What Are the Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen Island?

One of the most popular places to invest in home design takes place outside the home. The growth in popularity for enhancing your outdoor space has been popular since the COVID pandemic, but the growth hasn’t stopped. More people are entertaining outdoors and looking for spaces to gather as an extension of their home. Most of these renovations include adding in an outdoor kitchen island. There are so many great outdoor kitchen ideas to explore and this guide will help you understand the benefits of outdoor kitchen islands from extra storage and prep space to integration of appliances. 

There are so many different terms for parts of an outdoor kitchen, including an outdoor kitchen island. An outdoor kitchen island is a free-standing or built in addition that usually has prep space, storage, seating and a built-in place for appliances. It’s most often an essential part of an outdoor kitchen design because it makes it both functional and adds to the aesthetic. 

Benefits of an Outdoor Kitchen Island

There are so many benefits of an outdoor kitchen island that make them worth considering in your outdoor kitchen design. Here are some of the top benefits:

Expanded Counter & Prep Space

An outdoor kitchen island gives you plenty of space to prep, cook and serve. It truly allows your outdoor kitchen to handle everything instead of prepping some inside before moving outdoors.

Added storage

Adding outdoor kitchen island cabinets makes your outdoor kitchen island a great place to store anything you need for cooking outside from BBQ tools to pizza peels, grill brushes and more.

A Natural Gathering Spot

An outdoor kitchen island with seating makes it a great hub for entertaining. Your guests can gather around and be a part of the action if you’re cooking or just share a cocktail in the fresh air. 

Integration of Appliances

A kitchen island outdoor is a great way to create a functional space for all of your appliances. You can create countertops and inserts to fit your grill, pizza oven, even a sink and wine fridge. 

Customization

Choosing a modular design for your island outdoors allows you to choose exactly what you want to fit your needs and move or add in different modules as your outdoor space expands or changes. You can choose your colors and the right size that works for your outdoor space.

Durability and Longevity

Any high quality outdoor kitchen is built to last. Look for weather-resistant materials that can withstand the elements. Our Elysia outdoor furniture is made of galvannealed steel and protected by a durable outdoor-rated powder coat.

Boosts Property Value

As an added bonus, adding to your outdoor space not only enhances your functionality and experience while you own your home, it’s also great for resale appeal. This varies depending on where you live, the quality of your outdoor kitchen, and the space you have.

Is an Outdoor Kitchen Island Right for Your Space?

Outdoor kitchen islands are an investment, so you’ll want to think through a few things when you are considering outdoor kitchen island designs.

• Space: You’ll want to make sure your outdoor space allows for both seating and movement. 

• Lifestyle needs:  Do you cook and entertain often? Do you want something that’s more aesthetic or functional? How often will you be using the space?

• The future: Investing in a modular setup allows more flexibility if you decide to add on more pieces later or move around your current layout. 

Choosing an outdoor kitchen is a big decision but one that can add great value, utility and memories to your outdoor space. With modular options for outdoor kitchen islands, your outdoor space can grow with your needs.

FAQs

Does a kitchen island increase home value?

A kitchen island should increase home value. Adding in an outdoor kitchen with a kitchen island adds additional living space to your home. Many realtors report a 55%-200% return on investment.

What is the best material for an outdoor kitchen island?

The best material for an outdoor kitchen island is one that’s durable and weather-resistant, after all, it lives outdoors. Our Elysia outdoor kitchens are made of galvannealed steel and protected by a durable outdoor-rated powder coat.

Can you put a kitchen island outside?

You can absolutely put a kitchen island outside that’s designed for the outdoors. You can be flexible with your kitchen island just as you would indoors from adding a kitchen island with a bar to a kitchen island with plenty of storage.

Can I add a pizza oven to my island?

You can add a pizza oven and many other appliances to your outdoor kitchen island. Our Elysia modular kitchens are designed to seamlessly work with our pizza ovens.

About Fontana Forni Outdoor Kitchens and Islands

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.

Call-to-Action: Explore our  Outdoor Kitchens and use our configurator to see how Elysia fits into your outdoor space. Need additional help? Book a free expert consultation.