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Throwing a backyard fish fry, or just getting the most out of your outdoor kitchen calls for the best outdoor prep table for rain! Don’t let the weather stop you from having the fresh air kitchen of your dreams, these are the best outdoor prep tables for rain. All reviewed for their ability to stand up to rainy conditions.
Not being able to use some of your favorite spaces kind of takes the wind out of your sails, especially when it’s because of the weather. These tables are all reviewed for their ability to stand up to some inclimate weather, namely rain. Don’t let the rain stop you from having the outdoor kitchen you’ve always dreamed of, find our reviews for the best outdoor prep table for rain below!
Finding the Best Prep Surface for Outdoors
There’s a few things that go into finding the perfect prep table. Of course, a lot of it is going to come down to personal taste and needs as well. We’re going to present you with several different options in hopes of providing you with the best selection possible based on your individual food prep, style and usage needs!
Outdoor Prep Table Surface
In many cases, stainless steel is the standout material for outdoor prep table surfaces. It just so happens to be nice to work on, too! We love stainless steel prep tables for how easy they come clean, and of course their ability to stand up to weather conditions like rain.
You’ll also see a variety of tables available in composite materials, which are also perfect for rainy weather as it also happens to eliminate the issue of rust. That being said, we’re going to focus on metal surface tables since they’re especially well made for this purpose.
Storage
While it may seem like common sense, the best place to start would be to figure out how exactly you want to use your outdoor prep table, and what you expect to be able to store in it as well. For instance, if there’s a large wooden cutting board that makes its home in your prep table, you’ll want to be sure it fits.
Storage space such as open vs closed shelving, drawers, rails and shelves are important to consider before purchasing an outdoor prep table.
Portability
Outdoor prep tables usually consist of either wheeled, or stationary leg-style tables. That is to say, you can typically choose to either wheel them around or simply use them in a more slightly permanent configuration.
Of course, this depends on the type of outdoor cooking space you’re going for. When it comes to a simple outdoor BBQ prep table setup, a more portable model of table might be more suitable for your needs. That way, it can be conveniently wheeled away when not in use.
Dedicated outdoor cooking spaces however may require a slightly more permanent setup using prep tables that provide a larger cooking space, more storage and of course fixed legs that aren’t nearly as portable.
Reviews for the Best Outdoor Prep Tables for Rain
These are detailed reviews of our favorite models of outdoor prep tables that are made to stand up to some rain.
NUUK Double-Shelf Moveable Outdoor Prep Table
At 20”x30”, this is a sizable workspace for most amatuer outdoor cooks. Whether you’re using it for prepping meat for the smoker, or as an outdoor BBQ workstation, this card is a sturdy and minimalist solution to a common issue.
Buy on AmazonThe top is completely flat and made from food grade stainless steel that’s purpose is made to get wet, whether it’s from rain or prepwork. The steel pipe structure is incredibly easy to put together, and it also has sturdy hooks for hanging BBQ and cooking utensils from.
Pros:
- Extra grid shelf at the bottom for storage without collecting rainwater or debris
- Easy to clean surface with anti-rust coating
- Convenient hanging hooks for utensils
Cons:
- Middle of the road for tabletop size
- Somewhat small casters
Royal Gourmet Double-Shelf Dining Prep Cart
This is another flat top, stainless steel prep cart that serves a much similar purpose to the first one we’ve reviewed. There’s a few key differences that make this model stand out, though. Namely, the wheels. You can probably tell already that this cart is totally portable thanks to the added wheels.
Buy on AmazonThe ‘BBQ’ style design with legs on one side and large wheels on the other makes it a lot more suitable for going back and forth between the house and the outdoor kitchen, as well as over slightly uneven surfaces such as decks.
For many, this works a lot better than small caster wheels, which are more likely to get stuck in between deck boards and experience difficulty going over paving stones.
Pros:
- Food-grade flat stainless steel tabletop repels rain water and doesn’t allow puddling
- Larger wheels for taking across yard and deck surfaces
- Incredibly sturdy feel while using as a prep surface
Cons:
- Substandard lower rack that leaves something to be desired
GCI Outdoor Master Cook Station Portable Camp Kitchen
Looking for a prep table for the campsite? This might just be your best bet! Out of all of the models I could find, this stood out as the best portable camp prep table that’s also well suited to rain, should the unfortunate storm pass by. You won’t have to rush to pack this one up, this portable cooking and prep surface is made from coated aluminum, with a food safe surface on top.
Buy on AmazonAs an added bonus it also includes a spot to place an overhead light, as well as a collapsible sink for washing up or prepping ingredients. Storage isn’t an issue either thanks to 3 fold out shelves and a wide cooking surface on top, as well as a rack on the bottom.
Pros:
- Incredibly foldable and portable for storage in cars or campers
- Included top-mount for an overhead light
- Included prep sink
Cons:
- Less stable than traditional outdoor prep tables
Trinity EcoStorage NSF Steel Prep Table on Wheels
The EcoStorage is an excellent prep surface, and that’s coming from someone who’s spent a lot of time with commercial-grade cookware and kitchen equipment. From experience, I can tell you that these styles of prep tables are some of the easiest to work with and keep clean.
Buy on AmazonThe last thing you want to spend your time outside doing is cleaning up, but the NSF stainless steel isn’t just food grade, but wipes up in no time at all. It also features rounded sides that allow cleaning solution and of course rainwater to fall off instead of dripping underneath to the storage table.
Pros:
- NSF Stainless steel for superior food-safe prep surface
- Rounded edges help keep rainwater from pooling on the table surface
Cons:
- Heavier than other portable outdoor prep tables
ROCKPOINT Stainless Steel Prep Table
This is another commercial-style kitchen prep table which design lends really well to rainy conditions. After rainfall, the NSF stainless steel just needs a quick wipe and it will be ready to go! The best part about these tables is that there’s no space for water or debris to buildup, so you don’t have to worry about the rain drying too slowly or being a cause of concern for rust, either.
Buy on AmazonThis table has a right-angle short backsplash on one side, making it suitable for more of a ‘built-in’ style of outdoor kitchen. It has fixed legs for more stability instead of casters which makes it a bit easier for prepwork as well.
Pros:
- NSF Stainless steel is incredibly easy to clean
- No areas for water to buildup and cause rusting
- Rigid legs for more permanent installation
Cons:
- Difficult to move without help
Conclusion: Best Outdoor Prep Table for Rain
Coming from a seasoned commercial cook and former kitchen manager, I can tell you that you’re going to have a much more carefree experience dealing with something like the ROCKPOINT stainless steel prep table. Simply put, it’s easier to clean, nicer to use and even more waterproof than most models that you’ll see marketed for that same purpose.
If you’re really concerned about rain, or just want to keep the water off of it out of sheer preference, A small tarp or even standard waterproof cover, (like the kind you might use for a BBQ), would be more than enough to keep the water at bay.
Note: If you are using it after rainfall, quickly sanitize the prep surface after drying to ensure it’s free of any bacteria or unwanted grime that could have come from the rainwater.
