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REAL FYRESmall Outdoor Kitchen Islands: Complete Summerset Packages & Design Ideas
6 Small Outdoor Kitchen Islands Ideas You’ll Love With Summerset Products
This step-by-step guide shows how to plan small outdoor kitchen islands with Summerset Grills and smart BBQ accessories. We’ll cover compact prefab outdoor kitchen layouts and custom BBQ islands, so you can size the grill, map a clean workflow, and choose add-ons you’ll actually use. Whether you’re working with a modest patio or a tight backyard corner, there’s a design approach that can make the most of your space. We’ll walk you through ideas that balance function, style, and comfort so you can enjoy outdoor cooking without feeling cramped.
Want to explore more? Check out our full Summerset blog series below for reviews, product guides, comparisons, and answers to common questions.
1) Choose the Right Summerset Grill for Your Island
Your grill anchors the design. For compact islands, 26–32″ models save counter space yet deliver real firepower. Summerset grills make it simple: Sizzler (value 304 stainless), Sizzler Pro (upgraded burners & lighting), TRL (premium heat, LED halos), and TRL Pro (cast-stainless, ceramic briquettes, rear IR + rotisserie kit). Match the grill width to the island so you still have room for prep, storage, and a side burner. When in doubt, choose the smallest grill that won’t cramp your cooking, clearances and workflow are more important than raw grate inches.
Want to explore more? Check out a few of our Summerset grills, you can click on the grill images to explore their details and specs. Or check out the button to explore all Summerset grills we offer.
2) Add Cooking Flexibility: Side Burners & Pizza Ovens
While your built-in grill is the star, adding a specialty cooking station can expand your menu and keep prep moving smoothly. Summerset offers a double side burner for sauces, sautés, and sides without tying up the main grill. For a show-stopping upgrade, the outdoor pizza oven lets you bake artisan pies, poultry, roasted veggies, desserts, and more. Pair it with the island flange kit for a polished, built-in finish that elevates the look of your bbq island. Crafted from #304 stainless steel, both the oven and flange kit are built to outlast the competition. Position these add-ons near your prep zone but outside the main hot area to maintain a safe, efficient workflow.
Want to explore more? Check out a few of our Summerset specialty cooking accessories, you can click on their images to explore their details and specs.
3) Smart Storage: Access Doors, Drawers & Trash Centers
Clean lines and clutter-free counters sell the look. Use access doors for gas and electrical service, soft-close drawers for tools and spices, and a trash/recycle pull-out for easy cleanup. Matching stainless faces keep the island cohesive and simplify care. Center double doors under the grill for service access, then flank with a 3-drawer stack and trash drawer to lock in an efficient prep triangle. Upgrading with compact bbq accessories such as utensil trays and spice racks keeps a small footprint highly functional.
Want to explore more? Check out a few of our Summerset kitchen storage products, you can click on their images to explore their details and specs. Or check out the button below those to explore the rest of the Summerset kitchen storage we offer.
4) Refrigeration & Bar Essentials for Entertaining
Cold storage reduces trips inside and speeds service. Pair an outdoor-rated refrigerator with a drop-in cooler or a bar center to form a self-contained beverage zone. Don’t skip the sink, it’s great for hand washing, quick rinses, and keeping prep surfaces clean; a compact bar sink fits tight islands and can share space with the cooler or speed rail. If you host often, a kegerator is a crowd-pleaser that frees up fridge space. On tight builds, swap a full bar center for a compact fridge + sink + ice bin combo to save 18–24″ while keeping service efficient. Add task lighting so you can see labels and pour confidently after dark, especially helpful on streamlined bbq islands.
Want to explore more? Check out a few of our Summerset fridges, wine coolers, & bar essentials. You can click on their images to explore their details and specs. Or check out the button below those to explore the rest of the Summerset refrigeration & bar essentials we offer.
5) Layouts that Work for Small Islands (6–12 ft)
6–8 ft (Tiny Patio): 26–30″ grill + access doors or 2‑drawer stack + slim trash pull‑out. Leave ~12″ of uninterrupted prep beside the grill and keep a clear 36″ walkway.
8–10 ft (Compact): 26–32″ grill + access doors + single side burner + 3‑drawer stack. Target 12–15″ of prep next to the grill and keep utilities centered for easy service access.
10–12 ft (Entertainer Small): 30–32″ grill + double side burner + drawers + 15″ outdoor fridge. If space allows, use a short L‑return or raised ledge for 2 stools to separate the cook zone from guests.
6) Final Touches & Next Steps with Best of Backyard
Dial in finishes, porcelain tile or natural stone counters, under-counter lighting, and non-slip pavers tie the space together. For coastal installs, rinse stainless more often and always use a cover to fight salt air. When you’re ready, bring measurements and inspiration pics to our Riverside showroom and we’ll turn your plan into a free 3D rendering. Seeing the layout to scale confirms clearances, the right grill size, and a parts list that fits your budget with summerset grills and space-smart bbq accessories.
Conclusion: Build Smarter with Summerset
Summerset grills deliver durable stainless construction, thoughtful features, and flexible sizing to execute everything from focused compact builds to resort-style entertaining spaces. Pair the right grill with smart storage, a side burner, and compact bar elements to create a layout that cooks as well as it looks. With a clear plan and the right bbq accessories, your island will feel purposeful on day one and scalable for future upgrades across custom and prefab outdoor kitchen projects.
Need a hand? Best of Backyard can map your island, spec components, and produce a free 3D design so you can see it before you build. Visit our showroom or send measurements and photos, we’ll keep your project on budget.
Best of Backyard Details:
• Address: 9901 Indiana Ave Unit 109, Riverside, CA 92503
• Number: (951) 977-8222
• Email: info@bestofbackyard.com
Small Outdoor Kitchen Islands FAQ
What grill size fits a compact island best?
Most homeowners choose a 26–32″ grill. It keeps clearances safe, leaves prep space, and still delivers plenty of heat. Larger islands can step up to 36″ without crowding.
Is a prefab outdoor kitchen worth it for small spaces?
Yes, prefab frames install faster, keep costs predictable, and still accept premium finishes, Summerset grills, and core storage pieces. They are ideal when access or timelines are tight.
Which BBQ accessories should I prioritize first?
Start with a single side burner, a 3-drawer stack, and a trash pull-out. Those three upgrades improve workflow the most while using minimal linear space.
Do I need an insulated jacket or extra ventilation?
If your island uses combustible framing, an insulated jacket is required. Add vent panels for safety and to protect components, especially important in compact installations.
How do I keep a small island low-maintenance?
Choose 304 stainless components, wipe down after each cook, and cover the grill. Keep tools in drawers and add a trash pull-out to cut clutter and cleanup time.
