How to Set Up an Outdoor Grill Station Your Guests Will Rave About

Great vacations are built around great meals. And for many guests, there's nothing better than firing up the grill in the fresh outdoor air. Whether it’s burgers after a beach day or a sunset BBQ with the family, the backyard grill station becomes a centerpiece of their stay.

If you’re an Airbnb or VRBO host looking to elevate your outdoor space and boost your reviews, adding a thoughtfully designed outdoor grill station is one of the smartest upgrades you can make. Not only does it add value to your listing, but it also transforms your property into a true destination for food-loving travelers.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes a standout outdoor BBQ grill station, how to design one that fits your space, and which high-quality outdoor grills will give you the best return on investment.

Why Your Guests Will Love an Outdoor Grill Station

Guests are no longer just looking for a place to sleep — they’re looking for spaces that support the vacation lifestyle. When you offer a dedicated barbecue station, you're giving them more than a place to cook — you're offering an experience.

Here’s why guests rave about listings with outdoor grilling areas:

• It creates a social space. Guests gather around a grill to cook, chat, and relax together.
  
• It feels like a home-away-from-home. Having the option to grill a meal gives guests comfort and flexibility.
• It adds that “resort touch.” An outdoor kitchen setup makes the backyard feel premium.
• It photographs beautifully. A clean, well-styled grill area adds curb appeal to your listing photos.
  

And let’s not forget the practical benefit: allowing guests to cook on-site can reduce dining-out costs, making your rental more budget-friendly — especially for families and longer stays.

What Makes a Great Outdoor BBQ Grill Station?

Creating the perfect outdoor BBQ grill station doesn’t mean you need a full-blown outdoor kitchen with granite countertops. The key is to combine functionality, durability, and style in a way that suits your space and guest profile.

Start with these core features:

• A reliable grill: This is your centerpiece. It should be durable, easy to use, and capable of feeding a group.
• Prep space: Guests need room for plates, utensils, and ingredients. This could be a built-in counter or a movable side table.
• Utensil storage: Provide grilling tools, tongs, and heat-resistant gloves — clearly labeled and stored neatly.
• Lighting: If you’re hosting guests who like evening meals, consider string lights or motion-sensor LEDs for ambiance and safety.
• Seating nearby: Pair your grill station with a table, bench, or patio chairs to complete the entertaining zone.
  

Bonus touches like a covered pergola, bar counter, or outdoor mini fridge can take your setup from simple to showstopping — but they’re not required to wow your guests.

Choosing the Right Grill: Top Picks for Your Rental

At Optimal Outdoor Oasis, we carry a premium selection of PGS outdoor grills designed for performance, safety, and style — ideal for short-term rental properties. Here are five models that work beautifully in a host-ready barbecue station setup:

PGS Grills Big Sur 51 Grill Head – Stainless Steel

This is the ultimate showpiece for luxury listings. With a sleek stainless-steel design, powerful burners, and precision temperature control, the Big Sur delivers a high-end grilling experience. It’s perfect for upscale rentals looking to stand out with resort-level features.

PGS Grills Legacy 30 Newport Grill Head – With Rotisserie & Backburner

This grill blends versatility with power. The built-in rotisserie and backburner make it easy for guests to roast meats or prepare full meals outdoors. Ideal for properties that attract families or longer-term guests who enjoy real cooking.

PGS Grills T40 Grill – With 1-Hour Gas Timer (Commercial Black)

Built with rentals in mind, the T40 includes a 1-hour gas timer — a huge plus for safety-conscious hosts. Its compact size and sleek black finish make it a great fit for smaller patios or urban spaces.

PGS Grills Legacy 39 Pacifica Grill Head – Commercial Stainless Steel

A step up in size and power, the Pacifica is designed for frequent use. This durable commercial-grade grill is perfect for high-traffic vacation properties or Airbnb hosts who want a long-lasting investment.

PGS Grills A-Series 20 Gas Grill – Black

Compact, stylish, and affordable, the A-Series 20 is a great entry-level choice for smaller properties or backyard patios. It’s user-friendly and delivers excellent results — even for first-time grillers.

Each of these grills is built for outdoor performance, easy maintenance, and guest satisfaction. If you want your guests to rave about their stay, starting with a quality grill is the best first step.

Placement & Styling Tips for Maximum Impact

Where you place your outdoor grill station can make or break its effectiveness. Aim for a space that’s:

• Easily accessible from the main house or patio
• Sheltered from wind, but still well-ventilated
• Positioned near seating or a dining area

Design the station so it feels like an extension of your living space. Use natural materials like stone, wood, or gravel to blend it with the environment. Add planters or privacy screens for an elevated, cozy vibe.

Don't forget to keep grilling tools visible but organized. A simple hook rail, magnetic strip, or utensil bucket goes a long way.

Showcasing Your Grill Station in Your Listing

Once your grill area is complete, it’s time to show it off. Take high-resolution photos in natural light. Style the area with clean utensils, a cutting board, and even a plate of fresh vegetables or skewers ready to go.

In your listing, mention the grill early in your description — ideally in the first few sentences. Use SEO-friendly terms like “private BBQ area,” “outdoor grill station,” or “fully equipped barbecue setup.”

Here’s an example listing line:

“Our backyard features a top-tier outdoor grill station — complete with a commercial-grade BBQ, prep counter, and patio seating — perfect for family cookouts or romantic dinners under the stars.”

Encourage guests to share their grill moments in reviews — these become powerful trust signals for future bookings.

Final Thoughts: The Secret Sauce to Memorable Stays

When it comes to creating a listing guests will rave about, a beautiful outdoor BBQ grill station is one of the most effective upgrades you can make. It turns your patio into a gathering space, your backyard into a highlight, and your listing into a memory-making destination.

Whether you go for a sleek commercial-grade grill or a stylish compact model, what matters most is thoughtful execution. At Optimal Outdoor Oasis, we’re here to help you build the kind of outdoor cooking space that elevates your property — and your reviews.

Explore our full line of PGS Grills and barbecue stations, and start turning cookouts into standout guest experiences today.