Outdoor home improvement can be difficult… Especially when you’re doing it yourself. But stores like Lowe’s can help out a lot.
They offer advice… You can buy or rent all the tools you might need… And they can even help you find professionals to hire.
Lowe’s is (understandably) one of the first places most people look if they want to spruce up their backyard!
As one of the most trusted hardware stores in the country… It’s clear why they’re such a staple for outdoor living projects. They have a huge selection of inventory… And prices that are competitive.
But if you’re specifically looking for an outdoor kitchen… Will they be the right stop for you?
That’s a great question!
Of course, that will depend on a variety of factors… As well as what exactly you’re looking for!
We’ll take a closer look at what they have to offer… So you can decide if a Lowes outdoor kitchen will work for you.
Let’s start with the company itself.
Quick Links:
- Lowe’s Company Overview
- Variety Of Outdoor Kitchens At Lowe’s
- Quality Of Lowe’s Outdoor Kitchens
- Lowe’s Outdoor Kitchen Pricing
- Additional Outdoor Kitchen Features From Lowe’s
- Delivery Options With Lowe’s
- Lowe’s Return Policy
- Lowe’s Customer Service
- Summary Of Purchasing An Outdoor Kitchen From Lowe’s
- Should I Buy An Outdoor Kitchen From Lowes?
Lowe's Company Overview
Because of Lowe’s… The outdoor home improvement industry has grown tremendously.
It’s the second-largest hardware chain in the world, second only to The Home Depot!
But how did they begin?
Lowe’s was founded in 1921 in North Carolina… But it wasn’t the big store you know today. They were a general store in a small town.
At first, they sold sewing notions, dry goods, horse tack, and groceries… As well as tools and construction materials.
In 1946, they shifted the company’s focus to home improvement products…
World War II had just ended… And they knew that there would be a huge increase in construction.
This plan worked out well! In 1949, they were able to open a second store. It was about an hour north of the first one, in Sparta, NC.
Home Depot’s first store opened in the late 1970s. To keep up with this new competition… Lowe’s shifted from a smaller business model to become a big-box store.
This worked out well… They have now been around for over 100 years and have more than 2,000 brick-and-mortar locations!
These days, Lowe’s outdoor kitchens are sold alongside other home improvement goods! But what kinds can you buy? And how many outdoor kitchens do they offer?
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Lowe's Variety of Outdoor Kitchens
Lowe’s has a huge selection of outdoor kitchen islands and cabinets!
While Lowe’s doesn’t make their own outdoor kitchen… Lowes sells prefabricated BBQ islands from other brands.
Char-Broil, Cal Flame, NewAge, and Weber are some of the most popular brands they use… But they sell at least 13 different brands in all!
You’ll find about 250 different Lowes outdoor kitchen designs on their website. Some of these are complete islands… And others will be smaller modules or units that you can put together to create a full kitchen.
These smaller modules may include things like an outdoor kitchen sink, outdoor grill, or outdoor flat-top grill… So you can get a full outdoor kitchen by piecing them together.
A word of advice… Make double sure that any outdoor kitchen you order includes everything you’re looking for.
It’s very common for some of these brands to leave out the grill and countertop… Even if they are shown in the pictures. You should be able to tell from the item description exactly what will be included in each Lowes outdoor kitchen.
Once you’re sure that you’ll get everything you want… You should look at the quality of the outdoor kitchen.
How good are these kitchens? Are they durable? Will they last for very long?
Quality of Lowe's Outdoor Kitchens
How long your outdoor kitchen lasts will depend on how well it is made.
If the quality is poor… Then you’ll be replacing your island much sooner than you want.
However, a good outdoor kitchen can last for decades!
Where do Lowe’s outdoor kitchens fall? We’ll start by looking at the island.
Lowe's Outdoor Kitchen Island Quality
The outdoor kitchen kits Lowes sells come from a variety of different brands. The quality varies by manufacturer.
Overall… The BBQ islands available at Lowe’s may not be as high-quality as those offered by a contractor or some other brands.
Regardless of the brand, to make sure you get an island that lives up to your expectations… Always double-check on which materials are in the outdoor kitchen!
The materials you will want to avoid largely depend on your climate.
Materials to Avoid In An Outdoor Kitchen
For example, if you live up north with freeze-thaw cycles, or somewhere with high humidity like Texas or Florida… A metal frame won’t do as well.
High-humidity areas are also harsh on stucco exteriors…
And wood outdoor kitchens, PVC, and tile outdoor kitchens can struggle regardless of where you live!
Powder-coated aluminum and 304 stainless steel, like you’ll find on New Age outdoor kitchens, are some of the most durable outdoor kitchen materials Lowe’s offers… But they may get very hot in the sun.
The materials used to build Lowes outdoor kitchen kits and cabinets will differ depending on the brand and model… So keep your eyes peeled!
If they don’t specify what an island is made from… You can always check with customer service.
It’s worth taking a few extra minutes of research to find outdoor kitchen cabinets that are truly made to last!
There are a few high-quality brand options at Lowe’s, such as New Age… But you have to be careful when searching, or you might end up with something that will break down sooner than you’d like.
A bit of research will go a long way to finding a great outdoor kitchen!
And what about the grill?
Lowe's Built-In Grill Quality
Whether the outdoor kitchen you choose comes with a built-in grill or you buy one separately… You want to make sure that it is built well.
Lowe’s built-in grills, and the ones included in outdoor kitchen packages, can vary in quality.
Some might be fine, but others might not be… So here are a few tips to help you buy a grill that will last a long time.
First of all, to help prevent rust and corrosion… You should look for a built-in grill that is made of 304 stainless steel.
Lowe’s has a variety of built-in grills that fit this bill!
Just a heads-up… Some of Lowe’s grills will just say “stainless steel.” That will probably mean the grade is not as good as 304. It’s always a good idea to check before you buy!
Secondly, we always recommend getting a grill protected by a lifetime warranty. After all, it should last for as long as your outdoor kitchen!
You can find some grills at Lowe’s that fit this description… But many fall short. Just be careful of what you buy… And you’re sure to get a good option.
Now, how much will this cost you?
Lowe's Outdoor Kitchen Pricing
Lowe’s most expensive outdoor kitchen is an outdoor cabinet set from WeatherStrong that costs just under $12,000. Even the grill is included in this price. However, it doesn’t include the outdoor kitchen countertops.
Overall, the cost for an outdoor kitchen can be rather high. The national average for outdoor kitchens is $12,000 – $13,000… So Lowe’s most expensive option is just about average!
On the flip side, there are several contenders for the least expensive… Because many of the kitchens sold aren’t full islands. Instead, they’re modules that are meant to be pieced together to build a modular outdoor kitchen.
This means that each piece won’t be a full kitchen on its own… So each part will be less expensive individually.
The modules can range anywhere from about $500 to $3,000. It just depends on the product.
Which modules you decide to purchase will determine how much the final kitchen will cost.
One thing to note is that the prices in store could be slightly off from what you see online. The brick-and-mortar stores do not honor online pricing.
So overall… Lowe’s outdoor kitchen prices are very affordable. But while this may seem like a good thing, it can actually be just the opposite if you don’t research the brand you’re considering.
Outdoor kitchens are expensive for a reason. They need to be able to withstand whatever weather comes their way in any climate… For years to come!
This means that they should be made of extremely high-quality materials… Which can come at a price.
While it’s always nice to get a good deal… Going too inexpensive on your outdoor kitchen means that you’ll be replacing it sooner than you may want to.
Speaking of, what happens if it does break? Let’s discuss Lowe’s warranties.
Lowe's Outdoor Kitchen Warranty
It’s always a good idea to play it safe… And a solid warranty is the best way to do that.
Because Lowe’s is selling other brands’ outdoor kitchens… Their warranties depend on the manufacturer.
Lowe’s does a great job at clearly displaying each warranty under “specifications” when you find the item online.
At Lowe’s, you’ll find a wide range of warranties to choose from. For instance… You’ll find some cabinets that are only covered for a few years… While others (like New Age and WeatherStrong) are covered for a lifetime!
If you go the Lowes modular outdoor kitchen route… Some of the items in these Lowes outdoor kitchen sets may have different warranties.
For example, a basic modular storage cabinet or even an outdoor kitchen sink module might have a longer warranty than a refrigerator module.
Make sure to double check exactly how long each of your items will be protected for before you buy them.
At the end of the day, you want to look for a warranty that will last for as long as you want to use your outdoor grill station!
We would always recommend a lifetime warranty.
But an island isn’t the only part of an outdoor kitchen! You might also want decorations or features like a fire pit. Will Lowe’s be able to help you?
Additional Outdoor Kitchen Features from Lowe's
Long story short… If you need it for your outdoor kitchen, Lowe’s probably has it.
Lowe’s is a great place to find all kinds of products that will enhance your backyard space… Even if you decide to buy an outdoor kitchen somewhere else.
The main contenders are gazebos, pergolas, rugs, patio furniture, and fire pits… So you can plan out your entire outdoor space before you build your outdoor kitchen.
You’ll also find decorative accents like lights… And practical materials for building patios and decks.
But how will you get the items that you order? Let’s talk about Lowe’s delivery options.
All in One outdoor kitchen solution
Lowe's Delivery Options
When you buy an outdoor kitchen grill island from Lowe’s… You have two delivery options to choose from!
Either in-store and curb-side pickup… Or, you can opt for delivery.
Pickup
While your order may not be ready the same day… You can pick up your outdoor kitchen directly from Lowe’s!
They offer in-store pickup… Or curbside pickup for extra convenience.
Your next option will be to have them ship it to you!
Delivery
If you live within 75 miles of a fulfillment location… You can also have your outdoor kitchen delivered to you.
Usually, their delivery for large items like a kitchen will come with a $79 fee. However, this fee is waived if your order costs more than $400.
Since the cheapest possible outdoor kitchen module is about $500… Your shipping will be free!
This delivery method requires that you sign for your items (unless you’re a Pro Member).
While slightly inconvenient… This will ensure that your Lowes outdoor kitchen arrives at the correct location.
You’ll be able to schedule a delivery time when you check out online.
Now, what happens if your item arrives but it just isn’t what you’re looking for?
Let’s go over Lowe’s return policy.
Lowe's Return Policy
Lowe’s typically follows a 90-day return policy… But there are a few exceptions.
If you bought your item with a Lowe’s Commercial Account, Lowe’s Business Advantage, Lowe’s Advantage Card, or Lowe’s Business Rewards… You have a year from the date of purchase to return it.
However, you only have 48 hours on major appliances such as refrigerators, wall ovens, and cook-tops.
The exception to this is if your major appliance is unopened, or if you used one of the cards listed above… Then you can return it within 30 days instead of 48 hours.
Based off of their policy, we could imply that most outdoor kitchens would probably need to be returned within 48 hours because of the appliances… However, the 90-day policy might apply to some modular pieces without an outdoor kitchen fridge or grill.
Unfortunately, specific items aren’t marked with which policy they qualify for. If this is something that is important to you… Make sure you talk to customer service before you order your item, just in case.
It’s always good to know the exact details of the return policy before it’s too late to return it!
On top of the return policy… What happens if you need customer support while you’re in the process of buying your outdoor kitchen? Or even after you’ve bought it?
Lowe's Customer Service
If you need to contact Lowe’s customer service… You’ll have several options.
You can go in to your local Lowe’s… Call them… Or use their online chat feature.
However, because Lowe’s is a distributor rather than a manufacturer… They may not have all of the information you want.
If you need information that isn’t already on their website, for example… They won’t always have the answers for you.
At the end of the day… These aren’t products that they’ve made and specialize in.
You’ll be disconnected from the company that actually makes your outdoor kitchen… Which can be a problem if you need extra help or have specific questions or concerns.
Now that we’ve covered a lot of important information about Lowe’s outdoor kitchens… Let’s review it in a brief summary.
Summary of Purchasing an Outdoor Kitchen from Lowe's
This has been a lot of information… So let’s take a brief look at the pros and cons!
Pros
You can return items within a certain span of time if you are unhappy with your purchase
You can choose from more than 10 different brands
You can have the islands delivered right to your house
Many islands will arrive all in one piece, with no assembly required
Cons
Some islands might use low-quality materials… So these options could fall apart quickly
You can’t get a custom island
Most outdoor kitchen options are on the less expensive side… Which makes it difficult to find one with a good warranty
Not every outdoor kitchen kit Lowes offers comes with a grill and countertop
Your customer service experience may be lacking since you are disconnected from the manufacturer
So now you’ve seen the good parts… As well as some of the disadvantages.
That brings us back to our main question! Is Lowe’s a good place to buy an outdoor kitchen from?
Should I Buy an Outdoor Kitchen from Lowes?
Our final verdict: It depends on you!
As we discussed before… Lowe’s distributes several different outdoor kitchen brands.
If you’re set on buying an outdoor kitchen from Lowe’s… Our recommendation would be New Age.
They not only have the best quality materials… But they also offer a lifetime warranty.
However, at that point, you might as well just buy directly from New Age because you’ll get direct access to their customer service.
You’ll be working with subject-matter experts, rather than someone at Lowe’s who won’t know the product as well.
Alternatively… There is another option we’d like to discuss.
An Alternative Outdoor Kitchen Option: RTA
Lowe’s is great for convenience and variety… But what if you’re looking for something that is a bit more durable? Or that is customizable?
Even at Lowe’s affordable prices… An outdoor kitchen is still very expensive.
You don’t want to waste thousands of dollars buying a kitchen that will just break down in a few years.
RTA (ready to assemble) Outdoor Living was created to serve homeowners by designing outdoor kitchen kits that have all the quality and beauty of traditional outdoor masonry… While still avoiding the high costs that come from building outdoor kitchens from scratch.
They’re made out of high-performance concrete and have a lifetime warranty… So you don’t have to worry.
In addition… You can customize it to be just right for you.
You’ll work with one of our Design Experts to create the perfect outdoor kitchen for your backyard.
You’ll get to decide on how big it is, the type of configuration you want, the countertops, finish, and outdoor kitchen appliances.
After that, it’s shipped right to your door, ready to assemble. All you have to do is set the outdoor kitchen panels in place, adjust it for pitch, and connect them with stainless steel brackets.
RTA is one of the only systems that comes complete with a countertop and all the hardware for installation… So you won’t have to track down anything extra.
If that still sounds intimidating… Don’t worry!
Our customer support will be more than happy to walk you through how to set it up. We also have a network of professionals who would be happy to do it for you.
At the end of the day… We are proud to offer a durable, customizable outdoor kitchen that is still convenient and affordable.
If you would like to learn more… We’d love for you to connect with us and visit our Learning Hub.
Need Help With Your Plans?
Q&A
On average, people spend $12,000 to $13,000 on an outdoor kitchen. However, this is a sweeping average. What features you want in your outdoor kitchen will affect how much it costs.
The price of your outdoor kitchen will be affected by the number of features and appliances you include… But the average amount that people spend on an outdoor kitchen is between $12,000 and $1,300. Of course, the actual total will depend on what you’re looking for.
