ARTICLE

What to Consider When Creating a DIY Outdoor Kitchen

December 4, 2020 – 8 mins read

Adding a functional outdoor kitchen to your backyard, patio or balcony is one of the best ways to enjoy your home with friends and family, especially during the warmer months. It’s a great option for entertaining and can inspire some amazing outdoor cooking if done right. So whether you’ve got a lot of space or just a little, we’ve got a few ideas for you to consider when creating your very own DIY outdoor kitchen.

How much space do you have?

The very first thing you’ll need to map out is how much space you have to play with. BBQs and outdoor cooking require planning and the right conditions, so it’s important you know your parameters. Ask yourself what you’re going to use your outdoor kitchen for – this will help you make decisions down the track when it comes to the fit out.

To get you started, let’s explore a few common spaces that people often turn into a culinary oasis.

Balcony

Just because you have a balcony, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all the joy of eating outside. In fact, adding an electric BBQ to your balcony if it’s on the smaller side – like the Weber Pulse 2000 Electric BBQ Black – can make a world of difference to how you dine.

If you have more space and your balcony is well ventilated, you might opt to go for a Weber Family Q. It’s the ultimate home entertainment tool and is perfect for feeding a small army (or your hungry family) using its Family Q sized hot plates.

Backyard or decking

If you’re all in on creating or renovating your backyard or decking to include a DIY outdoor kitchen, then you can treat this just like any home renovation project. Start by asking yourself a series of questions about what you want to use the space for, set your budget and spend a little time mulling over the design.

Once you have a draft design, you’ll likely know where the outdoor kitchen will go. A great option is the BeefEater Discovery 1200 5 Burner Outdoor Kitchen in black, which also comes in stainless steel (BeefEater Discovery 1600 5 Burner Outdoor Kitchen). There’s ample storage, bench space and an integrated Quartz start ignition so you can get cooking, fast.

Alternatively, a patio outdoor kitchen can be just as enticing. What’s important here is that you work with the area you have to create a design that promotes organic flow through the space. Take the time to plan out your design before you invest in any appliances or fixtures (it will save you any headaches later!).

Is the area undercover?

Speaking of important questions to ask, this one is key. While many BBQs and outdoor kitchens are water resistant, they still need protection from the elements - and so does the cook! Building your DIY outdoor kitchen undercover can help to extend the use of your outdoor spaces well beyond the warmer months.

Do you want to add utility connections?

Similarly, as part of your initial planning process, make sure you factor in any utility connections you might need. Will your outdoor kitchen need access to a gas tap? If there’s going to be a sink, what water and plumbing will you need? And lastly, are there adequate power points to get electricity for other appliances you might choose to add? Make a list of what you’re going to source and if you’re unsure, always seek professional advice.

What to include in an outdoor kitchen

It’s inspiration time! To get your creative juices flowing, here are a few things to consider including in your dream DIY outdoor kitchen (we’ll leave the menu planning and snacks to you, of course!).

BBQ

A good BBQ is often at the heart of any outdoor entertaining space. Whether you’ve decided to install a fully equipped outdoor kitchen or are opting for a more traditional gas BBQ, make sure you’re across the Australian standards and understand the barbecue manufacturer’s installation requirements before you start installing anything.

Bar fridge and wine cooler

While you’re cooking up a storm, your guests can sit back and enjoy a refreshing beverage. To save everyone running in and out to your fridge inside, consider adding a bar fridge and wine cooler to your outdoor kitchen. If you anticipate a lot of regular guests, the Hisense 120L Bar Fridge is a great option with lots of space. Or, if it’s just you and your close family, the CHiQ 90L Bar Fridge will do the trick to keep your drinks crisp and cool.

Entertainment

Thinking about inviting the crew over to watch the footy? Catch all the action outside on a Samsung 55" TERRACE 4K QLED TV with Wall Mount. This TV is built for outdoor entertaining with an IP55 rating to keep it protected from dust and water. Complete the experience with some home wireless speakers, like the weather-resistant Sonos Move. Your guests will be blown away by the audio quality and you can turn your outdoor kitchen into a dance floor via the speaker’s bluetooth controls, right from your smartphone.

How to set up an outdoor kitchen

Taking everything we’ve mentioned so far into consideration, you’ll want to treat your DIY outdoor kitchen project like any other home reno. You might like to divide the kitchen layout into three areas: prepping, cooking and serving. This can help to create that organic flow we mentioned earlier and help you make the best use out of the space, no matter its size.

If you get stuck, you can always chat to a kitchen designer, too. They can help you think about the relationship between your indoor and outdoor kitchens; how will your outdoor kitchen work together with the rest of your home to give you the best experience possible?

A few other aspects of your outdoor kitchen to consider are:

• Lighting: Having the right lighting outdoors is essential, especially at night. You’ll need to both see what you’re doing but not shine too brightly on your entertaining area (especially if you’re using it for other activities, too).
• Materials: As your outdoor kitchen will be more exposed than other parts of your home, durability becomes an even more crucial factor in the decisions you need to make about materials, appliances and fabrics.
• Have fun: Make this a place you can’t wait to spend time in! Consider whether you and your crew might love a backyard bar or gaming setup, or even a fire pit. The world is your oyster so take the time to plan for fun as well as function.

Grab your DIY outdoor kitchen appliances at The Good Guys

Drop by your local Good Guys store and chat to our friendly experts about what you’re planning for your outdoor kitchen. We’ve got some of the best deals on all your favourite brands. And if you find something you like, we also offer 1-Hour Click & Collect or Premium Delivery for those bigger items.