Yes, if you want to easily transition your Memphis freestanding grill into an outdoor kitchen island, today or in the future, it is easy to do with a Memphis Slide-in Kit.  Simply remove the side shelves and attach the Slide-in Kit and place the grill with lower cabinet in your new outdoor island. Available with Elite, Pro and earlier freestanding models.

The grill should be covered when not in use and it is best to use one of our Memphis grill covers designed to fit your model exactly. Our new covers come with Velcro to keep them from blowing off and the built-ins covers have hooks and weights to help keep the cover in place when it’s windy. Stone and granite islands typically do not have to be covered. For island storage units, if you have high grade stainless steel, such as 304 (which we have in the Memphis brand), your doors and drawers for storage do not have to be covered.

The size of your outdoor kitchen will be determined by the amount of space you have available, how you plan to use it and your budget. A small island can be 4 or 5 feet wide, or if you have ample area, you can go for a 9’ island or longer. Review your budget, outdoor area and speak with your landscaper or grill dealer about your ideas. They will be able to help you in designing your space.

There are a variety of storage choices for outdoor kitchens, so it’s easy to personalize it to your preferences. You will want doors and drawers to hold grilling accessories and tools, sauces, pellets, and other items you will want for convenience in your cooking process. Make sure to select high quality products for your island, such as 304 stainless steel doors and drawers, with soft closures and slides that will handle at least 100 pounds in weight for durability. You may also want to look at a cooler or refrigerator, but that depends on your space and budget limitations.

The cost of an outdoor kitchen can vary widely depending on the size and features you choose. If you are starting with a small cart, you can begin your Memphis kitchen for about $2,000. If you are looking for more of a built-in kitchen with storage, the smallest Memphis Stone Kitchen with grill and one lower drawer and side drawer set is about $12,000. The largest stone island with grill and storage would be approximately $21,000. You can spend even more if you want something custom built. Think through your usage, budget, and the return on investment.

When designing your dream outdoor kitchen, the sky’s the limit! However, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider how you will use your outdoor kitchen and what appliances you will need. Then, choose a layout that works for your space and flow.

Visit a grill or outdoor kitchen designer to start getting some ideas. Memphis dealers can help you with what you will need to build your dream outdoor kitchen. You will want to think about how you plan to use your outdoor kitchen. Here are just a few questions you should ask:

• How often will you be entertaining?
• For how many people?
• Do you want more of a casual, down-home feel or something a little more sophisticated?
• How much storage for utensils, wood pellets, sauces or spices will you need?
• Do you want a beverage refrigerator or cooler? If so, how large?  
• Do you want a sink with running water for preparations and clean up?

The hardest part will be prioritizing your wants with your budget. You can always start with the grill and grill island and build on with other features when time and money permits. Also, remember that cooking meals and feeding your guests is your first priority for the outdoor kitchen. Don’t skimp on the equipment, most importantly the grill. We believe wood fire grilling is hands-down the best, and Memphis is the best pellet grill on the market (we may be biased, but we are true believers!). Lastly, don’t forget the details. Adding personal touches like decorations, lighting, and comfortable furniture will make your outdoor kitchen a space you’ll love to spend time in.

Happy Grilling!