Complete Guide to Outdoor Kitchen Storage: Drawers, Doors & Combos

Planning your outdoor kitchen? Let’s talk storage.

Most people get caught up in grills, fridges, and pizza ovens, but forget one of the most important pieces of the puzzle: Where are you going to put all your stuff?

Tongs, trays, propane tanks, trash bins, cleaning supplies... it adds up fast. And if you don’t plan for proper storage, you’ll be running back and forth to your indoor kitchen every five minutes (trust us, that gets old quick).

In this guide, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about outdoor kitchen storage, from sleek stainless steel drawers and access doors to combo units and dry pantries that can handle rain, heat, and BBQ chaos.

If you're building a serious outdoor setup, or even just trying to make your island more functional, this guide will help you get it right the first time.

When it comes to outdoor kitchen storage, there’s no one-size-fits-all setup. The right mix of drawers, doors, and combo units depends on your cooking style, your layout, and how much gear you plan to keep outside.

Let’s break down the main types you’ll run into and what they’re good for.

Not all stainless steel is created equal, and when it comes to outdoor kitchens, the difference really matters .

Your storage is going to face rain, sun, heat, humidity, maybe even salty coastal air. So let’s talk materials: 304 vs. 430 stainless steel.

How Thick is the Steel? 

Most people don’t check this, but you should.

Look for doors and drawers made from thicker-gauge stainless steel , especially if you want something that feels solid when you open and close it. Premium brands like Fire Magic and Alfresco use heavy-gauge, double-walled steel for extra rigidity and insulation.

Cheaper models might feel flimsy, dent easily, or flex when you lean on them. That’s not what you want in something built to last outdoors.

Are They Weatherproof? 

Here’s the honest truth: Most outdoor drawers and cabinets are weather-resistant, but not waterproof.

That means they’ll keep out leaves, dirt, and the occasional splash, but if there’s a heavy storm and they’re fully exposed, some moisture can get in. Most standard drawers have small gaps to allow airflow and avoid pressure buildup, which means a little water might sneak through.

If you need truly sealed storage, look for a “dry pantry”. Alfresco, for example, makes gasket-sealed cabinets with rain gutters and insulation. They’re pricier, but they keep your stuff dry and bug-free, even during a Florida summer.

Other Materials to Consider  

While stainless steel is the most common, it’s not the only option.

• Marine-grade polymer (HDPE) cabinets are great in salt-heavy environments. They’ll never rust, and they’re basically zero-maintenance.

• Powder-coated aluminum is stylish and rust-proof, often used in high-end setups with color customization.

• Wood (like teak or cedar) looks beautiful, but needs tons of upkeep. Unless you’re going full resort-style, it’s not practical for most home kitchens.

That said, stainless is still king , as long as it’s good quality, cleaned occasionally, and not something cheap with a shiny finish and no real lasting power.

Sure, drawers are drawers… until they don’t open right, slam shut, or look totally out of place with your grill. 

Let’s cover the design choices that make your outdoor kitchen feel super polished.

You probably haven’t thought much about handles yet, but they’ll make or break the visual flow.

• Tubular bar handles are the most common. Simple, clean, and easy to grab with greasy BBQ hands.

• Squared handles (like on Summerset and TrueFlame) offer a more modern, sharp-edged look.

• Recessed handles are sleek and flush, but harder to open with wet or dirty hands.

Premium brands like Fire Magic often include soft-close drawer slides and magnetic door latches. These give your storage that smooth, luxury feel, no banging, no rattling, just a satisfying glide.

Standard drawers usually work just fine, but may lack that finishing touch. If your kitchen is covered or close to your entertaining area, soft-close hardware is 100% worth it.

Under the hood (literally), look for:

• Full-extension ball-bearing slides – So you can actually reach the back of the drawer.

• Stainless or zinc-coated hardware – Less rust, longer life.

• Hidden or recessed hinges – Cleaner look, better protection.

Cheap drawers will wobble, grind, or even jam over time. Quality hardware makes everyday use smoother and helps your storage last for years.

Every drawer or door requires a specific cutout size in your island frame. Don’t wing it.

Always check the manufacturer’s cutout guide. A wrong-size cut means gaps, warped doors, or worse, something that doesn’t fit at all. And while some raised-mount frames hide rough cuts, flush-mount needs to be exact.

Here’s the truth: nobody ever says, “Man, I wish I had less storage in my outdoor kitchen.”

But there’s a fine line between “well-equipped” and “why did I spend $1,200 on a drawer I never use?” Let’s break down how to plan smart.

Tip #1: Start With What You Actually Use 

Before you start adding drawers left and right, ask yourself:

What do I really need to store outside?

If you’re just grilling a few nights a week, you might be fine with one drawer and an access door. But if you're hosting, meal-prepping, or running your kitchen like a pro, go big.

Tip #2: Use Zones to Guide Placement 

Think of your outdoor kitchen in zones, like stations in a restaurant. That’ll help you figure out where storage should go.

Tip #3: Don’t Block Each Other 

It sounds obvious, but it’s a common rookie mistake: doors and drawers that open into each other, or into a wall.

Leave enough space between storage units so they don’t collide. And if you’re using multiple brands, double-check that their handles don’t stick out more than expected.

 Tip #4: Budget Strategically 

Storage pricing adds up fast. Here’s how to think about it:

• High-use drawers (tools, trash) → Worth investing in premium slides and soft-close

• Access doors or utility areas → Mid-range is usually fine

• Dry pantry → Go premium or skip it; there’s not much in-between

If you’re on a tight budget, consider using more access doors (open cavities) instead of drawers; they’re usually cheaper and still useful.

 Tip #5: Match Your Components 

Matching all your storage to your grill brand guarantees a cohesive look, but it’s not mandatory.

Blaze, Summerset, and TrueFlame are often interchangeable in style and finish, and many pros mix and match based on availability and price.

Just avoid mixing very different handle styles or finishes. If you’re going for a premium look, visual consistency goes a long way.

Here are the brands we recommend most often, based on real-world durability, smart design, and value for the money.

Fire Magic is about as premium as it gets. Built in the USA with thick 304 stainless and clean, flush-mount designs, these drawers and doors feel as solid as they look. 

Soft-close slides, magnetic closures, and built-in weather protection come standard. They even offer enclosed cabinets and sealed options if you need bug- and moisture-proof storage.

If you’re building a luxury setup, or just want gear that’ll last 15+ years, Fire Magic is worth the investment.

Alfresco stands out for one major reason: their dry pantries are truly sealed. We’re talking foam gaskets, integrated rain gutters, and screened vents to keep out moisture and pests. 

Their drawer/door combos often include thoughtful extras too, like paper towel holders and condiment trays tucked neatly behind access doors.

Perfect for covered kitchens or serious entertainers who want dry storage they can trust.

Blaze hits the sweet spot between affordability and performance. 

All units are made from 304 stainless, and while they skip the luxury touches (like soft-close), they offer clean design, solid construction, and great compatibility across grill and storage components. Everything lines up visually, making it easy to build a cohesive setup on a budget.

Great for first-time outdoor kitchens or anyone who wants quality without overthinking it.

Summerset brings a more squared-off, modern style to the table, and backs it up with sturdy drawer slides, magnetic latches, and full 304 construction. 

Their lineup covers everything from basic access doors to full-width drawer and door combos, all at a very reasonable price point.

If you want a clean, modern aesthetic and rock-solid performance, Summerset won’t disappoint.

TrueFlame isn’t as well-known, but it shares a lot of DNA with Summerset, literally. 

Both brands come from the same parent company and are often manufactured side by side, using nearly identical components and styling. Some TrueFlame models even include soft-close drawers, which is a rare bonus at this price point.

It’s a smart pick if you want clean design, solid build quality, and a touch of premium feel, without paying top-shelf prices.

Storage doesn’t get as much attention as the grill or fridge, but once your outdoor kitchen is in use, you’ll notice it every single time you cook. The difference between a setup that flows effortlessly and one that feels cluttered usually comes down to smart, well-placed storage.

Getting it right means thinking about what you’ll actually use, how you like to cook, and what kind of durability you need for your climate. From basic access doors to fully sealed pantries, there’s a solution for every kind of build and every kind of backyard chef.