Outdoor Kitchen Island: The Ultimate Guide

Outdoor living spaces have surged in popularity, and it's easy to see why. Spending time outdoors is great, but even better when you have the amenities to cook and entertain in your outdoor space. An outdoor kitchen island serves as a focal point, providing a dedicated area for cooking, dining, and socializing.

This is true whether you're hosting a large barbecue for friends and family, enjoying a casual weekend brunch, or looking for a dedicated area for your culinary creativity.

So, whether you're an experienced grill master or just starting out, let's look at some reasons why adding an outdoor kitchen island to your space can enhance your love for outdoor living.

Key Takeaways: 

• Grill and Fuel Choice: Select between gas, charcoal, or dual-fuel grills based on convenience and flavor preferences.
• Design Options: Decide between a built-in grill for a cohesive look or an on-cart grill for future upgrade flexibility.
• Key Features: Include side burners, pizza ovens, sinks, and refrigerators to enhance the outdoor kitchen's functionality.
• Material Durability: Choose durable materials like concrete or high-quality stainless steel to withstand weather conditions.
• DIY vs. Professional: Opt for DIY kits for cost savings and flexibility or hire professionals for custom, high-quality builds.

Designing Your Outdoor Kitchen Island

You know an outdoor kitchen island is awesome, but now you need to make decisions. There are so many kitchen design considerations to think about, and this is exactly where so many people stumble and stop. This is your guide for moving forward.

Fuel Type: Gas, Charcoal, or Both?

Your first major decision is what will fuel your culinary adventures. This is exciting, but don't overthink this; take it one step at a time.  Deciding between a gas grill or charcoal grill (or even both) depends entirely on your cooking style, preferences, and how much you're willing to spend. 

Gas grills offer convenience. The even heating they provide makes them great for searing steaks to perfection.

Charcoal grills, on the other hand, although they do require a bit more time to get going, infuse foods with that distinct smoky essence many people love. Of course, there's also the option of using propane as a fuel type.

Some modern outdoor kitchens incorporate the best of both worlds, utilizing both gas and charcoal grills. Incorporating a dual-fuel outdoor kitchen island allows you to switch things up based on what you're cooking.

Grills: Built-in or On-Cart?

With the fuel source figured out, the next big question is deciding between a built-in grill and a more traditional on-cart option. Think of a built-in grill as the heart of your outdoor kitchen island, truly making it an entertainment hub. You can choose from tons of great built-in gas grills, with so many styles to perfectly fit your preferences.

The one downside? Because these units are integrated into your pre-built BBQ islands, it limits you on upgrading to a new one in the future, as easily as with a traditional on-cart option. So think long-term when deciding.

Do you plan to upgrade in the future? If so, how many years from now? Consider the average lifespan of a grill when making these decisions, just like you would your indoor appliances.

Don't Forget the Island Part.

An outdoor kitchen island offers more than just a grill and cooking space. Carefully plan what other components you'll need based on your needs, such as side burners, a pizza oven, sinks, or even a refrigerator.  All of this will require thought when coming up with your outdoor kitchen solution. 

Material Selection: Concrete vs Steel

Okay, this one's important, so listen up. An outdoor kitchen needs to endure rain, sunshine, and whatever else mother nature decides to throw at it, year-round.  

Because concrete's strength comes from a distributed network of fibers, it boasts amazing tensile strength. Plus, concrete is great for withstanding those temperature swings we see all too often in Texas.

That doesn't mean concrete's perfect for outdoor use because it's porous. Concrete is porous, meaning it can easily stain. It is, however, extremely durable.

You'll never have to worry about rust with stainless steel. But, make sure to invest in high-quality steel. A cheap stainless steel outdoor kitchen island might end up being the biggest mistake of your project.

Outdoor Kitchen Island Kits Versus Custom Builds: DIY or Hire a Professional?

Building or buying? That's the million-dollar question and something that trips up most people during this phase of their project. Should you tackle it as a DIY outdoor kitchen project or hire skilled professionals who build these year-round?

Outdoor Kitchen Island Kits

Outdoor kitchen island kits from places like IKEA are similar to building with LEGOs (for adults). Don't get it wrong, building an outdoor kitchen island yourself will be challenging. But these pre-designed modular outdoor kitchen kits make things much easier to get right.

Plus, modular outdoor kitchen options give you amazing design flexibility. You can easily mix, match, and configure these BBQ islands to fit any sized area.  Plus, with various features such as pizza ovens, refrigerators, storage space, and a kitchen sink, these all-in-one solutions available from places like BBQ Outfitters, make creating your dream outdoor living space a reality - in days. 

Custom Built Outdoor Kitchens

We get it, you love being hands-on, and building it yourself makes the final product even more meaningful. Hiring a licensed contractor adds complexity (and cost), although you gain greater flexibility, such as building the entire outdoor kitchen island structure with stone.  This alone can provide you with unmatched style. 

It can end up costing significantly more than buying a complete, prebuilt kitchen, though, sometimes twice the price. Plus, good contractors book up fast.

Must-Have Features

You need a vision. What amazing features does your perfect outdoor space need to come to life? From convenient storage spaces to a built-in BBQ grill and countertop space, there are tons of grill island features to consider when creating your backyard oasis.

BBQ Grill Islands: It All Starts With a Solid Grill

Think long-term. The type of grill you choose will impact the design of your entire outdoor kitchen.

Determine your budget early on to get a feel for the available cooking space with different styles and price points. Don't forget though, this is where your inner grill master gets to have some fun.

Do you drool over the smell of wood-fired pizza or charcoal-grilled veggies? Or do you dream about a state-of-the-art gas grill with all the bells and whistles, such as a built-in rotisserie kit and side burners for searing?

Either way, we're creating more than just a cooking area; this is going to be your personal outdoor haven.  With so many brands out there the sky's the limit.

Counter Space

Whether prepping ingredients for the grill or serving your masterpieces, countertop space is a MUST on your BBQ island. Selecting the right material is about durability and practicality over anything else.

Granite countertops offer timeless elegance, while concrete is super durable and can be customized. However, if you go with concrete, make sure it has some sort of sealant.  

Storage

Nobody likes running back and forth from their indoor kitchen to their outdoor kitchen while dinner's cooking. We tell our clients to treat this like it's an extension of their home's interior because a true chef NEVER reveals their secret ingredients.

Storage space keeps things tidy while also maximizing usable space. Cabinets can easily house all of your grilling gear, cooking utensils, plates, cutting boards, and grill accessories.

Seating: The Most Overlooked Aspect

Outdoor kitchen islands are truly made for connecting with friends and family over good food and conversation. But that conversation won't last long if they're uncomfortable and their butts are sore five minutes after sitting down. Provide a variety of seating options, from bar-height counters to dining tables, or even comfy couches.

FAQs About Outdoor Kitchen Islands

What is the cheapest way to build an outdoor kitchen?

The cheapest route is a DIY build. Go with an outdoor kitchen kit and already have your fuel source planned to avoid costly last-minute expenses. For those set on building from scratch using services, start with poured concrete.

Concrete is the more budget-friendly option if using services, with brick often being more labor-intensive, which means a higher final price tag. Choosing a basic BBQ island setup will also reduce costs.

Instead of separate units, consider combo setups like an outdoor kitchen with a built-in grill and sink for maximum efficiency and value. By opting for DIY projects, you can incorporate affordable materials like DIY logs and explore services that cater to DIY enthusiasts, potentially reducing labor costs.

Is it worth it to build an outdoor kitchen?

Building an outdoor kitchen is a significant investment. The average outdoor kitchen can easily cost the same as a small used car, although an outdoor kitchen island can increase your home's value if you decide to sell.

There's something intangible about these outdoor kitchen islands though; time spent cooking, laughing, making new memories with friends and family—those things are priceless.

This dedicated outdoor cooking space can transform your backyard into an entertainer's dream, making it the heart of your social gatherings.

How much does it cost to build an outdoor kitchen built-in?

The national average cost for an outdoor kitchen in 2024 can easily reach $20,000, for fully custom builds with all the amenities, while the median cost is somewhere between $5,000 - $15,000.

 You can easily cut expenses, though, by utilizing online design tools offered by online retailers like BBQ Outfitters and carefully planning your project scope. Their custom-built grill islands with integrated features and designs start around $5000. 

For those seeking more budget-friendly options, exploring island kits or pre-designed modular units can significantly reduce costs compared to fully custom builds. Additionally, opting for select store brands or considering alternative materials can help manage the overall budget without compromising on functionality.

Can you put an outdoor kitchen next to the house?

Placing an outdoor kitchen island next to your home is generally fine. Many people do. Especially those on a tight budget.

Running plumbing and electrical is also significantly easier (and cheaper).

Just check your city or county codes, as well as HOA rules. Things like easements, property lines, and fire safety clearance are extremely important. Hiring a local expert for that aspect, even if only for a quick consult, will be worth it.

Start Your Outdoor Kitchen Build With BBQ Outfitters

An outdoor kitchen island is an awesome addition to any Texan's outdoor space. This single upgrade allows you to truly embrace cooking and living life in the fresh air, as you were meant to.

From choosing the ideal type of grill, countertops, storage options, and overall layout - building an outdoor kitchen island requires planning, just like you would with your interior space.

For more information, contact BBQ Outfitters today!