RTA Outdoor Living vs Kokomo Grills: Modular Kitchen Guide
Table of Contents
- RTA Outdoor Living vs Kokomo Grills: A Direct Comparison
- Ready-to-Assemble Outdoor Kitchen: How RTA Systems Work
- RTA Outdoor Living Reviews and What Owners Say
- KoKoMo Grills Reviews: Who These Islands Suit
- Outdoor Kitchen Customization: Layouts, Finishes, and Fuel
- Pricing, Warranty, and Long-Term Value
- Which Modular Outdoor Kitchen Should You Choose?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
Last Updated: October 6, 2026
RTA Outdoor Living vs Kokomo Grills: A Direct Comparison
Shopping for a modular outdoor kitchen usually comes down to two names: RTA Outdoor Living vs Kokomo Grills. Both sell ready-to-assemble islands with built-in grills and promise a backyard upgrade without a contractor.
The short version: RTA Outdoor Living is a ready-to-assemble brand known for modular concrete-composite islands that ship in sections. Kokomo Grills leans toward larger, permanent built-in setups, sometimes bundled with shade structures. Our modular kitchens arrive over 90% pre-assembled.
| Option | Starting Price | Assembly Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delightful Backyard 98" modular island | $4,453.99 | Over 90% pre-assembled | Families who want to cook this weekend |
| Delightful Backyard 85" deluxe island | $4,330.99 | Pre-assembled sections | Large gatherings, wine cooler included |
| Kokomo Grills pergola bundle | $23,795.00 | Professional installation recommended | Buyers who want shade and kitchen together |
| Kokomo Montego island | $68,325.00 | Custom build | Estate-level, fully bespoke patios |
Ready-to-Assemble Outdoor Kitchen: How RTA Systems Work
A ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchen is a modular cooking island that ships in panels and components, then locks together on site without masonry or a concrete pour. RTA Outdoor Living built its reputation on this model, using engineered concrete composite panels that resist cracking and fading. The appeal: no mason, no permit headaches in most cases, and an adjustable footprint.
The trade-off is labor. You or a helper level the base, join panels, and set the countertop and appliances. Most homeowners finish a single-island kit in a weekend; larger configurations with sinks, refrigerators, and side burners take longer.
Our modular islands take a different route to the same goal. The 98-inch model arrives with universal wheels and a pre-built frame.
RTA Outdoor Living Reviews and What Owners Say
RTA Outdoor Living reviews cluster around consistent themes. Across verified purchaser feedback, the pattern is: strong satisfaction with the finished look, real friction during assembly, and mixed post-sale support.
What owners praise
- The finished island reads as permanent masonry, not a kit, once panels and countertop are set.
- Panel-level customization lets buyers match an odd patio footprint without a mason.
What owners complain about
- Assembly runs longer than marketing implies. A single-island kit is a weekend project for two; L-shapes and U-shapes with sinks, refrigerators, and side burners stretch across multiple weekends.
- Leveling on a sloped patio is the most common frustration. Owners who skip a proper base report doors that don't close flush and countertops that rock.
- Replacement parts and warranty claims move slowly. Burners or igniters often fail in year two or three, with the owner paying shipping.
The comparison point most guides skip
RTA's real advantage is panel-level customization, you pick layout, finish, and appliance package, then build it yourself. That's a win if you enjoy the project and a drawback if you don't.
Warranty, returns, and shipping, the purchase-risk factors
Before you compare stickers, compare what happens after the sale:
- Warranty length and coverage. Ask whether the warranty covers grill burners, ignition, refrigerator compressor, and cabinet finish, or only the structural frame. Most ready-to-assemble brands warranty the frame longest and appliances shortest.
- Who pays return freight. A modular island ships on a pallet by freight carrier. If you refuse delivery or return it, you may owe round-trip freight running into the hundreds.
- Replacement parts availability. Ask whether burners, igniters, and grates are stocked as service parts; a discontinued grill is one you can't fix.
- Delivery access. A 98-inch island on a pallet won't fit through a standard side gate, and liftgate service isn't always included.
FTC guidance on reading warranty terms before purchase
Our own modular islands take a different route, and we publish the terms up front: the 98-inch model arrives over 90% pre-assembled with universal wheels and a pre-built frame, ships free on most orders within the continental U.S., and carries a 1-year manufacturer warranty with replacement parts available and double-reinforced shipping.
KoKoMo Grills Reviews: Who These Islands Suit
KoKoMo Grills reviews point to a different buyer than RTA's. These are larger, statement-piece islands, often paired with pergolas and lighting, and priced accordingly.
What the two named configurations actually include
The KoKoMo Outdoor Kitchen BBQ Island with a 12' x 12' pergola bundles a built-in 4-burner grill, refrigerator, and ambient lighting for $23,795.00.
What those prices do and do not cover
A quoted price on a custom island is rarely the delivered price. The quote typically covers the island and appliances, while these items are billed separately or handled by the homeowner:
Outdoor Kitchen Island Designed for Complete Backyard Cooking, 4-Burner 72000 →
- Site preparation. A poured concrete pad or compacted base is often required; on a sloped patio, that can mean retaining work.
- Utility runs. Natural gas and 120V electrical lines are typically a licensed-trade job, permitted separately in many jurisdictions.
- Delivery and crane access. A large built island may not fit through a side yard and may require equipment to place.
- Permits and inspections. A permanent structure with gas and electrical usually triggers a permit; a freestanding modular island often does not.
- Accessories. Side burners, rotisserie kits, covers, and lighting are frequently add-ons.
The like-for-like comparison
Put the two paths side by side on equivalent capability, a 4-burner grill, refrigerator, sink, and countertop seating, and the gap narrows to what you're actually buying:
| What You Get | Delightful Backyard 98" | KoKoMo Pergola Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Grill | 4-burner, 72,000 BTU | 4-burner built-in |
| Refrigerator | 68-liter, lockable | Included |
| Sink | 360° swivel faucet | Not listed |
| Shade structure | Sold separately | 12' x 12' pergola |
| Assembly | Over 90% pre-assembled | Professional installation recommended |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer | Manufacturer-backed |
| Price | $4,453.99 | $23,795.00 |
The delta is roughly five figures, and most of it buys scale, a shade structure, and installation labor, not a better sear.
Who these islands actually suit
- Buyers who want kitchen and shade handled in one purchase and one contract.
- Homeowners with a patio large enough for a 12' x 12' structure plus clearance.
- Buyers comfortable with a custom timeline measured in months, not a weekend.
- Estate-level projects where the island is one line item in a larger landscape build.
The warranty question to ask either brand
Ask what happens when a burner fails in year three. For a custom build, confirm in writing whether the warranty is backed by the manufacturer, dealer, or installer, when those are different companies, the claim can bounce between them.
Outdoor Kitchen Customization: Layouts, Finishes, and Fuel
Outdoor kitchen customization comes down to three decisions: layout, finish, and fuel.
- Layout: Straight runs suit narrow patios. L-shapes and U-shapes work for entertaining zones. Our 85-inch island packs six burners, a side burner, a wine cooler, and granite countertops into a compact freestanding footprint.
- Finish: Brushed or polished stainless steel resists rust and heat. Engineered concrete composite offers a masonry look with less weight.
- Fuel: Natural gas means no tank swaps. Propane offers portability and higher heat per burner in some setups.
Our 98-inch natural gas island runs 72,000 BTU across 684 square inches of cooking space, with a 68-liter refrigerator, a sink with a 360° swivel faucet, dual halogen lights, and locking casters. That is a complete kitchen package in one delivery.
Pricing, Warranty, and Long-Term Value
Pricing separates these two paths most sharply. A ready-to-assemble kit keeps costs down because you supply the labor; a custom-built island adds design fees, fabrication, and installation. Kokomo's pergola bundle sits at $23,795.00 and the Montego at $68,325.00, both reflecting that custom tier.
Our modular kitchens land between the two: $4,330.99 for the 85-inch deluxe island and $4,453.99 for the 98-inch natural gas model. Both include the grill, refrigerator, sink, and storage in one price rather than as add-ons.
| What You Get | Delightful Backyard 98" | Kokomo Pergola Bundle |
|---|---|---|
| Grill | 4-burner, 72,000 BTU | 4-burner built-in |
| Refrigerator | 68-liter, lockable | Included |
| Sink | 360° swivel faucet | Not listed |
| Shade structure | Sold separately | 12' x 12' pergola |
| Warranty | 1 year manufacturer | Manufacturer-backed |
| Price | $4,453.99 | $23,795.00 |
Warranty coverage matters as much as the sticker. The 98-inch includes a 1-year manufacturer warranty with replacement parts available and double-reinforced shipping. Ask any brand what happens when a burner fails in year three.
Which Modular Outdoor Kitchen Should You Choose?
Choose based on how you want to spend your time, not just your money. If you enjoy a project and want panel-level design control, a ready-to-assemble kit is reasonable. If you want a fully bespoke centerpiece and have the budget, a custom build delivers that.
For most families, the middle path wins. Our modular islands arrive over 90% pre-assembled, ship free on most orders within the continental U.S., and come with 30-day returns. You get a complete kitchen with a grill, refrigerator, sink, and granite countertops, and you can be cooking by the weekend instead of next season.
Conclusion
The hardest part of buying a modular outdoor kitchen isn't choosing a brand, it's committing to how much work you want between delivery and dinner. Delightful Backyard builds modular kitchens that skip most of that work, with a 98-inch natural gas island that arrives over 90% pre-assembled, a 72,000 BTU grill with granite countertops and a built-in refrigerator, and free shipping on most orders within the continental U.S. backed by 30-day returns. Get started with Delightful Backyard and turn your patio into the gathering space your family actually uses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between RTA Outdoor Living and KoKoMo Grills?
RTA Outdoor Living focuses on modular, ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchen islands that ship in sections and connect on site, while KoKoMo Grills offers larger built-in island packages, including a model with a 12' x 12' pergola. The main differences come down to assembly method, footprint, and price. RTA-style islands typically start around $4,330 to $4,454, while the KoKoMo pergola package runs $23,795 and the Montego island is $68,325.
Are RTA Outdoor Living kitchens worth the price?
For homeowners who want a complete outdoor kitchen without a custom build, RTA-style islands deliver strong value. The modular units at Delightful Backyard range from $4,330.99 to $4,453.99 and include a built-in grill, granite countertops, a refrigerator, a sink, and storage cabinets. That covers the core of a backyard cooking setup in one purchase, versus paying separately for a grill, cabinetry, countertop fabrication, and installation.
Can you customize an RTA Outdoor Living kitchen?
Yes. Modular outdoor kitchen islands are designed for outdoor kitchen customization through layout, not fabrication. Each module connects to counters, sinks, or fridges, so you can expand the island as your space allows. You also choose fuel type (natural gas or propane), island width (85, 98, or 104 inches), and finishes like brushed or polished stainless steel. This gives you flexibility without needing a contractor to cut stone or run new framing.
Are ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchen islands worth it?
They are worth it if you want a full cooking station without a custom build timeline. RTA islands arrive over 90% pre-assembled with universal wheels, so setup is a matter of positioning and connecting modules rather than framing and stonework. The trade-off is that you choose from preset configurations instead of a fully bespoke layout. For most homeowners hosting family gatherings, that trade-off saves weeks of planning and thousands in labor.
What should I compare before buying an outdoor kitchen?
Compare five things: total footprint against your patio size, fuel type and BTU output, included appliances (grill, fridge, sink, storage), material grade (304 stainless steel resists rust better than lower grades), and warranty length. Also check shipping and return terms. Delightful Backyard offers free shipping on most continental U.S. orders and a 30-day return window, which matters if you are unsure how a 98-inch island will fit your deck.
