Choosing the Right Grill
By Lisa Readie Mayer
You've decided to add a grill to your backyard - a great choice, as it creates an outdoor kitchen, where you can create a delicious meal for family and friends without leaving the outdoors fun. But don't run out and buy the first grill you lay eyes on; take some time to decide what type of grill is right for you, your backyard and your lifestyle.
Grilling Island Choices
One of the major decisions you'll face in buying your grill is whether you want it to be freestanding or built into an island. Grilling islands are most popular for outdoor kitchens because they provide a custom upscale look and offer the most flexibility. Similar to indoor kitchen islands, the grill is installed within cabinetry or masonry that does double duty as a work surface for preparing the meal and a buffet area for serving it.
Grilling islands come in two forms: permanently installed custom-built masonry islands and semi-custom prefabricated units. Permanent masonry islands are totally customized to meet your needs, and they afford the most flexibility in terms of design and materials. You can use the same stone or brick as your patio or house exterior for the island base, or you can exactly match the island's countertop with your pool tiles.
And, while custom masonry islands are pricier and require more legwork in terms of coordination with a contractor or mason and securing building permits, fans say that they add tremendous value to your home.
Semi-custom prefabricated grilling islands are becoming an increasingly popular option. Homeowners select from a variety of configurations and exterior finishes. After a customer has the cut-out dimensions for the grill as well as for other built-in appliances, the island is manufactured off-site according to the customer's specifications and delivered in two to three weeks, ready for grill installation.
Not surprisingly, more and more people are turning to prefab islands - sales were up 40 percent in the last year, according to two large manufacturers. Prefab islands are basically hassle-free, require no building permits and cost considerably less than totally custom islands. Prefab islands are quite heavy, but they are still portable and can go with you if you move to a new home.
Though prefab design choices are more limited, that is not to say that surfaces or configurations are boring. Manufacturers are offering an increasing number of stucco, faux stone and faux marble finishes and a wide array of counter tile colors and sizes. Configurations range from modest 5 ft. or 6 ft. rectangular shapes to models with multi-levels, L shapes or rounded table ends to accommodate bar stools for dining.
Beyond the grill and grilling island, there are a host of other appliances available to complete the backyard kitchen - including those with the sleek stainless steel finishes that are so popular today.
Freestanding Carts
If an island, prefab or custom unit is not in your budget, a grill mounted onto a freestanding cart may be your best option. Increasingly functional as well as stylish, carts come in popular stainless steel or powder-coated and porcelain enamel finishes to match pool and patio furniture.
Freestanding carts are advantageous in terms of affordability and portability. If you like to be able to wheel your grill and cook poolside, then a freestanding cart is right for you.
Some freestanding grill carts now include some very high-end options. Drawers that slide out for storing utensils, countertop prep areas and an umbrella attachment that provides shade for the chef are some of the latest frills. Some units contain a refrigerator in the base of the cart.