Outdoor Kitchen Storage

Storage is easiest to get right before the island is built and hardest to fix after. Every storage component has specific cutout dimensions, and those dimensions vary by brand and product type — so the earlier you know what you're buying, the better your island design will accommodate it. A few things worth thinking through before you buy: Brand matching matters more for storage than for cooking equipment. While you can mix grill heads and side burners across brands without issue, storage components from different manufacturers may have slightly different reveal depths, handle profiles, and finish tones that are noticeable side by side. If you're building around a specific brand's cooking appliances, it's worth checking whether that brand also offers matching storage components — most of the brands we carry do. Access doors are the foundation — they give you a door into the island cavity for propane tanks, electrical connections, and bulk storage. Drawer units are more useful for day-to-day access to tools, utensils, and prep supplies at counter height. Door-and-drawer combos combine both in a single footprint, a good choice when you're working with a tighter island layout. Dry storage cabinets are worth planning for if you want to keep dry goods, paper products, or anything moisture-sensitive inside the island — look for gasket-sealed construction that keeps rain and humidity out of the interior. Size and configuration planning is critical. Map out every storage component, cooking appliance, and refrigeration unit alongside each other before you finalize your island dimensions. The ATBBQ team has built over 300 outdoor kitchens and can help you work through the layout — call us at 316-440-3950.