Outdoor Kitchen Packages (San Diego 2026): 3 Tiers + Permit-Ready Specs
Updated February 2026 – San Diego County
Most “BBQ island packages” online are vague. A real outdoor kitchen package is a permit-ready system: appliances + island build method + countertop + utilities (gas/electrical/water/drain when included) + drainage/washdown + spec control + documentation.
This page gives you three outdoor kitchen packages that cover most premium San Diego builds. Each package is written to be bid-comparable, with the adders and “proof requirements” that prevent change orders and silent downgrades.
Start with: Outdoor Kitchen Design · Outdoor Kitchen Cost · Outdoor Kitchen Permits
Educational only (not legal advice). Permit and HOA requirements vary by jurisdiction (City of San Diego vs County vs other cities), parcel overlays, and scope.
Always follow manufacturer installation instructions and your local authority having jurisdiction.
Outdoor kitchens are often best when bundled with patio/shade/drainage so the whole “outdoor room” works together.
TL;DR – Outdoor Kitchen Packages in San Diego (2026)
- Tier 1 — Grill Core (Straight Island, 8–12 LF): typically $15k–$30k (grill + storage + clean utility routing).
- Tier 2 — Entertainer Kitchen (L-Shape, 12–18 LF): usually $28k–$55k (prep + sink + fridge + better serving flow).
- Tier 3 — Full Outdoor Kitchen + Bar (U-Shape, 16–26+ LF): often $45k–$85k+ (multi-cook layout + refrigeration suite + premium counters + bar seating).
For deeper price matrices, use: Outdoor Kitchen Cost.
For permit paths, use: Outdoor Kitchen Permits.
Costs: Outdoor Kitchen Packages (San Diego 2026)
Use these as installed planning ranges. The fastest way to get a reliable number is to pick a package,
then lock the adders early (trenching, gas load, electrical, countertops, and roof/clearance decisions).
| Package | Typical layout | Best for | Typical installed range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 — Grill Core | Straight island, 8–12 LF | Grilling + simple prep, smaller patios, clean modern look | $15k–$30k |
| Tier 2 — Entertainer Kitchen | L-shape, 12–18 LF total | Best balance: prep + serving + guest separation | $28k–$55k |
| Tier 3 — Full Kitchen + Bar | U-shape, 16–26+ LF | Entertainer kitchens, multiple cooks, bar seating | $45k–$85k+ |
If the bid does not say it, it does not exist.
Packages: What Each Tier Includes
Every tier below is written to be permit-ready and bid-comparable. The big difference between tiers is how much you’re doing:
cooking capacity, prep/storage, serving flow, and utility demands.
- 32–36″ built-in grill (or premium drop-in)
- Storage doors/drawers + trash pull (recommended)
- Standard counter tier (upgradeable)
- Defined gas + electrical approach (permit-ready)
- Service access panels (valves, shutoffs, future repairs)
- 36–42″ grill + side burner (typical)
- Sink (optional to required depending on use)
- 24″ undercounter fridge + dedicated circuit
- More counter landing space (prep + serving)
- Trenching allowance defined (LF included + overage rules)
- 42–54″+ grill/hybrid (typical) + power burner
- Refrigeration suite (fridge + bev center; optional ice)
- Bar seating overhang (engineered support)
- Premium counter tier (porcelain/sintered slab common)
- Under-cover coordination (clearances/venting decisions if roofed)
Adders: The 12 Things That Move Outdoor Kitchen Pricing
If you want “apples-to-apples” bids, normalize these adders. This is where $8k–$35k+ swings happen.
| Adder | Why it matters | How to control it |
|---|---|---|
| Trenching distance (gas/electric/water/drain) | Long runs + restoration can dominate the budget | Include LF allowances + overage rates + restoration scope |
| Gas load (BTUs + meter capacity) | Multi-appliance suites can require capacity planning | Finalize appliance list early; size for simultaneous loads |
| Electrical panel / circuits | Dedicated circuits and long runs impact price | List circuits in the bid; define conduit and pull path |
| Countertop tier | Fabrication complexity and edge details trend high | Name material + thickness/edge + overhang support plan |
| Island build method (CMU vs frame vs prefab) | Affects durability, finish options, and serviceability | Specify build method and service access up front |
| Under a cover (roof / louvered / enclosure) | Clearances and venting decisions can change scope | Decide roof/clearance strategy before building the island |
| Cladding finish (stucco, stone, porcelain panels) | Material and detailing complexity vary widely | Name products and edge/termination details |
Use: Outdoor Living Hidden Costs · Spec Control & Substitutions
Permit-Ready Specs (The Non-Negotiables)
“Permit-ready” means the bid clearly describes utilities, access, and inspections — not “we’ll figure it out later.”
This section helps homeowners spot what’s missing in quotes.
- Appliance list: sizes (grill width, burner count) and add-ons (side burner, fridge, sink, power burner).
- Utility plan: gas + electric + water/drain (if included), with routing intent and service access.
- Trenching: included LF + overage rules + restoration scope in writing.
- Shutoffs + access panels: valves and shutoffs must remain serviceable.
- Under-cover decision: if roofed/enclosed, define clearance/venting decisions early.
- Drainage coordination: slope intent and capture points around the cook/serve zone.
- Spec control: named products + written substitution approval rule.
- QA documentation: photo proof before cover-up (trenching, rough utilities, and inspections as applicable).
| Spec item | Tier 1 | Tier 2 | Tier 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appliance list | 32–36″ grill | 36–42″ grill + side burner + fridge + (often) sink | 42–54″+ grill/hybrid + power burner + refrigeration suite + bar |
| Electrical | GFCI outlets + ignition as needed | Dedicated circuit(s) for fridge + outlets | Multiple dedicated circuits; scenes/controls (as desired) |
| Gas | Single appliance load, shorter runs typical | Multi-appliance load; size for simultaneous use | Higher BTU suite; meter capacity planning more common |
| Water/drain (optional) | Often omitted; hose bib access recommended | Sink common; drain strategy must be defined | Sink + optional ice/RO; define drain approach clearly |
| Documentation | Photo proof of trenching/rough utilities | Photo proof + inspections as applicable | Full QA + closeout expectations |
Build Methods (What You’re Actually Buying)
The build method impacts longevity, finish options, and serviceability. This is also where bids hide shortcuts.
| Method | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|
| CMU masonry (block) | Permanent builds, heavy veneer, “bomb-proof” islands | Openings must be planned precisely; service access is often forgotten |
| Metal frame + cement board | Modern cladding (porcelain panels), faster build, precise cutouts | Waterproofing details at base/penetrations must be disciplined |
| Prefab modular boxes | Fast installs, predictable layouts | Still needs anchorage, utility routing, and finish discipline |
Drainage & Washdown (Why Kitchens Get Ugly Fast)
Kitchens fail early when water and grease are not managed. Ponding creates stains, algae, and slippery areas — and it usually shows up at the cook zone.
- Slope intent: surface slopes away from the island and door thresholds.
- Capture points: drains at low edges and near roof drip lines if covered.
- Defined discharge: where water goes is stated in writing (no guessing).
- Serviceability: cleanouts and drain access (don’t bury drains inside planters).
- Proof: photo documentation of drain routing before cover-up.
Permits, HOA, and “Under a Cover” Decisions
Outdoor kitchen permit requirements depend on utilities and conditions. Even when a freestanding island doesn’t trigger a building permit,
gas and electrical work commonly trigger permits and inspections. Under a roof/cover, clearance and venting decisions often become the planning pivot.
HOA: many communities require approval even when permits are not required.
Under a cover: decide roof type and clearance/venting approach early so you don’t redesign after the island is built.
Related: HOA Approval Fast-Pass · Pergola vs Patio Cover vs Louvered vs Pavilion
Timeline: What Outdoor Kitchen Packages Take
| Phase | Typical range | What drives duration |
|---|---|---|
| Appliance list + layout lock | 3–10 days | Grill size, must-haves, and utility routing decisions |
| HOA/permits (if triggered) | 2–8+ weeks | Jurisdiction, overlays, HOA cycles, inspection scheduling |
| Build | 1–4+ weeks | Trenching, island build method, countertop lead time, finish tier |
Maintenance: Keep It Looking New
- Stainless: wipe grease quickly; use non-scratch cleaners; avoid harsh acids.
- Stone/granite: seal where required; clean spills fast (especially oils).
- Porcelain/sintered counters: keep detergents simple; avoid film-builders; clean grout/edges periodically.
- Drains: keep area drains and channels clear of leaves and mulch.
- Fridges: keep ventilation clear; clean coils per manufacturer guidance.
Quote Checklist: What to Demand in Writing
This is the fastest way to prevent “cheap” quotes that explode later. If the bid does not say it, it does not exist.
- Appliance list: brand/model or exact size class (grill width, burner count, fridge size, sink).
- Island layout: linear feet, door swings, and service access included.
- Build method: CMU vs frame vs prefab, and service/waterproofing approach.
- Utilities & trenching: routes, included LF, overage rules, restoration scope.
- Gas: sizing approach for total BTU load and testing/inspection responsibility.
- Electrical: circuits, GFCI locations, conduit, and any lighting tie-in.
- Countertops: material, thickness/edge, overhang support plan, seams.
- Permits/HOA: who pulls permits and who pays (in writing).
- Spec control: substitutions require homeowner approval in writing (no silent “or equal”).
- QA proof: photos before cover-up (trenching, rough utilities, drains) + closeout expectations.
FAQs
Is an outdoor kitchen package a fixed price?
Not exactly. A legitimate package is a defined scope tier with named specs and clear allowances. Final pricing depends on trenching distance, gas load, electrical needs, countertop tier, and whether you’re under a roof (clearances/venting decisions).
Do I need permits for an outdoor kitchen in San Diego?
Often, yes for utilities. Gas and electrical work commonly require permits and inspections depending on jurisdiction and scope. HOA approval is also common. Use our Outdoor Kitchen Permits guide for your address-specific path.
What is the “best value” outdoor kitchen package?
Tier 2 (Entertainer Kitchen) is usually the best value because it adds real prep and serving functionality (sink/fridge/prep space) without the complexity of a full bar + premium appliance suite.
Can I build an outdoor kitchen under a pergola or patio cover?
Often yes, but you must respect manufacturer clearances and decide clearance/venting strategy early if you’re under a roofed or tightly enclosed structure. Start with Outdoor Kitchen Design.
What if my project is under $15,000?
Our minimum build projects start at $15,000. Smaller scopes often do not justify a full permit-ready build with the documentation standard required for long-term durability.
Service Area (San Diego County)
We design-build premium outdoor living projects across San Diego County including Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Carlsbad, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Clairemont, Serra Mesa, Scripps Ranch, Poway, Fairbanks Ranch, and nearby areas.