PGS Modano BBQ Island Customer Support & Warranty Information
Customer Support: On the website for AEI Corporation, PGS’ parent company, you’ll find manuals, product brochures, measurements, and FAQs, as well as a phone number and online form for any additional questions.
Warranty: The Modano island kit is covered for manufacturing defects, and its frame and structural components are covered for 15 years of residential use or 5 years of commercial use. All powder-coated finishes are covered for 5 years of residential use or 2 years of commercial use, while all cabinet accessories and parts are covered for 1 year regardless of use location.
The grill is covered by a lifetime residential warranty, while the flame tamers and brass valve assemblies are covered by a 10-year residential warranty (those warranties drop to 1 year for both under commercial use). Finally, the electronic ignition system is covered for 1 year regardless of use.
“Editor’s Choice – Best Buy BBQ Grill Island”
Weber Summit Grill Center Gas Grill
TYTUS Ash Stacked Stone Gas Grill Island Customer Support & Warranty Information
Customer Support: The Customer Center on TYTUS’ website has FAQs, manuals and other documents, how-to videos, warranty and registration forms, and three ways to contact their team: phone/text hotline, email address, and an online contact form.
Warranty: TYTUS products come with a limited warranty that covers defects in material and workmanship, starting from the original date of purchase. The stainless steel firebox, lid, burners, and cooking grates are all covered for 10 years. All other parts of the grill and island are covered for two years.
The Rating Criteria – How We Rate These Outdoor Kitchen Grill Islands
Value | | Construction | Innovation | Heat Control | Temperature Range | Minimum Flare-Ups | | Customer Support | |
We use the below expert rating criteria as we reviewed grill islands and kitchen kits from brands we trust, use, and love.
The main things to keep in mind during your search are the build materials, cooking surface size, heat control, cooking versatility, and wanted extras.
Your mileage may vary, however, so feel free to include any personal bells and whistles and deal-breakers, as well.
The main criteria we took into consideration when reviewing these grill islands are:
Value
Value is what you’re looking for when purchasing a grill. You want the best deals but you’re looking for that sweet spot between the amount you spend and the quality you get. The value of a grill is dependent on customer feedback, design, warranty, and performance.
The bottom line is that grill islands that we rate as having excellent value offer the best bang for your buck.
Design & Style
Of course, you want your grill island to fit in with the rest of your outdoor kitchen design—aesthetics matter. Appearance is an important feature when looking for that perfect grill and island because they’re built to last for generations.
Make sure you’re happy with the overall design before purchasing your grill island. The best design elements of your island are there to assist you throughout the grilling experience.
I know that your version of beauty might differ from ours but there are several factors that most everyone agrees on. That’s why we take into consideration things like seamless welding’s, control knob and lighting placements, the grill island finish, color options, venting design, and the hardware included.
Finally, we take into consideration the overall look and feel of the grill and island. You’ll learn some essential design elements about these features and more throughout our reviews.
Construction
The quality of construction is a good gauge of how long your grill island will last and which parts will need to be replaced first.
As with any major appliance, the construction of a grill island is vital to your safety and the grill’s life. Here are some construction recommendations we consider essential when shopping for grill islands and grills.
Is the grill made with 201 or 304 stainless steel? It can make a difference. Remember, we talked about heat distribution. Heat and steel are very compatible.
But while the popular 200 series stainless steel grills do have corrosion-free properties, the 300 series stainless-steel constructed grills “resist oxidation, are an easier fabrication, clean mostly streak-free, and are high strength with low weight.”
The best built-ins will be made mostly of or entirely of 304-grade stainless steel inside and out. This is your best bet for longevity and durability. 304-grade stainless steel will protect your grill from corrosion and dents the best.
Cast iron and porcelain materials will bring the overall costs down and will hold the heat a little bit better in some cases but these materials are a lot more susceptible to scratches, dents, and especially rust.
It pays to know your materials.
On that note, look for solid stainless-steel construction. The grill should be all-welded, meaning the frame shows no gaps. This is important as shoddy welding causes gaps in the seaming to allow grease and moisture accumulation, which causes corrosion.
Innovation & Features
Evaluating innovation is the fun part for me. We take into consideration the extra features of a grill island that are put in place to crank up the outdoor cooking and entertainment experience. Any brand that is continuously pushing the envelope with new and exciting features scores high marks.
A high-quality grill island kit is a technological work of craftsmanship, engineering, and design. Many talents and teams collaborate and take every grilling experience as seriously as you do.
To ensure your safety and improve your grilling and entertainment experience, a company that stands behind its grill products uses dedicated prototyping.
The concept of the grill island is continuously evaluated and upgraded. In-depth research backs up the grill island’s functionality, ensuring a lifetime of quality results.
After all, you want efficiency and expect quality. Your grill island five years from now should perform as well as the first day you pulled steaks from that grill.
You’ll experience the durability and performance of a quality island, knowing it’s been both tested for performance and chef-tested to ensure excellent results for every backyard cookout.
Even-Heat Distribution
This one is simple really.
Even heat simply means, how well the grill maintains the same temperature from one end to the other, or to be more precise, across the entire cooking surface.
In all of our research and testing, we realized that heat distribution has to be the most important factor when shopping for the best grill island and grill. Flame adjustability is a grill master’s magic wand.
When you have even heat distribution across the entire surface of your grill, it lets the food cook more evenly throughout and at the same rate. Even heat also lets you use your grill just as you would an oven giving you the flexibility to bake and slow roast your food.
The second factor would be the grill grates. As heat distributes, the grill grates should distribute the heat equally, so the entire grilling surface area lets all the food it touches sizzle and sear.
You should never have to be continually shuffling the food around to the “hot spots” on the grill grates. Not all grill grates are created equal though. You’ll learn more about this in our reviews.
The good news is, there is some astounding heat technology in this list of the best built-in gas grills.
And the third thing we like to consider regarding the best heat distribution ratio to grilled food results is the placement of the burners, the grill’s individual heat zones, and the ability to adjust the temperatures in these zones individually.
When doing your research, highlight grills that are double-walled or well-insulated, especially the hood. This will keep the heat inside of your grill where it belongs and will help to circulate the hot air evenly around your food.
High-quality burners and heavy-duty cooking grates that absorb and transfer heat well will also help with heat distribution.
Temperature Range
We look at how wide a temperature difference each grill has and its potential to perform well at both high and low ranges. If a grill scores highly in this category, then it will have no problem reaching and maintaining both low and high temps.
Additionally…
Most built-in gas grills have some type of analog thermometer nestled into the lid. Some simply indicate Low-Medium-High heat, while others are graduated to indicate temperatures between 100°F – 600°F.
Does it matter which style of thermometer your built-in gas grill features? We think, yes.
Also, grills with individual heat zones allow you to adjust these burners depending on what you’re grilling.
If you’re cooking many different types of food on the grill, it may be more beneficial to have a graduated thermometer to control the internal temperature with more precision.
But ultimately, I always recommend a Wireless Digital Meat Thermometer for the most accurate heat readings for your grill. Trust me when I say that using one of these devices will up your grilling game tremendously.
This is also where knowing what methods you will be using to cook comes into play. If you regularly cook meat that requires a hot and fast sear, you want a grill that will reach temperatures of at least 600 degrees or more for the best results.
It’s always better to have the capability to reach these higher temperatures even if you don’t regularly use it, than not have it when you need it.
Minimum Flare-Ups
While drippings are bound to cast off from the meat as it grills, controlling flare-ups is critical for several reasons.
Flare-ups send bursts of flame shooting back through the grill grates and can scorch the food. Too many greasy drippings and you’ve got the makings for a potential grease fire.
Oh, and don’t forget to clean the grill. Whatever makes it to the bottom, collects, which can be a heck of a mess to tackle.
- HOT TIP: A flare-up is normal; it is NOT something you should have to “put out.” If it gets to the point that you have to put it out, then it is a problem.
To avoid flare-ups, your built-in gas grill should have some type of sturdy metal drip tray. Other built-in gas grills we reviewed feature a perforated stabilizing tray to enhance the food’s flavors while you grill.
We look for a grill with a good flame-taming system and then consider the placement and distance of the burners from the grill grates.
Extra Features & Add-Ons
Many times, this comes down to what I call, “Must-Haves” or “Like to Haves” and is usually decided by your budget.
As a “Shiny Object” sufferer myself, this is one of my favorite categories.
One extra I highly recommend for all gas grills is a sear burner. Most gas grills are unable to sear a burger or steak properly without one. They just don’t reach the extreme heat required for a proper fast sear.
Other common extras include side burners, a rotisserie, built in thermostats, heat dividers, and lights for nighttime cooking. There are plenty of cool accessories to make your grilling experience complete.
You’ll discover some awesome extra options for each grill in the reviews.
Customer Suport
When you don’t know, where do you go? To the people that do know. Nothing beats fantastic customer support.
From the early stages when you’re shopping built-in gas grills, when you’re measuring the cut out for the grill to fit, and having fun collecting all the accessories and other appliances and add-ons, a knowledgeable, helpful, and accessible customer support team is essential.
In each of our reviews, we spell out different ways to reach the grill company’s support network and how customers have responded to that support.
Warranty & Company Reputation
This brings us to the warranty. A reputable grill manufacturing company that stands behind the quality and durability should offer the best warranty available.
Warranties can range from 1-year to a lifetime. Know your warranty and register your grill with the manufacturer before the first barbecue.
Although it seems arbitrary, it is essential to read the fine print. Ask questions to make sure you know what parts of your grill are covered under warranty. These include the burners, body and control valves, and what may be covered under a limited warranty, like the electric ignition system or a rotisserie motor.
Warranty information is included in all of our reviews.
Real User Feedback & Reviews
Who better to tell you, besides us, how a built-in gas grill performs than the barbecue enthusiast that owns the grill!
While the warranty certainly stands behind the manufacturer’s promises, it’s the real user feedback that puts the proof in the pudding.
Grillers are transparent and tell it straight. If a review says, “best grill ever,” or “the attention to detail on this grill makes it the best value around,” best believe, it’s coming from a user excited to share their opinion. We pass along some nuggets of wisdom, so you are well-informed about your built-in gas grill purchase.
We share the pros and cons of each grill in our reviews and include constructive and helpful user reviews and feedback.
Buyers Guide – What to Look For in an Outdoor Kitchen Grill Island
Custom Build or Outdoor Kitchen Kit | Choose The Perfect Layout | Which Appliances to Add | Choose the Fuel Type | Choose Finishes | Choose Countertop Materials
Any big purchase requires care and comparison. Because grill islands tend to be more expensive and slightly more complex than their standard charcoal grills are, you shouldn’t rush to buy the first one you see.
Comparison shop, research different models, and pay attention to the following checklist as you pick out the exact grill island that you want to showcase on your patio or in your yard.
For a more in-depth outdoor kitchen buyers guide that includes everything you need to know to help you purchase the right grill island for you, read my article: The Ultimate Outdoor Kitchen Buyers Guide
Decide Between a Custom Build or Outdoor Kitchen Kits
So you want the style and convenience of an outdoor kitchen, but do you want the work that comes with a custom build? If you’re willing to put in the elbow grease and money, a custom kitchen grill island build gives you full control over the size, style, and materials used in creating your cooking space. Plus, it becomes a more permanent part of your home and can up your resale value.
However, if you want a more effortless, hands-on way to elevate your outdoor cooking space, an outdoor kitchen kit is the way to go. There’s minimal planning involved and no waiting for contractors. Once the kit arrives, you can have it installed and be cooking within hours. Plus, a kit will be easy to transport if you move to a new home!
Decide Which Outdoor Kitchen Grill Island Layout Is Best for You
Before you pull the trigger on buying the first kitchen grill island that catches your eye, there are a few things you should consider first.
The biggest consideration to make when shopping for a grill island is the layout. Where will the island go in your outdoor space? More importantly, where can it go safely without the risk of it catching fire to your house or other parts of your patio (keep it 10 feet from anything combustible, and do NOT place it under an awning!)
Are you looking for a straight island with everything in a row? Or maybe one with a 45-degree angle or an L shape to fit into a tighter space?
Once you’ve settled on how your island will fit into your space and keep your yard from going up in flames, you can move on to thinking about the details.
Think About the Appliances You Want to Include
Today’s grill islands can include a variety of convenient appliances aside from the grill itself, including refrigerators and drink coolers, sinks, bars, side burners, and pizza ovens. Think about the appliances you’d use the most and that will add the most value to your outdoor cooking space!
Choose the Fuel Type for Your BBQ Grill Island
The grill is the most important part of your grill island, so don’t overlook its key features like fuel type! Are you going for the convenience and portability or propane? Does your home have a hookup for natural gas? Or are you interested in trying out an electric model?
Choose the Grill Island Finishes
The look of your grill island is what’s referred to as its finish. You can choose from a variety of options here, including metallic, stone, wood, brick, and more. Think about whether you’d like to match your existing outdoor space or home or start your space from scratch with an entirely new look!
Decide on your Countertop Materials
Just as with the finish, your choice of countertop can help you create an outdoor cooking space that’s completely unique. You’ll typically find grill islands with countertop options like aluminum, concrete, faux granite, and stainless steel.
Keep in mind that these counters will take more of a beating from the elements than an indoor countertop would, so choose your material wisely!
Outdoor Kitchen Grill Island Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions, we’re here to help. Our goal is to arm you with enough information to not only buy the grill island but also to provide you with everything you need to know to be successful in using and maintaining it for years to come.
If you don’t know much about grill islands but are in the market for one to add to your backyard kitchen, we’ve got you covered!
Below we provide answers to a few frequently asked grill island questions to get you started. For a much more comprehensive grill island frequently asked questions and answer guide, check out my article: Outdoor Kitchen Grill Island and Outdoor Kitchen Kit FAQ
Be sure to check back on this guide, as we often add questions and update the answers with new articles!
Let’s dive into a few outdoor grill island FAQs!
Does a BBQ Island Need Vents?
Yes, BBQ islands need vents to help reduce the risk of gas (both propane and natural gas) building up and causing an explosion when lit.
How Many Vents Should an Island Grill Have?
Your grill island should have one vent installed every five linear feet.
How Do I Protect My Outdoor BBQ Island?
You can protect your outdoor BBQ island by covering it up with a tarp when it’s not in use, especially if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow in the winter.
Do You Need Permits for a BBQ Kitchen Kit?
You most likely will not need a permit to install a BBQ kitchen kit but check your local regulations carefully before buying!
Do Outdoor Kitchen Islands Have to Be Permanently Installed?
No, outdoor kitchen islands do not have to be permanently installed. If your island can be disassembled or comes with wheels or casters, you will most likely be able to move it to a new space.
Final Thoughts on the Best Outdoor Kitchen Grill Islands for 2023
If you’ve only ever cooked on a standalone grill, we can’t say enough how much adding a kitchen grill island will elevate your outdoor cooking game.
Or maybe you’ve already owned an island in the past and are looking for an upgraded one for 2023!
Either way, we hope the information in this guide has helped you learn more about the current options available on the market and what makes our choices for the best outdoor kitchen grill islands stand out from the rest.
From simply having a spot to set down your ingredients to investing in the full experience with a fridge and beverage cooler, you really can’t go wrong with an outdoor kitchen grill island.
We hope you enjoyed looking through this guide and choosing which island will complement your outdoor space or match your home the best. And the best part is, an outdoor kitchen kit is an investment you can make even if you have plans to move in the not-so-distance future!
With that, it’s time to start your shopping journey for the elevated experience a BBQ grill island can offer. Don’t forget to add on any accessories or upgrades that our recommended models feature — they’ll only add more convenience and style to our outdoor cooking space.
Thanks again for checking out this guide, and happy shopping — we hope you find the best outdoor kitchen kit for your cooking style and outdoor space!
