Summertime is the perfect time to break out the grill and cook up some delicious food for your friends and family.
But if you’re like most people, you probably find that grilling can be a little messy.
No worries; with an outdoor prep station, you can take all of the mess and hassle out of cooking outdoors!
In this article, we’ll talk about what an outdoor prep station is, why you need one, and our top picks for the best models on the market.
What Is an Outdoor Prep Station?
If you love entertaining friends and family outdoors, then you’ll want to consider investing in an outdoor prep station.
An outdoor cooking prep station is essentially a kitchen setup that is designed for use in your backyard or patio.
This can be a great way to make the most of your outdoor space, and it can also help you to avoid making a mess inside your home.
Many outdoor prep stations come equipped with all the essentials, including plenty of counter space and storage.
This means that you’ll be able to easily prepare all your favorite foods without having to track dirt and debris through your house.
Just imagine being able to host the best backyard BBQs with ease!
The Benefits of Having an Outdoor Prep Station
An outdoor prep table can be a great addition to any backyard.
With built-in storage and prep space, it provides a convenient place to keep all of your grilling supplies.
It also makes it easy to move around the backyard without having to lug everything with you.
In addition, an outdoor prep station can help to extend your grilling season by providing a safe place to keep drinks and food while you wait for the grill to heat up.
So whether you’re looking for a place to store your supplies or an extra prep space for large gatherings, an outdoor prep station can be a great addition to your backyard.
The Different Types of Outdoor Prep Stations Available
If you love spending time outdoors, then you know how important it is to have a good prep station.
After all, you need somewhere to keep all of your important supplies close at hand.
Luckily, there are a variety of different outdoor prep stations available on the market, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.
One popular option is a portable prep station. These are great for people who like to camp or hike, as they can easily be packed up and taken with you.
Some portable prep stations even come with solar panels, so you can charge your electronics while you’re on the go.
Another option is a permanent outdoor prep station.
These are ideal for people who have a specific spot in their yard where they like to spend their time outdoors.
Permanent outdoor prep stations are usually larger and more robust than portable ones, so they can accommodate all of your supplies.
They also often come with wheels, so you can easily move them around your backyard or patio for storage and convenience.
No matter what type of outdoor prep station you choose, you’ll be sure to enjoy having a designated space for all of your gear.
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Prep Station for Your Needs
When it comes to outdoor entertaining, having a prep station is essential.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want a place to mix drinks, an outdoor cooking prep table can make your life easier.
But with so many different options on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing an outdoor prep station.
Size
How much counter space do you need? If you entertain often, you’ll want a larger prep station with plenty of room to work.
However, if space is limited, you can opt for a smaller model.
Despite its size, a smaller prep station can still provide ample storage and counter space.
Features
What kind of features do you need? Some prep stations come with built-in sinks and storage, while others are more basic.
Consider what would make your life easier when choosing a model.
Some models come with tons of added features to make any cook envious, while others provide the essentials without sacrificing anything in terms of quality.
Budget
How much are you willing to spend on an outdoor prep station? There are many affordable options on the market, so you don’t have to break the bank.
However, if you have the budget for it, you could opt for a higher-end model with more features.
Material
What material do you want your prep station to be made from?
Prep stations can be made from a variety of materials, including solid wood, stainless steel, plastic, or other composite materials.
Each material has its own benefits, so it’s important to choose one that will suit your needs.
For example, if you’re looking for a durable prep station that can withstand the elements, a stainless steel prep station might be your best bet.
But if you have plenty of space to store one made from solid wood, you can enjoy a beautifully built wooden station without having to worry about the weather.
By taking these factors into consideration, you’ll be able to choose the best outdoor prep station for your needs.
The Top Seven Best Outdoor Prep Stations
Camco Deluxe Folding Camping Table
- Quick and easy to set-up. In less than a minute you'll be ready to start grilling
- High strength lightweight steel frame and aluminum tabletop
- Plenty of space for all of your cooking gear with additional hooks and paper towel holder on the side
- Includes durable carrying case
The Camco Deluxe Folding Camping Grill Table is a great addition to any camper’s gear.
It’s easy to set up and take down, and it’s sturdy enough to hold all your grilling essentials.
The table has two fold-out shelves that provide plenty of space for a grill, cooler, and other supplies.
The lower shelf is perfect for holding dishes and tools, while the upper shelf is ideal for storing food and other prepping essentials.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just enjoying a quiet meal in the woods, the Camco Deluxe Folding Camping Grill Table will make your camping experience even better.
This high-strength, lightweight stainless steel outdoor cooking table is perfect for cooking up your favorite camping meals.
It sets up in less than a minute and folds down to a compact size for easy storage. The aluminum tabletop is durable and easy to clean.
Whether you’re cooking for a group or just want to enjoy a nice grilled meal while camping, the Camco Deluxe Folding Camping Grill Table is the perfect choice.
Suncast DCP2000 Outdoor Prep Station
- OUTDOOR GRILL STATION: Portable prep station with 2 drop leaf extensions and a decorative design that will fit well with any outdoor décor
- DURABLE: Constructed of sturdy resin to withstand weather and last for years to come
- STORAGE: Top cabinet is perfect for storing a serving tray, napkins, and cups, while the bottom cabinet has space for grilling accessories, condiments, and more
If you’re looking for a versatile outdoor prep station, the Suncast DCP2000 is a great option.
This unit features a spacious work surface, perfect for prepping food or cleaning up after a meal. The work surface is made of a durable material that is easy to clean.
Underneath the work surface, there is plenty of storage space for all of your grilling essentials.
And because it’s made by Suncast, you can be sure that it’s built to last.
With its durable construction and two drop leaf extensions, this prep station provides extra space and ease when it comes to preparing your favorite grilled meals.
The top cabinet is perfect for storing a serving tray, napkins, and cups, while the bottom cabinet has plenty of room for grilling accessories, condiments, and more.
And with its stylish decorative design, this prep station will fit well with any outdoor décor.
Keter Unity XL Portable Outdoor Grill Table
- STAINLESS-STEEL & RESIN CABINET: This outdoor kitchen island is made from strong, durable resin and has an appealing wood-like texture and a 201-grade stainless-steel upper surface. These materials are long lasting and easy to clean.
- ALL-WEATHER-RESISTANT: The weather-resistant materials make this a low-maintenance piece that’s easy to enjoy. Unlike real wood, the thick exterior resin prevents rusting, peeling, and denting.
The Keter Unity XL Portable Outdoor Grill Table is the perfect way to turn your patio into an instant backyard kitchen.
This all-in-one unit provides plenty of space for food preparation, grilling, and serving, and can even be used as a buffet table or outdoor bar.
The Unity XL features a spacious work surface, side shelves, and hooks for utensils.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or just enjoying a night at home, the Keter Unity XL Portable Outdoor Grill Table is the perfect way to make the most of your outdoor space.
With its sturdy stainless steel and weather-resistant resin construction and ample storage space, it’s perfect for use as a BBQ grill cart, outdoor bar, serving cart, or prep table.
And with its two wheels, it’s easy to move wherever you need it. Don’t miss out on this must-have outdoor accessory!
Coleman Outdoor Grill Prep Station
- Ultra-compact aluminum folding table ideal for camping and outdoor cookouts
- Aluminum slat top and strong steel frame offer ample support and surface area
- Snap-together design assembles and folds up with ease
- Fits into an included lightweight carrying bag for easy carrying and storage
- Offers enough seating room for 4 people
The Coleman Outdoor Grill Prep Station is the perfect addition to any backyard patio or deck.
This compact unit provides ample workspace for prepping and cooking.
Don’t be discouraged by the lack of storage shelves; the tabletop has plenty of space for all your prepping needs.
Best of all, the Coleman Outdoor Grill Prep Station assembles in minutes and can be easily disassembled for storage or transport.
So whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just making lunch for yourself, this outdoor grill station is the perfect choice.
This handy little table is perfect for camping and outdoor cookouts!
The ultra-compact design assembles and folds up quickly and easily, and fits neatly into the included carrying bag.
The aluminum slat top provides a sturdy work surface, while the steel frame offers plenty of support.
And there’s even enough room to seat four people comfortably, so it doubles as a picnic table!
Giantex Camping Kitchen Outdoor Grill Table
- 【Portable Camping Kitchen Table】: Comes with 48'' x 21.5'' large cooking table with windscreen, this portable kitchen cook station is the outdoor camping essential to ensure more effective burning and enable you to enjoy a big meal anytime. Perfect for picnics, backyard barbecues, tailgating parties, or an overnight hit outdoors.
Planning on doing some camping this summer? Then make sure that you have the right gear to make the most of your trip!
The Giantex Camping Kitchen Outdoor Grill Table is perfect for anyone who loves spending time outdoors.
This versatile table can be used as a prep station for cooking, a place to enjoy a meal, or even a makeshift counter for washing dishes.
It features two shelves for storing supplies and a side table for holding drinks or snacks.
The table also has a built-in grill, so you can cook up your favorite campfire meals with ease.
Best of all, it folds flat for easy transport, making it the perfect addition to any camper’s arsenal.
It features a large cooking area, sturdy steel frame and construction, and heavy-duty oxford fabric for lasting use.
Plus, it comes with a side storage bag for your gas canister and connection hole at the back so you can cook up a storm while camping.
Best of all, it only weighs 23 pounds with a carrying bag, so transportation is easy breezy.
Royal Gourmet Double-Shelf Moveable Grill Table
- Stainless steel table flattop can be for placing a portable grill or griddle; Also creating ample workplace for outdoor cooking, kitchen or serving area with an easy to clean finish.
- The left side tank hook for bearing 20 lbs gas cylinder.
- With 3 multifunctional tool hooks designed for additional space to place brushes or scoops.
- The Side handle design is convenient for moving and hanging useful tools.
- Double-shelf construction design provides ample storage space.
The Royal Gourmet Double-Shelf Moveable Grill Table offers a more minimalist take on your outdoor cooking space.
The two shelves provide plenty of room for prep work and serving, while the wheels make it easy to move the table around as needed.
The table is also made of durable powder-coated steel, so it can withstand the elements.
Whether you’re grilling for a party or just want a convenient place to prep food, the Royal Gourmet Double-Shelf Moveable Grill Table is a great choice.
This sturdy stainless steel table provides a great workspace for cooking outdoors, in your kitchen, or at a serving area.
Plus, it has an easy-to-clean finish that makes cleanup a breeze.
The left side of the table features a tank hook that can accommodate a 20-pound gas cylinder.
And there are three multifunctional tool hooks designed for additional space to place brushes or scoops.
Plus, the side handle design makes it easy to move the table around and hang useful tools.
Seville Classics Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart
- DIMENSIONS - 24" W x 20" D x 36" H; Top dimensions: 24" x 20" x 1.5" thick
- STAINLESS-STEEL TABLE - Table top (24" x 20" x 1.5" thick) features solid, grade 443 stainless-steel construction with a brushed finish and bullnose front and rear sides.
- SLIDING WIRE BASKET AND SHELF - Includes a pull-out storage basket (18.25" x 14.5" x 4" H) and steel wire shelf (24" x 20") with UltraDurable commercial-grade steel wire construction.
- NSF-CERTIFIED STORAGE - Certified by the NSF to NSF/ANSI Standard 2 - Food Equipment for use in dry and heated storage environments.
While it was designed for use indoors, the Seville Classics Stainless Steel Kitchen Cart can be a great addition to any backyard cookout.
It’s made of high-quality stainless steel, so it’s durable and easy to clean.
The cart has four wheels, so it’s easy to move around, and the two handles make it easy to push and pull.
The top shelf is perfect for storing spices, pots, pans — you name it — while the bottom shelf is ideal for utensils, dishes and other necessary grilling items.
The cart also has a towel rack so you can keep your outdoor kitchen organized and tidy.
Conclusion
No matter what your budget or needs are, there’s sure to be an outdoor prep station that’s perfect for you.
So get ready to enjoy the summer sun and delicious grilled food with one of these handy tables!