An outdoor kitchen puts everything you need within reach of your grill. No more marching back and forth to the kitchen. These installations can contain everything you have in your kitchen. A custom outdoor kitchen can be expensive, however. Good thing there is a more affordable option. Outdoor Kitchen Grill Islands come prefabricated and are assembled where you want them.
Introduction
Outdoor Kitchens are a serious upgrade to both your patio and your barbecue. And they can add value to your property. The National Real Estate Association estimates that an outdoor kitchen can add between 100% and 200% of its cost in value to your home. At the worst, when you sell your home you will get your investment back.
These projects can, however, be costly and complicated. Fortunately, there are a number of solutions that make the DIY outdoor kitchen not only possible but almost easy. From prefabricated outdoor grill islands to full outdoor kitchen packages, your options are nearly limitless.
Grill Islands can come as modules or as a large single piece and typically with a built-in gas grill. Some islands come without the grill or other accessories while others have everything in a pre-assembled package. The problem with buying a premade grill island without the grill is that few grills (typically gas) are of a standard size. This can narrow your grill options. On the other hand, the complete units come with grills that may or may not be the best quality.
For now, let’s focus on grill island solutions that include the grill and, in some cases, extras.
BBQ Island Basics
There are two main designs in premade grill islands. Those that have a stone, brick, or wood appearance and those that stick to a metal exterior. Note that the stone and brick designs are often simulated surfaces. Most of these islands can be broken down and stacked for shipping. You assemble them like a large piece of furniture. Don’t worry. This doesn’t mean a cheap-looking grill station.
As with most things in life, preparation is everything. Fortunately, most of the grill islands you can buy don’t actually way much. Many are between 300 to 500 pounds with the grill installed. The largest units can weigh over a thousand pounds, however. Some of that weight comes from refrigerators and more heavily constructed grills and accessories. That weight, though, is distributed over an area up to ten feet in length and three feet in depth.
What this means is that the surface that these islands sit on doesn’t need a great deal of reinforcement. On the other hand, the better the foundation and the more solid the installation. Certainly, some units, like the Weber Summit Grill Center can be put on a wood deck, the heartier units should have a concrete or stone pad to minimize settling. It also makes them look more professional and permanent. Even though these units can be taken down and moved, you don’t want them to appear so.
And this brings up a big point. You are investing in a grill island because it looks nice. Yes, you are getting more counter space, storage areas, and possibly a refrigerator and a sink, but what you want is something to impress. Doing the surrounding areas as part of this project is just as important.
Propane vs Natural Gas
While you are selecting an island and planning its location you need to address the issues of fuel. Since these outdoor kitchen BBQ islands are designed for an afternoon’s installation and are not permanently mounted to the ground, they are frequently sold as propane. The advantage is, no need to run a gas line to what might not be a permanent installation. The disadvantage is changing out propane takes.
You can run a natural gas line to your grill island. Or more accurately, you can have a professional run the line. Make sure they know what you are doing so you get the correct connections. I do recommend that you have a cutoff put in a convenient location. All gas grills built into these islands are available as natural gas.
Electricity and Water
Few of the grills built into these islands need electricity. Yes, some have internal lights that require more than a battery and if you want to use a rotisserie, you may need to run an extension cord. But having electricity on the island itself isn’t required. It is however convenient. With several of the stone or brick-clad islands, there are places to place an electrical outlet. Fortunately, running a grounded electrical line isn’t difficult. The biggest challenge generally is connecting it to your house.
Water, on the other hand, presents a greater challenge. Most of these islands do not have sinks, so it generally isn’t an issue. You can find islands with sinks and running water, but they are on the higher-end price line. One rule to consider, if you are spending $10,000USD on the island, plan on spending between $1,000 and $2,000 on the installation. Or course, these decisions are up to you.
When talking about putting in water lines, remember that your outdoor kitchen island is, well, outdoors. It may be necessary to winterize water lines before a heavy freeze. Broken water lines can be a very costly repair. Talk to a contractor or plumper before running and water line and consider your local climate.
The Best Outdoor Kitchen Grill Islands
Selecting the right grill island is a combination of factors. The grill and all accessory equipment (side burners, cabinets, and refrigerators) should be of good quality. Be warned, that there are a number of grill islands out there made with cheap, knock-offs grills in a flimsy island.
Then there is the question of cost. Premade grill islands can cost well over $10,000USD or they can be had for as low as $3,000. I suggest steering clear of the least expensive units. They typically use poor-quality grills. Be advised that there is no standardization in built-in gas grills. If your grill goes bad and you want to replace it, finding an exact match might not be possible.
The grill islands I have selected below include a wide price range. They may trade-off appearance for quality or not have the best quality parts, but they are good grills in a good exclosure. You can trust that I have investigated these products thoroughly. After all, I have been at this for more than 25 years.
All Metal Grill Stations
Weber Summit Grill Center
Weber Summit Grill Center
Review
If you want all the bells and whistles for a reasonable price, the Weber Summit Grill Center might be for you. Its biggest downside is that it looks like an oversized gas grill, which to be honest, it is. On the other hand, it has a 27,000 BTU power burner, a full rotisserie system, a sear burner, a smoker burner, and six main burners. This is as much grill as you can get without spending thousands more. The cabinets have plenty of storage space and you can get this model in propane or natural gas (though it can not be converted).
The Weber Grill Center is also available in stainless steel and enamel black versions. It should be noted, that either way this unit is made from cast aluminum, enameled steel, and some stainless steel parts. It comes with a very good warranty, and Weber’s commitment to quality. Temperature control is excellent and it is a very large grill center with all the extras you could want.
Total Weight: 418 pounds
Also available with Black Enamel body sections
Read my Full Review of the Weber Summit S-670, the gas grill in this grill center.
TEC Sterling Stainless Steel Island
TEC Sterling Stainless Steel Island
Review
TEC, or Thermal Engineering Corporation, is the leading name in infrared grilling. This means power. This stainless steel island features a simple, 2-burner gas grill (propane or natural gas) that can cook at temperatures over 900° F. This is the grill for the steak lover. Yes, it can do every other grilling task.
This TEC Grill Island is a luxury product at a luxury price. Look to spend more than $10,000USD on this unit. That sounds like a lot and it is. Especially when you consider that you are getting a two-burner gas grill. On the other hand, this is all quality stainless steel construction. Add to that the incredible cooking capabilities of this grill and you are getting a serious product.
Total Weight: 370 Pounds
Read my Full Review of the TEC Infrared Gas Grill used in this grill island.
PGS Modano BBQ Island
PGS Modano BBQ Island
Review
PGS makes fantastic gas grills. They have been in the business longer than most anyone. This BBQ Island features PGS’ 39-inch gas grill. Now, this is a large, but basic gas grill. It has three main burners and nothing else. The gas grill is professional quality though. One interesting feature is that this grill comes with a timed gas shutoff system to prevent it from being accidentally left on.
The island is constructed of cast and extruded aluminum. This is a corrosion-resistant material, so this island is perfect for seaside installations. Like the TEC Island above, the PGS Modano comes in around $10,000USD. It does have a unique appearance. The island has removable drawers and plenty of storage space. Especially if you choose the natural gas version.
Total Weight: 451 Pounds
Read my Full Review of the PGS Gas Grill used in this BBQ Island.
Broil King Imperial Grill Center
Broil King Imperial Grill Center
Review
Like the Weber Grill Center above, the Broil King Imperial Grill Center is packed with features. The island itself is, however, all stainless steel. This is Broil-King’s biggest gas grill. It has two lids for two completely different cooking chambers. On one side you get four standard burners and on the other, two standard burners. If the smaller chamber was infrared it would be a great feature. As it is, you get a big and a small grill. Not necessarily a great feature.
For the price, this model from Broil King isn’t exactly loaded with the best features. Yes, it has everything you could ask for in a grill, but not the features that justify a price tag in the $8,000USD range. The side burner, for instance, is small, weak, and basic. Compare it to the power burner that the Weber above gives you. Big difference.
Total Weight: 754 Pounds
Read my Full Review of the Broil King Regal 690 S Gas Grill used in this grill center.
Stone Grill Islands
American Outdoor Grill L-Series Island Bundle
American Outdoor Grill L-Series Island Bundle
Review
American Outdoor Grill is the budget brand from industry giant, Fire Magic. Don’t be deceived, however. This is an all stainless steel gas grill with a full rotisserie system. The cooking system in this grill is excellent with high, even heat. So you can’t go wrong with this grill.
The island in this bundle is a concrete finished single piece unit. The countertop is smooth polished. There is are two drawers and a full cabinet in the front with an access door on the side for a propane tank if you get the propane version.
Total Weight: 500 Pounds
Read my Full Review of the American Outdoor Grill L-Series 36-Inch Gas Grill used in this Island Bundle.
RTA Outdoor Living Grill Island
RTA Outdoor Living Grill Island
Review
When you think outdoor kitchen, this is probably what you have in mind. This eight-foot island has a top-of-the-line gas grill, cabinetry, and a refrigerator. Of course, you pay for it. This unit is put together by a third party and they offer a number of customizations. That means you can select both the color, the exterior surface, and the configuration.
The Coyote gas grill in this unit is a very good grill. It’s a four-burner grill with a full rotisserie system included. The burner design on this grill is excellent and coyote offers high, even cooking. The refrigerator isn’t spectacular, but it is certainly convenient.
And one of the customization you can get with this bbq island is a pellet grill instead of a gas grill. Something worth considering.
About Me
I have been writing about Barbecue & Grilling for 25 years. I have cooked on almost every grill or smoker ever built. In that time, I have endeavored to match people with the grill or smoker that is right for them. I believe that the right product is the one that you find easy to use, capable of doing everything you want, and is reliable. If you have a good first experience, you will be back for more. In this way, we grow barbecue for the next generation. I want you to make the memories that your children will cherish.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article and the website it appears on uses sales affiliates to cover the cost of operation. If you choose to purchase a product through the links provided, a portion of that sale will go to me. It helps me create content, so I can help you and others have the best barbecue experience. I am grateful to all my readers over the years that have been so kind as to assist me in my exploration of outdoor cooking. Thank you.
