The three tiers, and what each buys
| Tier | Typical local range | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Grill station | From about $15,000 | Built-in grill in a masonry or framed island, counter space, storage, no utilities beyond a propane line or simple hookup |
| Entertainment build | About $28,000 to $50,000 | Larger island or L-shape, side burner, outdoor-rated refrigeration, bar seating, lighting, usually gas and electrical service |
| Chef build | About $55,000 to $85,000-plus | Full cooking suite (grill, burners, smoker or pizza oven), sink and water, generous counters, premium finishes, often a pavilion or roof over the space |
These tiers come from real local project pricing and are general information, not a quote. Every kitchen prices against its own site: distance for utility runs, the patio under it, and how much structure goes above it.
Where the money actually goes
- Appliances: the fastest-moving line item; a premium built-in grill alone can rival a small island's masonry cost
- Masonry and counters: stone veneer, block core, and weatherproof counter surfaces like granite or sealed concrete
- Utilities: gas, electrical, and water runs, trenched and permitted, priced by distance and complexity
- The floor: kitchens sit on hardscape, and a new or extended paver patio is often part of the project
- Shelter: a pergola or pavilion above the kitchen adds comfort, cost, and a building permit
How to spend well at any tier
The pattern that ages best in Knoxville: buy the cooking equipment you will genuinely use weekly, put the savings into the island's bones and the counter material, and rough-in utilities for the features you might add later. Running an empty conduit and a capped gas stub during the first build costs little; trenching through a finished patio later costs plenty. A contractor who designs outdoor kitchens will raise this unprompted, which is itself a useful signal when comparing bids.
Related reading
The outdoor kitchens page covers layouts, materials, and the design consultation. The permits and licensing guide explains the gas, electrical, and roofed-structure rules honestly, and the hardscaping cost guide puts kitchens next to every other project type.