More than just a space to store your barbie, an outdoor kitchen is a functional dining and entertainment area made to be enjoyed when the days begin to get longer.
They can include a barbecue, bar fridge and preparation area to start, but after that? The sky's (almost) the limit.
While it can be an expensive undertaking, you don't need a blank cheque to build a fun outdoor dining area. There are options for comfortable, DIY spaces that don't cost quite as much – even on larger balconies or patios.
Note, this article focuses on tools and appliances. We don't test outdoor furniture and it doesn't cover construction, plumbing and electrical.
On this page:
- Is an outdoor kitchen worth it?
- Barbecues, pizza ovens and meat smokers
- Finding the right fridge
- Speakers you can use in the sun
- Outdoor ceiling fans
- Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?
- Safety considerations for outdoor kitchens
Is an outdoor kitchen worth it?
When the weather is right, outdoor dining is a fun, laid back way to entertain. Adding a kitchen to the mix saves you from having to ferry food and drinks from inside, so you can keep cooking and conversing with your guests.
As an extension of the living space, CHOICE kitchen expert Fiona Mair says an al fresco cooking area is not only useful and a great place to entertain, but could also be a desirable asset. "Making your guests feel comfortable and enjoying the outdoors all year round is a much-desired feature of any home," she says.
Making your guests feel comfortable and enjoying the outdoors all year round is a much-desired feature of any home
Fiona Mair, CHOICE kitchen expert
You can always use your outdoor kitchen in tandem with the one inside as well, if you're feeding a bigger group. It basically doubles your cooking options and saves you from having to fire up the oven inside in the middle of summer.
Can I build an outdoor kitchen on a small patio or balcony?
While a full-blown outdoor kitchen may be impractical, you can find outdoor cooking equipment suitably sized for smaller spaces. CHOICE tests portable gas pizza ovens, two- or three-burner barbecues and other smaller cooking appliances that could be used outdoors.
Some indoor preparation and storage may be required, as most balconies don't have the room to install things like benches and bar fridges. But while it won't be the most elaborate set-up, it can certainly get the job done!
Your outdoor kitchen can be as simple or as elaborate as you like.
Just remember to check the local council and body corporate rules (where applicable) before firing up the grill.
Solid fuels like woodchips, charcoal and heat beads may give your meals an appealing smoky flavour, but your neighbours probably won't appreciate the haze. Although if you invite them around to enjoy the delicious smoked meats with you, they might change their minds.
What do I need in my outdoor kitchen?
At minimum, you'll need:
- A gas barbecue (or outdoor grill of some kind)
- Benches or a table for food prep and serving
- A bar fridge or esky to safely store perishable foods and cool drinks
It's also worth installing a sink to keep everything clean as you go, but hiring a plumber can be pricey. This isn't essential but it is highly recommended.
After that, you can go as far as your budget, space and culinary tastes desire. Pizza ovens, meat smokers or charcoal barbecues and a range of food and drink appliances can really expand the menu.
Even tech has a place in your entertainment space. Dust and water-resistant Bluetooth speakers are essential, unless you enjoy the awkward silences that come with a break in the conversation.
Be aware of feature creep. You can end up spending far too much money, or feeling like your space is incomplete, without a solid plan and set budget.
Barbecues, pizza ovens and meat smokers
When it comes to outdoor kitchens, a barbecue is the undisputed, non-negotiable item. Gas is the easiest option as you can maintain a consistent temperature and won't need to worry about regularly topping up solid fuels like charcoal or woodchips.
The trade-off is a lack of smoky, barbecue flavours. That's where solid fuels come into play, and partly why smokers have become a popular addition to many outdoor kitchens. If you go down this path, warn your guests ahead of time as they may end up smelling like a campfire by the end of the day.
The size of the barbecue is basically determined by your entertainment area. Aim for a larger barbecue if you have the room, one with at least four burners. You'll have the flexibility to cook larger meals or a variety of foods with varying heat requirements at the same time.
Aim for a larger barbecue if you have the room, one with at least four burners. You'll have the flexibility to cook larger meals or a variety of foods
Fiona says it's worth looking into extra cooking features as well. "Some barbecues come with a wok burner and others can cook rotisserie chicken, for example. These can add a bit of variety to your outdoor get-togethers."
"You should also invest in a meat thermometer," she adds. "It makes it much easier to get your meat cooked just right and you don't necessarily need to spend a lot of money."
Built-in barbecues that fit into the cabinetry are also available. While they look neat and tidy, they are very expensive. CHOICE hasn't tested these.
Setting up a pizza oven or meat smoker
Piping hot pizzas or meat smoked low-n-slow can take a little more time to prepare, but the effort is always worth it. Not only are these meals a cut above the usual steaks and snags, they're the ultimate chef flex in front of your guests – and that's what an outdoor kitchen is really all about, right?
But they aren't quite as versatile as a barbecue and can take up a lot of space. Before you attempt to bring the shores of Naples to your suburban backyard pizzeria, really be honest with yourself about whether you'd use it often enough to justify the cost.
Gas pizza ovens are easy to use but they have limited cooking space.
"Pizza ovens and meat smokers are more of a barbecue supplement than a substitute," says Fiona. "CHOICE has tested some barbecues that can also smoke meat, but they're very expensive."
"You can also get wood chip smoke boxes for gas barbecues that aren't too bad," she adds. "They're an inexpensive alternative to a dedicated smoker, for the occasions where you feel like American-style pulled pork or brisket."
Portable gas pizza ovens are a good option for most yards. Some can also use wood or charcoal while others burn wooden pellets to infuse a smoky flavour, while gas does the rest of the cooking. Most can only accommodate one pizza at a time though, so factor that into your meal plans for the day.
Aspiring pit masters should look into pellet meat smokers as well. Purists may baulk at a smoker that does most of the work for you, but they're a safe, easy way to cook meat over many hours thanks to the pellet tube which consistently feeds in wood while maintaining a consistent temperature.
Finding the right fridge
Keeping cold food and drink within reach, rather than having to run back inside, is very convenient. And an outdoor fridge just feels fancy compared to an esky or the humble plastic tub filled with ice.
Bar fridges are your first port of call for an outdoor kitchen if space is limited. They're compact and pretty discreet, with enough room for some food and drinks. But they usually lack proper freezers, can fill up quickly and may not be big enough to store premade meals, sides and desserts.
A full-sized fridge can solve these problems, as long as there's enough space to place it your outdoor kitchen. Start by looking at small- to medium-sized models as these may have enough room for entertaining without tearing chunks out of your energy bill.
Positioning is important as well. Place it in a space where it's protected from the elements, like moisture and direct sunlight. And remember, hot and cold don't mix, so when you're designing your kitchen, keep the fridge well away from the barbecue.
Once the party's over and the fridge is cleared out, you can safely turn it off to save money. It'll need a little time to get going again so to ensure best performance, turn it on the day before your next get together so it can get nice and cool overnight.
Cool drinks and hot sandwiches
Smaller, lighter appliances are easy to move outside, taking your food and drink options beyond the BBQ and bar fridge. A soda maker, sandwich press and even a slushy maker will work just fine on a flat, stable surface.
"Just remember to bring them inside when you're done," says Fiona. "Benchtop appliances aren't designed to live outside like a BBQ."
Don't try to set them up on the ground either, the last thing you want is a panini press falling into the picnic circle. You'll also need a power supply for most of these to work.
Kitchenware for outdoors
You may want to keep some more kitchen tools and cookware on hand for outdoor entertaining. Things that you'll only use occasionally and are a bit easier to replace if they get dropped or damaged.
"CHOICE has tested plenty of kitchen knives, Dutch ovens and frypans that perform well without breaking the bank," says Fiona. "They may not be the best in our tests, but the price is right."
Speakers you can use in the sun
Ever been to a party without music? Zero vibes.
"These days, you don't really need to shell out for dedicated outdoor speakers," says Denis Gallagher, CHOICE's home entertainment expert. "There are lots of Bluetooth speakers with great sound quality and long battery life to bring a touch of ambience to your outdoor dinner party.
Obviously, you want to look for speakers that sound good, but there are other things to consider for outdoor entertaining. These are:
- Battery life: look for the right balance between battery life and sound quality. Once the speaker dies, the party dies with it.
- Dust and water resistance: buy a speaker that advertises some form of weather sealing, preferably one with an ingress protection (IP) rating. The two numbers denote dust and water resistance from zero to nine. The higher the number, the better the protection, with the first number representing dust and the second representing water.
Try to avoid speakers that don't have a battery. Not only do these mains powered models need a power outlet, which may not be nearby, they're also not usually designed for outdoor use.
Outdoor ceiling fans
Over half of the ceiling fans in our latest test batch are safe to use outside. While not essential, they're a nice addition that can help keep the heat at bay.
These fans are designed for covered areas only. Avoid installing them in a space without a roof as the exposure could cause damage. Make sure the model you choose is built for outdoor use before buying as the motor needs to be sealed to keep out moisture.
Can you build an outdoor kitchen on a budget?
Before you get started, it's important to do your research and set a budget. How much you can save depends on the extent of your kitchen, how much of the set-up and installation you can do yourself, and the calibre of the items in your design.
Used goods and factory seconds can really bring costs down and appliances tend to go on sale pretty regularly throughout the year. If you see something you like, keep an eye on major retailers and try to grab it at a discount.
Cabinets, plumbing and electricity are a different subject altogether. You can save a bit of money by taking the DIY route, with more affordable (if less extravagant) kits from retailers like Bunnings, Harvey Norman and IKEA.
Are outdoor kitchens expensive to maintain?
Yes and no. Outdoor life is harsh, exposing your entertainment space and equipment to sun damage, soggy days, dust and dirt, visits from local wildlife and possibly even sea salt if you live near the coast. There's a reason most humans prefer to live inside.
Protective covers and regular maintenance are key. Buy a BBQ cover and make sure the other appliances have some sort of rust proofing if they're going to stay outside 24/7.
If you're using wooden benchtops, clean, treat and seal as often as you need to depending on the type of wood. As the seal breaks down, wood can absorb water and experience sun damage causing it to splinter, split or curl and make your prep space unsafe. Food scraps and waste can attract animals that can damage or soil benches used for preparing meals.
Regularly maintaining and cleaning the area will keep things in good nick. It's much cheaper than having to repair or replace your equipment every few years.
Safety considerations for outdoor kitchens
As with any home improvement, you'll need to assess the area for any safety issues. And, being a kitchen, there are some clear guidelines to follow.
"Outdoor kitchens are usually under cover, so it is important to have good airflow that will take any smoke away from the house," says Fiona. "An open area behind the barbecue needs to be considered, or some sort of ventilation exhaust system."
For charcoal barbecues and smokers, Fiona says it's best to position them away from the house, in a well-ventilated area. For gas barbecues, she suggests storing the gas bottle in a cool place that's easy to access.
In summer, keep on top of fire rules and regulations. It may be illegal to use solid fuels during a total fire ban, which includes meat smokers.
And though it may sound obvious, don't forget that BBQs, pizza ovens and smokers get hot – sometimes, very hot. Install them a safe distance from the dining space and away from appliances that could be damaged by radiant heat.
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Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
