Modular Outdoor Kitchens: RTA vs Mont Alpi vs Bull

Modular outdoor kitchen kits are the middle ground between a simple grill cart and a fully custom masonry island. You get a real “outdoor kitchen” with counters, storage, and built-in appliances — but the pieces arrive pre-engineered, pre-cut, and ready to assemble on your patio.

Instead of hiring a mason, arguing over drawings, and waiting weeks for block, stucco, and stone to go in, a modular system ships as panels or pre-built modules that bolt or slide together. The result still feels permanent, but installation usually happens in a day or less.

RTA, Mont Alpi, and Bull all live in this modular space — but they solve the problem differently:

• RTA uses heavy concrete panels that lock together and are finished with outdoor-rated textures. It’s the closest thing to a “custom without masonry” build.
• Mont Alpi uses a stainless frame with decorative panels and granite-style tops, sold as complete “BBQ island kits” that roll into place.
• Bull uses a welded frame with cement board and stone or stucco finishes — very similar to what many custom builders do, but in a factory environment.

This guide walks through how each system is built, what it costs, where it shines, where it falls short, and how to match the right modular kit to your yard and cooking style.

Why People Choose Modular Over Custom Masonry

1. Faster, Cleaner Installation

• Typical modular install: 1–8 hours with two people and basic tools.
• Typical masonry build: multiple trades over several days or weeks (framing, block, stucco, stone, counters, appliances).

With a modular outdoor kitchen, your yard isn’t a jobsite for a month. Panels come pre-cut for the exact grill, fridge, and doors you ordered, so there’s no on-site guesswork.

2. More Predictable Costs

• Modular kits bundle structure + appliances + hardware into a clear package price.
• Custom masonry quotes often creep once utilities, finish upgrades, and change orders roll in.

You still have to budget for gas, electrical, and sometimes concrete work, but the core island cost is much easier to see up front.

3. Engineered for Venting & Clearances

Good modular systems are designed around manufacturer specs for ventilation, clearances, and cutouts. You’re far less likely to end up with a too-tight opening, a blocked vent panel, or an unsafe overhang — issues that pop up often with DIY block islands.

4. DIY-Friendly (With Pro Utilities)

Most homeowners can assemble the cabinets or panels themselves and then bring in a plumber/electrician to connect gas and power. That division of labor keeps the project moving and saves a meaningful chunk of labor cost.

5. Easier to Phase or Expand Later

Because these are modular systems, it’s usually much simpler to add a bar, side burner run, or extra storage in the future. With masonry, adding on often means demo and new stonework so everything matches.

“The biggest win with modular kitchens is knowing exactly what you’re getting — no chasing contractors, no uneven stonework, no missed deadlines.”

RTA vs Mont Alpi vs Bull: Side-by-Side Comparison

RTA Outdoor Kitchens (In-Depth)

RTA (Ready-To-Assemble) focuses on giving you a custom-feeling island without masonry trades. The cabinets are made from high-strength concrete composite panels that interlock and screw together, then accept textured finishes or cladding.

How RTA Is Built

• Panels ship flat on a pallet and are labeled by position.
• You stand them up, lock them together, and tie them in with internal brackets.
• Cutouts for the grill, doors, drawers, and fridge are factory-cut to the appliance specs.
• Finishes range from modern concrete to stone-style textures, all designed for outdoor use.

Strengths

• Rugged, permanent feel: Concrete panels shrug off heat, UV, and weather better than thin decorative skins.
• Serious appliance lineup: RTA is tightly paired with Coyote grills, smokers, side burners, fridges, and storage — all 304 stainless, which is ideal for most climates.
• Layout flexibility: Multiple lengths, L-shapes, U-shapes, bar returns, and corner modules let you match real-world patios instead of forcing a single straight run.
• Good long-term value: Higher upfront cost than a simple cart, but designed to last like a permanent hardscape feature.

Limitations

• Weight: The concrete system is heavy. You want a solid slab or well-built pavers underneath, and it’s not something you’ll wheel around later.
• Brand pairing: The cleanest experience is sticking with Coyote across grills, storage, and refrigeration. Mixing in other brands is possible but more complicated.
• Less “portable” for renters: If you plan to move in a year or two, RTA may be more kitchen than you need right now.

Best For

Homeowners who view their outdoor kitchen as a long-term investment and want a modern, durable island that feels custom without the risk and mess of masonry work.

“RTA is the closest you get to a true custom outdoor kitchen without hiring a mason.”

Mont Alpi (In-Depth)

Mont Alpi leans into the idea of a pre-configured outdoor kitchen kit. Most models arrive with the grill, side burner, storage, and often a fridge included, already built into matching modules you simply arrange and connect.

How Mont Alpi Is Built

• Cabinets use a steel or stainless frame with decorative panels on the outside.
• Countertops are typically granite-style or porcelain slabs pre-cut to match the modules.
• Modules roll or slide into place; you bolt them together and connect gas and power.
• The look is contemporary: straight lines, white or gray panels, stainless trim.

Strengths

• Fastest install in the category: Many homeowners can go from pallet to cooking the same day.
• Great for patios and rentals: Units can technically be moved if you relocate — huge advantage over a masonry island.
• Fully bundled kits: Grill, fridge, side burner, and storage are already matched, so there’s no guessing about compatibility.
• Clean, modern aesthetic: Works well with newer homes, pool decks, and smaller spaces where a large stone island might feel heavy.

Limitations

• Less “forever” than concrete or stone: Decorative panels and trim can fade or mark up faster in harsh sun or coastal environments.
• Limited custom layout options: You generally choose from a short list of pre-designed islands rather than building a complex L or U-shape from scratch.
• More moving parts: Doors, drawers, fridge panels, and trim pieces mean more surfaces to clean and maintain.

Best For

Homeowners who want a good-looking outdoor kitchen kit that sets up quickly, fits a standard patio, and can come with them if they move in a few years.

“Mont Alpi is unbeatable for simplicity and value — but not for long-term ruggedness.”

Bull Outdoor Kitchens (In-Depth)

Bull is one of the longest-standing names in outdoor kitchens. Their BBQ islands are built in a factory using the same methods many contractors use on site: welded frames, cement board, and applied stucco or stone veneer.

How Bull Islands Are Built

• Frames are welded from steel, then skinned with cement board.
• Stucco or stone veneer is applied, along with tile or stone countertops.
• Grills, doors, drawers, and fridges from Bull’s lineup are installed into factory-cut openings.
• Finished islands ship on a pallet; in many cases, they are craned or rolled into place.

Strengths

• Proven durability: The basic recipe — steel, cement board, stone — has decades of real-world performance behind it.
• Classic stone-island look: Great if you want your outdoor kitchen to match stone pillars, fire features, or a traditional home exterior.
• Solid grill lineup: Bull grills have been on patios and in restaurants for years, with strong burner warranties and straightforward serviceability.
• Heat resistance: Stone and cement finishes handle proximity to high-BTU grills well when vented correctly.

Limitations

• Heavier and less flexible: Once a Bull island is built, its size and shape are basically locked in.
• Longer lead times: Built-to-order islands can have longer manufacturing and shipping windows than flat-pack concrete kits.
• More traditional styling: If you want a very modern, minimalist look, some Bull models may feel more classic than contemporary.

Best For

Homeowners who want a traditional, permanent stone-look outdoor kitchen with a proven grill brand and don’t mind a bit more weight and lead time.

“Bull is ideal for homeowners who want the traditional stone look without doing masonry from scratch.”

Which Modular System Should You Choose?

Choose RTA if:

• You’re in this home for at least 5–10 years.
• You want a layout that fits your patio, not just a stock island.
• You like the idea of concrete / stone-style finishes and Coyote appliances.
• Your climate has extreme heat, cold, or strong UV and you want maximum durability.

Choose Mont Alpi if:

• You want a modular outdoor kitchen kit you can assemble quickly without contractors.
• You rent or may move soon and want the option to take the island with you.
• Your space is a standard rectangle or smaller patio where a sleek, linear island fits well.
• You’re prioritizing budget and simplicity over long-term stone-level durability.

Choose Bull if:

• You love the look of traditional stone or stucco islands.
• You want a pre-built island that feels like it’s always been part of the hardscape.
• You’re okay with hiring help to move or place a heavier structure.
• You want a grills-plus-island solution from a single, long-standing BBQ brand.

Quick rule of thumb: treat RTA as “modern custom without masonry,” Mont Alpi as “fast modular kit,” and Bull as “factory-built stone island.” From there, layer in your climate, budget, and how portable you need the kitchen to be.

Common Modular Kitchen Mistakes

• Buying on looks only: Choosing the prettiest render without considering wind, sun, or how you actually cook.
• Skipping vent panels and access doors: Even modular systems need proper venting and service access — especially for propane.
• Undersizing counter space: Many pre-configured islands underestimate prep and landing areas around the grill.
• Forgetting utilities: Placing a modular island where gas or power can’t easily reach adds unexpected trenching costs.
• Choosing a “portable” system for a forever home: If you’re not moving, it usually pays to invest in the most durable construction you can.