There are plenty of options out there for building an outdoor kitchen island. So many, in fact, that it can be extremely overwhelming.
The good news is that pre-designed, prefabricated (prefab) outdoor kitchen island kits can make the process extremely easier.
In this article, I'll introduce you to 3 products to help you begin your search for the best outdoor kitchen island for your home and situation.
READ–> Reasons to Start Your Outdoor Kitchen with a Prefab Kit
First, I'll talk about the Three Types of Prefab Kitchen Kits that will help you narrow down your options. (I suggest one product for each category.)
Then, I'll list the Basic Features I required before considering a product to list.
Next, I talk a little bit about the Stores & Brands linked to in this article.
Finally, before getting into the products and their features, I will mention a few Important Considerations for anyone who wishes to buy and install an outdoor kitchen island on their property.
Or, if you prefer, you can just jump ahead to the product listings.
3 Types of Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Islands
There are 3 major categories of prefab outdoor kitchen island kits.
As I mentioned, I'll be listing one of each of the 3 types. So I thought I should at least briefly explain them in advance:
- Finished Island
(Most convenient, Least customizable.)
Everything from shape, finishing, and appliances are pre-selected. These all-in-one solutions are about as close to one-stop shopping as you can get. - Modular Island Kit
(Convenient, Semi-customizable.)
Each appliance/section of the kitchen is its own finished module, which can be arranged in various configurations. - Ready-to-Finish Pre-Framed Kit
(Most customizable, More work.)
Frame is cut and shaped to fit pre-selected appliances, but finishing and countertop not included. You have the freedom to finish your outdoor kitchen island with a material of your choosing.
–> Read more about The 3 Types of Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Islands
Basic Kitchen Feature Requirements
For our purposes, I'm going to say the minimum requirements for a prefab kit to be considered an “outdoor kitchen” are:
- A Grill to cook your food;
- Counter Space for food prep; and
- A Refrigerator to store food and beverages.
(You can get a grill-only island, but that doesn't really constitute a full “kitchen” in my view.)
I could also include a sink, but I wanted to keep these suggested options as simple as possible. (I will mention upgraded versions and options when available.)
A Little Something About Stores & Brands
First, I will also do my best to link you to reputable stores on the Internet that will deliver to your home.
As for brands, of course they're not all the same. They can vary widely in price, quality, and reputation.
I'll do my best to list products with the best reputations below. But, to give you a little perspective, I find that the best outdoor kitchen brands fall somewhere on a scale from Budget-Friendly to more Premium brands.
Budget-Friendly Brands
On the more budget-friendly end, these brands continue to maintain a good reputation for their products and accessories:
- Bull
- Blaze
- Cal Flame
Premium Brands
On the higher-end for both quality and price (sometimes leaning towards the more “professional” or “luxury” end) you'll find:
- Lynx
- Coyote
- Fire Magic
- Hestan
…just to name some of the popular few.
ALL of these are solid brands that produce good products. The differences you will find are often in style, construction materials, warranty, and available accessories.
The main question is, what kind of bang are you trying to get for your buck?
With the budget-friendly options, you will get more space and accessories.
Premium brands offer a more upscale look, and a potentially longer-lasting investment.
WARNINGS & Important Considerations
Before we move on to the products, I want to be sure you're properly prepared for installing one of these in your home.
Even though these kits make construction of your outdoor kitchen faster and easier, there are still some important things to consider before getting started.
For example, some questions you'll need to answer include:
- Does the location provide a stable platform for something as heavy as an outdoor kitchen island?
- Will you have access to the utilities you'll need such as natural gas, plumbing, or electricity?
- Is there an easy way to get such a bulky item from the delivery truck to your yard or patio?
Safety, location, grill fuel type, delivery logistics, and whether you'll need utilities connected are all important to take into account.
Some manufacturers provide a “Pre-Delivery Guide” to help you prepare to receive your outdoor kitchen island kit. I will link to them in my suggestions below, when available.
While you're still shopping around, please take a look at my article, BEFORE You Buy a Prefab Outdoor Kitchen Kit for an in-depth overview of these special considerations.
Ok, on to the products…
Finished Outdoor Kitchen Island
We'll start with the simplest setup – one of the most basic kits you can buy: A completely finished outdoor kitchen island with Propane gas…
Cal Flame Outdoor Kitchen Island Package e6004/PV6004
Company: Cal Flame
–> Download Manual
–> Pre-Delivery Guide
–> Product Page
Price:~$5,100
$2,979~$4,892 Online;
Weight: 825 lbs;
Other Info:
4-burner propane grill (Natural Gas w/ Converter); 4.6 cu. ft. refrigerator;
Shop online at: | Amazon (e6004) Appliances Connection (PV6004) BBQ Guys (e6004) Home Depot (e6004) Walmart (e6004) Wayfair (e6004) |
Cal Flame outdoor kitchen products range from small barbecue carts and grills, to fire pits & fireplaces, to elaborate and complete backyard kitchen solutions.
This nationally renown hearth and barbecue manufacturer is based in the USA, where they make all their products.
The Cal Flame Pavilion PV6004 is a good all-in-one kit that provides the basics for outdoor kitchen entertainment in one compact station.
At just over 6 ft wide (73″), 45 in. high, and 33 in. deep, it has a relatively small footprint. When you take the grill's size into consideration, that leaves you about 7 sq. ft. of counter space on which you can prepare or serve food.
Beneath that counter sits the 4.6 cu. ft. stainless steel outdoor refrigerator. It has ample room for drinks and food, with 5 adjustable shelves, door storage for bottles, and a (tiny) freezer for an ice tray.
Also convenient are the electrical outlet which allows you to hook up accessories like a blender, fans, or lamps, and the umbrella hole, to provide some shade for the chef.
Model numbers: PV6004 vs. e6004
These model numbers confused me a little bit when doing my research, but here's the difference: Customization options.
The PV6004 is customizable. You choose from several different models of grills, access doors, countertops, and side finishes. There is only one option for the refrigerator, however.*
*(You can always replace it with your own outdoor refrigerator.)
See what your retailer has available when you make your purchase.
(Prices will vary depending on your options.)
The e6004 has a predetermined set of options. You don't get to choose, but that's what makes it an easy choice. Here's what it comes with…
It comes with the Cal Flame P4 4-Burner Gas Grill, with more features than you might expect from a basic BBQ grill:
- Four 15,000 BTUs high powered burners, each with its own Burner Ignition System, and one 15,000 BTUs infrared back burner for extra rotisserie cooking power.
- 304-Stainless Steel construction, with patented cast stainless steel knobs in a seamless design, means it is rust-resistant to endure the elements, and easy to clean.
- Easily removable Heavy-Duty V-Grates that can fit in a dishwasher.
- A full-width drip tray, that catches any mess under the cooking area, is on rollers, so it can be easily pulled out for cleaning.
- Dual Halogen Interior Lights assist in cooking day or night
… and more. The grill normally uses liquid propane, but can be converted to use natural gas using Cal Flame's Natural Gas Conversion Kit.
You also get a single, stainless steel door for access to the cabinet* with the propane tank and storage.
*(Note that this cabinet space, unlike the space for the refrigerator, has no flooring. Your propane tank, and anything else you put in there, will sit upon the surface that the island is built on.)
Siding finishes and countertops for the e6004 appear to vary depending on your retailer. Be sure to confirm which options come in the box, and don't rely on the images presented on the website.
Cal Flame is just one example of a company whose outdoor kitchens come in a variety of setups and sizes. From basic islands like this one, to L-shaped islands with seating, to elaborate multiple-grill-and-appliance filled entertainment centers with roofing.
Continue Searching Online…
More from Cal-Flame:
Finished Outdoor Kitchens:
Modular Outdoor Kitchen Island Kit
This category provides all-in-one convenience, with limited flexibility.
This next product adds the convenience of minimal assembly required…
Mont Alpi 400 Deluxe 45-Degree Island Grill
Company: Mont Alpi
–> Download Manual
–> Product Page
Price: $5,499.00
$5,199~$5,299 Online;
Weight: 740 lbs;
Additional Info:
Propane (convertible to Natural Gas); wheels for easy positioning; 2.1 cu ft refrigerator;
Mont Alpi is a barbeque design and supply company based in California, but also operating in the UK and South Africa. They create modern, stylish-looking pizza ovens, fire pits, grill carts, built-in grills, and BBQ islands.
All their islands are based on a modular design, and they sell a wide variety of modules – sink modules, refrigerator modules, storage cabinets, beverage centers, grills – giving you great freedom in assembling the perfect layout for your outdoor kitchen.
I chose the Mont Alpi 400 Deluxe 45-Degree Island Grill Kit (MAi400-D45FC) here for a few reasons.
First, it's a basic set up with a grill, outdoor refrigerator, and storage cabinet. But, it also has convenient drawers beneath the grill, to store tools and other cooking accessories.
Second, it's exemplary of the convenience of setting up a modular outdoor kitchen kit. (Despite having only one predetermined layout.)
Putting Mont Alpi islands together is relatively easy, as each module arrives assembled. You wheel them to your location, and press them adjacent to each other. A few bolts and plates hold them together in the back, and on the inside.
This video will show you how that works in detail:
It also has a slick, modern look to it. The smooth, white faux-granite “waterfall” countertops, combined with smooth stainless steel surfaces and ambient lighting make for a very impressive look.
I also like how the 45° angle modules bring the outer modules a little bit closer to the chef, making the appliances a little more accessible, while expanding the preparation space at the same time. The shape also allows it to fit in a tighter space or corner.
Speaking of the appliances, the Mont Alpi Deluxe Island 400 comes with a third one: a convenient side burner built into the countertop on the left side.
It's a ceramic infrared burner with a stainless steel cooking grid. The height is adjustable for extra temperature control. Use it for searing, boiling, or heating large saucepans, adding additional cooking potential to this compact bbq island station.
The cabinet beneath the burner is where you'd store the propane tank if you're using that fuel option for the main grill.
The Mont Alpi Built-In Grill 400 is a 32-inch, 78,000 BTU Propane Gas Grill (convertible to natural gas). The main cooking area measures 30″ x 18″ inches, with 8mm stainless steel cooking grids, and 4 high-efficiency 12,000 BTU tubular stainless steel burners.
It also boasts several unique features:
- A double lined lid for superior heat retention;
- A stainless steel warming rack;
- A ceramic infrared burner in the rear of the grill for the heavy duty rotisserie kit (included);
- Dual halogen interior lights for cooking after dark;
- The front control panel features a temperature gauge, control knobs lit by blue LED light, and a bottle opener so you can open up a drink while tending the grill;
- A pull-out grease tray for easy cleaning.
The two large easy-glide drawers below the grill are useful for storing tools, prep items, and and keeping other things handy.
The refrigerator is a little on the small side at 2.1 cu. ft. However, the convenience of being in its own pre-built module might make up for that. Additionally, it has:
- A locking door to keep sneaky minors out of your beer stash;
- See-through glass door so you can search the contents without opening the fridge and wasting energy;
- Eye-catching blue interior lighting that looks cool day or night.
Thanks to the modular design, if you wanted to expand your outdoor kitchen island, you can upgrade it by adding modules. For example, get a module with a sink, or an additional cabinet. (Or,even another grill!) 🤯
If you don't like the 45° angle, you can get it without those expansion modules (model MAi400).
Mont Alpi also makes a larger island (Model MAi805) with a larger grill. Some options even come in black stainless steel for a different modern look.
Continue Shopping Mont Alpi Online…
Oh, and it also has its own rockin' music video…
RTF Pre-Framed Outdoor Kitchen Island Kit
This category is usually for people who know exactly what they want in their outdoor kitchen island—from top to bottom, from appliances to function and layout.
This next product is a cross between all-in-one convenience, and freestyle customization…
12-Piece Blaze Grill & Grillnetics Island Package
Company:
Blaze Outdoor Products & Grillnetics
–> Assembly Manual
Price: $7,512.44
$6,624.94 Online;
Weight: (contact distributor)
OTHER_INFO:
Natural gas OR propane grill; 4.5 cu ft refrigerator; additional side-burner; double-drawer storage; trash/tank drawer; Requires finishing & counter.
Shop online at: | BBQ Guys |
Here's an option for those of you who want to do a little more of the styling on your own, but like the convenience of having all the appliances selected for you.
It's a special kit put together by BBQ Guys by combining products from two companies: Blaze and Grillnetics.
Blaze Outdoor Products (originally Blaze Grills) started as barbeque grill manufacturer, but now specializes in affordable outdoor kitchen appliances and accessories.
The countertop and paneling are not included, and will have to be purchased separately.
Grillnetics is an outdoor cabinetry company, focusing on products for DIY outdoor kitchens and built-in-barbeque islands.
Fully built, the island is 11 feet wide, and though the grill and side burner take up some of the counter top, it leaves ample space for food preparation and serving.
The package comes with:
- 32″ built-in grill (natural gas OR propane—decide upon ordering);
- Combination door & double drawer storage unit;
- 4.5 cu. ft. outdoor refrigerator
- Built-in side burner; and
- A roll-out drawer for trash or a propane tank.
… and 6 Grillnetics cabinet frame kits in which to insert all those appliances and accessories.
Here are some quick takes on the appliance features.
Grill:
- 304 stainless steel construction;
- 32-inch built-in gas grill with four 14,000 BTU stainless steel burners (56,000 total cooking surface BTUs);
- 10,000 BTU infrared rear burner;
- Push-and-turn flame-thrower primary ignition;
- Removable warming rack;
- Heat zone separators for different cooking zones across the grilling surface;
- Double-lined Grill hood protects the outer layer from heat discoloration.
Side Burner:
- Two 12,000 BTU brass-plated burners for superior heat retention;
- Raised cooking grate for better airflow; and
- Stainless steel cover for when the burner is not in use.
Compact Outdoor Refrigerator:
- 20-inches wide, 4.5 cubic feet of storage;
- Reversible stainless steel door;
- Adjustable leveling legs for an exact fit;
- Door lock with key to secure your food or drinks;
- Interior lighting, 3 adjustable shelves, see-thru crisper, shelves and beverage dispenser on the door;
- Thermostat with automatic defrost.
As I mentioned, missing from this package are the outer paneling and countertop (which you will have to purchase and apply separately), giving you the freedom to create a custom finish that will match your outdoor kitchen design and motif.
For ideas, and to see what's possible with siding and countertops, check out some ideas on Google.
To get you started, here are a few links to buy siding & paneling online:
If you're interested in more from Blaze, they also makes their own finished outdoor kitchen island. Find it on Amazon or at BBQGUYS:
The Best Outdoor Kitchen Island for Your Home
Well, I hope that this article has given you a good head start on finding the best prefab outdoor kitchen island for your situation.
One of these prefab kits can be the very thing you need to make your dream outdoor kitchen a reality.
Find the best combination of features, customization, and ease of assembly for you, and you'll be able to narrow down your search accordingly.
This will allow you to focus on how your outdoor kitchen island will enhance your lifestyle, and getting it up and running as quickly and completely as possible.
If you have any questions about this article, please add them in the comments below. Or, if you know of any products or information to add for other readers, they would also be welcome.
Thank you for reading.
~ Scott