6 outdoor kitchen island ideas to maximize an alfresco cooking space

The increased desire for outdoor living spaces – for cooking and dining in particular – has put outdoor kitchen islands at the top of people's wish lists. Once considered a luxury design feature for both indoors and out, for many, they are now an essential part of a kitchen design.

When planning your outdoor kitchen ideas, both practical and style-focused elements have to be considered. If you love to entertain and cook, and spend every chance you get outdoors in the summer months, then kitchen island ideas can help transform part of your outside space into a truly stand-out kitchen design.

From the materials to use to helpful layout and storage tips, these outdoor kitchen island ideas are hardy to the elements without compromising on the design style you love.

Our favorite outdoor kitchen island ideas 

Not every outdoor kitchen has space for an island, but these ideas feature something to suit every style and space. From integrated appliances to stylish bar seating, these schemes take the lead from indoor kitchen ideas, and prove how an outdoor kitchen island can transform your design.

1. Add essential appliances and storage

An outdoor kitchen island might not require the same amount of storage and practical features as an indoor island design, but there is still much to consider when designing kitchen island storage ideas that work for your space. 

'Outdoor kitchen islands are always a practical choice because they provide handy storage and room for appliances, making outdoor entertaining a breeze,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan. From wine fridges to cupboards for pots and, think carefully about how you will use your outdoor kitchen island and what you want hidden and on display.

'With built-in features like cabinets and refrigerators, they can keep everything you need close at hand, allowing you to focus on enjoying your time with guests without constant trips back and forth to the indoor kitchen. Plus, islands create a focal point in your outdoor area, adding both function and style to your backyard oasis,' she adds.

2. Make the island height lower for seating

If your main priority is entertaining and outdoor dining, make sure your outdoor kitchen island design reflects that. Rather than designating a small space for bar-style seating, consider a design that integrates a more formal seating arrangement into the island.

'When thinking about adding an outdoor kitchen island, always first consider how you like to entertain and what you need most in that space. Think about whether you'll use it for casual dining – it's all about making sure it fits your hosting style and the vibe of your outdoor space,' advises Marie.

In this outdoor kitchen, rather than making the island the same height as the cabinetry, it has been lowered so it is the correct size for traditional dining chairs. This allows for comfortable dining, rather than having to make space for an island and an outdoor dining table. We explore more kitchen island seating ideas in our separate piece.

3. Integrate a BBQ

An outdoor kitchen is often centered around BBQ cooking, so why not make this feature the focal point of the island? Much like in an indoor kitchen, an island is a great place to add in multi-purpose design features, helping to create a more functional and social space.

Integrating your main cooking appliances into your outdoor kitchen island ensures whoever is cooking can still get involved with socializing, rather than being tucked away around a corner away from guests.

In this outdoor kitchen, the BBQ has been added to the island, we love how the bright pink shade establishes an elegant contrast with the sleek black tiles and white countertop, helping to create an eye-catching feature.

4. Introduce a peninsula kitchen island layout

When designing your space, considering your outdoor kitchen island layout is key to creating a successful scheme, marrying function and style seamlessly.

The peninsula kitchen layout is popular in homes big, small, and open plan, but it works beautifully in an outdoor kitchen, too – particularly if you have a large outdoor space that you need to zone for different uses.

In this space, the peninsula island has been cleverly used to separate the outdoor kitchen from the pool, while bar seating has been added on the inside of the island. 

While this isn't the usual layout for an outdoor kitchen island, in this scheme, it allows diners to sit and enjoy the surrounding backyard view.

5. Opt for weather-resistant stone

Choosing the right material is key when designing an outdoor kitchen island. From natural elements to the everyday wear and tear typical of kitchens, an outdoor kitchen island used for cooking and eating requires materials that are hardy to potential staining. 

'We have seen an increasing desire for year-round garden entertaining. Don’t make the mistake of choosing the wrong materials,' says Mor Krisher, head of design at Caesarstone.

'Natural stone, such as marble, is highly susceptible to staining, especially in a high-traffic, exposed area such as your outdoor kitchen. To avoid substantial staining, you would have to seal your marble surfaces at least annually,' Mor adds. Consider counters made from granite, concrete, or soapstone for an outdoor kitchen island that will last.

6. Use a portable island from an indoor kitchen

Not everyone has the space or need for a large, permanent outdoor kitchen island. So, introducing a portable kitchen island that can be used inside and out is a great solution. A butcher's block is a perfect choice, as it is a simple cabinet on wheels that can seamlessly blend with the rest of your kitchen scheme. We explore, are butcher's blocks the new kitchen island in our dedicated feature.

'In this particular kitchen design for a home in North London, we incorporated a mobile island on wheels, allowing the clients to effortlessly transition their culinary hub from indoor gatherings to outdoor soirées in the garden,' explains Fiona Ginnett, creative director and co-founder at HØLTE.

'This innovative feature not only enhances the functionality of the space but also adds a touch of flexibility and convenience for hosting memorable events,' she adds.

There are so many options when it comes to outdoor kitchen island ideas. Whether your space is small or large, centered around cooking or socializing, these designs prove an island will elevate any kitchen scheme – indoors or out! 

For some more helpful tips, we look at how much does an outdoor kitchen cost and how to plan an outdoor kitchen in our separate guides.