The outdoor kitchen industry has evolved significantly over the past 10 years… and if you’re currently in the market to buy, you have far more options than the simple prefab islands of yesteryear.
More recently, in 2019, we released the first prefab custom outdoor kitchen solution. You design the island to fit your space, customize the layout to your preferences… and we manufacture the island to-order. The island kit and appliances get delivered to your door, and you install it in just a few hours. No mess and no hassle involved.
But RTA isn’t the only player in the game anymore.
If you’re interested in the idea of adding a semi-customized outdoor kitchen to your backyard… you may have come across Pro Fit and Big Ridge outdoor kitchens in your research.
On the surface, both companies appear to have many similarities!
They both have DIY or premade outdoor kitchen options available, and both offer installation services.
In this article, we’re going to take a deeper look at both Big Ridge and Pro Fit outdoor kitchens. You’ll learn the similarities and differences between them, so you can decide which brand is best for you. Perhaps, you might be more interested in another brand entirely!
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves… kicking off, let’s take a brief look at each company’s history.
Pro Fit Company Overview
Based in Staten Island, New York, Pro Fit Outdoor Living launched their outdoor kitchen line in 2021.
While specializing in designing and building outdoor kitchens… Pro Fit also offers services for pool water features, firepits, mobile bars, and outdoor TV walls.
In addition to this, Pro Fit has a showroom located in Staten Island for locals who want to see their products in person.
Big Ridge Company Overview
Big Ridge outdoor kitchens is a family-based business with several years of experience located in Sweetwater, Tennessee. More recently, their pre-finished custom prefab outdoor kitchens were released in 2022.
Like Pro Fit, Big Ridge specializes in designing and building outdoor kitchens. But they also sell outdoor TV cabinets, fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and other outdoor appliances.
As of the time of writing, we are not aware of any showrooms where you can see Big Ridge outdoor kitchens in person.
Pro Fit vs Big Ridge: Material Showdown
Alright, now that we’ve got the introductions out of the way… let’s get into the nitty-gritty details.
Above all else, it’s essential that your outdoor kitchen is constructed from durable materials. It’s the foundation and finish of your future island… and obviously, you’ll want this investment to last as long as possible!
So with that in mind, let’s see how Pro Fit and Big Ridge stack up in the material department.
Pro Fit Frame & MgO Board
Depending on which option you choose… Pro Fit outdoor kitchens can be finished with different types of materials, but the structural components will be the same.
Whether you choose their ready to finish or their Pro Series, Pro Fit’s pre-finished islands both use aluminum tube framing and magnesium oxide board as its skeletal structure.
The aluminum frames are attached to the MgO board using screws. (We would prefer to see welding, as this provides a stronger connection.)
If you’ve read any of our other content, you’ll be aware that we are not a fan of metal framed outdoor kitchens. However, we will give credit where credit is due!
Aluminum is a rust-free material, which does make it slightly more durable in the outdoor environment.
Magnesium oxide (MgO) board, on the other hand, can be a problematic material when used outdoors.
Studies have shown that when subject to humidity and water exposure, the magnesium salts in the board absorb moisture. This results in salty, corrosive water leaking out from the boards. And while aluminum may be immune to rusting, it is not immune to corrosion!
Unfortunately, because the interior cavity of Pro Fit’s islands are exposed to the ambient air… there is ample opportunity for the MgO boards to absorb moisture, and subsequently, corrode the aluminum frames. High humidity, heavy rains, and any ground contact with moisture are all everyday occurrences that can cause the MgO boards to leach out corrosive salts.
Unless you live in an arid, desert-like climate, this combination of materials could spell trouble in the long run.
(There’s a reason why several European countries have banned its use in construction!)
Pro Fit Decking Finish
Moving onto the finish material, Pro Fit uses Wolf composite decking for their Pre-Fab outdoor kitchen line.
This composite decking will be adhered to the MgO board and frame using decking screws.
In terms of weather durability, composite decking is made to be used outdoors… so it should not cause you problems in this regard.
However, most composite decking is considered a combustible material. Wolf decking in particular has a class C flame spread rating. Although this provides better fire resistance than untreated wood… it is made from “wood fibers and polyethylene”, which is indeed combustible.
Pro Fit states this decking has a class A fire rating. You will want to contact the manufacturing team at Wolf directly to confirm this, as our research indicates a class C flame rating rather than class A!
However, Wolf composite decking isn’t specifically designed to be used as an outdoor kitchen finish… it’s designed for decking! (In fact, Wolf has their own outdoor kitchen line which is made from powder coated aluminium, which is a non-combustible material.)
Which means, there’s some concern about the safety of using this material in close contact with cooking appliances that have open flames and reach extremely high temperatures.
As such, it’s important to know if the decking material warranty also covers use for an outdoor kitchen application… and if your appliances require an insulated jacket for optimal safety.
Big Ridge Metal Channel & Cement Board
From the outside, it would appear that Big Ridge outdoor kitchens are made from the same materials as Pro Fit… but there are a few key differences.
The main elements are similar: Big Ridge kitchens are made with metal frames, covered with cement board, and have the finish applied on top of that.
But instead of aluminum, Big Ridge uses triple coated “Gatorshield” galvanized steel tubing. And although we’re not a big fan of using steel for kitchen framing (due to rust and corrosion risk)… Big Ridge does have an advantage over Pro Fit in the sense that their frames are welded rather than simply screwed together.
And instead of magnesium oxide board, Big Ridge uses Wonderboard Lite Outdoor Rated Backer Board, which is a type of cement board.
This cement board in particular is intended to resist water damage, which is extremely important… and a huge problem with cement board for outdoor use.
However, we were unable to find public information about the absorption rate of this cement board. Based on the ingredients list, it would appear to fall into the industry average of an 8-14% absorption rate… so from what we can tell, it does not provide more moisture resistance in comparison to other cement board brands.
That said, while we recommend avoiding cement board entirely… if you’re going to use it, Wonderboard Lite is better than using MgO board.
Curious About the Potential of Your Outdoor Kitchen?
Big Ridge vs Pro Fit Outdoor Kitchen Assembly Options
Choosing a DIY outdoor kitchen solution also means you have to consider installation. How involved do you want the process to be?
Both Pro Fit and Big Ridge outdoor kitchens have a few options at their disposal… so let’s check them out.
Pro Fit Pre-Fab
Pro Fit’s Pre-Fab outdoor kitchens are delivered to your home pre-cladded with decking, MgO board, and aluminum frame panels.
You’ll have to screw all the panels together, install aluminum crossbars, and install the corners of the unit separately.
From there, you install the countertop and place the appliances into the provided cutouts.
All in all, the assembly process is fairly similar to what we offer at RTA! With a little bit of instruction, the Pre-Fab islands should only take a few hours to install.
Pro Fit Ready to Finish
Pro Fit’s Ready to Finish BBQ islands require more effort when it comes to assembly.
You’ll still get panels of metal frames and MgO board with pre-made appliance cutouts… but there will not be a finish on them already.
If you have a highly particular finish in mind, you’ll appreciate the ability to customize it to your specifications.
However, applying a finish takes some know-how! If you don’t have experience with applying an outdoor kitchen finish yourself, the results may come out less than perfect… and not as spotless as you might have originally imagined. So keep that in mind if you go down this route!
Big Ridge Unfinished Module Kits
On the side of Big Ridge, their grill island kits offer more of a DIY experience… especially the unfinished module kits!
If you’re confident about the design you want for your own outdoor kitchen… you may appreciate the experience of selecting the individual modules you want by hand.
The modules you select will be delivered to your home similarly to Pro Fit. The cement board will be attached to steel frames, and you have to bolt them together. It will also come with appliances, but countertops are not mentioned, so check with Big Ridge on this! (Getting a full itemized materials list is always good to ask for before you buy.)
You’ll install all the individual modules into your desired layout, and then apply the finish yourself. This will come with the same caveats as Pro Fit’s Ready to Finish islands, so we won’t repeat ourselves!
Big Ridge Unfinished Outdoor Kitchens
The installation method for Big Ridge’s unfinished outdoor kitchens are the same as their modules. The only difference is that you’ll be purchasing a pre-designed layout instead of configuring one yourself.
Cement board and metal framed panels will have to be bolted together, and the finish will need to be applied by hand.
This set also comes with appliances, but there is no mention of countertops.
Big Ridge Finished Outdoor Kitchens
Big Ridge’s Finished outdoor kitchens can be best compared to Pro Fit’s Pre-Fab line.
You’ll get the island delivered to your doorstep as panels, with the cement board, metal frame, and finish already adhered to it.
To install, you’ll bolt together the panels, install the appliances, and countertops. But once again, countertops are not mentioned as being included, so double-check with Big Ridge on this!
As far as comparison on finish quality… the stone finishes will be a better material option than their faux wood finishes, which are made from Chamclad’s exterior cladding.
The Chamclad finishes are PVC-based, which has a relatively low melting point. Therefore, an insulated jacket will be required for all cooking appliances for heat protection.
And while we believe the stone finish is a better option purely from a material standpoint… you’ll also want to consider how the stone veneer is applied to the cement board. If a wire lath and masonry scratch coat approach is not used, it’s quite possible that the finish can easily pop off in freeze thaw conditions.
But of course, before you make any final decisions, check with Big Ridge on any concerns you may have about the finishes!
Now that you’ve got an idea of how Pro Fit and Big Ridge outdoor kitchen cabinetry is installed… what can you expect in terms of design and installation support?
Design & Installation Support
Another contributing factor to your decision is how much support you’ll get.
More than likely, this is your first outdoor kitchen project… and there’s a lot you need to know as you go through the process!
Which means, getting access to plenty of support will be invaluable as you embark on this project.
Pro Fit Support
When it comes to design and installation, Pro Fit does offer support in both areas.
They have an online configurator to help you visualize your outdoor kitchen design. However, it’s not free! In order to get 24 hour access, you must pay a $29.99 fee for a 1 day use.
Pro Fit also offers free design consultations with their team to help you further refine your layout.
As far as installation, Pro Fit does offer assembly assistance within their service area. It’s not stated where this service area is, so you’ll have to reach out to them directly for details!
Big Ridge Support
Big Ridge also offers support to help homeowners with their outdoor kitchen projects.
Like Pro Fit, Big Ridge does have an online design tool. However, this one is free to use!
Beyond that, it’s not entirely clear if Big Ridge offers individualized design support with their staff. If that’s something you’re interested in, you’ll need to reach out directly to see if this service is offered!
When it comes to delivery and home installation… Big Ridge has rolled out a “white glove service” that handles the delivery and installation of your outdoor kitchen.
As it stands currently on their website, many southeastern states are in the coverage area for this program, with intent to expand it later on.
Check the Reviews
Spoiler alert: outdoor kitchens are a large purchase! And while that’s certainly not a surprise to you… the steep up-front investment of a grill island requires you to have confidence in the company you work with.
As a result, checking online reviews is an essential part of your research process.
What do people have to say about Big Ridge Outdoor Kitchens and Pro Fit Outdoor Kitchens? Are they happy with the product and the customer experience?
Both companies have public reviews available on Google and other websites… so be sure to take some time to read through them before proceeding with either one.
Open to Other Options?
After taking a deeper look at both of these outdoor kitchen brands… is there still something left to be desired? Have you not found exactly what you’re looking for?
If so, why not consider a third outdoor kitchen option in your research?
RTA Outdoor Living has hundreds upon hundreds of glowing, 5 star reviews… and they continue to pile in each and every day.
Below are a few reasons why homeowners simply can’t get enough of these outdoor kitchens.
Weatherproof Materials
There’s no other way to slice it… RTA outdoor kitchens are made with the most weather-durable materials on the market.
Every island is constructed with ultra high performance concrete… which is completely immune to rust, corrosion, swelling, warping, and damage from excess moisture or humidity.
And to demonstrate just how long these outdoor kitchens will last… the concrete we use is rated for 100+ years! (They’re literally meant to last a lifetime.)
Plus, the finish is also made from concrete and is fully integrated into the island structure. Not only does this make assembly easier… it also means you never have to worry about parts of your finish delaminating or degrading over time.
On the appliance side, every island comes part and parcel with appliances from Coyote Outdoor Living. Their entire appliance line is crafted from heavy duty 304 stainless steel, which is also designed for resilience in the outdoors.
Whether it’s your built-in grill, smoker, pizza oven, or refrigerator… every appliance is crafted with the utmost care and attention.
Gold Standard in Safety
Although we touched upon the potential dangers of the combustible materials used by both Pro Fit and Big Ridge… it’s important to reiterate why you need to consider outdoor kitchen safety.
Unfortunately, the idea of “safety” rarely, if ever, enters the conversation when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen. Yet, many people have been severely injured, and even killed, by an unsafe outdoor kitchen setup.
Last year, a class action lawsuit was won against Paradise Grills for their improperly ventilated grill islands. Several dangerous explosions due to this design flaw led to a recall of over 18,000 units in 2023.
Another outdoor kitchen explosion in Hawaii in 2025 injured at least 9 people… and yet another explosion in Long Island in 2022 tragically killed two young women.
Addressing outdoor kitchen safety is nothing to brush aside. An improperly built outdoor kitchen can truly put the life of yourself and your loved ones at risk.
So what should you look for? Well, RTA outdoor kitchens could be considered the Gold Standard in safety. Here’s why:
- Every outdoor kitchen is built from high performance concrete, which is a completely non-combustible material
- RTA exceeds our grill manufacturer’s guidelines for adequate island ventilation. Ample ventilation is provided in 7 unique locations, allowing excess heat and gas to flush out effectively
- Ventilation is located at the top and bottom of each island, allowing natural gas to rise and exit the top… and, conversely, for liquid propane to sink and exit the bottom of the island.
Easy Breezy Installation
RTA stands for ready to assemble… and that’s exactly what you’re getting with these outdoor kitchens.
Similar to Pro Fit and Big Ridge, our kitchen kits will be delivered to your door as island panels. Our outdoor kitchen packages include appliances and countertops, so you don’t need to worry about sourcing those!
For assembly, you’ll simply need to bolt together the panels at all four corners, place the countertop, slide in the appliances, and install the corners. It couldn’t be easier! And just like the other brands… you’ll be able to wrap up this project in a single day.
There’s no specialized construction experience required, either.
Tailored Support from Design, to Installation, to Beyond
Although every aspect of our product is produced to top notch specifications… service is really where RTA shines.
We have poured countless resources into making sure that your journey to outdoor kitchen ownership is as effortless as possible.
So what does that entail?
Firstly, most of our customers start off using our best-in-class free online design tool. This intuitive tool will guide you through creating a custom design in mere minutes… and you’ll get to see your dream kitchen rendered out right in front of you.
From there, you’ll be directly connected with one of our Design Experts. This team member will provide you with 1-on-1 support and guidance on every aspect of your outdoor kitchen design. Whether it’s via video chat, phone call, or email… they’ll answer every question you may have.
Once your design is finalized and is being produced, you’ll then be connected with a Project Success Manager (PSM). They’ll become your go-to guide for everything from delivery, to installation, to beyond.
Your PSM will prepare you for accepting delivery of your outdoor kitchen, remotely assist you with assembly, and answer any questions you have related to island maintenance.
And if you don’t want to assemble your outdoor kitchen yourself… you’ll have access to our ever-expanding network of Pro Installers. This is a network of highly vetted contractors that are specifically trained on installing RTA islands.
We have Pro Installers available nationwide, you’ll just need to connect with us directly about specific coverage areas.
After reading all this, are you starting to wonder if RTA is the right choice for your outdoor living space? If so… why not spin up a quick design using our free online design tool?
It’ll take just a few moments… and you’ll love what you see! Have fun designing, and we’ll be in touch soon.
