Are outdoor bbq islands generally a waste of money?

[jtvang125]

They seem to be a cool thing to have but realistically speaking, how often do you use it anyways? Both my neighbors have one and this whole year they probably used it like once or twice only.

 

[MotionMan]

They seem to be a cool thing to have but realistically speaking, how often do you use it anyways? Both my neighbors have one and this whole year they probably used it like once or twice only.

If I had one, I would use it a lot, especially in the summer.

As it is now, it is a pain to pull out the BBQ, so I do not do it that often, even in the summer.

MotionMan

 

[waggy]

that depends. do you BBQ often? if so then its worth it if you don't then no.

 

[blackangst1]

that depends. do you BBQ often? if so then its worth it if you don't then no.

Yep. I grill at least once, sometimes 3x/week year round so I would get alot of use out of it. But my big back porch is suitable.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

The secret to an outdoor kitchen you want to use isn't the equipment, it's the layout and how comfortable it makes your guests. Seating, counter space and, shade are all way more important than which grill you have.

 

[MotionMan]

But my big back porch is suitable.

My problem is that I have a great location for a permanent BBQ island, but in its current condition, it is no good for my rolling BBQ. The BBQ resides under an overhang, so every time I want to use it, I have to roll it out. Leaving it out is not an option.



MotionMan

 

[Texashiker]

Are outdoor bbq islands generally a waste of money?

I like my pit to be portable.

 

[CrackRabbit]

I like my pit to be portable.

Portable has a slightly different meaning for your pit than everyone else.

 

[GasX]

I am having one built now. I plan to use it several tImes per week year round (in Florida)

 

[ponyo]

It's only a waste if you think it's a waste.

 

[XZeroII]

You don't have one? And both of your neighbors have one?

Loser!

 

[Vic Vega]

I grill way more than I BBQ.

 

[GasX]

I grill way more than I BBQ.

semantics - for many of us the term is interchangeable (wrong or not)

 

[LagunaX]

I like mine and I used it about 1-2 times a month.
Since it is there already there is no setup, just scraping the grill afterwards.
I have plenty of room to put the marinated meats, clean receiving plate, veggie plate, and my beers while grilling.
Also it is not a bad place just to have drinks if you have bar stools outside.
And for mini backyard parties, it serves as a nice place for buffet food and drinks.

 

[Vic Vega]

semantics - for many of us the term is interchangeable (wrong or not)

I made no comment regarding which was "right or wrong" but simply stated what I personally do using the terms of my choosing. Though I found it interesting you went on the defensive and assumed I was correcting the thread/OP.

Since you did mention it, I will comment on it your statement. They are in fact separate things.

 

[deadlyapp]

I had an awesome one at my last house. We had built the base using concrete cinder blocks, then placed a charcoal insert (like here : http://www.rhpeterson.com/images3/firemagic/legacy-series/3334lg.jpg ) and then put a gigantic marble top along the entire thing. We had maybe 20sq ft of countertop and it looked great and was very easy to keep clean. We stucco'ed the face of the brick too so it matched our house.

Only problem was after about 3 years the charcoal insert has rusted away just due to the heat from the charcoal.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

As I can't BBQ during the winter I usually use my grill twice a week from April to October. If you have to ask whether they're a waste of money then it would be a waste for you. If you grilled enough to make it a must have thing you'd know it.

 

[weadjust]

I don't have an BBQ Island but I do have a gas grill and a charcoal grill/smoker. I use them about 2-3 times a week all year. I also have a screened in porch with TV. Can't beat a fall day watching football, drinking a few beers on the porch while grilling/smoking/BBQing.

 

[Atty]

I live in Florida and in my experience, they are only worth it financially if you A) Plan it well. Made to resist the weather and elements (sun shine, etc) and B) have the family or friends for it. If you've got kids or entertain a lot, or a big family who comes over, then its perfect. If it's a small family and they aren't into the idea then its a waste. It's novel a few times but after that its just a waste that deteriorates into uselessness.

 

[destrekor]

semantics - for many of us the term is interchangeable (wrong or not)

Semantics? They are in fact very specific methods of cooking (we won't go into all the methods of barbecuing, each region has it's own flair).
So it kind of helps if everyone is on the same page. I am, at the moment, not even in the same book.... lost as hell. What are we talking about here?

A permanent fixture with a fancy grill and maybe some side burners (possibly an oven?) or other various cookware as the centerpiece, with what is effectively a lot of cooktop/tabletop/work area/buffet space?
Or is this some kind of outdoor pit, or a barrel smoker pit or some such crazy contraption built into some foundation... or?

 

[GasX]

I am resurrecting this thread to see if anyone has any recommendations for built in grills. These mutha effers are expensive, so I want to make sure I get a good one...

Looking at AOG and Bull right now, as I don't want to creep into the stratosphere on price...

 

[HardcoreRobot]

i would only want a nice outdoor kitchen if i lived in a good indoor/outdoor climate area, or had a substantial outdoor entertaining area. as it stands i grill at least weekly, but it only would make sense to have more than a grill if there was a reason to be outside other than just grill.

 

[DesiPower]

I have a gas bbq grill and use it pretty often, some months I will use it 3 4 times a week sometime it wont be used 2 - 3 moths in a row, if have a 300 sqft covered patio and i wish I had an island, if I did I would probably use it the same...

I guess it depends on your usage habits, and if you are a heavy user and live in warm climate, its definitely worth it

 

[MotionMan]

i would only want a nice outdoor kitchen if i lived in a good indoor/outdoor climate area, or had a substantial outdoor entertaining area. as it stands i grill at least weekly, but it only would make sense to have more than a grill if there was a reason to be outside other than just grill.

I have friends who live in an apartment in an area where it snows. Even in the winter, they love going out on the balcony and cooking on their Hibachi as they freeze their asses off. Then they eat it on their couch watching TV.

Yeah, I don't get it.

MotionMan

 

[manimal]

Its only a waste if you dont enjoy it.