… They offer a grill cart for a ceramic grill. Challenger carts can be a nice option if you’re just looking for a place to put your Kamado grill smoker.
Challenger makes cabinets for garage storage as well. Although, they’re not limited to these two functions!
You can also use Challenger’s products for your office and elsewhere in the home.
Best of all, Challenger’s outdoor cabinets are manufactured right here in the USA. More specifically… In Indiana. (Just like us!)
Overall? Challenger Designs provides functional and appealing solutions for your outdoor space.
Newage Products Company Overview
Based in Ontario, Canada… Newage’s company vision is to “be a trusted brand in the home improvement market by offering unique products, better value and a best in class buying experience.”
Their product line is similar to Challenger’s. New Age outdoor kitchen islands are made from modular cabinets. They also offer many products beyond kitchens.
There’s options for garage cabinets, storage solutions, outdoor furniture, various kitchen products, home bar options, and flooring.
With over a decade of experience… Newage has designed quite a few organizational solutions in this time. You may look to them for multiple home improvement projects.
Including outdoor bbq islands, of course!
Now… It’s time to get to the nitty gritty. Let’s compare build method.
Challenger Outdoor Kitchen Build Method
Before you decide on an outdoor grill island solution… You need to know how they come together!
As mentioned earlier, Challenger sells outdoor kitchen cabinets.
Challenger offers a series of three products. But we’ll get to that later.
Lucky for you… This section is going to be short.
You don’t have to build Challenger islands! They will come pre-assembled.
Pretty easy, right?
New age Outdoor Kitchen Build Method
Compared to Challenger’s build method… A Newage outdoor kitchen set is no different!
Most Newage outdoor kitchens will come pre-assembled.
There’s only one slight exception.
Again, we’ll get to the options in a moment.
Newage’s Signature Stone outdoor islands require a light install. You’ll have to apply pre-cut cement board and stone veneer to the frame of your grill cabinet.
Alright. Let’s get to the options
looking for something more permanent?
Challenger Outdoor Grill Island Options
There are three Challenger outdoor kitchen offerings available.
Canyon Series
First is Challenger’s Canyon Series. These are not outdoor cabinets. They’re not a grill cart either!
What is the Canyon Series?
These are premade inserts you can put into an outdoor kitchen frame. Most commonly, you’ll install these inserts into a ready-to-finish grill island.
It’s a great option for storage outdoors. They will provide dry sealed storage for your supplies.
Since you’re not looking for outdoor storage alone… This probably won’t meet your needs!
Let’s see what grill cabinet options are available.
Coastal Series
Next, we have the Coastal Series.
This is more what you’re expecting from an outdoor grill cabinet!
Apart from the grill… They look a lot like what you’d see in your indoor kitchen.
On Challenger’s website… You’ll find multiple pre-designed cabinet options available.
Note that these are all straight islands. If you’re looking for an L-shape or U-shape layout for your space… It won’t be feasible with these grill island cabinets.
You could opt for a galley layout, though!
As far as colors… You have some options.
Challenger’s Coastal series feature 6 cabinet color options and 5 countertop options.
Challenger also provides custom designs if desired.
Challenger Designs Custom Options
Not finding something for your unique spaces?
Perhaps you’d like a custom option from Challenger Designs.
This is your opportunity to shift around appliances to your desires. Challenger has a design service available to help you get it just right. 3D renderings of your design will be provided as well.
While you have some flexibility in design… You won’t be able to create a full custom outdoor kitchen space with this method. You will still be unable to create L-shape, U-shape, or other complex layouts through Challenger.
How about colors?
Challenger’s custom outdoor kitchens feature the same colors and countertop options as the Coastal Series.
As you can see… You have a few options at your disposal!
Time to see what Newage Products outdoor islands have to offer.
Newage Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Options
While all very similar… There are three Newage Products outdoor kitchen options available.
Newage Products Signature Series
Let’s begin with the Signature Series.
We touched upon this option earlier… But you need more details!
The Signature Series from Newage requires light assembly.
Most of the grill island will be made from their pre-assembled stainless steel cabinets. These will house all of your appliances and storage.
Depending on your design… You’ll have a couple plain cabinets finished with stone. You may also simply have the outer edges of the island finished with the stone veneer.
There are both pre-designed and custom offerings available with the Signature Series. From some of the example images… It appears L-shaped layouts are possible.
Now that we’ve got this category covered… It’s time for more information on the stainless steel cabinets.
Newage Stainless Steel Cabinets
If you’re going for a modern aesthetic for your space... You’re going to love Newage Products outdoor Stainless Steel series.
This collection is a more traditional modular outdoor kitchen offering. You select the cabinets you want… And arrange them to create your desired layout.
The Stainless Steel collection has corner units available. This allows you to create L-shape or U-shape layouts if desired.
There are also pre-designed options available to simplify!
You’ll notice that there are two finishes available in this series.
Of course… There’s the complete stainless steel finish. For very sleek spaces.
There’s also a wood-style finish available. Depending on the look you’re going for with your house… This could fit nicely into your backyard space aesthetic.
Still not satisfied?
Perhaps you’ll like Newage’s aluminum cabinets.
Newage Aluminum Cabinets
Aside from materials and the aesthetic… There’s no functional difference between the Aluminum Series and Newage Products other offerings.
You have all the same layout options as with the Signature and Stainless series. There’s pre-designed and modular cabinets available.
It’s just made from aluminum instead of stainless steel.
Pretty straightforward!
Let’s move onto materials.
don't see the style you like?
Challenger Designs Outdoor Kitchen Island Materials
Despite offering multiple different options… Challenger’s materials are easy to cover.
Everything’s made from the same basic materials!
Drawer slides and stainless steel legs are made from 304 stainless steel. This is an excellent quality material.
The remainder of the construction is made from powder coated aluminum. It’s rust, corrosion, and weather resistant.
For most people… This type of aluminum will probably fare just fine.
However, you’ll want to proceed with caution if you live in a harsh environment. Areas with freeze-thaw climates and harsh winters will create problems for aluminum.
Although Challenger’s aluminum is rust and corrosion resistant… Frequent inclement weather will eventually wear down the protective coating and cause rust.
This is just something to keep in mind! It’s not guaranteed this will happen… But we have seen it often enough to know the risk!
What about countertops?
Challenger Designs grill islands can work with any countertop material you choose. You’ll just have to source them yourself.
They also sell their own countertop options. You have a choice of 304 stainless steel or powder coated aluminum in 5 different hues.
Let’s see what Newage Products has to offer…
Newage Products Outdoor Kitchen Cabinet Materials
With Newage Products kitchen islands… It’s a bit more complicated. Each series uses slightly different materials for the island.
That said… Once explained, it’s pretty straightforward.
Signature Series
Let’s start with the Signature Series.
Remember that the Signature Series is comprised of stainless steel cabinets… With some sections of stone veneer.
Of course… The appliance cabinets are made from stainless steel! More specifically, 304 stainless steel. This grade of stainless is what we like to see.
The stone veneer sections will consist of multiple components. It will start with a stainless steel frame. From there, cement boards are fitted to these frames. Finally, the natural stone veneer is adhered to the cement board.
Pretty simple, right?
Stainless Steel Series
This is pretty self-explanatory.
These cabinets are made from 304 stainless steel.
Easy enough!
The same is true of the wood-style finish. Although, there is some sort of coating to create this look. There is a chance this coating may chip… But it will have the same corrosion and rust resistance of the plain 304 stainless steel finish.
Aluminum Series
Obviously, these cabinets are made from aluminum!
But there’s more to it.
Aside from being composed of powder coated, rust and corrosion resistant aluminum… The doors and drawers are faced with tempered glass.
This 3mm thick glass is strong and impact-tested. This feature gives Newage Products aluminum cabinets a sleek and glossy look that adds to your space.
Again… This type of aluminum will run into the same sort of problems as Challenger’s.
If you live in a harsh northern climate… Choosing stainless steel over aluminum will be your best bet for longevity.
As far as countertops go… The options are the same, no matter what collection you choose from.
There’s a New Age outdoor kitchen stainless steel countertop option. They also offer granite in three colors.
After a thorough breakdown of the islands themselves… Now it’s time to see what gas / propane grills and appliances are available with each brand.
Challenger Outdoor Appliances
Wondering what Challenger Designs offers for grills and appliances?
Well… It’s a bit of a trick question!
Challenger Designs does not sell outdoor appliances.
Yet, there are two exceptions.
For one… The storage is built directly into the cabinet modules.
Secondly… Some layouts are designed with a sink cabinet. These cabinets will come with a stainless steel sink.
It’s up to you to source the natural gas grill, ceramic grill, and/or refrigerator.
Your selected layout will indicate what size grill or appliance will fit in that opening. If you’re unsure what will fit… Reach out to the Challenger Designs team Contact page. They will lead you in the right direction.
So, what does Newage have to offer?
Newage Outdoor Appliances
Compared to Challenger Designs… Newage offers a wider variety of appliances.
Let’s look at cooking appliances first.
There are two options for gas bbq grills. There’s a performance and platinum offering. The platinum gas grill would be considered the upgraded version.
Both gas grills are made with complete 304 stainless steel construction. Your decision really comes down to whether you want grill upgrades and accessories or not!
There’s also a ceramic grill available. For those who love charcoal grilling… The ceramic grill is a great option for you.
Lastly… Newage offers side burners. They have a single and dual side burner available. In complete 304 stainless steel… These are great for cooking side dishes.
Newage also produces a stainless steel sink.
You’ll notice that we didn’t mention refrigerators. While Newage doesn’t currently offer a refrigerator… There are images on their website that indicate you could add a refrigerator to your layout.
You’ll have to contact the Newage team Contact page to figure that piece out!
All of this sounds well and good… But it doesn’t mean much if the price isn’t right.
Challenger Costs for Your Outdoor Space
Cost of Challenger Designs products can vary widely.
Purchasing a storage insert will of course not cost much… But that’s not a grill island!
The real difference is whether you purchase a Challenger cabinet with or without appliances.
Most often… You’ll find the Challenger grill cabinets without appliances.
Some vendors will include appliances. Of course, this will factor into the overall cost.
According to Family Hardware… Challenger’s Coastal Series cabinets will cost anywhere from $2,800 – $8,000. This depends on the layout you create, countertop, and door color.
Note that the above cost is without appliances. These are the base outdoor kitchen cabinets.
What does it cost with grill and appliances?
Again… It depends on the built-in grill and appliances you choose. Some vendors will sell a Challenger grill island with appliances.
Take BBQ Depot, for example. They sell a Challenger island with a Delta Heat grill and refrigerator included. The cost for this particular model is $10,400.00.
You may be wondering about if you create a custom design.
Due to the nature of custom… There’s no specific pricing information online. You’ll just have to contact Challenger yourself!
Now, let’s see how Newage compares.
design your dream outdoor kitchen
Newage Cost for Your Outdoor Space
Various price ranges are no different with a Newage products outdoor kitchen.
Between the different cabinet styles and appliances… There are many factors at play here!
Signature Series Cost
Let’s start with the Signature Series.
Pre-designed models start at $5,899.99 and top out at around $14,299.99. These prices include appliances.
Stainless Steel Series Cost
The Stainless Steel Series is a bit different.
These cabinets do not come with appliances equipped.
Base pre-designed models with a grill cart start at $3,019.99 and go up to $6,099.99.
If you create your own layout… Most patio outdoor kitchen cabinet units will hover in the range of $700-$1,999 each.
Now, there’s an important note about the singular and pre-designed cabinet sets. These do not come with a countertop. So you’ll have to account for the cost separately.
Aluminum Series Cost
Lastly… Let’s look at the Aluminum Series.
Pre-designed models with a grill cart are in the $2,564.99-$4,819.99. Due to aluminum being cheaper than stainless steel… It makes sense this series will be less expensive.
Individual cabinet units in the aluminum series fall in the $600-$1,299.99 price range.
Since the Stainless Steel and Aluminum Series don’t include countertops… Here’s a ballpark range on the cost.
Newage countertops start at $249.99 and go up to $959.99 depending on material and size.
If you remember… Newage also offers custom outdoor kitchens. Again, we won’t be able to provide specific price information here. Contact the Newage team for more info to those questions.
So, how do you feel? If price is sounding good so far… Let’s see what warranties are offered.
Challenger Designs Warranty
We’ll keep it short here!
Challenger Designs’ warranty is nice and simple.
They offer a limited lifetime warranty on their outdoor kitchen cabinets.
Great warranty and easy to remember!
How about Newage?
Newage Warranty
This is where it can be a little complicated!
Warranty information varies depending on the product you purchase.
Stainless Steel and Aluminum Series cabinets feature a limited lifetime warranty.
The Signature Series is a bit different.
The stainless steel cabinets and countertops will come with the limited lifetime warranty.
Cement board and stacked stone finishing materials are covered for 1 year.
If you choose granite countertops instead of stainless… These will be covered by a 15 year residential limited warranty.
Grills and Appliances will vary as well. The ceramic grill has a 5 year warranty. The BBQ grills and side burners will come with a 10 year warranty.
Overall, pretty good! If you’re looking for long term coverage… You’ll want to stick with the pure stainless steel or aluminum cabinets.
We’re almost through!
Before we wrap up… Let’s see what customers have to
Reviews
Ultimately… Reviews are for your own research!
We won’t be pulling out specific reviews here. It’s up to you to read them and come to your own conclusions.
However… We can give you a general overview.
Newage Products currently has 403 Google reviews with a 4.6 star rating.
Good stuff! Remember that Newage sells products beyond island grills… So some reviews will be related to other home improvement projects.
Currently, Challenger Designs has 10 Google reviews with a 4.8 star rating.
Also looking good!
What if you’re not sure about either brand?
An Alternative Approach to Newage Products & Challenger Designs
There are many reasons you may be interested in an alternative.
Perhaps the aesthetics don’t jive with your space… Maybe you don’t want a modular solution… Or maybe you’re not a fan of the materials.
That’s okay!
Everyone has different needs when it comes to their outdoor project.
In that case… Consider RTA.
Our ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchen has the ease of modular… Without many of the drawbacks.
RTA outdoor kitchens are highly customizable.
Can’t find a layout that feels right? We’ll personalize it to your exact specifications.
RTA’s Expert Design Team will be with you every step of the way.
Our outdoor kitchens are built to last.
No matter where you live… Our grill islands look pristine year after year.
Our high performance concrete is impervious to rust and corrosion. Whether it be snow, ice, or ocean air… The durability of an RTA outdoor kitchen island will persist.
Best of all?
You don’t have to worry about chasing down a contractor.
Contractors are notoriously difficult to pin down.
Even if you manage to secure one… Your project will often be dragged out for weeks or even months.
Not to mention… They may not be an outdoor kitchen specialist! You’ll risk not getting high quality with your project in this case.
With RTA… All of this hardship is completely removed.
You won’t have to step outside during the entire process. (Except when you assemble your outdoor kitchen and bar cabinet, of course!)
We empower you to complete your project with confidence.
Once your outdoor kitchen is delivered… You’ll be outdoor cooking in just a few hours.
What more could you ask for?
If you’re curious to learn more about what we can offer you… Check out the rest of our website!
We can guarantee you’ll love what you find.
Still debating? talk to an expert
FAQ
When it comes to a custom outdoor kitchen… The sky is the limit!
A custom outdoor kitchen will cost as much as you are willing to spend.
To help give you a ballpark estimate… Average outdoor kitchen cost falls into the $12,000-$13,000 dollar range.
Note that custom outdoor kitchens generally cost more. For most homeowners, this range is more likely a starting point than an average.
Newage cabinets are manufactured in different areas of the world.
These countries include the United States, Canada, China, and Malaysia.
The short answer is, yes!
Many homeowners build their outdoor kitchen in an enclosed area.
If you plan to do the same… Make sure you take safety measures and plan for proper ventilation in the area.
Unabashedly yes!
While you could consider us biased… Outdoor kitchens are an incredible investment.
Aside from cooking all of the amazing food and memories you’ll make as a result of it… Many homeowners get a significant return on their investment.
Various estimates show an average overall increase of a 55-200% ROI on a homeowner’s outdoor kitchen when their residence is sold.
