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Outdoor Kitchen Island Buying Guide | How to Buy a Complete Outdoor Kitchen Island
Outdoor kitchen islands are the heart of every outdoor kitchen, but building one doesn’t mean you have to hire a contractor or spend a fortune. There are a lot of great options when it comes to building an outdoor kitchen island. For those seeking convenience without compromising style, we offer ready-to-assemble outdoor kitchen islands that are complete and ready to be installed right out of the box. These complete islands, which have varying amounts of assembly required, come with everything you need for installation. Let’s look at this handy guide to learn more about complete outdoor kitchen islands.
Complete Outdoor Kitchen Islands vs. Custom Outdoor Kitchens
Choosing between out-of-the-box outdoor kitchen islands and custom outdoor kitchens involves weighing various factors. Complete outdoor kitchen islands are designed to provide easy, elegant solutions for homeowners who want an outdoor kitchen with less effort. These kits include the island body, grills and other cooking appliances, components, finishes, and countertops all in a single purchase and shipment for a seamless, all-in-one experience. Custom outdoor kitchens allow limitless options, making them a preferred choice for those seeking a truly unique design.
Complete Outdoor Kitchen Islands
Complete outdoor kitchen islands bundle grills, storage, and counters into a ready-to-assemble island for faster backyard upgrades. These products are simple to assemble and install, cutting out the cost of hiring a professional contractor. The ease of assembly creates less strain on your time, effort, and wallet.
- Most islands assemble with a minimum of just 2 people, and typically take as little as a single weekend.
- Choose propane for flexible placement or natural gas for a continuous fuel supply without tank refills
- Island sizes range from compact grill islands to full outdoor cooking stations for entertaining
- Durable finishes like stucco, brick, and stone deliver weather resistance and outdoor style
Custom Outdoor Kitchen Islands
The draw of custom outdoor kitchens is all about complete personalization, making them a great choice for customers who desire a truly customized outdoor kitchen experience. The limitless options are important to those who have a specific vision in mind, from the layout to the materials and colors.
- Our experts will work with you to develop a completely customized outdoor kitchen plan.
- All design consultations include a free personalized 3D rendering to ensure our design is suited to your needs.
- Our team will guide you through an extensive catalogue of premium outdoor kitchen brands and appliances.
- If working with a contractor, our PRO team can help to ensure smooth installation of your custom outdoor kitchen.
Key Takeaways
- Complete outdoor kitchen islands bundle grills, storage, and counters into a ready-to-assemble island for faster backyard upgrades
- Prefab islands install faster than custom builds, often assembling in a weekend with basic tools
- Choose propane for flexible placement or natural gas for a continuous fuel supply without tank refills
- Island sizes range from compact grill islands to full outdoor cooking stations for entertaining
- Durable finishes like aluminum, brick, and stone deliver weather resistance and lasting outdoor style
Outdoor Kitchen Island Fuel Types
Your grill is the centerpiece of your complete outdoor kitchen island. And just as fuel type is a notable consideration when buying a stand-alone grill, it’s equally as important while searching for the right barbecue island. With our extensive collection, you have the option to choose from two distinct fuel types.
Top Outdoor Kitchen Island Brands
Outdoor Kitchen Island Sizes
Upgrade your outdoor space with the ideal outdoor kitchen island for your cooking and entertaining needs. Our islands come in four sizes — Small, Medium, Large, and X-Large — ensuring a perfect fit for any patio or backyard. Whether you need a compact setup or a full outdoor culinary station, we have the right option for you.
Outdoor Kitchen Island Finishes
Ready to add the perfect finishing touch to your dream outdoor kitchen? After finalizing your outdoor kitchen island layout and selecting your appliances, it’s time to choose your ideal finish. The choice of material is not just about functionality; it's about creating a stunning focal point that complements your style.
Your outdoor kitchen’s finish can be as much of a showstopper as your appliances. From the timeless elegance of stucco to the rustic charm of brick, your selection will set the tone of your outdoor space. Consider stucco for a versatile and customizable option, providing a textured finish that complements various aesthetics. If you're into the classic look, brick finishes offer durability and a timeless appearance, requiring a bit more effort but delivering a lasting impact. For those with a preference for modern and sleek, concrete finishes provide an industrial touch with ease of maintenance. Check out our guide on outdoor kitchen finishes and materials for more information.
Shop by Exterior Finish
Outdoor Kitchen Island Countertop Materials
Just like an indoor island, countertops for your outdoor kitchen island will go a long way toward establishing your style. This decision largely comes down to personal aesthetics, but there are still a few paths to consider. For starters, stainless steel matches virtually anything and is a safe play in terms of style and sturdiness. Granite or stone countertops, meanwhile, bring a touch of the rustic and traditional to a backyard, while concrete and aluminum appeal to modern sensibilities. It’s also worth noting that aluminum lasts longer than stainless steel and can never rust, though both are easier to clean than other countertop materials. Lastly, porcelain is rising in popularity due to its durability, weather resistance, and design versatility. These are just a few factors to keep in mind, however the decision can be what you think will look best.
Shop by Countertop Material
How to Install an Outdoor Kitchen Island
While the degree of installation and assembly varies from model to model, we can provide a basic idea of what you should expect when your complete outdoor kitchen island arrives.
Unpacking
Individual pieces of the island will arrive flat-packed. Make sure you have a friend or two ready to help move boxes and set up the island because it will be heavy. A pallet jack will be a useful tool to have and can be rented for the day from your local home-improvement store. Before you start unboxing, take inventory of what you have to ensure all components and parts are present.
This is when you need to make your final decision about placement. Choose your installation site carefully so you won’t need to disassemble and reassemble your island. Some brands such as Mont Alpi and TYTUS carry models with locking, heavy-duty caster wheels so you can relocate them.
Assembly
Installation instructions differ depending on the model you select, so be sure to carefully read your owner’s manual before beginning assembly. What we can tell you is that you’ll rarely need to have anything more than a screwdriver and a few drill bits to complete the assembly. You’ll likely have to bolt panels together, but any additional hardware should be included in the packaging.
Once you’ve put the frame together, you and your assembly partner will need to place appliances and components like doors and drawers into their respective cutouts. Next comes the countertop, then most of the hard work is done. If you chose an island with a natural gas grill, plan ahead and make sure you have a licensed plumber on standby to make the final connection to your fuel. Trying to DIY this final step can present a serious safety hazard and potentially void your warranty.
Final Considerations When Buying an Outdoor Kitchen Island
Grill Island Ventilation & Placement
Ventilation is an important safety concern that should never be overlooked. In the event of a gas leak, that gas builds up inside the island rather than venting into the atmosphere, which can be extremely dangerous. When working with natural gas, vents should be placed as high as possible on the island, while propane vents must be installed as low as possible. Typically, 1 vent should be placed every 4 feet, with no fewer than 2 on an island. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when assembling and placing your island vents.
The placement of your island will also affect your ventilation. If you plan to install it under a permanent structure, an outdoor vent hood may be necessary. Check out our Outdoor Ventilation Buying Guide for more information.
Weight of Outdoor Kitchen Islands
Weight is also a major consideration when working with outdoor kitchen islands. You should always check the shipping dimensions of the island you intend to purchase to help you know what to expect when your order is delivered. Knowing whether you’re expecting lighter, aluminum frames and finishes or heavier components, countertops, and finishes that require serious lifting power will help you plan. It’s important to be aware of what to expect because outdoor kitchen island orders are delivered curbside. This means that when they arrive, you’ll need to make sure you have a plan to move them from the street to the installation site.
No matter the weight, we recommend you never try assembling an outdoor kitchen island by yourself. It’s best to have at least one other person with you during installation in the event a piece is heavier than you anticipated. One thing to note is while weight is a concern for initial installation, it’ll come around again in the event you move into a new home. If you see a move in your future, strongly consider investing in an island with casters or an aluminum frame. But if you’ve already planted roots in your forever home, weight becomes much less of an issue.
Grill & Component Covers
Your new kitchen island will be a significant investment, so you should do everything you can to protect it. Grill covers are the best way to ensure years of outdoor cooking greatness. These covers are made from heavy-duty materials to keep the elements off all your appliances. Keep in mind that covers are specially made to fit certain models so do your best to match the unit you choose to the cover designed for it. Otherwise, you probably won’t have total coverage or a good fit, leaving certain components exposed to the weather.
If you have any more questions about outdoor kitchen islands, give our experts a call at (877) 743-2269. Our Outdoor Kitchen 3D Design Service will also help you build the backyard of your dreams.
