Designing an alfresco kitchen is one of the smartest ways to extend your home’s liveable space and maximise WA’s sunshine. This guide explains how to choose the right outdoor kitchen appliances and finishes for Australian conditions, what a high-quality renovation process looks like, and what it costs in Perth. Whether you’re refreshing a patio or planning a full backyard renovation, our Joyce Kitchens designers bring decades of experience in custom cabinetry WA, kitchen renovations Perth, and alfresco kitchen design.
Key considerations for outdoor kitchen appliances
Outdoor appliances must handle heat, UV, wind-blown salt, and rain. Not all “stainless steel” is equal, and not every indoor unit is safe outdoors. Here’s how to choose with confidence.
1) Select appliances built for outdoors
- BBQs and grills: Choose marine-grade 316 stainless steel bodies and burners for coastal WA. Look for rotisserie capability, a cast iron hotplate, and a drop-in teppanyaki plate if you love stir-fries.
- Rangehoods: Outdoor-rated canopy or built-in models with high extraction (≥ 1,200 m³/h) help control smoke. Duct externally; recirculating is less effective outside.
- Bar fridges and wine fridges: Specify outdoor-rated, ventilated models with lockable doors and UV glass. Check ambient operating range (e.g., 0–43°C) for Perth summers.
- Sinks and taps: Go 316 stainless or PVD-coated brass designed for exterior use. Add a pull-out spray for easy clean-ups.
- Pizza ovens and smokers: Consider fuel type (gas, wood, pellet). Built-in units need fireproof surrounds and clearances to combustibles per manufacturer instructions and AS/NZS standards.
- Dishwashers and icemakers: Only install if rated for alfresco use or fully weather-protected; otherwise keep them indoors in a scullery or butler’s pantry.
2) Plan power, gas and water early
- Gas: Licensed gasfitter installation and ventilation are mandatory. Maintain clearances to combustibles and verify compliance with AS/NZS 5601.
- Electrical: Use weatherproof GPOs, appropriate IP ratings, and RCDs. Position isolators for BBQs and rangehoods where accessible.
- Plumbing: Insulate and protect pipework from UV. Consider hot and cold supply if you’ll wash up outside.
3) Ventilation and safety
- Locate BBQs away from windows and doors to avoid smoke ingress.
- Build in non-combustible linings and heat shields near grills and pizza ovens.
- Add a fire extinguisher and fire blanket within reach, away from the heat source.
4) Sizing for Australian appliances
- Common built-in BBQ widths: 900–1200 mm; depth typically 580–650 mm.
- Bar fridges: allow manufacturer ventilation clearances (often 50–150 mm to rear and sides); standard width ~ 495–600 mm.
- Sinks: opt for larger bowls (≥ 500 mm wide) to handle BBQ plates and trays.
Quick definition: IP rating
The Ingress Protection (IP) rating indicates how resistant an electrical fitting is to dust and water. For alfresco power points and lighting, higher IP ratings offer better weather resistance.
Our renovation and installation process
Joyce Kitchens delivers end-to-end outdoor kitchen renovations in Perth—from initial concept to final handover—coordinated by a single project lead.
- Consultation and site measure: We assess exposure, shade, services and prevailing wind.
- Concept design and appliance selection: We’ll shortlist outdoor appliances that suit your space, cooking style and budget.
- Detailed drawings and approvals: Includes cabinetry plans, benchtop specs, splashback details, and service locations.
- Fabrication: Custom cabinetry WA-made with weatherproof carcasses, soft-close drawers, and marine-grade hardware.
- Installation: Licensed trades for gas, electrical and plumbing; we follow manufacturer clearances and relevant AS/NZS standards.
- Handover and care guide: We run through cleaning, maintenance and seasonal checks.
Compliance note (Australia): Always use licensed trades and follow current standards. See HIA, Master Builders WA, and WA safety guidance via Energy Safety (DMIRS) for more information.
Materials and finishes for outdoors
Outdoor surfaces must endure UV, heat, and moisture. Your selections affect safety, longevity, and maintenance.
Benchtops and splashbacks
- Sintered/porcelain slabs: Outstanding UV and heat resistance; ideal near BBQs and pizza ovens.
- Granite: Naturally heat tolerant and chip resistant; seal as recommended.
- Compact laminate (exterior grade): Durable and cost-effective; keep heat pads under hot cookware.
- Glass or tiled splashbacks: Easy to clean; ensure proper backing and grout suited to exterior use.
Quick definition: Sintered stone
A man‑made slab (often called porcelain) formed under extreme heat and pressure. It’s UV-stable, food-safe and highly heat resistant—excellent for alfresco benchtops.
Cabinetry
- Powder-coated aluminium or HD compact laminate doors and panels.
- Carcasses in waterproof substrates, sealed edges, and stainless or polymer hardware.
- Style options from Hamptons and shaker kitchen profiles to contemporary handleless cabinetry for a seamless indoor-outdoor look.
Comparison: Engineered stone benchtop vs Compact laminate (outdoor use)
| Feature | Engineered stone | Compact laminate (exterior grade) |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor durability | Not generally recommended due to UV/thermal expansion of resins. | Designed for exterior use; highly weather resistant. |
| Heat and UV | Can discolour or warp under prolonged UV/heat. | Stable in sun; use trivets for very hot cookware. |
| Maintenance | Low indoors; outdoors may show weathering. | Low maintenance; wipe clean. |
| Relative price in WA | $$–$$$ | $–$$ |
| Best use | Indoors (kitchen, laundry, bathroom). | Alfresco benchtops and doors. |
Quick definition: AS/NZS 5601
Australian/New Zealand standard for gas installations. It sets rules for clearances, ventilation and materials around gas appliances. Your licensed gasfitter will ensure compliance.
Layouts and styles that work outside
Outdoor kitchens should prioritise safety and flow while complementing your home’s interior design.
Popular alfresco layouts
- Straight line: Space-efficient along a wall; great for smaller patios and terraces.
- L‑shape: Adds prep space and separation between hot zone (BBQ) and wet zone (sink).
- U‑shape or island bar: Ideal for entertaining—bar fridges and ice wells promote a social hub.
Design tips
- Zone planning: Hot (BBQ/pizza oven), wet (sink/dish), cold (fridge), and prep (benchtop) areas.
- Surface protection: Use stainless or porcelain behind grills; specify a deep, easy‑clean splashback.
- Styling: Echo your indoor kitchen—e.g., Hamptons or shaker details outside with weatherproof profiles—for a cohesive renovation across kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe areas.
- Storage: Deep drawers for cookware, concealed bin, vertical rack for grill plates, and a lockable cabinet for gas bottles if permitted by code.
Real WA examples
- City Beach alfresco: A 1200 mm built‑in BBQ, outdoor rangehood (1,600 m³/h), twin bar fridges and a porcelain benchtop. Wind screens reduced smoke drift; 316 stainless tapware completed a coastal‑resilient setup.
- Fremantle courtyard: Compact L‑shape with a pizza oven, slimline bar fridge and compact laminate doors in a coastal Hamptons palette. Handleless drawers maximised storage in a tight footprint.
Costs and budgeting in Perth
Budgets vary with size, appliances and materials. The ranges below reflect typical Perth projects supplied and installed.
- Built‑in BBQ: $1,800–$7,500+ (add rotisserie/infrared burners)
- Outdoor rangehood: $1,200–$3,500+ (ducting extra)
- Bar/wine fridge (outdoor-rated): $900–$3,000+ each
- Pizza oven (built‑in): $2,000–$8,000+ depending on fuel and size
- Sinks and taps: $450–$1,800+
- Cabinetry and benchtops (weatherproof): $7,000–$25,000+ depending on length and material
- Trades and installation: $2,000–$6,000+ (licensed gas, electrical, plumbing, ducting)
Many Perth homeowners allocate $15,000–$45,000 for a quality alfresco kitchen with outdoor appliances, with premium projects exceeding $60,000. Our designers will refine inclusions to suit your goals and timeframe.
Practical checklist: choosing outdoor appliances
- Confirm appliances are outdoor‑rated (check IP and ambient temperature specs).
- Select 316 stainless or UV‑stable finishes for BBQs, fridges and sinks.
- Size your BBQ (900–1200 mm typical) and allow safe clearances to combustibles.
- Specify an outdoor rangehood with adequate capture and external ducting.
- Allow ventilation gaps for bar fridges and icemakers per manufacturer instructions.
- Choose benchtops suited to UV and heat (porcelain/sintered stone or compact laminate).
- Plan gas, water and power points early; use licensed trades.
- Add task and ambient lighting; weatherproof GPOs with suitable IP ratings.
- Include storage for tools, cleaning, and a fire blanket/extinguisher.
- Schedule seasonal maintenance: clean burners, degrease hoods, check seals and fasteners.
Why Joyce Kitchens
From kitchen renovations Perth to custom alfresco builds, laundry makeovers and wardrobe design, Joyce Kitchens crafts durable, beautiful spaces tailored to WA living. Our Perth cabinet makers integrate outdoor appliances, engineered stone benchtop alternatives, splashbacks and custom cabinetry to the highest standards—on time and on budget.
FAQ
What appliances are best for an outdoor kitchen in Australia?
Choose outdoor‑rated gear: a 316 stainless built‑in BBQ, a high‑capacity outdoor rangehood, an outdoor bar fridge, and a deep 316 sink with a weatherproof mixer. Add a pizza oven or teppanyaki plate if you’ll use them weekly, and ensure clearances and ventilation meet AS/NZS requirements.
Do I need a rangehood in an alfresco kitchen?
Yes, if your BBQ is under a roof or near walls. An outdoor rangehood with strong extraction (around 1,200 m³/h or more) and proper ducting helps control smoke, grease and odours, keeping ceilings cleaner and neighbours happier.
What materials suit outdoor benchtops and cabinets?
Use porcelain/sintered stone or exterior‑grade compact laminate for benchtops, and powder‑coated aluminium or compact laminate for cabinets. These resist UV, heat and moisture better than indoor‑only materials like engineered stone.
Can I use indoor appliances outdoors?
Generally no. Indoor fridges, dishwashers and rangehoods aren’t designed for heat, UV or moisture and often void warranties outside. Always select outdoor‑rated appliances or install sensitive items in a fully weather‑protected enclosure.
How much does an outdoor kitchen with appliances cost in Perth?
Most quality projects range from $15,000–$45,000 supplied and installed, depending on size, appliances and finishes. Premium alfresco kitchens with pizza ovens, multiple fridges and porcelain benchtops can exceed $60,000.
