Barbecue Island / Outdoor Bar units - Reccomendations

SJP · Dec 30, 2018

At a fork in the road no pun intended. I have an outdoor prefabbed unit attached pictured with cooler drawer 110 power and 24 inch convection / single burner / searing plate propane grill (Firestone Legacy 24i 24X22X12H. Bar / with a couple of stools on the back. There is a blender I think on the right - I have never used. Simple and works from a layout standpoint. Pictured below.

So after using the grill for a couple of years I have come to a couple of conclusions. The grill is too small for the cooking I do and the convection / single burner just does not work for me. I have been told this by a couple of professional cooks that have used the grill as well.

After researching replacing the actual unit I cannot find a lot of drop in replacement options (still may just try going this route). Other thought is replacing whole island with a larger unit. I have more room on both sides. I do not need a lot of counter space. Do not want a whole outer kitchen / sink / refrigeration and a bunch of storage for stuff to be kept outside. Drawers would be better for grill materials. The cooler drawer is useless. I saw a thread a few years ago where someone was building them on here. Cannot remember who was doing this. I guess I am not looking for a 72 but the 24 is killing me.

What have you guys put in your back yards with good results?

TripleB · Dec 30, 2018

I have a 30" Lynx grill that I just put in, replaced the old one that was wrecked by Irma

TCHB · Dec 30, 2018

How about dropping in another one.

SJP · Dec 30, 2018

I am going to research the feasibility of extending the cutout area to accommodate a larger grill as well.

BHC Vic · Dec 30, 2018

Go big or leave it alone. That’s my theory right now. I’m out of money or I would be going all out.

TCHB · Dec 30, 2018

For you guys that need more temperature when cooking. I bought for my grill and it works great. If you need more flame this will do it. https://www.amazon.com/Regulator-Adjustable-Connector-Controller-Fitting-Safety/dp/B07D6NLK56/ref=asc_df_B07D6NLK56/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726540556971&psc=1

ONE-A-DAY · Dec 30, 2018

Have one built custom to your specs, that’s what we did in our last house and our doing again at the foothill house.

Motor Boater · Dec 30, 2018

I’m building one right now. I got a really nice drop in for my bbq project at bbqs galore. It’s a 3 burner and probably not much bigger than yours.

Spot · Dec 30, 2018

BHC Vic said:
Go big or leave it alone. That’s my theory right now. I’m out of money or I would be going all out.

Are you building this right now BHC?

BHC Vic · Dec 30, 2018

A buddy. I had some material from our chino place I didn’t need so I was helping out.

DrunkenSailor · Dec 30, 2018

Motor Boater said:
I’m building one right now. I got a really nice drop in for my bbq project at bbqs galore. It’s a 3 burner and probably not much bigger than yours.

View attachment 714430 View attachment 714431 View attachment 714432
View attachment 714433 View attachment 714434 View attachment 714435

this requires a build thread for sure. badass.

DrunkenSailor · Dec 30, 2018

BHC Vic said:
Go big or leave it alone. That’s my theory right now. I’m out of money or I would be going all out. View attachment 714419 View attachment 714420 View attachment 714421 View attachment 714422

this one needs a build thread too. Very cool.

DB / HAV · Dec 30, 2018

Kinda hard to see- This is a pretty good one from fire magic, works great, has a glass front and is big. I still use my treager 95% of the time.

Universal Elements · Dec 30, 2018

For the island you have, see if you could enlarge the opening and drop this in. It’s a good unit, built well and not overly expensive. I just did a stand alone model and customized to an exsisting island.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Kitchen...rner-and-Rotisserie-Burner-740-0781/204268053

Spot · Dec 30, 2018

[QUOTE="DB / HAV, post: 3196664,
Kinda hard to see- This is a pretty good one from fire magic, works great, has a glass front and is big. I still use my treager 95% of the time.[/QUOTE]

I was shopping for BBQ Islands recently and the salesman flat out said, everyone is buying islands and still rolling out there Traegers to cook. He said you can’t beat the functional aspects of a traeger. He was honest and said the high dollar grills are taking a big hit because of it.

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mjc · Dec 30, 2018

I am planning on using a webber when I build mine

Icky · Dec 30, 2018

What do you guys think about the Memphis built In pellet grills? This got me looking at them again, by the time I do a built in bbq and buy a smoker, seems like a wash.

Motor Boater · Dec 30, 2018

Spot said:
[QUOTE="DB / HAV, post: 3196664,
Kinda hard to see- This is a pretty good one from fire magic, works great, has a glass front and is big. I still use my treager 95% of the time.

I was shopping for BBQ Islands recently and the salesman flat out said, everyone is buying islands and still rolling out there Traegers to cook. He said you can’t be functional aspects of a traeger. He was honest and said the high dollar grills are taking a big hit because of it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro[/QUOTE]

To me this is apples and oranges. The pellet grills are great but if I buy a good steak I don’t want it flavored with smoke. I like good prime cuts of meat cooked on gas or charcoal with olive oil, fresh ground pepper and sea salt only. The traegers are awesome but I will always have a gas grill and a smoker.

SoCalDave · Dec 30, 2018

mjc said:
I am planning on using a webber when I build mine

Pretty much what I did when I built mine a couple of years ago. Natural gas as well.

Motor Boater · Dec 31, 2018

Icky said:
What do you guys think about the Memphis built In pellet grills? This got me looking at them again, by the time I do a built in bbq and buy a smoker, seems like a wash.

I know a couple people that have Memphis pellet grills. In fact I had steaks off one last night. They are great. Easy to use. Set the temp, put the probe in your brisket or whatever and walk away. When using it for grilling there is Only a small area that flames up for typical grilling but I think that’s my buddies only complaint. His is several years old so I’m sure they have improved.

DB / HAV · Dec 31, 2018

Spot said:
[QUOTE="DB / HAV, post: 3196664,
Kinda hard to see- This is a pretty good one from fire magic, works great, has a glass front and is big. I still use my treager 95% of the time.

I was shopping for BBQ Islands recently and the salesman flat out said, everyone is buying islands and still rolling out there Traegers to cook. He said you can’t be functional aspects of a traeger. He was honest and said the high dollar grills are taking a big hit because of it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro[/QUOTE]
This is so true! Mainly use my barbecue for carne asada and searing meat. Treager rocks!

DB / HAV · Dec 31, 2018

Motor Boater said:
I was shopping for BBQ Islands recently and the salesman flat out said, everyone is buying islands and still rolling out there Traegers to cook. He said you can’t be functional aspects of a traeger. He was honest and said the high dollar grills are taking a big hit because of it.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

To me this is apples and oranges. The pellet grills are great but if I buy a good steak I don’t want it flavored with smoke. I like good prime cuts of meat cooked on gas or charcoal with olive oil, fresh ground pepper and sea salt only. The traegers are awesome but I will always have a gas grill and a smoker.[/QUOTE]

100% true- I will always have both, I am just using the treager a lot more than my bbq. Love both & wish Fire Magic made a nice drop in stainless treager type smoker.

Icky · Dec 31, 2018

Motor Boater said:
I know a couple people that have Memphis pellet grills. In fact I had steaks off one last night. They are great. Easy to use. Set the temp, put the probe in your brisket or whatever and walk away. When using it for grilling there is Only a small area that flames up for typical grilling but I think that’s my buddies only complaint. His is several years old so I’m sure they have improved.

That was my concern, the small typical grill area doesn't seem practical for large gatherings. Thanks for the feed back

River Dirt 2 · Dec 31, 2018

DB / HAV · Dec 31, 2018

Y

River Dirt 2 said:
View attachment 714505 View attachment 714506 View attachment 714507 View attachment 714508

You will love that Fire Magic Echelon! Awesome bbq!! Nice job!!

River Dirt 2 · Dec 31, 2018

DB / HAV said:
Y

You will love that Fire Magic Echelon! Awesome bbq!! Nice job!!

You are right, going on 10 years now since the build. Still works perfect.

boat527 · Dec 31, 2018

TCHB said:
For you guys that need more temperature when cooking. I bought for my grill and it works great. If you need more flame this will do it. https://www.amazon.com/Regulator-Adjustable-Connector-Controller-Fitting-Safety/dp/B07D6NLK56/ref=asc_df_B07D6NLK56/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid={creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=t&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583726540556971&psc=1

Maybe you propane heros should study what a high pressure regulator will do to your grill before you run out and buy this...Your grills are LOW pressure appliances.. rated and tested that way...all you need is a little more gas.. not 10 times what it was designed to use.

Don't!

TCHB · Dec 31, 2018

boat527 said:
Maybe you propane heros should study what a high pressure regulator will do to your grill before you run out and buy this...Your grills are LOW pressure appliances.. rated and tested that way...all you need is a little more gas.. not 10 times what it was designed to use.

Don't!

I have used mine for over a year now with no problems.
My unit has a 1/2 SS pipe bent in a U that has holes drilled in it. The more gas pressure you give it the higher the flame.
It is kind of like your control knob. Do I think the gas pressure could rupture the pipe?? Nope
How much gas pressure am I putting into the burner now? About 4# max.

MaxedOutMarine · Dec 31, 2018

SJP said:
At a fork in the road no pun intended. I have an outdoor prefabbed unit attached pictured with cooler drawer 110 power and 24 inch convection / single burner / searing plate propane grill (Firestone Legacy 24i 24X22X12H. Bar / with a couple of stools on the back. There is a blender I think on the right - I have never used. Simple and works from a layout standpoint. Pictured below.

View attachment 714393

So after using the grill for a couple of years I have come to a couple of conclusions. The grill is too small for the cooking I do and the convection / single burner just does not work for me. I have been told this by a couple of professional cooks that have used the grill as well. After researching replacing the actual unit I cannot find a lot of drop in replacement options (still may just try going this route). Other thought is replacing whole island with a larger unit. I have more room on both sides. I do not need a lot of counter space. Do not want a whole outer kitchen / sink / refrigeration and a bunch of storage for stuff to be kept outside. Drawers would be better for grill materials. The cooler drawer is useless. I saw a thread a few years ago where someone was building them on here. Cannot remember who was doing this. I guess I am not looking for a 72 but the 24 is killing me.

What have you guys put in your back yards with good results?

This made my day [emoji1787][emoji12]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

boatpi · Dec 31, 2018

Who on the boards does the concrete tops in Las Vegas?

Tank0088 · Dec 31, 2018

I’m not sure where you live but this is for everyone here, DO NOT give your money to GORILLA BBQ in Corona,CA. Shady company with shitty customer service. I spent a ton of money from there with my island/bbq. They just have an interesting way of running their business and I’m surprised they are still in business.

Anyways I bought a Delta Heat 32” BBQ and I love it. I just need to figure out how to use it.

SJP · Dec 31, 2018

Some great replies and insight here. Wow! Some of your Backyard Bistros are pretty elaborate. DB/HAV I had to triple check your pics - I almost asked how you venalated your que in a living room

. Looks like an awesome space. If I built half of some of these GiGi would expect me to take on actually cooking.

Like a lot of things there is no replacement for displacement. I think the one burner combined with limited surface area coupled with the concept of a searing plate / convention bque (I have no idea what these two things are even used for) is limiting me. Pretty sure I am getting enough gas to it but will verify. I want to be careful because it does hang off of a 200gal tank. I think modding this may be ill advised and the firemen on the board will appreciate my cautious approach in this area.

Here is one model that should just drop in. It is pricey but I just started looking. If I can easily expand the cutout without bastardizing the island I figure I can get a bigger grill for essential a similar price point. At my house in HB we use a Traeger smoker in the side yard for fish and ribs etc and prime cuts on a DCS grill. I like the grill in HB nice, works well.
https://www.bbqguys.com/fire-magic/...-analog-thermometer-and-rotisserie-a430i-6eap

DrunkenSailor · Dec 31, 2018

My Weber summit is 10 years old and still going strong. I know what I'm buying when it's time.

DB / HAV · Jan 1, 2019

SJP said:
Some great replies and insight here. Wow! Some of your Backyard Bistros are pretty elaborate. DB/HAV I had to triple check your pics - I almost asked how you venalated your que in a living room . Looks like an awesome space. If I built half of some of these GiGi would expect me to take on actually cooking.

Like a lot of things there is no replacement for displacement. I think the one burner combined with limited surface area coupled with the concept of a searing plate / convention bque (I have no idea what these two things are even used for) is limiting me. Pretty sure I am getting enough gas to it but will verify. I want to be careful because it does hang off of a 200gal tank. I think modding this may be ill advised and the firemen on the board will appreciate my cautious approach in this area.

Here is one model that should just drop in. It is pricey but I just started looking. If I can easily expand the cutout without bastardizing the island I figure I can get a bigger grill for essential a similar price point. At my house in HB we use a Traeger smoker in the side yard for fish and ribs etc and prime cuts on a DCS grill. I like the grill in HB nice, works well.
https://www.bbqguys.com/fire-magic/...-analog-thermometer-and-rotisserie-a430i-6eap

You can’t go wrong with Fire Magic!

throttle · Jan 1, 2019

Initially I was just going to keep rolling a grill out the back door of the garage. Had planned to just roll it into a space between countertops. Then decided do it right and build an island behind the bar. I bought a Summerset grill online for a couple grand and haven’t even used it yet.

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530RL · Jan 1, 2019

This Viking is 14 years old. Sits in the summer heat/sun, and in the winter rain. May be a little more expensive but never had a problem.

throttle · Jan 1, 2019

I need to get a fridge for the bar [emoji848]

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Socalx09 · Jan 2, 2019

My dad ended up ordering a custom grill from the guy who makes them for pollo loco. He works with him so he got a discount. Have a lot of large family gatherings and usually the food involved is kabobs. And those take up a lot of space and you need to make a lot of them. He got tired of standing there all afternoon cooking. It is huge. I hate it because it gets hot quick and making a few burgers is a task, for me at least. My dad has mastered using the temps. But, you can cook everything at one time. I’d go as big as you can and maybe consult a custom stainless steel shop to make you one since you already have an island with a cut out.

RiverDave · Jan 2, 2019

DB / HAV said:
View attachment 714455
Kinda hard to see- This is a pretty good one from fire magic, works great, has a glass front and is big. I still use my treager 95% of the time.

I would kill to have an outdoor fireplace / patio sitting area like that.

RD

RiverDave · Jan 2, 2019

530RL said:
This Viking is 14 years old. Sits in the summer heat/sun, and in the winter rain. May be a little more expensive but never had a problem.

View attachment 714915

I had a Viking similar to that down in Parker that we put in. Best grill ever!

RD

nordic454 · Jan 3, 2019

For some reason drop in grills are so much more expensive than stand alone grills. I originally built my outdoor kitchen in 2015, and used my existing Char Broil Commercial Series grill and built it in. Worked great for years. This summer I replaced it with a brand new KitchenAid 5 burner 30”, that fit into the same a lot. Took off the wheels, and fastened it to thre frame of the structure. With the steel stud construction, concrete countertops, stacked stone, electrical, lights, stereos, and refrigerator, I am in the whole thing for around $5k. I designed and built everything myself.
I recommend anyone who is ha day to do it themselves, otherwise this would be a $20k investment easy.