10 Must-Have Features for Your Outdoor Kitchen Island

Designing an outdoor kitchen island is a lot like designing an indoor kitchen. You’ll want to think through how you cook and entertain to decide what you want to include in your outdoor space. There’s no denying that outdoor kitchens are hot, and outdoor kitchen islands are just as popular. According to Grandview Horizon Research, the global islands & storage units outdoor kitchen market size was valued at US$5,826.4 million in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030.

People are truly thinking of their outdoors as an extension of their living space. It’s not just a simple prep space, it’s truly an entertaining hub.

 Looking to add an outdoor kitchen island? Here are 10 items you’ll want to consider. Think of them as your must-haves.

1. Built-In Pizza Oven

We may be biased but we think a built-in pizza oven is one of the best outdoor kitchen features. It’s a tool that instantly elevates any cooking. Use it to create delicious authentic pizza or cook crispy skin salmon, fajitas and so much more. It’s definitely a cooking appliance people will want to gather around making it perfect for entertaining, too.

2. Built-In Grill

We are often asked, what should I include in my kitchen island?

A grill is definitely one of those outdoor kitchen must-haves. In fact it is likely one of the most popular outdoor kitchen features as it’s the centerpiece of most outdoor kitchens. There are a variety of grill types to choose from - gas, charcoal or hybrid. With a grill you can make your classic burgers and hot dogs or opt for grilling vegetables or even fruit. 

3. Ample Counter Space

Not an appliance but certainly one of the must-have outdoor kitchen features is ample counter space. If you are going to add in multiple cooking appliances, you’ll also want to have a dedicated space for prepping meals. Bonus, the counter space can also double as a serving station for guests or a place to put drinks depending on what kind of meal you are hosting. 

4. Outdoor-Rated Storage

You’ll want great storage in any kitchen, and an outdoor kitchen island is no different. You’ll want to make sure that this storage is ready for the outdoors, made with weather-resistant materials that can hold up to the elements whether it’s rain, snow or abundant sunshine. You’ll also want cabinets and drawers that have room to hold any of your outdoor cooking tools and cookware. 

5. Refrigeration & Beverage Center

You may want hot food but you’ll want cold beverages to go with it, making a refrigerator or beverage center one of the best outdoor kitchen island features. It’s not only great for keeping beverages cold but you can also store your fresh toppings for pizza, sauces for your grilled items and more in a fridge. If you want something specifically for beverages you can add in a wine fridge, ice maker or even a kegerator for your outdoor kitchen island.

6. Sink & Prep Station

The beauty of choosing a modular outdoor kitchen island is that you can add in the appliances and features that make your outdoor kitchen work for you. Many people (particularly in warmer clients where they don’t have to worry about freezing) add in a sink, convenient for washing produce, dishes and of course your hands. It can save you multiple trips in and out of your house. 

7. Seating & Bar Area

If you’re using your kitchen island outdoors as a place to gather socially, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of seating and space to mingle. Add stools or extend the counter space to resemble a bar area. Add some decor on the island like candles or flowers to make it more inviting. If not doing a formal sit down dinner, the counter is a great place to pull up a chair for some casual bites.

8. Lighting & Power Outlets

You’ve chosen your outdoor cooking appliances and added plenty of prepping and entertaining space, now it’s time to think about adding in light and power. You’ll want to make sure to have the appropriate power outlets and task lighting for safe cooking. Then comes the fun part. Add in ambient lighting like twinkle lights to set the mood for entertaining. 

9. Durable Materials & Finishes

You’ll also want to pick out materials and finishes that work well for your climate and your style. It’s important to pick weather-resistant and easy to clean materials. Soft-close drawers and cabinets are great as well. Stainless steel, concrete and stone are long lasting materials so keep that in mind for countertops and appliances too. 

10. Flexibility with Modular Design

What makes our outdoor kitchens, Elysia, so great is that they are modular kitchens meaning you can swap in and out pieces based on your needs. That means any of the outdoor kitchen island ideas you have can become a reality. Want to start small with a grill and some prep space? Our modular kitchens give you the ability to expand and reconfigure over time. Have a lot of space? We have modular solutions for any custom layout you can think of. 

FAQs

What are the best features for an outdoor kitchen?

The best features of an outdoor kitchen depend on what you want out of an outdoor kitchen. With modular outdoor kitchens you can pick the appliance you want from a grill to a pizza oven, the amount of counter space and the necessary storage for your ideal cooking and entertaining space. 

What should I add to my outdoor kitchen?

What you decide to add to your outdoor kitchen is entirely up to you. We’d recommend an appliance or two, space to prep or entertain and storage space. You can choose to enhance it much further or keep it fairly simple. With modular kitchens you can continue to add and expand whenever you are ready. 

What to stock in your outdoor kitchen?

If you’re adding an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to stock it with the essentials you’ll need outside. This will vary depending on your set-up. If you have a refrigerator, you’ll want to stock it with beverages. If you are using a grill or pizza oven, having a lighter, oven mitts, and other tools for each appliance can be helpful. Shelf stable ingredients that won’t be impacted by drastic temperature changes are ok to store out there too.

About Fontana Forni Outdoor Kitchens

For over 70 years, Fontana Forni has been synonymous with exceptional Italian craftsmanship.Our outdoor steel pizza ovens are a representation of Italian culture, embodying a passion for delicious food and good conversation at the heart of everything we do.

Elysia extends that philosophy with modular outdoor kitchens that are as beautiful as they are functional, offering a true gathering space for family and friends. With a fully customizable modular design, the kitchens offer versatility, seamlessly fitting into any outdoor space and budget. Their adaptable nature ensures they can evolve with your changing needs. Each steel module is designed with the Italian craftsmanship you expect from Fontana Forni. Just like our ovens, the assembly is quick and easy.

Looking to get started on outdoor kitchens? Peruse our selection of pre-planned layouts or design your own.