MODULAR OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Abstract

A modular outdoor kitchen has a base with a plurality of frame subassemblies. A leveling foot is mounted at the front and rear of each frame to level the frame. An upright access tube aligned with each leveling foot allows the base to be leveled from above. A counter top and grill are mounted on the base. A water control panel disposed beneath the grill directs water outward away from the base. A refrigerator and other appliances are mounted in the base. Decorative outer panels are attached to the base. A retractable bar can be selectively raised for use, or retracted for storage flush with the counter top. A retractable television can be selectively raised for use, or retracted for storage flush with the counter top.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed technologies are directed to the field of barbecue grills, and more particularly to a modular, composite, partially prefabricated construction incorporating an outdoor grill and related outdoor kitchen components.

BACKGROUND

Outdoor grills and their support structures are well known in the art, and have taken a variety of configurations in the past. Some of the construction materials and arrangements in the prior art, and their inherent problems include:

Wood Construction has been used for centuries in many structural applications. Nevertheless, wood leads to a list of problems and issues. Sometimes even when pressure treated, wood can eventually decay. Wood is often attacked and occupied or eaten by insects such as termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, or by rodents such as mice, rats, squirrels, or other vermin. Wood can warp along the grain or across the grain or twist in a helical manner. Wood structures can leak rainwater, resulting in a wet interior space that is completely unusable. Wood is flammable, and can catch on fire and burn, especially adjacent a grill with open flame burners. The cost includes the time to cut and mill joints, assemble the frame, and cover with paneling. A finish is then applied. Fireproof skirts are needed around appliances.

Steel construction is also commonly employed. However, it will rust when exposed to salt air, or consistent moisture or humid air. Steel does not provide sealed and finished interiors. Steel framing typically requires an inexpensive tile backer panel attached to the framing. The panel absorbs moisture, is non-structural, lacking strength, stiffness, and in many cases is brittle. Most finishes when applied, wick moisture into the structure. The backer panels degrade and crumble with moisture. The steel framed interiors are unusable and non-functional. Steel framing systems are typically more costly than competing construction methods.

Block or masonry construction was available before tile backer panels. The block required a typical large footing to support the weight. Blocks were built up by a skilled mason. The outer surface was either coated with stucco or stone. While it is strong and durable, block has a number of inherent issues. The structure easily absorbs moisture, making the inside spaces damp and moldy. The blocks are large and heavy. The inside spaces are small, limiting storage. It is difficult to run electric wiring, and gas piping through the concrete. Block is also the most expensive of all the systems, as much as $800-$1,000 per foot.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a modular outdoor kitchen that is impervious to attack by insects, rodents, or other vermin.

There is a further need to provide a modular outdoor kitchen of the type described and that will not decay, warp, leak rainwater, or catch on fire.

There is a yet further need to provide a modular outdoor kitchen of the type described and that will not rust or crumble with moisture, or become damp and moldy.

There is a still further need to provide a modular outdoor kitchen of the type described and that does not require great skill to assemble.

There is another need to provide a modular outdoor kitchen of the type described and that has space for storage, and to run electric wiring and gas piping.

There is yet another need to provide a modular outdoor kitchen of the type described and that can be pre-cut and partially pre-assembled in a shop, so as to save time in the field, and to ensure a precise fit and finish.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a base has a front aspect 53 and a rear aspect 55. The base extends between first 65 and second 67 opposite ends, and between a lower surface 94 adjacent the ground and an upper surface 95 disposed above the lower surface.

The base comprises a plurality of frame subassemblies 52. Each frame subassembly 52 extends between a front aspect 69 and a rear aspect 71. Each frame subassembly 52 extends between a lower end 77 adjacent the ground and an upper end 79 disposed above the lower end 77.

Each frame subassembly 52 includes a first inner panel 59, and a second inner panel 60 parallel to the first inner panel 59 and spaced apart therefrom. A front frame strip 56 extends upright between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60 at the front aspect 69. A rear frame strip 57 extends upright between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60 at the rear aspect.

A top strip 82 extends transversely between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60 and extends between the front aspect 69 and the rear aspect 71, and is disposed at the upper end 79. A bottom strip 84 extends transversely between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60, and between the front aspect 69 and the rear aspect 71, and is disposed at the lower end.

A leveling foot 92 is disposed adjacent the front aspect 69, and another leveling foot 92 is disposed adjacent the rear aspect 71. Each leveling foot 92 is threadably mounted in the bottom strip 84 for selective adjustment of the frame subassembly 52 upward and downward, so as to level the frame subassembly 52. An access tube 86 extends upright between the top strip 82 and the bottom strip 84 adjacent the front aspect 69. Another access tube 86 extends upright between the top strip 82 and the bottom strip 84 adjacent the rear aspect 71. Each one of the access tubes 86 is aligned with a leveling foot 92. Each access tube receives an elongated adjusting tool 110, and guides the tool 110 into engagement with the leveling foot 92. This allows leveling the frame subassembly 52 from the upper end 79. In this manner, the frame subassembly 52 can be leveled from above with the installer standing upright.

A front panel 64 is attached to the base 51 at the base front aspect 53. The front panel 64 extends between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95. The front panel 64 extends between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends.

A rear panel 66 is attached to the base 51 at the base rear aspect 55. The rear panel 66 extends between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95. The rear panel 66 extends between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends.

A counter top 70 is disposed on the base upper surface 95. The counter top 70 extends between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends and between the front aspect 53 and the rear aspect 55.

At least one cooking apparatus 73 is disposed adjacent the counter top 70.

Typically, the cooking apparatus 73 includes a main grill 74 and a smaller auxiliary grill 76. The cooking apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a natural gas grill, a propane gas grill, an electric stove, and a microwave oven.

In FIG. 22, at least one water control panel 100 is shown disposed beneath the cooking apparatus 73, so as to direct water away from the base 51. Water will enter the base 51 through the counter top 70 around the periphery of the main grill 74 and the auxiliary grill 76. Arrows 102 indicate the flow of water downward and outward at the base front aspect 53. This ensures that the base 51 remains dry inside.

At least one grease control panel 104 is disposed beneath the at least one cooking apparatus, so as to capture and contain grease.

At least one shelf panel 98 is disposed between adjacent frame subassemblies 52, and adjacent the base lower surface 94.

A refrigerator 78 is disposed in the base 51. The refrigerator 78 is adapted for access through the front panel 64.

As depicted in FIG. 4, at least one decorative outer panel 96 is attached to the base 51 on at least one of: the front aspect, the rear aspect, the first opposite end, and the second opposite end.

In another aspect, a method is disclosed for constructing a modular outdoor kitchen 50. The method comprises extending a base between first and second opposite ends, and between a lower surface adjacent the ground and an upper surface disposed above the lower end.

Extending a frame subassembly 52 between a front aspect 69 and a rear aspect 71, and between a lower end 77 adjacent the ground and an upper end 79 disposed above the lower end 77.

Supporting the base 51 with a plurality of frame subassemblies 52.

Threadably mounting a leveling foot 92 in the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the front aspect 69 at the lower end 77. Threadably mounting a leveling foot 92 in the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the rear aspect 71 at the lower end 77.

Selectively adjusting the frame subassembly 52 upward and downward with the leveling foot 92, so as to level the frame subassembly 52.

Extending an access tube 86 upright between a top strip 82 and a bottom strip 84 of the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the front aspect 59. Extending an access tube 86 upright between a top strip 82 and a bottom strip 84 of the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the rear aspect 71.

Aligning each one of the access tubes 86 with the leveling foot 92.

Receiving an elongated adjusting tool 110 in each access tube 86 and guiding the tool into engagement with the leveling foot 92, so as to allow leveling the frame subassembly 52 from the upper end 79.

Extending a front panel 64 between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95, and extending the front panel 64 between the base first 65 and second 67 opposite ends at the base front aspect 53.

Extending a rear panel 66 between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95, and extending the rear panel 66 between the base first 65 and second 67 opposite ends at the base rear aspect 55.

Extending a counter top 70 on the base upper surface 95 between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends and between the front aspect 53 and the rear aspect 55.

Mounting at least one cooking apparatus 73 in the base 51 adjacent the counter top 70.

Mounting a water control panel 100 beneath the cooking apparatus 73, and directing water away from the base 51 with the water control panel 100.

Mounting a grease control panel 104 beneath the cooking apparatus 73, and capturing and containing grease with the grease control panel 104.

Mounting a shelf panel 98 between adjacent frame subassemblies 52 and adjacent the base lower surface 94.

Mounting a refrigerator 78 in the base 51 through the front panel 64.

Attaching a decorative outer panel 96 to the base 51 on one or more of: the front aspect 53, the rear aspect 55, the first opposite end 65, and the second opposite end 67.

These and other aspects, objectives, features, and advantages of the disclosed technologies will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments thereof, which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be obtained from consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective assembly view of an outdoor grill showing prior art wood construction.

FIG. 2 is a perspective assembly view of an outdoor grill showing prior art steel construction.

FIG. 3 is a perspective assembly view of an outdoor grill showing prior art concrete block construction.

FIG. 4 is a rear, elevational, perspective, assembly view of a modular outdoor kitchen constructed in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of a frame subassembly of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIG. 4, showing details of the construction and the leveling system.

FIG. 6 is a partial, cross-sectional assembly view of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5, showing further details of the leveling system.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5, with a side panel removed, and showing further details of the leveling system.

FIG. 8 is a front, elevational, cross-sectional view of an adjusting tool for use in leveling the modular outdoor kitchen.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the adjusting tool of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a partial, cross-sectional assembly view of the frame subassembly of FIG. 5, showing leveling of the modular outdoor kitchen.

FIG. 11 is a partial, cross-sectional perspective view of another frame subassembly of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing an upper support and an upper bracket for supporting a shelf.

FIG. 12 is a front, elevational, perspective, assembly view of another modular outdoor kitchen constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the base construction.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing the water control panels being installed.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing the shelf panels being installed.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing the outer panels installed.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing the front panel being installed.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing the refrigerator and the appliances being installed.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective assembly view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing appliances ready to install.

FIG. 19 is a front, elevational, perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing appliances and finish cover panels.

FIG. 20 is a front, elevational, perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, with the front panel removed, showing the leveling system on each frame subassembly.

FIG. 21 is a side, elevational, perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, with the inner panel and the outer panel removed, showing the leveling system on the frame subassembly.

FIG. 22 is a side, elevational, cross-sectional, perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, taken along lines 22-22 of FIG. 20, showing the water control panel and the grease control panel.

FIG. 23 is a front, elevational, perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing a retractable bar in the retracted position.

FIG. 24 is a front, elevational, perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing the retractable bar in the extended position.

FIG. 25 is a side, elevational, perspective view of the modular outdoor kitchen of FIGS. 4 & 12, showing a retractable TV in the extended position.

It should be noted that the drawings herein are not to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Describing now in further detail these exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures as described above, a modular outdoor kitchen 50 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 19.

A base has a front aspect 53 and a rear aspect 55. The base extends between first 65 and second 67 opposite ends, and between a lower surface 94 adjacent the ground and an upper surface 95 disposed above the lower surface.

The base comprises a plurality of frame subassemblies 52. Each frame subassembly 52 extends between a front aspect 69 and a rear aspect 71. Each frame subassembly 52 extends between a lower end 77 adjacent the ground and an upper end 79 disposed above the lower end 77.

Each frame subassembly 52 includes a first inner panel 59, and a second inner panel 60 parallel to the first inner panel 59 and spaced apart therefrom. A front frame strip 56 extends upright between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60 at the front aspect 69. A rear frame strip 57 extends upright between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60 at the rear aspect.

A top strip 82 extends transversely between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60 and extends between the front aspect 69 and the rear aspect 71, and is disposed at the upper end 79. A bottom strip 84 extends transversely between the first inner panel 59 and the second inner panel 60, and between the front aspect 69 and the rear aspect 71, and is disposed at the lower end.

A leveling foot 92 is disposed adjacent the front aspect 69, and another leveling foot 92 is disposed adjacent the rear aspect 71. Each leveling foot 92 is threadably mounted in the bottom strip 84 for selective adjustment of the frame subassembly 52 upward and downward, so as to level the frame subassembly 52. An access tube 86 extends upright between the top strip 82 and the bottom strip 84 adjacent the front aspect 69. Another access tube 86 extends upright between the top strip 82 and the bottom strip 84 adjacent the rear aspect 71. Each one of the access tubes 86 is aligned with a leveling foot 92. Each access tube receives an elongated adjusting tool 110, and guides the tool 110 into engagement with the leveling foot 92. This allows leveling the frame subassembly 52 from the upper end 79. In this manner, the frame subassembly 52 can be leveled from above with the installer standing upright.

A front panel 64 is attached to the base 51 at the base front aspect 53. The front panel 64 extends between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95. The front panel 64 extends between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends.

A rear panel 66 is attached to the base 51 at the base rear aspect 55. The rear panel 66 extends between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95. The rear panel 66 extends between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends.

A counter top 70 is disposed on the base upper surface 95. The counter top 70 extends between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends and between the front aspect 53 and the rear aspect 55.

At least one cooking apparatus 73 is disposed adjacent the counter top 70.

Typically, the cooking apparatus 73 includes a main grill 74 and a smaller auxiliary grill 76. The cooking apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a natural gas grill, a propane gas grill, an electric stove, and a microwave oven.

In FIG. 22, at least one water control panel 100 is shown disposed beneath the cooking apparatus 73, so as to direct water away from the base 51. Water will enter the base 51 through the counter top 70 around the periphery of the main grill 74 and the auxiliary grill 76. Arrows 102 indicate the flow of water downward and outward at the base front aspect 53. This ensures that the base 51 remains dry inside.

At least one grease control panel 104 is disposed beneath the at least one cooking apparatus, so as to capture and contain grease.

At least one shelf panel 98 is disposed between adjacent frame subassemblies 52, and adjacent the base lower surface 94.

A refrigerator 78 is disposed in the base 51. The refrigerator 78 is adapted for access through the front panel 64.

As depicted in FIG. 4, at least one decorative outer panel 96 is attached to the base 51 on at least one of: the front aspect, the rear aspect, the first opposite end, and the second opposite end. Typically, the decorative outer panel 96 is attached to all of these surfaces, covering the entire base 51 on the vertical surfaces. The decorative outer panel 96 has a finish resembling natural stone or tile or wood. The outer panel 96 is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: stone-based material, cement-based material, ceramic, thermoplastic polymer resins, thermoset polymer resins, fiberglass, and wood.

The leveling foot 92 further comprises a bushing 88 having female threads. The bushing 88 is fixedly mounted in the bottom strip 84. A threaded shaft 90 is rotatably attached to the leveling foot 92, and is threaded into the bushing 88. The threaded shaft 90 is adapted to drivingly engage the adjusting tool 110. In this manner, the bushing 88 moves up and down, thereby adjusting the frame subassembly 52 up and down.

As illustrated in FIGS. 23 and 24, the modular outdoor kitchen 50 has an optional retractable bar 130 for storing beverages. The retractable bar 130 is mounted in the base 51. The retractable bar 130 can be selectively raised upward under external power into a position for use. The retractable bar 130 can be retracted, descending downward into a position for storage flush with the counter top 70.

As shown in FIG. 25, the modular outdoor kitchen 50 has an optional retractable television 140 mounted in the base 51. The retractable television 140 can be selectively raised upward under external power into a position for use. The retractable television 140 can be retracted, descending downward into a position for storage flush with the counter top 70.

A method is disclosed for constructing a modular outdoor kitchen 50. The method comprises extending a base between first and second opposite ends, and between a lower surface adjacent the ground and an upper surface disposed above the lower end.

Extending a frame subassembly 52 between a front aspect 69 and a rear aspect 71, and between a lower end 77 adjacent the ground and an upper end 79 disposed above the lower end 77.

Supporting the base 51 with a plurality of frame subassemblies 52.

Threadably mounting a leveling foot 92 in the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the front aspect 69 at the lower end 77. Threadably mounting a leveling foot 92 in the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the rear aspect 71 at the lower end 77.

Selectively adjusting the frame subassembly 52 upward and downward with the leveling foot 92, so as to level the frame subassembly 52.

Extending an access tube 86 upright between a top strip 82 and a bottom strip 84 of the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the front aspect 59. Extending an access tube 86 upright between a top strip 82 and a bottom strip 84 of the frame subassembly 52 adjacent the rear aspect 71.

Aligning each one of the access tubes 86 with the leveling foot 92.

Receiving an elongated adjusting tool 110 in each access tube 86 and guiding the tool into engagement with the leveling foot 92, so as to allow leveling the frame subassembly 52 from the upper end 79.

Extending a front panel 64 between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95, and extending the front panel 64 between the base first 65 and second 67 opposite ends at the base front aspect 53.

Extending a rear panel 66 between the base lower surface 94 and the base upper surface 95, and extending the rear panel 66 between the base first 65 and second 67 opposite ends at the base rear aspect 55.

Extending a counter top 70 on the base upper surface 95 between the first 65 and second 67 opposite ends and between the front aspect 53 and the rear aspect 55.

Mounting at least one cooking apparatus 73 in the base 51 adjacent the counter top 70.

Mounting a water control panel 100 beneath the cooking apparatus 73, and directing water away from the base 51 with the water control panel 100.

Mounting a grease control panel 104 beneath the cooking apparatus 73, and capturing and containing grease with the grease control panel 104.

Mounting a shelf panel 98 between adjacent frame subassemblies 52 and adjacent the base lower surface 94.

Mounting a refrigerator 78 in the base 51 through the front panel 64.

Attaching a decorative outer panel 96 to the base 51 on one or more of: the front aspect 53, the rear aspect 55, the first opposite end 65, and the second opposite end 67.

Fixedly mounting a bushing 88 having female threads in the bottom strip 84. Rotatably attaching a threaded shaft 90 to the leveling foot 92 and threading the shaft 90 into the bushing 88. Adapting the threaded shaft 90 for drivingly engaging the adjusting tool 110. Allowing movement of the bushing 88 up and down, and adjusting the frame subassembly 52 up and down with the adjusting tool 110.

Selecting the cooking apparatus 73 from the group consisting of: a natural gas grill, a propane gas grill, an electric stove, and a microwave oven.

Finishing the decorative outer panel 96 to resemble natural stone or tile or wood. Selecting the outer panel material from the group consisting of: stone-based material, cement-based material, ceramic, thermoset polymer resins, thermoplastic polymer resins, fiberglass, and wood.

It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

1. A modular outdoor kitchen comprising: a base, the base having a front aspect and a rear aspect, the base extending between first and second opposite ends, the base extending between a lower surface adjacent the ground and an upper surface disposed above the lower end, the base comprising; a plurality of frame subassemblies, each frame subassembly extending between a front aspect and a rear aspect, each frame subassembly extending between a lower end adjacent the ground and an upper end disposed above the lower end, each frame subassembly further comprising; a first inner panel;a second inner panel parallel to the first inner panel and spaced apart therefrom;a front frame strip extending upright between the first inner panel and the second inner panel at the front aspect;a rear frame strip extending upright between the first inner panel and the second inner panel at the rear aspect;a top strip extending transversely between the first inner panel and the second inner panel and extending between the front aspect and the rear aspect, and disposed at the upper end;a bottom strip extending transversely between the first inner panel and the second inner panel and extending between the front aspect and the rear aspect, and disposed at the lower end;a leveling foot disposed adjacent the front aspect, and a leveling foot disposed adjacent the rear aspect, each leveling foot being threadably mounted in the bottom strip for selective adjustment of the frame subassembly upward and downward, so as to level the frame subassembly; andan access tube extending upright between the top strip and the bottom strip adjacent the front aspect, and an access tube extending upright between the top strip and the bottom strip adjacent the rear aspect, each one of the access tubes being aligned with a leveling foot, each access tube being adapted for receiving an elongated adjusting tool and guiding the tool into engagement with the leveling foot, so as to allow leveling the frame subassembly from the upper end;a front panel attached to the base at the front aspect, the front panel extending between the base lower surface and the base upper surface, the front panel extending between the first and second opposite ends;a rear panel attached to the base at the rear aspect, the rear panel extending between the base lower surface and the base upper surface, the rear panel extending between the first and second opposite ends; anda counter top disposed on the base upper surface, the counter top extending between the first and second opposite ends and between the front aspect and the rear aspect;at least one cooking apparatus disposed in the base adjacent the counter top;at least one decorative outer panel attached to the base on at least one of: the front aspect;the rear aspect;the first opposite end; andthe second opposite end.

2. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, wherein the leveling foot further comprises: a bushing having female threads, the bushing being fixedly mounted in the bottom strip; anda threaded shaft rotatably attached to the leveling foot and threadably received in the bushing, the threaded shaft being adapted to drivingly engage the adjusting tool, so as to allow movement of the bushing up and down, thereby allowing adjusting the frame subassembly up and down.

3. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, wherein the cooking apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a natural gas grill;a propane gas grill;an electric stove; anda microwave oven.

4. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, wherein the decorative outer panel further comprises a finish resembling natural stone or tile or wood, and is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: stone-based material;cement-based material;ceramic;thermoset polymer resins;thermoplastic polymer resins;fiberglass; andwood.

5. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises at least one water control panel disposed beneath the cooking apparatus, so as to direct water away from the base.

6. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises at least one grease control panel disposed beneath the cooking apparatus, so as to capture and contain grease.

7. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises at least one shelf panel disposed between adjacent frame subassemblies and adjacent the base lower surface.

8. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, further comprising a refrigerator disposed in the base, the refrigerator being adapted for access through the front panel.

9. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, further comprising a retractable bar for storing beverages, the bar being mounted in the base, the bar being adapted for selectively rising upward under external power into a position for use, and descending downward into a position for storage flush with the counter.

10. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 1, further comprising a retractable television mounted in the base, the television being adapted for selectively rising upward under external power into a position for use, and descending downward into a position for storage flush with the counter.

11. A modular outdoor kitchen comprising: a base, the base having a front aspect and a rear aspect, the base extending between first and second opposite ends, the base extending between a lower surface adjacent the ground and an upper surface disposed above the lower end, the base comprising; a plurality of frame subassemblies, each frame subassembly extending between a front aspect and a rear aspect, each frame subassembly extending between a lower end adjacent the ground and an upper end disposed above the lower end, each frame subassembly further comprising; a first inner panel;a second inner panel parallel to the first inner panel and spaced apart therefrom;a front frame strip extending upright between the first inner panel and the second inner panel at the front aspect;a rear frame strip extending upright between the first inner panel and the second inner panel at the rear aspect;a top strip extending transversely between the first inner panel and the second inner panel and extending between the front aspect and the rear aspect, and disposed at the upper end;a bottom strip extending transversely between the first inner panel and the second inner panel and extending between the front aspect and the rear aspect, and disposed at the lower end;a leveling foot disposed adjacent the front aspect, and a leveling foot disposed adjacent the rear aspect, each leveling foot being threadably mounted in the bottom strip for selective adjustment of the frame subassembly upward and downward, so as to level the frame subassembly; andan access tube extending upright between the top strip and the bottom strip adjacent the front aspect, and an access tube extending upright between the top strip and the bottom strip adjacent the rear aspect, each one of the access tubes being aligned with a leveling foot, each access tube being adapted for receiving an elongated adjusting tool and guiding the tool into engagement with the leveling foot, so as to allow leveling the frame subassembly from the upper end;a front panel attached to the base at the front aspect, the front panel extending between the base lower surface and the base upper surface, the front panel extending between the first and second opposite ends;a rear panel attached to the base at the rear aspect, the rear panel extending between the base lower surface and the base upper surface, the rear panel extending between the first and second opposite ends; anda counter top disposed on the base upper surface, the counter top extending between the first and second opposite ends and between the front aspect and the rear aspect;at least one cooking apparatus disposed adjacent the counter top;at least one water control panel disposed beneath the at least one cooking apparatus, so as to direct water away from the base;at least one grease control panel disposed beneath the at least one cooking apparatus, so as to capture and contain grease;at least one shelf panel disposed between adjacent frame subassemblies and adjacent the base lower surface;a refrigerator disposed in the base, the refrigerator being adapted for access through the front panel; andat least one decorative outer panel attached to the base on at least one of: the front aspect;the rear aspect;the first opposite end; andthe second opposite end.

12. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 11, wherein the leveling foot further comprises: a bushing having female threads, the bushing being fixedly mounted in the bottom strip; anda threaded shaft rotatably attached to the leveling foot and threadably received in the bushing, the threaded shaft being adapted to drivingly engage the adjusting tool, so as to allow movement of the bushing up and down, thereby allowing adjusting the frame subassembly up and down.

13. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 11, wherein the cooking apparatus is selected from the group consisting of: a natural gas grill;a propane gas grill;an electric stove; anda microwave oven.

14. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 11, wherein the decorative outer panel further comprises a finish resembling natural stone or tile or wood, and is made from a material selected from the group consisting of: stone-based material;cement-based material;ceramic;thermoset polymer resins;thermoplastic polymer resins;fiberglass; andwood.

15. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 11, further comprising a retractable bar for storing beverages, the bar being mounted in the base, the bar being adapted for selectively rising upward under external power into a position for use, and descending downward into a position for storage flush with the counter.

16. The modular outdoor kitchen of claim 11, further comprising a retractable television mounted in the base, the television being adapted for selectively rising upward under external power into a position for use, and descending downward into a position for storage flush with the counter.

17. A method for constructing a modular outdoor kitchen, the method comprising: extending a base between first and second opposite ends, and between a lower surface adjacent the ground and an upper surface disposed above the lower end;extending a frame subassembly between a front aspect and a rear aspect, and between a lower end adjacent the ground and an upper end disposed above the lower end;supporting the base with a plurality of frame subassemblies;threadably mounting a leveling foot in the frame subassembly adjacent the front aspect at the lower end;threadably mounting a leveling foot in the frame subassembly adjacent the rear aspect at the lower end;selectively adjusting the frame subassembly upward and downward with the leveling foot, so as to level the frame subassembly;extending an access tube upright between a top strip and a bottom strip of the frame subassembly adjacent the front aspect, and extending an access tube upright between a top strip and a bottom strip of the frame subassembly adjacent the rear aspect;aligning each one of the access tubes with the leveling foot;receiving an elongated adjusting tool in each access tube and guiding the tool into engagement with the leveling foot, so as to allow leveling the frame subassembly from the upper end;extending a front panel between the base lower surface and the base upper surface, and extending the front panel between the base first and second opposite ends at the base front aspect;extending a rear panel between the base lower surface and the base upper surface, and extending the rear panel between the base first and second opposite ends at the base rear aspect;extending a counter top on the base upper surface between the first and second opposite ends and between the front aspect and the rear aspect;mounting at least one cooking apparatus in the base adjacent the counter top;mounting a water control panel beneath the cooking apparatus, and directing water away from the base with the water control panel;mounting a grease control panel beneath the cooking apparatus, and capturing and containing grease with the grease control panel;mounting a shelf panel between adjacent frame subassemblies and adjacent the base lower surface;mounting a refrigerator in the base through the front panel; andattaching a decorative outer panel to the base on one or more of: the front aspect;the rear aspect;the first opposite end; andthe second opposite end.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: fixedly mounting a bushing having female threads in the bottom strip;rotatably attaching a threaded shaft to the leveling foot and threading the shaft into the bushing;adapting the threaded shaft for drivingly engaging the adjusting tool, allowing movement of the bushing up and down, and adjusting the frame subassembly up and down with the adjusting tool.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: selecting the cooking apparatus from the group consisting of: a natural gas grill;a propane gas grill;an electric stove; anda microwave oven.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: finishing the decorative outer panel to resemble natural stone or tile or wood;selecting the outer panel material from the group consisting of: stone-based material;cement-based material;ceramic;thermoset polymer resins;thermoplastic polymer resins;fiberglass; andwood.