Islands can be a useful addition to both indoor and outdoor kitchens. Their biggest strength is the versatility that they introduce. Islands add efficiency by providing extra counter, bar, and storage areas, and they offer design flexibility and customization since they can accommodate a wide range of appliances and accessories. So, what do you need to know before purchasing an island for your open-air cooking, eating, and entertaining space? Read on to find out! 

When well placed, outdoor kitchen islands can be an efficient use of space. 

If your backyard cooking area is fairly large, islands can fit strategically into what might otherwise be dead, unusable, or awkward space. Alternatively, if you are working within the strict confines of a tiny kitchen, a linear, stand-alone island should suffice for your outdoor cooking needs. Since islands don’t need to be installed against a wall, they can be located virtually anywhere in your exterior kitchen layout. And, since there are many different island dimensions and configurations available, you’re sure to find the right one for your space.

Practically, islands give you additional countertop space for food preparation and storage for your outdoor kitchen tools. This allows for better organization and productivity because it cuts down on unnecessary trips into the house to retrieve needed items or perform tasks that you wouldn’t otherwise have space for outside. 

Moreover, islands enhance your outdoor kitchen’s entertainment capabilities. You can take advantage of a bar setup, allowing family members or guests to sit or stand around the island’s bar top. This not only gives your loved ones a defined area to occupy while you prepare a meal, but it also allows you to chat and interact with them instead of being isolated during the cooking time. 

If you are really aiming to impress with your hosting skills, many kitchen islands can be outfitted with beverage centers that include amenities like refrigerators, drink coolers, ice makers, and more! But we’ll get into that later! 

What should you consider when shopping for an outdoor kitchen island?

Before you get started, be sure to take thorough and accurate measurements of your space. This may seem like a no-brainer, but take care not to skip or hurry through this step! Knowing the exact dimensions of your outdoor kitchen will allow you to select the correct size and configuration of island, saving you hassle and headache. 

If you haven’t already, make a list of your outdoor kitchen must-haves. What kind of features and appliances will be most useful to fulfill your cooking and entertaining wishes and needs? Have you been dreaming of a BBQ island, outfitted with a grill and related accessories? In addition to (or instead of) a grill, do you want to incorporate other types of cooking equipment, like a stovetop, pizza oven, or rotisserie? Are you interested in a beverage center with a refrigerator, ice maker, drink cooler, or sink? Do you require ample countertop space for food preparation or additional seating options for guests? Keep your wish list handy as you start your search! 

Be prepared to invest in high-quality materials. Not only do you want an island that will age well and hold up to brutal North Texas weather, but you also need to factor in fire safety. Consider purchasing an island made of noncombustible materials like aluminum, galvanized steel, or stainless steel. If you do decide to opt for different materials, be sure your island is outfitted with the appropriate vents and insulated jackets. BBQGuys, one of our favorite outdoor living suppliers, offers a vast catalog of top-notch insulated grill jackets and also has a helpful page outlining when and why you need to purchase them. 

Are there different types of outdoor kitchen islands to choose from?

Yes! After you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for in an island, you’ll need to decide between a product that is custom-designed or one that is prefabricated. Going with a custom outdoor kitchen island guarantees that you will end up with something perfectly suited to your individual preferences and backyard. Keep in mind, though, that it will probably be more expensive as well. 

Prefabricated islands may offer less freedom in design choice than those that are handcrafted, but they can still be extremely versatile and present you with plenty of opportunities to make them your own.

Firstly, they come in different dimensions and configurations. Depending on the size and layout of your outdoor kitchen, you may want to stick with a more classic linear or L-shaped design. However, if you have space restrictions, would like to fit your island into a corner, or are just looking for something unique, you might consider something like this Mont Alpi 400 Deluxe 45 Degree Propane Gas Island Grill. The side modules are not only practical but also visually stunning.  

Secondly, you have a wide selection of materials and colors to choose from. For instance, the BBQGuys website filters allow you to pick your ideal frame, countertop, and base mediums. In addition, you can narrow down your choices to your preferred base and countertop colors.

Prefabricated islands also come outfitted with a variety of cooking appliances and accessories. Here are a few examples: 

• This no-frills, linear Blaze Stainless Steel Island is designed to fit the Blaze LTE 32 Gas Grill. It offers plenty of storage and a hideaway trash bin. Plus, it’s made from 304 stainless steel, which is noncombustible and built to last. Not only could this be incorporated seamlessly into a larger outdoor kitchen layout, but it would also make an excellent tiny kitchen on a small porch or patio!
  
  
• If you are all about hosting in your backyard, an island such as the Mont Alpi 805 Propane Island Grill with Beverage Center, Infrared Side Burner, & Rotisserie Kit would be right up your alley! Made from 304 stainless steel and white granite, this island offers the perfect combination of durability and style. It’s packed with cooking appliances, food preparation tools, and entertainment implements. And if that wasn’t enough, you can upgrade it with additional accessories, as well as switch out the propane tank for a natural gas setup by purchasing the Mont Alpi Natural Gas Kit.
  
  
• It may be that you prefer to use your outdoor kitchen island for something other than cooking. That’s totally fine, and there are still great prefabricated options for you! By way of illustration, the BBQGuys Signature 8 foot Luxury Outdoor Kitchen with Lynx Professional Icemaker and Refrigerator will guarantee that you and your guests stay cool and refreshed on those notoriously hot Texas summer days. Constructed with beautiful gold rush stone and black polished granite, this island would also add some class to your open-air cooking, dining, and entertaining space!
  
  
• Are you a culinary enthusiast? An all-in-one island like the Thor Kitchen 7-Piece Modular Outdoor Kitchen Island Suite with 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill would allow you to bring your backyard chef dreams to life! This durable, modern kitchen island comes equipped with a wood burning pizza oven, various pizza-making accessories, and a storage rack for your tools. The grill boasts an infrared burner, three tube burners, and a rotisserie burner. Additional features include an indoor/outdoor refrigerator and a bar center that consists of a sink, cabinets, spice rack, and bottle opener.

As you can see, outdoor kitchen islands are a worthy addition to any backyard cooking space, be it large or small. Whether you are planning to invest in a custom-made island or looking to purchase a prefabricated one, Worthy Outdoors is available to answer your questions, help you with layout, design, and construction, and ensure quick and hassle-free installation.