Our Picks For Top Natural Gas Grill Islands
Our top choice for the best natural gas grill island is the Bull Octi-Q Grill Island. It offers a large cooking capacity so that even when a greater number of guests need to be catered for, the chef is able to serve up plenty of food as it is needed. The warming rack is a great touch as this helps even more when lots of guests need to be fed.
BBQs are meant to be sociable gatherings and the Bull Octi-Q helps achieve this with its large octagonal worktop which guests can sit around to eat, drink and chat together.
Short List of Our Favorite Natural Gas Grill Islands
- Bull Octi-Q Grill Island
- Blaze BBQ Island
- Lynx Sedona BBQ Island
- Lion Advanced BBQ Island
- Cal 4-Burner Barbecue Grill Island
The Blaze BBQ Island is another grill island which can cater for larger gatherings or big family BBQs. It offers the BBQ chef a large degree of flexibility and convenience by allowing them to have burners cooking at different temperatures depending on what’s cooking.
It also has a larger than normal refrigerator to keep all that food fresh or when the party starts to liven up, keep all the drinks cold. With a double door unit underneath plus two drawers, this is a grill with which you’ll never lack storage space to keep things tidy and easily to hand.
The Lynx Sedona BBQ Island gives you everything you’ll want from a natural gas grill island with some special added features. On a practical level, it has a high capacity and is easy to use.
The grill cover can be opened very easily and has a built-in thermometer which is useful. The finishing touch is the blue LED lights which look fantastic when you’re having a cook out after dark.
Simplicity is what the Lion BBQ Natural Gas Grill Island offers so even the least experienced of chefs can cook fantastic BBQ food. It has a rotisserie which adds to the range of food types that can be cooked and a large worktop area on which to prepare or serve it.
The Cal Barbecue Grill offers all the benefits of a natural gas grill island and price that is very desirable too. Simple to operate, it comes with several useful features to help make cooking for any family BBQ a stress-free experience.
P.S. Did you know that you can make pizza on a grill? There are a variety of approaches, including using pizza stones.
#1 Bull Octi-Q Grill Island
Our #1 ranked and best natural gas grill island is the Bull Octi-Q Grill Island. The first thing that strikes when you look at it, is its unique shape. The granite countertop is octagonal which is set up perfectly for your guests to sit around whilst you prepare them the perfect steak or burgers.
Cooking on the main grill is a delight as it has built-in ignition, dial control and a total of five separate burners. There are four in the primary grill for all the main cooking, a separate single burner for boiling or frying plus there is a very useful 210 square inch warming rack.
There is a built-in 4.5 cubic foot refrigerator which can keep all your food perfectly fresh until you are ready to cook it whilst at the same time keeping wine, beer or soft drinks beautifully chilled.
To make the cooking experience easier there is a double doored unit under the grill for storage and access to the gas line. For added convenience, there is an electric socket on the side of the island so you can use appliances such as an electric carving knife or a food mixer.
The entire island is easy to clean and built from durable galvanized steel to avoid rusting and to keep it looking as new summer after summer.
One other point which many customers love is the Bull Octi-Q Grill Island customization options which let you add features or choose different finishes if you wish.
Things We Liked
- Lots of cooking capacity
- Useful heating rack
- Built-in refrigerator
- Electrical socket
- Large octagonal worktop
Things We Didn’t Like
- No drawer spaces
- Not suitable for decking
==> Buy It From Hay Needle
#2 Blaze BBQ Island With 32-Inch 4-Burner Natural Gas Grill & Power Burner
Our next grill comes from Blaze who have 45 years of experience manufacturing grills and outdoor equipment. This particular natural gas island grill gives users the versatility and the convenience to make outdoor cooking a complete joy.
The grill is a generous 32 inches wide and with the added power burner there is plenty of capacity for a big cook out for all the family. Heat separators allow the designated chef to cook at different temperatures depending on the type of food they are cooking.
The burners are activated using a very simple push and turn ignition system and once alight the flames have a stabilizing grid to avoid flare-ups. With the power burner in use you can boil, fry or simmer other foods whilst the main meat and vegetables are on the grill. It is also ideal for cooking with a wok when you want to add some stir fry to the menu.
Food waiting to be cooked can be kept fresh in the 5.2 cubic foot refrigerator which saves you a lot of time by not having to go back and forth to the kitchen indoors. The refrigerator is also perfect for keeping drinks cold which will be especially welcomed by the person cooking the food on a hot summer’s day.
There is plenty of storage within the island which includes a double door unit under the grill with a handy paper towel holder. There is also a double drawer unit for the convenient storage of all your utensils and cooking pans.
The island is constructed from lightweight aluminum which is rust free, requires the minimum of maintenance and is all backed by Blaze’s lifetime warranty.
Things We Liked
- Heat separators
- Large main cooking area
- Separate power burner
- Durable and lightweight aluminum construction
- Lots of storage space
Things We Didn’t Like
- Worktop space rather small
- Very plain visually
==> Buy It From BBQ Guys
#3 Lynx Sedona BBQ Island With 36-Inch Natural Gas BBQ Grill
There is something magical about cooking outside at night and the folks at Sedona have added a small but very welcome feature to this grill island to enhance that. Within the paneling, there are blue LED lights which add a special touch to the ambience when you are cooking after dark. Might not seem like much but we love it!
Whether it’s dark or light when you are cooking, this Lynx Sedona island grill has a large 36-inch cooking area with two stainless steel main burners and a single ‘ProSear’ burner which can be used for heating up gravy or even keeping a coffee pot warm. If you want to distribute the heat evenly when cooking, you can click ceramic briquets into place over the main burners.
Other small but welcome features apply to the grill hood, which is spring loaded so it lifts with just the touch of one finger. It also has a thermometer on the outside so you can check the temperature of the food being cooked at any time.
Cold drinks can be kept close by in the built-in refrigerator which has a 4.1 cubic foot capacity and you also have plenty of storage space thanks to a double doored unit under the grill.
Things We Liked
- Built-in LED lighting
- Thermometer in grill hood
- Very large cooking area
- Simple to operate
- Ceramic briquets for even heat
Things We Didn’t Like
- Refrigerator capacity is small
- Limited worktop area
==> Buy It From BBQ Guys
#4 Lion Advanced BBQ Island With 32-Inch Natural Gas Grill
If you are looking for a simple natural gas island grill that can cook great food then this Lion grill could be the answer.
The grill has a 32-inch cooking area with 4 main gas flame units which are easy to light and subsequently control using the front mounted dials. These produce a steady flame, making it easier for you to control cooking times and temperatures.
For added cooking convenience there is a single rotisserie burner to the rear of the unit which can be used to heat other food separate from the main burners.
As you are cooking you have convenient access to utensils, pans and seasoning holders by storing them all in the double-door unit which is located underneath the grill.
To store food which needs to be kept cold, there is a built-in refrigerator which can also be used to keep drinks nicely chilled for you and your guests. It even has a crisper drawer so your cold salad vegetables are perfect when you serve them.
When prepping or serving you can use the ample worktop space which has an earth tile surface ideal for chopping or cutting. For those of you who like extra functionality, there are several accessories and upgrades available with the Lion grill including ceramic flame tamers and a charcoal tray.
Things We Liked
- Rotisserie burner
- Very easy to operate
- Crisping drawer in refrigerator
- Large worktop area
- Upgrades available
Things We Didn’t Like
- No drawer spaces
- No single power burner
==> Buy It From BBQ Guys
#5 Cal 4-Burner Barbecue Grill Island
For those who might be on a slightly restricted budget this Cal Flame Outdoor Kitchen is a great opportunity to buy a top quality natural gas island grill without spending top dollar.
The main grill area has four main gas burners and a separate infrared rotisserie back burner to give added flexibility. The grill is 27 inches wide which isn’t the biggest but is fine for family BBQ use.
Operating the grill is made simple with separate ignition for each burner and temperature control knobs means each burner can be regulated independently. Other useful features to aid cooking include a full-length drip tray, a rotisserie motor and guards on the burners to prevent them getting clogged with food debris.
You can keep food fresh and drinks cold in the built-in refrigerator which has 5 shelves to help you easily organize the contents within it. Storage of your pots, pans and utensils is taken care of, thanks to the single door unit under the grill which gives you easy access to the contents.
The construction is mainly stainless steel throughout for durability and to ensure no rusting occurs. The worktop surface is tiled with a choice of two colors and for that finishing touch, there is an umbrella hole so you can cook under shade on those hot, sunny days.
Things We Liked
- Rotisserie heater
- Simple to ignite and control
- Tiled worktop
- Durable and easy to clean
- Competitively priced
- Includes Refrigerator!
Things We Didn’t Like
- No drawer spaces
- Cooking area could be bigger
==> Buy It From Home Depot
Buyer’s Guide For Natural Gas Grill Islands
Given that buying a natural gas grill island is a reasonably sized investment it is sensible to consider several factors which will help you to decide which is the best one for you.
Firstly, think about the amount of food you are likely to cook and therefore the cooking capacity you are going to need when you are having BBQs. If you tend to invite lots of guests around and turn your BBQs into full blown parties then you want to make sure the number of burners and the grill capacity is at the upper end of the scale. On the other hand, if it is just small family cook outs then the need for lots of cooking capacity is not so great.
Something else which might be influenced by the size of your BBQ ‘guest list’ is the amount worktop space available for you to prepare and serve food. Guest numbers might also influence the size of the built-in refrigerator that you want.
When it comes to cooking the food, some grill islands have main burners and a separate single burner which is great if want to fry or boil something separately. However, your preference for food might be for all grilled therefore a rotisserie unit would be more appropriate.
The amount and types of storage which grill islands have to offer differ between models. The options might include a single door cupboard, double door cupboard and possibly drawers too. Base your choice on the number of utensils, pots and pans you are likely to use when cooking with your grill.
Construction materials tend to be either stainless steel, galvanized steel or aluminum so if you have a preference note which is used on each model. Check the specifications to ensure the sizes and weight of the grill are suitable for the base upon which they are going to be sited. Bear in mind some are not suitable for use on deck platforms so check this carefully.
Finally, you want to establish the shipping options, delivery requirements and the process for assembly of the grill. Different firms have different shipping options which may include some assembly. If the model you choose doesn’t have an assembly service make sure you are aware of the tools required and how many persons are recommended to help you assemble the grill island.
The Advantages Of Cooking With A Natural Gas Grill Island
Whether you have already chosen one, or are still thinking about which model to purchase, it is worth considering all the advantages that a natural gas grill island has to offer you. After all, this isn’t a $20 camp stove you’re going for here. This is something that will have pride of place in your garden or patio, so what does it (literally) bring to the party?
Well, before you so much as light a flame and cook the first burger, it is the appearance of the grill that you, your family and your guests are going to notice first. Think of how much more pleasing to the eye your beautifully designed grill island is going to be, compared to a regular BBQ grill that often looks like no more than an oil drum cut in half and laid sideways on some metal poles.
Your grill island with its cooking area and worktop is going will be the center of attention whilst all the cooking is going on, which brings us to another plus. As the food cooks, not only will your guests be able to enjoy all those wonderful smells, they can look forward to the food being served up properly on a worktop with plates and cutlery. Compare that to being handed flimsy paper plates and napkins which are all you are going to be able to offer them with a basic barbecue.
Obviously, the amount of food you can cook is greater given that natural gas grill islands have larger cooking areas. They also have greater flexibility for the chef as the burners can be regulated independently of each other, so various foods can be cooked at the right temperature and speed.
There is often a separate power burner upon which you can cook anything you like separately from the main food. This could be a soup, a stew, boiled vegetables or even a delicious stir fry. How many basic BBQs let you do all of that? Even if there is no single burner you will have a rotisserie unit or a warming rack to keep food warm before serving it to your guests.
Natural gas grill islands have lots of storage space which is hugely convenient when you are cooking. Pots, pans and utensils will all be easy to reach when you need them. This storage space can also be used to keep cans and bottles containing seasoning and sauces.
Every meal when being served, including those cooked on the BBQ, should be accompanied by a cold drink. Whether you prefer wine, beer or just good old orange juice, these can all be kept refreshingly cold in your grill island’s built-in refrigerator. Obviously, the refrigerator can also be used to keep food fresh prior to it being cooked, which no standard BBQ unit can do.
Imagine all this convenience and then compare it to a standard BBQ where there’s no refrigerator nor any storage. You’d be running back and forth from the kitchen to collect cold drinks every five minutes and then just when you’ve sorted that out, you’ll then have to head back in to find mustard for the hot dogs.
Natural gas grill islands are not only an extremely attractive addition to your garden or patio, they are one of the best ways to help your family and your guests enjoy a relaxing sunny day. Lots of wonderful food cooked to perfection thanks to the grill’s advanced cooking functions plus many convenient features to allow you (or your nominated BBQ chef) to fully enjoy the experience too.
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