How to design the ultimate outdoor kitchen and BBQ area

An L-shaped outdoor kitchen offers form and function. Photo: Getty.

How important is ventilation for an outdoor kitchen?

Once you’ve decided where you’re going to build your outdoor kitchen, Kieran says the next key consideration is ventilation. 

“To be considered an outdoor kitchen and to allow the use of outdoor gas appliances there must be appropriate airflow,” Kieran says. “This can be achieved by either having no roof, at least two open walls or having at least 25 per cent of the perimeter completely open and significant openings on the remaining walls.” 

He says an area will also be considered enclosed if it is fitted with plastic blinds or moveable walls.

If your alfresco area is deemed to be more than 50 per cent enclosed, then it is considered by Energy Safe Victoria to be ‘indoors’. This means it will have be subject to a number of building requirements  (Standard AS/NZS 5601), including:

• The BBQ will need to be re-certified for use in an enclosed alfresco. This means it will need to have robust manufacture, a flame failure system, must be plumbed in (rather than using a bottle), have a readily accessible isolation valve and be installed on a non-combustible surface (such as stainless steel, tiles, brick or concrete)

• It will require installation of a range hood or extraction fan

• The cooktop will have to have an interlock mechanism that ensures the extraction fan automatically turns on when the BBQ is being used.  

“If your area is considered enclosed then a suitable exhaust canopy will need to be installed with a number of requirements that you should check with your trade professional, such as ensuring the range hood or exhaust fan is installed at the correct height above the cooktop and making sure burners have enough clearance from surrounding walls and surfaces.”

Installing a range hood or extraction fan will also help to keep excess cooking gases and fumes from being blown back into your house as soon as there’s a light breeze. 

For those going down the DIY route, Kieran says appliance installation is best left to the professionals, particularly when there are multiple trades involved – such as plumbers (or licensed gas fitters) and electricians. Whether you're looking for a quote or help installing your kitchen, you can find qualified trades through RACV Home Trades.

What materials should you consider for an outdoor kitchen?

Being outdoors, your kitchen will not only be more exposed to changes in temperature, rain, moisture and even damage from the sun, but also to slips and spills from all the rad garden parties you’ll be hosting once it’s built. 

“All of these factors should be considered when selecting surfaces and materials to ensure they do not deteriorate or discolour with time,” Kieran says. 

You’ll also need to ensure any cooking surfaces comply with building standards. 

“For example, you wouldn’t put a gas barbecue on a timber bench.”

What is the best layout for an outdoor kitchen?

Much like when planning an indoor one, choosing the best layout for an outdoor kitchen or barbecue area will laregly be determined by your space and how all-out you want to go with appliances.

If you're building your kitchen in a spacious al-fresco area, an L-shape can work nicely - you can put the barbecue or grill plate on one side and then have your fridge and any additional storage, as well as a sink or preparation area on the other side. You can even add some bench stools along the free side to keep your cooking social. If you've got the space, go one further and make it a U-shape. 

If your space doesn't allow for an L-shape, the single-wall design is a classic for a reason. It's simple, requires less room and can be applied to most settings. A single-wall kitchen can take up as much or as little room as you need and works well in more compact areas, such as a balcony or apartment settings. 

Depending on your set-up, a galley-style kitchen can also function beautifully outdoors. You can have all your cooking appliances on one side, then a separate island bench for cabinetry, a sink, fridges, or anything else you might dream of including (hello, pizza oven). It also means you've got plenty of bench space to prep or serve food. 

If you've got a barbecue, you've got an outdoor kitchen. Photo: Getty.

What are the must-have appliances in an outdoor kitchen?

When it comes to choosing what you want to include in your outdoor kitchen, this will come down to how much space you have and what you can afford to spend. 

“If you’ve got a small space, such as courtyard or balcony, the key must-haves are something to cook with and, ideally, an area to do some food preparation,” Kieran says.  “From there it’s up to you how far you go.”

Adding a sink and tap can keep most of the mess outside, and built-in cabinetry makes storing all the outdoor accessories easy. 

If you want to go all-out, a woodfire oven will have your friends begging for a Friday night pizza and wine invite, an outdoor bar fridge will minimise trips back inside – while also ensuring easy beer access for when you’re the designated tong master, while regular ovens will allow you to get your summer roast on without heating up the whole house. Bonus. 

How important is lighting for outdoor kitchens?

Dancing in the dark might be ok, but grilling? Not so much. Adequate lighting is critical in every room of the house but particularly when it comes to outdoor cooking. 

“Sufficient lighting is very important if you are cutting or preparing food but also so you can tell when your steaks or veggies are perfectly cooked,” Kieran says. 

If you’ve got a covered alfresco area, downlights with a dimmer switch will allow you to get lit up when you need it, but to keep the mood ambient when you don’t, while adjustable ceiling or wall-mounted light fittings allow you to keep the light evenly spread. For a more whimsical look, try hanging festoon or fairy lights for a more chilled vibe. 

As always, Kieran says, make sure your lighting is suitable for outdoor use and, where appropriate, always consult a licensed electrician. 

Do you need to get a council permit to build an outdoor kitchen?

You should always check with your local council about the requirements in your area, Kieran says. New constructions like a deck or pergola that might accompany your kitchen will likely need a permit.

Do you need a qualified electrician or plumber to install an outdoor kitchen?

All electrical, gas and water fittings must be installed by a licensed electrician or plumber. 

“Once the gas fittings and power points are in place you may be able to install appliances yourself but you should carefully consult the manufacturer's installation instructions to see if you have the necessary skills and qualifications,” Kieran says.