A built-in grill island is the simplest way to get a real outdoor BBQ kitchen: a stainless grill set into a finished base with a stone countertop, instead of a cart you roll out of the garage. Paradise Grills makes two kinds. A GX grill island is a stand-alone cooking station. An island bar adds a raised bar top with seating. Here is how to choose for a Jacksonville patio, lanai or pool deck.
Step 1: Pick a size
The number in every Paradise model name is the island's approximate length in feet. A GX-6 is about 6 feet long; a St. Croix 8 + GX4 is an 8-foot bar joined to a 4-foot grill island. Measure your space, then leave room to open the grill hood, the doors and the fridge, and to walk past the cook.
| GX island | Approx. length | Stations |
|---|---|---|
| GX-4 | ~4 ft | Grill only, our most compact island |
| GX-5 / GX-6 | ~5 to 6 ft | Grill, shown with a wine fridge |
| GX-8 Center | ~8 ft | Centered grill, wine fridge, double side burner |
| GX-9 Double | ~9 ft | Grill plus HSL-32 hibachi griddle station |
| GX-10 / 12 / 14 Double | ~10 to 14 ft | Grill plus CSL-32 cocktail station; the GX-14 adds a sink |
Lengths are approximate. Appliances are as shown on Paradise product images, which include optional upgrades. Your written quote confirms what is included. See every size on our grill islands page, or our small patio kitchens for tight spaces.
Step 2: Choose what you cook on
The built-in grill
Every GX grill island is built around the GSL-32 Professional Grill: 304 stainless steel, 61,300 BTU, natural gas or propane, heavy-duty hexagonal grates, dual interior lights and an infrared back burner for rotisserie. Some island bars use the GS-32 Premium, which adds ceramic briquettes and a 3-in-1 smart temperature gauge. For the biggest cookouts there is the GXL-45 at 101,200 BTU.
Griddle or second station
Love smash burgers and breakfast outside? The HSL-32 hibachi griddle station (39,000 BTU) sits beside the grill on the GX-9 Double. If you would rather keep one grill, the Hibachi Griddle Conversion drops in for a flat-top surface. On the Double models, the CSL-32 cocktail station adds a 60 lb ice chest, garnish trays and a chopping board.
Hybrid X conversions
Paradise calls the Hybrid X the world's first 10 in 1 grill. Conversions for pizza, fryer/steamer, hibachi griddle, charcoal, IR sear, wood chip/charcoal smoker and rotisserie swap into the GS-32, GSL-32 and GXL-45, so one built-in grill can do the work of several appliances. You can add them any time.
Refrigeration
- Bar fridge: 4.3 cu ft with lock and key.
- Wine fridge: dual zone, 24 bottles or 68 cans.
- Outdoor-rated fridge, fridge/freezer combo and ice maker (110 lb a day) for bigger islands.
Compare everything on our outdoor kitchen appliances page.
Step 3: Grill island or island bar?
A GX island works well against a wall, railing or pool cage. If you want guests sitting with the cook, step up to an island bar. Many pair a bar with a GX grill island:
- Aruba: compact bars, about 6 and 8 feet, with the GS-32 grill.
- St. Croix: curved bars from 8 + GX4 up to 9 + GX10. The 9 + GX9 adds the HSL-32 griddle and two bar fridges.
- St. Thomas: L-shaped bars for corners and pool decks.
- Maui: party-size bars up to the Maui 14 + Maui 14, with a stainless bar-rail footrest and marine stereo.
Island bars list stainless outlets and smart app-controlled LED lighting. Bigger models add an oversized bar-rail footrest and an outdoor marine stereo.
Step 4: Plan gas, power and the pad
- Gas. Paradise gas grills run on natural gas or propane and come with both orifices. A natural gas line should be run by a licensed professional. Propane uses a tank stored in the island.
- Power. Outlets, fridges, lighting, the stereo and the rotisserie's 120V motor all need an outdoor circuit installed by a licensed electrician.
- The pad. Every Paradise base must keep a 1" gap off the ground, so start with a level patio or pad.
- Rules. Check your local and HOA rules before you order. Our HOA and permits guide explains what to ask.
Step 5: Finishes that suit Florida
Tops are Avellaero stone: Italian stone on a honeycomb core with a fiberglass layer, in Titanium, Volcanic Ash, Italian Travertine or Greek Isle. Paradise rates it UV, stain and color-fade resistant, and it never needs sealing. For the base, ask about current siding finishes, including the new Milano siding. With 304 stainless and salt air, rinse now and then and use a fitted cover; our salt air guide has a simple routine.
Start small, grow later
Paradise grills use FlexBuild fitting so you can upgrade to newer products later, and Paradise offers free trade-ins for life toward a bigger island.* You can start with a GX-6 and add an island bar or a tiki bar or pergola down the road.
*Restrictions apply. See terms at the showroom.