Have you seen a breathtaking luxury outdoor kitchen island and always wanted one for your backyard? This is your year!
Whether you need a stand-alone outdoor kitchen island for your deck or a completely custom-designed poolside outdoor kitchen, we can help bring your vision to life. As the outdoor Barbecue Kitchen Island trend takes Canada by storm, your experts at Barbecues Galore are here to help guide you through several amazing choices and dozens of personalized options to find the right solution for your backyard and budget. Buckle up; this BLOG is 3,750+ words of encouragement to help save you time investigating by yourself - accelerated learning curve, here we go.
First Things First: Here are key things to consider as you begin designing your new outdoor dream grilling center.
- Determine Available Space & Location:
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- How much space do you have to work with on your deck or patio? Gather your measurements & take some photos – these are great for before & after comparisons and will help our experts personalize options that fit your vision, lifestyle, and budget.
- Do you envision your outdoor grilling center being against a wall or free-standing?
- Do you prefer an ‘L’ shaped design, or an in-line configuration?
- Determine Desired Features:
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- What kind of BBQ do you want (Gas, Charcoal, or Pellet)?
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Do you only want 1 grill component or multiple?
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Consider adding a Kamado-style built-in grill, like:
- a Big Green Egg,
- a Kamado Joe
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Consider adding a Kamado-style built-in grill, like:
- Add in a Pizza Oven?
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Do you only want 1 grill component or multiple?
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- What grill size do you want?
- What type or style of side burner do you prefer?
- Do you want to have an outdoor-rated refrigerator?
- How many storage cabinets would you like?
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- Do you prefer drawers, doors, or both?
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- Do you want a drawer dedicated to garbage and recycling?
- Need an outdoor Sink?
- Who doesn’t want to add a Beer Keg tap for the ‘WOW’-factor?
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Clearances to Combustibles & Other Considerations:
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Be aware of local building safety codes to ensure you comply with requirements for clearances surrounding your new outdoor kitchen island. If you plan to add a structure around or above the barbecue, then a general contractor will help comply with local safety codes and plan for running water, drainage, gas lines, and electricity if needed. More recent building codes require hood fans to manage exhaust if you add a pergola or overhead roof. Read the manual to plan for grill-specific clearance dimensions.
- EXPERT TIP: Insulated Jackets are available in specific built-in barbecues to help reduce these clearances quite drastically. Remember to leave enough space behind the unit to comply with safe clearances.
- Positioning the Grilling Center - Make sure to position the grill facing the wind. This will assist in venting hot air through the back of the grill. Keep the grill a safe distance away from trees.
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Be aware of local building safety codes to ensure you comply with requirements for clearances surrounding your new outdoor kitchen island. If you plan to add a structure around or above the barbecue, then a general contractor will help comply with local safety codes and plan for running water, drainage, gas lines, and electricity if needed. More recent building codes require hood fans to manage exhaust if you add a pergola or overhead roof. Read the manual to plan for grill-specific clearance dimensions.
At Barbecues Galore, there are plenty of display models available in stores from the most reputable brands, including DCS, Crown Verity, Hestan, Broil King, Napoleon, Yoder Smokers, Mont Alpi, and others, but let’s review a few in this blog to get you ready for the discovery journey. Plus, we will look directly at the custom cabinetry solutions from Stoll Island.
MODULAR ISLAND GRILLS & CUSTOM CABINETS
DCS - Dynamic Cooking Systems:
You have arrived!
Dreaming BIG? … Welcome to the world of DCS, our top-selling luxury grill line.
Fisher Paykel started in 1934 in New Zealand as an importer of appliances into the local market. In 1989, three innovators working in a Surf City garage pioneered the Premium Outdoor Grill. Fast forward to 2004 when Fisher Paykel acquired American company DCS (Dynamic Cooking Systems Inc), specializing in outdoor and indoor cooking products to bring us to what we have today. DCS grills are available in 30”, 36”, and 48” grill head sizes for both Series 9 and Series 7 feature sets. In addition to grills, DCS offers a wide assortment of storage options and items to consider adding to your outdoor paradise. Beer on tap for those hot summer days... no problem!!
One of the greatest benefits is the ability to match your elegant interior Fisher Paykel appliances with a beautiful DCS outdoor kitchen. Let’s look closer at the Series 9 & the Series 7, beginning with the biggest dream imaginable. Why not?
Series 9 ‘Evolution’ Grills
The Series 9 is the Flagship grill for DCS. Smoke, sear, rotisserie, bake, and slow cook on a grill designed for “Real Cooks!”. Built from 304-grade stainless steel with hand-finished edges; delivering 25,000 BTUs from each burner; temp ranges from 300 - 1100 degrees. Restaurant quality equipment includes:
- Cast Stainless Cooking Grates – Have a unique double-sided design, one side has channels running down it retaining moisture, and is also designed to carry the excess grease down to the trap at the front of the grill when in the angled position. The second side allows for delicate cooking; foods such as salmon and vegetables. The grills can also be set in a flat position for items that may roll; asparagus or corn.
- Multi-Level Rack System - Allows you to expand your grilling options. Utilize the fully welded tray as a water pan to add moisture to your cooks.
- Ceramic Rods – These rods will radiate the heat of your burners evenly across the whole width of the grill. They withstand high temperatures and are tightly spaced more so than any other luxury grill. Simply flip to clean.
- U-shape Burners – 304-grade stainless steel burners that burn at a maximum of 25,000 BTU with precise temperatures between 300 and 1100 degrees.
- The Perfect Sear - Infrared sear burner for incredibly fast searing up to 24,000 BTU.
- Charcoal / smoker tray – Enjoy charcoal grilling with the added convenience of having it lit by your gas burner. Or, if you so desire, add some wood chips in this tray to make it a great reservoir of smoke flavor for what is on the grill. You can control the heat and smoke coming off the tray through the lid venting.
- Heavy Duty Infrared Rotisserie with Integrated Light - 18,000BTU rear burner and a motor capable of easily turning 50 lbs. The rotisserie rod can be stowed under the drip pan handle.
- Easy lift lid – The Series 9 doesn’t make you feel like you have just had a workout whenever you lift these massive hoods. Especially important with the 48”.
- Lights – Interior lights, which are very helpful for winter evening grilling, and the bezels illuminate a white glow when off, or orange when the grill is on.
- Glow plug ignition – All ignitors on the series 9 utilize a glow plug, (Hot Surface) ignition so that you can be certain the burner will light. Back-up ignition is covered through flash tubes that run throughout the grill.
Series 7 Grills
- Cast Stainless Cooking grates – All 36” and 48” grills come with Cast Stainless Cooking grates. These give you the heat retention benefits of Cast Iron with the durability of stainless steel.
- U-shape Burners – 304-grade stainless steel burners that burn at a maximum of 25,000 BTU with precise temperatures between 300 and 1100 degrees.
- The Perfect Sear – Infrared sear burner for incredibly fast searing up to 24,000 BTU.
- Ceramic Rods – These rods will radiate the heat of your burners evenly across the whole width of the grill. They withstand high temperatures and are in greater numbers than any other luxury grill. The rods are hollow, allowing hot air to quickly circulate heat throughout the grill.
- Grease management system – Grease is channeled down to the front of the grill where it can be funneled into the center removable grease tray for easy cleaning.
- Rotisserie – Holds up to 50lbs and an 18,000 BTU infrared burner and a powerful sidelight
Celebrate Canadian-made ingenuity proudly made in North America! Remember the last wedding or golf tournament you went to? Those Chefs & caterers were likely grilling outdoors on a Crown Verity for its trusted reliability and consistent performance.
When you want professional performance, Crown Verity stands out from the crowd. From modular grills with endless options, add-ons, and accessories, to built-in components designed to complete your outdoor kitchen, Crown Verity quality is built to last.
Crown Verity Infinite series outdoor kitchen islands let you take colour to another level! Bring home colours inspired by beautiful, iconic landscapes from across North America, including Muskoka Mist, Napa Valley Olive, Alaskan Midnight, Red Rock Sandstone, Grand Canyon Gold, Cape Cod Breeze, Grotto Turquoise, and Alberta Wheatfield. All of the doors and drawers of your new Infinite Series colour grill can be customized with the colour palette options.
Crown Verity built-in grill heads are made from 304-grade stainless steel and come in four sizes; 30", 36", 42", and 48". The stainless-steel burners are placed every 5.75" to ensure the most even cooking surface, allowing the grill to heat to temperature within 5 minutes or less. The 48” Infinite grill head comes in a single or dual dome featuring six (6) 14,750 BTUH and stainless-steel burners.
Bring your custom outdoor kitchen to life by adding modular components that fit any outdoor space or lifestyle. The Crown Verity Infinite Series Modular Grills:
- Come in three sizes 24", 36", and 42"
- They include one integrated storage door with the 24” and two storage doors for both the 36” and 42” models
- Optional Dual 15,000 BTU Side Burner (NG) and Two Single Drawers or Dual Side Burner (NG) & Garbage / Recycling Bin Holder
- Provide one of the best warranties in the market.
- Multiple grill styles available (pizza ovens, Live fire Argentinian grills, and gas grill heads) are all available for built-in.
- Designed to be easily cleaned with a power washer.
- No assembly required all crown verity grills come fully assembled just arrange your components add your countertops and you’re ready to grill
For More, check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsyjPEGfsqs
The Hestan Professional Grill is a world-class grill used by many of the top Chefs & restaurants around the world.
Fun Fact – Many believe that Hestan grills are considered the “McLaren” of the grilling world as they blend incredible performance with bold colour and even bolder design, making Hestan both elegant and robust.
All Hestan grills are built with superior-grade materials in Anaheim, California. They come in 30”, 36”, and 42” grill sizes, and are available as Built-in heads, head and cart, or premium freestanding configurations. The patented Trellis burners are manufactured with 321 grade stainless steel which is very similar to 304 stainless, however, it has the addition of Titanium. 321 Stainless operates very well in the 800F to 1500F making Hestan a great choice for a grill like this that can easily sear anywhere. 25,000 BTUs per burner gives you lots of high-performance power with greater heat coverage!!
Key Features Include:
- Diamond cut Stainless Grates – Easily the heaviest-duty cooking grates in our showrooms. They are laser cut 5/16” thick stainless steel and fully reversible.
- Horizon Hood – Light and easy to open, the lid will move and stay at the desired height in 1-degree increments by simply letting go at the appropriate height.
- Marquis diamond grip detail in the handle. Includes patented motion-detection stadium lighting.
- Rotisserie – Built-in motor within the grill head and a hidden stow-away shelf for the rod, after all, who wants to look at a rotisserie motor?
- Dual Halogen Lighting – Two 20-watt halogen bulbs light up the grill interior so you can keep an eye on every corner of the grill.
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Looking for amazing colour options:
- Citra=Orange, Froth=Light Grey, Grove =Green, Lush=Purple, Matador=Bright Red, Pacific Fog=Grey, Prince= Blue, Tin Roof=Deep Red, Stealth=Black, Stiletto=Stainless Steel, Sol=Yellow.
Configuration possibilities are almost endless, from a huge variety of modular options, to custom cabinets, multiple grill head sizes, to pre-fabricated islands, you have plenty of great choices. Let’s focus this article on the Broil King Imperial Island QS 690i.
Broil King manufacturing facilities are located throughout North America, in Huntington, Indiana; Dickson, Tennessee; and Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, so you support the local economy with every grill purchased. Broil King’s legendary cooking system is designed to maximize heat retention and vaporize juices to infuse great flavours every time.
Key Features That Set Broil King Apart Include:
- Heavy Cooking Grids: Extra-thick Flav-R-CastTM and stainless-steel rod cooking grids deliver excellent heat retention for exceptional searing power to lock in juices and flavour.
- Flav-R-WavesTM: Made from durable stainless steel, the Flav-R-WavesTM evenly distributes infrared and convective heat and maximizes the vaporization of juices.
- Dual-TubeTM Burners: Powerful tube-in-tube side ported burners provide unmatched high to low performance with exceptionally even heat.
- Thermo-FlowTM Cook Box: The enclosed cook box design with restricted air vents retains heat for the most fuel-efficient grilling…lid up or lid down.
Broil King Imperial Islands range in dimension from under 80” x 32” for the Imperial™ S 590i Island {up to 111” L with the added sink cabinet}, to 87” x 32” for the Imperial™ S 690i Island {119” L with the sink option}.
The Imperial™ S 590i Islands include a granite countertop! Other options include a 6-burner stainless steel cabinet or a 5-burner rear panel cabinet. A tank / side-burner cabinet, an outdoor fridge, and a waste & recycling organizer drawer - ‘must-haves’ during busy outdoor events. Upgrade to the Imperial™ S 690i Island and enjoy 2 Heads, and 6 Burners for two separate heating zones. Most importantly, Broil King Islands come with iQue innovation.
Other Broil King Kitchen Islands available include the Baron Islands are best discovered in our must-see showrooms.
EXPERT ADVICE: Wondering what iQue temperature control is?
Are you tired of seeing temperature discrepancies as much as 100 F? The iQue will adjust the two outside valves to ensure that you are maintaining your desired temperature. The digital temperature reading is far more accurate than the in-head temperature gauge.
COOKING TIP: 5 simple steps to cooking perfect chicken thighs on a Q 490 PRO IR
- Turn on the Regal, Turn the 2 outside knobs to high, and hit the ignitor. After they are lit, lower them to the iQue setting. Set your temperature to 350 F. Now the grill is ready to go!
- Take out your seasoned chicken thighs and put them in the center of the grill to cook them with indirect heat.
- Put a meat probe in the back-most thigh, and one in the front-most thigh. Set an alert on the iQue app to notify you when the temperature reaches 100F. Then go & do anything else on your to-do list; watch the football game, sit outside with guests, build a sandcastle, go to the gym or win your next hand of Euchre.
- When your phone is notified that the chicken is at 100oF internal temperature, go and flip the chicken thighs and set the next internal temperature to 160oF, and then go back to whatever else instead of standing around waiting, watching, and wasting time.
- When the next alarm goes off, you are ready to put them over direct heat get some nice grill lines on them, and get ready to serve when they hit 165oF!
The Broil King iQue series of grills make it so that everyone can make great-tasting, properly grilled food, and at the end of the day isn’t that what this is all about?
Do you prefer an L-shape to a linear, in-line configuration? If so, then Broil King has you covered. These range in size from 81” L (up to 88”) x 60” x 32”. Just be aware that the sinks and countertops may be sold separately. Let us help craft your vision into a reality and cost it out for you to make your decisions clear and easy.
NAPOLEON OASIS MODULAR ISLAND:
Next, let’s dive into a great all-in-one package, the Napoleon Oasis Modular & Compact Outdoor Kitchens. Perfect for setting up an L-shape or linear configurations. The powder-coated, galvanized steel construction offers a sleek modern look with top-notch protection from the elements every season.
- Easy to install units as they all have a pre-built design
- Leveling feet included to increase stability on uneven surfaces
- Endlessly expand your outdoor kitchen by adding on more units to your liking
- Powder-coated, galvanized steel cabinets with a carbon-coloured exterior
- Each steel cabinet also holds premium stainless-steel drawers/shelves for top-notch storage solutions
- Choose the Napoleon barbecue that suits your needs - grill heads can include the BIPRO500RB, the BIPRO665RB, and the 500 & 700 Series Built-in Heads
- Optional to toss in a side burner to complete the outdoor kitchen experience
- Knock-out pieces allow for easy-to-access gas line and electrical wiring
- Countertops are not included with Oasis packages – so, you get to pick out your own!
Common Components Include:
- Built-In Pro665RBNSS
- Universal Door Cabinet
- 2 Drawer Under Grill Cabinet
- Paper towel / Trash Cabinet
- 2 panel Side Infrared burner
- End Panels to make it look finished
- Electric panel to make the side sear light up
- Countertops are not included
- Powder-coated steel Cabinets and drawers with Stainless Facing
- 1 Head, 5 Burners
- 9.5mm Stainless Rod
The Napoleon Oasis Modular Island 300 is a ‘must-see’ display in every one of our showrooms.
The Yoder Smokers Built-in Pellet Grill is available in 2 sizes the YS480 and the YS640 both are crafted for those who want to integrate a Yoder Smokers grill into their dream outdoor kitchen. With 800 square inches of cook space and 1,070 square inches of cooking space and nearly 12 inches of headroom, both units have ample room for everything from briskets and pork butts to beer can chickens and turkeys.
Designed for maximum versatility, these built-in models offer three unique mounting options, ensuring a seamless installation that fits any kitchen layout. Each option includes a custom, vented base that not only supports and finishes the grill installation but also aids in dissipating heat from the cooking chamber. This heat dissipation helps extend the life of the grill and protects countertops from the intense heat generated during high-temperature grilling. With both form and function in mind, this built-in design enhances your outdoor cooking experience.
Standard on Yoder Smokers Built-in Pellet Grills is the advanced ACS Control System, which includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with two integrated food probes for monitoring. These grills also come with a ceramic ignition system, 10-gauge steel construction, a stainless-steel front shelf, and American-made craftsmanship.
What truly sets these grills apart, is the ability to seamlessly switch between pellet grilling and direct flame cooking. This unique feature allows you to achieve the perfect sear at 700°F or smoke at 250°F for hours, all with precise control via the mobile app. The app offers everything from recipes to smart programs, putting you in charge of your grilling. Plus, with an unbeatable warranty—10 years on the cooking chamber, 3 years on the ACS controller, and 3 years on the ceramic igniter—you can rest easy knowing your grill is built to last.
EXPERT ADVICE: Lift the lid for yourself, and you will feel the difference. Yoder Smokers are built tough. The line of competition-grade smoker pits to engineered to last a lifetime. The pellet grill body is constructed from 10-gauge steel, which provides heat retention suitable for 4-season cooking. The hopper assembly and cart are constructed from 14-gauge steel.
MONT ALPI PRE-FABRICATED ISLANDS:
Mont Alpi Kitchen Island comes as a pre-assembled modular system. Think of this as Lego for big people. The Mont Alpi 6-Burner Deluxe Island with Kegerator and Beverage Fridge comes with FREE SHIPPING. Get ready to be the ultimate grill master with the perfect grill for those who want it all. With six burners and two infrared burners, this grill can cook up a storm. But that's not all – the kegerator and outdoor-rated fridge cabinet ensure your drinks are always ice cold.
All Mont Alpi Deluxe series outdoor kitchens come with a beautiful waterfall granite finish that extends down the sides of the grill, adding both style and easy cleaning. In addition, each grill includes a heavy-duty rotisserie kit, a full-size weather cover, and a matching granite chopping board. The LED knob lights change from blue when off to red when on, while the bright internal cooking lights provide perfect visibility and control.
Other key features, designed for lasting enjoyment throughout all seasons of the Canadian climate:
- Cooking surface 38”x 18”
- All 304 stainless steel components
- Six 304 stainless steel burners
- 8mm 304 stainless steel cooking grills
CUSTOMIZABLE CABINETRY
BERLIN GARDENS OUTDOOR ISLANDS (NEW FOR 2025): Please see in-store.
Take Life Outdoors™ with AGORA Outdoor Cabinetry.
ISLAND FEATURES: (Grill Head Extra)
- Grill cabinets are fitted and vented to grill manufacturer specifications
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Multiple Island Sizes
- 79” Small Napoleon Island
- 104” Large Napoleon Island
- 110” Kamado Island (Fits Large & Extra Large, Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg ceramic charcoal grills)
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Cabinet Colour Options:
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4 Standard Colours:
- Matte White, Matte Black, Graphite, & Clay
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6 Wood Grain:
- Aspen, White Wash, Dark Ash, Teak, Hickory, & Elm
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3 Hammered
- Black, Stainless, & Bronze
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4 Standard Colours:
- Ships Knocked Down
- Easy Lock Dowel Assembly
STOLL INDUSTRIES OUTDOOR BARBECUE ISLAND & KAMADO GRILL CART:
Adding premium outdoor storage components, like doors, drawers, and storage adds everything you need for a built-to-order backyard kitchen. With over 50 years of experience in top-quality metal fabrication, Stoll creates the ultimate weatherproof outdoor kitchen islands.
These durable islands are great do-it-yourself options, or our Barbecue Butler services can happily build it and deliver it for you.
- Corrosion-resistant aluminum framework and hardware
- Pre-engineered in 62”, 71”, and 92” outdoor kitchen island kits
- Includes aluminum countertop with the finish of your choice
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Customize your grill cart with 15+ outdoor-rated finishes:
- Darkened Iron, Antique Grey, Antique Red, Antique Bronze, Hale Navy, Brushed White, Brushed Black, Granite, Silver Mist, Silver Vein, Graphite, White, Champagne, Concrete, or Charcoal.
- Custom built for your ceramic grill or smoker
- Multiple Standard Sizes to fit a variety of Grill Models
DON’T FORGET A PIZZA SERVING STATION:
No outdoor kitchen island is complete without the ability to serve personalized pizzas on demand for your friends and family. Discover a multitude of Pizza Oven Options in our stores to fit every budget, from the most amazing suppliers including GOZNEY, HALO, ALFA, and discover even more in-store.
To help you plan your outdoor space, consider the ‘Everdure’ (photo below), the ultimate outdoor pizza oven companion to help you prepare and cook those pizzas in one place.
This pizza and outdoor food prep station is uniquely designed to bring your indoor preparation space outdoors. It can be used with most portable pizza ovens, or as a standalone preparation station. Crafted with durable door fronts and a stainless-steel benchtop, the pizza station is built to last. Featuring five removable ingredient trays, you can easily organize build-your-own pizza parties. The pizza station is the perfect addition to every outdoor entertaining area with ample storage space, lockable castors for portability, and a modern, contemporary design.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have reached the end of this article…Well Done!
Maximize the value of your investment by doing the research in person. At Barbecues Galore, we highly encourage you to see, touch, and feel the differences for yourself in any of our five ‘must-see’ showrooms. Many of our customers have noticed significant differences between the feel of the various products.