Learn about the many benefits of BBQ Grill Islands and why you should add one to create the backyard kitchen of your dreams. Keep reading to learn all about the BBQ Grill Island advantage.
What exactly is a BBQ grill island?
If you’re picturing a tropical island populated with people who exclusively use high-end BBQ grills for cooking, that sounds awesome, but you’re unfortunately wrong.
For the uninitiated, a BBQ grill island is much more than just a way to beef up your backyard. These islands can completely transform the area where you keep your grill into a bona fide outdoor cooking oasis.
If you do a bit of research, you’ll find BBQ grill islands available under a few different names, including outdoor kitchen kits, BBQ island kits, complete grill islands, and more.
But don’t let the various names confuse you! These islands really are one of the easiest ways to take your outdoor cooking game up a notch, with hardly any assembly required.
In this article, we’re covering what exactly defines a BBQ grill island, the benefits of having one, and why you’ll definitely want to add one to your patio or yard as soon as possible.
We’ll also dive into their installation, and why they’re a lot easier to add to your home than you might think.
If you’re ready to learn why you should consider adding a BBQ grill island to your outdoor cooking setup, let’s get started! (But if you’re still thinking about that tropical island, you might want to consider booking a vacation first).
In This Article, We’ll Explore:
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What Are BBQ Grill Islands?
BBQ grill islands are the answer for homeowners who want the perks of an outdoor kitchen in an all-in-one, easy-to-install package. They feature built-in grills with the main island, countertops, additional appliances and tools, and a finish that pulls it all together.
Why Should You Add a BBQ Grill Island?
The reasoning behind buying a BBQ grill island instead of, say, designing and installing a permanent outdoor kitchen, comes down to simplicity. All you have to do is purchase your island kit, and go through a quick setup process that typically just requires one other person and minimal cost and effort.
Outdoor BBQ grill islands are also great for renters or those with small spaces since they’re compact, portable, and a cinch to take with you to your next home.
You Create the Perfect Spaces for Entertaining
With a BBQ grill island, you have more options for outdoor entertaining than just standing around your grill.
An island creates a focal point for your party, allowing people to hang out and socialize while you cook, but still enjoy the great outdoors. Plus, if you add on features like a pizza oven or drink cooler, your friends and family would be foolish not to want to hang out by the island!
BBQ Grill Islands Add Value to Your Home
A backyard BBQ grill island instantly adds a more high-end feel and curb appeal to your home.
Think about it – you’re not just investing in a space to hang out and cook outside. You’re investing in an extension of your kitchen and entertaining area that upgrades the backyard and enriches the lives of your family, plus whoever buys your home after you (unless you decide to take your island with you).
BBQ Grill Islands Expand Your Living Space
With a BBQ grill island, you now technically have two areas in your home you can cook in. Add some chairs or a table, and voila, you now have a brand-new entertaining space for your home!
If you didn’t have a place to escape outside and enjoy the fresh air with friends and family during the COVID-19 pandemic, you definitely missed out on the value an outdoor kitchen can bring.
With a BBQ grill island, your house doesn’t stop at your back door — your yard becomes a totally upgraded place to cook, eat, and socialize.
They Are Faster & Cheaper to Build
Unlike a full-fledged outdoor kitchen that features masonry and lots of individual components, BBQ grill island kits are a snap to install.
They can be large or small. Either way, they are straightforward to assemble and come with all of the materials already cut and measured.
They Are Easier to Install Than DIY Options
By delivering all of the materials pre-cut and ready to go, BBQ grill islands offer a much easier installation experience than other DIY outdoor kitchens.
There’s no heavy machinery required: just grab a handy friend to help put the island together. Most kits take about one weekend to finish, so you’ll be cooking in no time!
They Cut Out the Cost of Hiring a Professional Contractor
With how easy BBQ grill islands are to assemble, you likely won’t need to hire a contractor — saving you both money and effort. No reading contractor reviews, no trying to get in touch with a company. It doesn’t get much easier than that!
You Get Zero Unanticipated Contractor Delays
When you take contractors out of the equation, you also reduce the risk of unexpected contractor delays from cash flow, weather, or supplies shortages throwing your project off deadline.
Of course, it’s totally up to you how quickly your project gets done — but why wait when finishing the project means you’ll just get to use your new kitchen sooner?
There Is No Need for Permits
Many cities require you to obtain a building permit when the cost of your home improvement project exceeds a specific price. However, with most BBQ grill islands, this won’t be a problem!
Because they’re cost-effective, ready to install, and easy to set up, you can skip the building permit and start bringing your outdoor kitchen to life as soon as the kit arrives.
They Can Conveniently Fit In Just About Any Space
Just about every BBQ island kit you’ll find will clock in between three and 11 feet wide. That means no matter how small of a backyard space you’re working with, there’s an island that will fit.
They Are Weather Resistant
While their cost effectiveness and ease of setup may make it seem like a BBQ grill island won’t stand up to the elements, that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Outdoor BBQ grill islands are designed to be not just functional and appealing to look at, but durable as well. They’ll handle anything Mother Nature can throw at them!
Some Offer Portability
Depending on the model you buy, your BBQ grill island may come with a lightweight frame and casters that allow you to move it around.
Want to re-arrange your backyard? Moving to a new location? Just want to easily store some extra propane tanks? Your island has you covered!
They Are Easier to Maintain Than a Full Outdoor Kitchen
When you have a full outdoor kitchen with components made from different materials such as stainless steel, wood, or stone, you’re going to have a lot of maintenance on your hands. From polishing the metal to resealing the countertops, full outdoor kitchens are a lot of work.
With a grill island, they’re smaller and made from more maintenance-friendly materials, so you don’t have to worry about much beyond the typical cleaning.
They Expand Lifestyle Benefits Without Construction Hassles
BBQ grill islands add an upscale look and flair to your home and give you extra space for entertaining. But because of their easy assembly, you won’t need to worry about inclement weather, permits, slip-ups, losing access to your yard, and other downsides that come with outdoor kitchens that require construction.
They Are Easily Accessible & Convenient
You don’t need to spend hours researching and assembling your perfect outdoor kitchen. BBQ grill islands are easily found online and in popular home improvement and big box stores, ready to be shipped to your house and transform your outdoor cooking game.
They Are a Great Short-Term Solution
If you’re not planning on living in your current house for a long, a full outdoor kitchen can seem like a significant — and permanent — investment. BBQ grill islands are the perfect solution since they’re affordable, portable, and not meant to last decades.
Where Is the Best Place to Shop for Outdoor Kitchen Grill Islands & Kits?
Like just about everything, there is a great variety of kitchen grill islands and kits available online! We’re fans of BBQGuys Outdoor Kitchen Grill Islands & Kits since ordering is simple, and they’re incredibly knowledgeable about all things outdoor cooking. They have a wide selection of awesome grill islands. They even have agents on standby to answer all your questions.
Final Thoughts on the Benefits of BBQ Grill Islands
If you’ve had your eye on installing an outdoor kitchen but haven’t pulled the trigger yet due to cost, future moves, or not wanting to hire a contractor, BBQ grill island kits are for you.
They’re truly a perfect combination of function, affordability, and ease of use. Plus they come in a variety of finishes and sizes, which means that even if you don’t have much space to work with, a BBQ grill island will work for you.
BBQ grill islands also make a great option for those who might be a bit wary of hiring a contractor but don’t have the time or skills to take on a full DIY construction project on their own. Since the island comes prefabricated for you, all you’ll really need to do is grab a friend and some basic tools to put it together.
We hope this article has shed a bit more light on what exactly a BBQ grill island is and the benefits of opting for one instead of just a standalone grill or a full-blown outdoor kitchen. We’re big fans of BBQ grill island’s versatility, and we think they make a great introduction to outdoor cooking (not to mention an excellent centerpiece for your next barbecue).
If you have any questions or comments about BBQ grill islands, feel free to share them with us in the comments below or by sending us an email! You never know when your question or comment might spark an idea for our next article or guide.
Next Steps:
Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Grill Island and FAQ
The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Buyers Guide
The 10 Best Outdoor Kitchen Grill Islands
Now It’s Your Turn
I want to hear from you:
Which brand of gas grill have you used before?
Have you used any of the gas grill brands listed above and have any feedback to share?
What features do you typically like to see in a built-in grill?
Are you going to be purchasing a new grill in the future? Do you plan on looking at a Pellet Grill, Smoker, Built-In Gas Grill, or Charcoal Model?
Let me know by leaving a quick comment below.
If you still have questions, please feel free to send me a message.
Cheers,
Patrick
Disclosure – At The Grilling Life, I am committed to researching and writing thoughtful, informative and editorially independent reviews of the best products for your outdoor cooking needs. If you like what I do, you can support me through my chosen links, which earn me a commission. This allows me to continue sharing with you my love for all things barbecue. Your support is truly appreciated.
A backyard warrior, certified carnivore, lover of good whiskey, self-proclaimed grill master and I’m Living The Grilling Life!
I have a passion for cooking with live fire and smoke, no matter the weather. I’m a real person just like you, who loves outdoor cooking and BBQ. Food, fun, and time spent with family and friends are what it’s all about! It is my mission to take my passion and knowledge for outdoor cooking and all things BBQ and share this expertise in techniques and grilling equipment with you. In other words, Living The Grilling Life!