U-Line

Start with what you are storing. A refrigerator handles mixed duty for food and drinks. A beverage center runs colder and is shelved for cans and bottles, with dual-zone models letting you hold beer and white wine at different temperatures. A wine refrigerator is built for bottle storage and long-term holding, again in single or dual zone. Refrigerator drawers slide out at counter height and are the easiest option to reach without opening a door in a tight island. Add a dedicated freezer if you want ice cream and frozen prep outside, and an ice machine if you are tired of hauling bags: crescent ice is the everyday all-purpose cube, clear ice is the slow-melting choice for cocktails, and nugget ice is the soft chewable style.

Next, pick the collection and finish. The Outdoor Collection is U-Line's original stainless series and covers the 15" ice machines, the 24" freezer, the 24" refrigerator drawers, the 24" beverage dispenser and the 15" refrigerator. The Home Collection brings outdoor-rated refrigerators, beverage centers and wine units in stainless with solid or glass doors. The Seamless Collection is the panel-ready line, designed to sit flush and accept a custom cabinetry front so the unit disappears into the run. Widths run 15", 18" and 24", so match the width to your island cutout first and the feature set second.

Finally, plan the installation. Every model here is outdoor rated, and U-Line specifies a covered outdoor area, so make sure the unit sits under a roof, pergola with solid cover, or overhang. Confirm your cutout dimensions, allow for front venting, and get a dedicated 115V outlet placed per the installation guide. Ice machines and the beverage dispenser need a water supply and a drain, and the UOCP115 includes a drain pump when gravity drainage is not available. As an authorized U-Line dealer, Northwoods Grills can confirm the right model, door style and hinge side, and ships every order free.