Keep benchtops clear and mornings effortless with a purpose-built hidden kitchen appliance cupboard. From compact “appliance garages” to full-height pocket-door cabinets, here’s how Joyce Kitchens designs beautiful, practical storage that fits Australian appliances, meets local standards and suits your style.
What is a hidden appliance cupboard?
A hidden kitchen appliance cupboard (often called an appliance garage or appliance storage cabinet) is a dedicated cabinet that keeps everyday machines—coffee maker, toaster, kettle, Thermomix, air fryer—plugged in and ready, yet out of sight. Doors lift, slide or pocket away so you can use appliances on the spot, then close up for a clean, calm benchtop.
A benchtop-height appliance cupboard with a door (lift-up, bi-fold, tambour or pocket) concealing small appliances. Often includes internal GPOs, lighting and a benchtop work surface.
Doors that open like normal, then slide back into side cavities so the workspace remains fully open without doors in the way—ideal near cooktops or high-traffic zones.
Why Australian homeowners love appliance cupboards
- Clutter-free benchtops: Minimal, handleless kitchens feel calmer when appliances are hidden.
- Everyday convenience: Keep machines plugged in inside the cabinet; slide or lift the door and get brewing.
- Safety and compliance: Proper ventilation, splash protection and compliant power help you use heat-generating appliances safely.
- Style continuity: From a Hamptons or Shaker kitchen to sleek contemporary designs, door and panel details can match the rest of your cabinetry.
- Custom fit for Aussie appliances: Sized for typical 600 mm-deep benchtops and common local brands, from espresso machines to Thermomix.
Planning and design essentials
1) Measure appliances you’ll store
Design starts with a list of appliances and their dimensions. As a guide: many espresso machines need 380–420 mm height clearance, Thermomix around 330 mm high and 330 mm deep, and air fryers vary widely. Allow space for lids to open and for steam to escape.
2) Power, lighting and switches
- GPOs: Include dedicated double/triple GPOs at the rear or side. In WA, electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician (refer to WA EnergySafety). Consider a master switch at the front of the cupboard.
- Lighting: Discreet LED strip or puck lights make early mornings easier; choose warm or neutral tones to match task lighting.
3) Ventilation and heat management
Heat-generating appliances (coffee machines, toasters, air fryers) need airflow. Options include louvred panels, rear vents, or under-door gaps. Keep combustible materials away from hot exhausts and avoid closing doors immediately after use.
4) Door type and ergonomics
- Lift-up/bi-fold: Great above bench when you have headroom; pair with soft-close lift systems.
- Tambour (roll-top): Space-efficient where swing or pocket space is limited.
- Pocket doors: Best user experience for wide work zones; doors disappear into the cabinet sides.
5) Surfaces and splash protection
Use a durable benchtop inside the cupboard—laminate, porcelain/sintered stone or compact laminate. Include a small upstand or splashback panel to protect cabinetry from steam and splatter.
While the AS/NZS 4386 Domestic kitchen assemblies and AS/NZS 3000 Wiring Rules guide construction and electrical safety, your designer and licensed electrician will advise on the specifics for your home and appliances.
Helpful authorities: HIA, Master Builders WA, WA EnergySafety.
Our renovation process (Perth & WA)
- In-home or showroom consult: We review how you cook and the appliances you use daily. Bring sizes or photos.
- Design & 3D visuals: We plan cabinet heights, pocket/lift mechanisms, internal GPOs and lighting, then present finishes that match your kitchen style.
- Detailed measure: Final onsite measure ensures perfect fit and door clearances.
- Custom manufacture: Precision-built cabinetry using moisture-resistant materials suited to WA conditions.
- Installation & electrics: Our installers coordinate with your licensed electrician for GPOs and lighting.
- Aftercare: Advice on cleaning, hinge adjustments and future tweaks as appliances change.
Materials, finishes and benchtops
Joyce Kitchens offers durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for hidden appliance cupboards and broader kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust.
Popular cabinetry options
- HMR melamine carcasses: Moisture-resistant, easy-clean interiors ideal for everyday use.
- Doors and fronts: 2-pack polyurethane, premium laminate, vinyl wrap, timber veneer, or solid timber for a classic Shaker kitchen look.
- Hardware: Soft-close hinges and drawers, finger-pull or push-to-open for a handleless kitchen; quality systems from leading suppliers for reliable lift-up/bi-fold and pocket doors.
- Internal surfaces: Matching benchtop material inside the cupboard, or compact laminate for robust heat and moisture resistance.
Benchtop comparison: Engineered stone vs laminate
Note: Australia has introduced restrictions on high-silica engineered stone. Many clients now choose porcelain/sintered stone or low-silica alternatives. Ask our team for compliant, up-to-date options in WA. See also guidance from Safe Work Australia.
| Feature | Engineered stone (quartz) | High-pressure laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Look & feel | Premium stone-like aesthetic; wide colour range | Vast decor options incl. stone and timber looks |
| Heat & moisture | Excellent moisture resistance; avoid direct high heat | Good moisture resistance; use trivets for heat |
| Inside appliance cupboard | Stable surface for coffee machines/mixers | Cost-effective, easy to replace if scuffed |
| Regulatory note (AU) | Subject to national restrictions; discuss compliant alternatives | No special restrictions |
| Typical cost (supply only) | $$$ | $ |
Layouts and styles that work
Best locations for an appliance storage cabinet
- Next to the fridge or pantry: Coffee and breakfast zone with easy access to milk and cereals.
- In a scullery or butler’s pantry: Keep noise and mess off the island during entertaining.
- On an island return: Pocket doors open to a prep hub, then close to keep a modern minimalist kitchen pristine.
- Laundry crossover: Matching appliance cupboard for iron/steamer or stick vacuum in the laundry for whole-home cohesion.
Style ideas
- Shaker or Hamptons kitchen: Profiled doors, feature appliance cupboard with decorative end panels and warm task lighting.
- Contemporary/handleless: Finger-pull or push-to-open with super-matte finishes; hidden LED strip for a gallery-like glow.
- Scandinavian coastal: Timber accents and light laminates, tambour doors for a soft, textural detail.
- Industrial: Dark laminates, rugged compact laminate worktop inside, integrated power rail.
We tailor each piece as custom cabinetry WA homeowners can live with for years—integrated fridges, soft-close drawers, splashback alignments and all.
What does a hidden appliance cupboard cost in Perth?
- Benchtop-height appliance garage (600–900 mm wide): From approx. $1,500–$3,500 supplied and installed, depending on door mechanism, lighting and internal benchtop.
- Full-height pocket-door appliance cabinet (900–1,200 mm wide): Typically $3,500–$7,500+, influenced by door hardware, finishes, internal drawers/shelves and electrical scope.
- Whole-kitchen renovations Perth: From ~$25k for a compact kitchen with laminate finishes through $45k–$90k+ for larger spaces with premium materials and scullery fit-outs.
Allow for licensed electrical work and any stone/porcelain benchtop upgrades separately. We provide fixed, itemised quotes after measure so there are no surprises.
Quick Australian case examples
Case 1: City Beach family breakfast zone
A 1,000 mm-wide pocket-door cabinet beside the fridge now hides a dual boiler coffee machine, grinder and toaster. Internal porcelain benchtop, two GPOs, subtle LED, and a shallow drawer for pods and tea. Doors vanish while in use, then close up before school drop-off.
Case 2: Fremantle heritage refresh
Shaker fronts in a soft white, with a benchtop appliance garage on the island back. Bi-fold lift door matches the profile; compact laminate inside handles steam from kettle and Thermomix. The concealed setup keeps the period details front and centre.
Practical planning checklist
- List appliances, sizes and how often you use each one.
- Confirm internal width, depth (min. 600 mm bench) and height clearance.
- Specify door type: lift-up, bi-fold, tambour or pocket doors.
- Plan GPO count, a master switch and cable management.
- Add ventilation (vents/louvres) if using heat-generating appliances.
- Choose a durable internal surface and splash protection.
- Include lighting and a simple on/off switch or sensor.
- Match finishes to your kitchen style (2-pack, laminate, veneer, etc.).
- Schedule with your electrician and agree on locations to AS/NZS 3000.
- Future-proof with adjustable shelves or tray drawers.
Ready to design your hidden appliance cupboard?
Book a chat with Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s custom cabinetry and kitchen renovations specialists. We’ll measure your appliances, map the best location, and specify compliant electrics and ventilation, all finished to your chosen style.
FAQ
What is a hidden kitchen appliance cupboard and how does it work?
It’s a dedicated cabinet (often called an appliance garage) that conceals everyday machines behind lift-up, tambour, bi-fold or pocket doors. Appliances stay plugged in on an internal benchtop; you open the door to use them and close it again for a clutter-free look.
How much does an appliance storage cabinet cost in Perth?
As a guide, a benchtop-height appliance garage starts around $1,500–$3,500 installed, while a wider full-height pocket-door cabinet typically ranges from $3,500–$7,500+. Final cost depends on size, hardware, finishes, lighting and electrical work.
What size should an appliance cupboard be for a Thermomix, microwave or coffee machine?
Allow at least standard bench depth (600 mm) and check each appliance height. Many espresso machines need 380–420 mm clearance; a Thermomix is roughly 330 mm high. Leave extra space for steam and for lids/portafilters to open comfortably.
Do I need ventilation or a dedicated power point inside a kitchen appliance cabinet?
Yes—heat-generating appliances require airflow, and you’ll typically include one or more dedicated GPOs. Electrical work must be completed by a licensed electrician to AS/NZS 3000; in WA, follow EnergySafety requirements for placement and safety.
Which door style is best: pocket doors, bi-fold or tambour?
Pocket doors offer the clearest access on wide cabinets, bi-fold/lift-up doors suit upper or benchtop garages with headroom, and tambour is great where swing space is tight. We recommend based on your layout, appliance sizes and budget.