The Best BBQs in Australia: A Perth Designer’s Guide to Building the Perfect Alfresco

Designing an alfresco that actually gets used year-round starts with choosing the best BBQ for Australian conditions—and then integrating it beautifully with weather-ready cabinetry, durable benchtops and smart services. As a Perth-based team, Joyce Kitchens designs and builds alfresco kitchens that match your home’s style—from Hamptons and Shaker to sleek contemporary—while meeting WA compliance and the realities of our sun, salt air and heat.

What makes the best BBQ in Australia in 2025?

“Best” depends on your space, fuel supply, cooking style and maintenance tolerance. For Australian alfresco areas, especially in WA, we prioritise:

• Build quality: 304 or 316 stainless steel bodies, cast stainless or heavy cast iron grills, solid lids and robust hinges.
• Heat performance: Even heat across the plate, controllable sear (high MJ/hr), and stable low settings for slow cooks.
• Fuel and compliance: Correct injectors for natural gas (NG) or LPG and installation to AS/NZS 5601 by a licensed gasfitter.
• Weather resilience: Good rain management, covered ignition, and cabinetry ventilation to handle WA heat and sea breeze.
• Integration: Correct cut-out sizing, side burner or Teppanyaki options, rangehood capture, waste and Fire/clearance zones.

Best BBQ options for Australian homes

Best built-in BBQ (what to look for)

For most Perth alfrescos, the best built-in BBQ balances power and durability: 4–6 burners, 900–1200 mm width, rotisserie-ready, full drip management, and a reliable ignition. Notable Australian market contenders include models from Beefeater, Napoleon, Artusi, Gasmate and Everdure—each with different strengths. We design around your preferred brand and ensure the cut-out, ventilation and gas specs are spot-on.

• Why built-in? Seamless look with custom cabinetry WA, more bench space, better storage, and safer service integration.
• Key specs: 304/316 SS body, 12–15 MJ+ burners, cast SS grills, insulated hood, and removable drip trays.
• Compliance: NG/LPG configuration and clearances per AS/NZS 5601 (WA).

Best small barbecues Australia (compact alfresco and balconies)

Small courtyards and inner-city balconies thrive with a 2–3 burner compact or a high-output portable. Look for 500–700 mm widths, folding side shelves, and a snug weather cover. For strata or balcony rules, consider electric hotplates or induction Teppanyaki plates with an IP-rated GPO and local extraction.

Best natural gas BBQ Australia (plumbed convenience)

Natural gas is a winner for family homes with existing reticulation—no swapping bottles, stable flame, and typically lower running cost per MJ. A licensed gasfitter will convert or specify NG injectors, pressure test, and certify the installation.

Best outdoor BBQ Australia: matching to your cooking style

• Weeknight grills: 4-burner with hotplate/grill combo and warming rack.
• Entertainers: 5–6 burner with rear rotisserie and side burner for sauces.
• Low-and-slow: Models with accurate low settings, hood thermals and optional smoker boxes.
• Coastal homes: 316 stainless, marine-grade fasteners, and diligent cover/clean routines.

Best BBQ brands (what we see lasting in Perth)

We regularly design around Beefeater, Artusi, Napoleon, Everdure, Matador, Masport and similar. We recommend handling floor models, checking lid rigidity, grates, and grease management. Joyce Kitchens is brand-agnostic—our role is to integrate the BBQ you love into cabinetry that lasts.

How Joyce Kitchens designs your alfresco BBQ area

1. Design consult: We confirm cooking style, preferred brands, gas/electric services, extract capture, storage (gas bottle, utensils), and weather exposure.
2. Measure & plan: Site measure, service locations, and appliance cut-outs for a snug, safe fit.
3. Material selection: Weather-suitable cabinetry, porcelain or stainless benchtops, UV-stable splashbacks and outdoor-rated hardware.
4. Compliance & trades: Coordinate licensed gasfitters and electricians; clearances per AS/NZS 5601; ventilation and make-up air considered.
5. Fabrication & install: Soft-close drawers, Blum hardware, handleless cabinetry or Shaker profiles to match your home’s aesthetic.
6. Handover: Care guide for stainless, porcelain and BBQ maintenance in WA conditions.

Need the indoor to match? Our team also delivers kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes—so your alfresco, island bench, and butler’s pantry feel cohesive across the home.

Materials & finishes for outdoor kitchens in WA

WA’s UV and heat call for tough, low-porosity materials. We often specify porcelain/sintered stone (e.g., Dekton-type products), stainless steel, high-pressure compact laminate (for doors, not benchtops near heat), exterior-grade board, and tiled or glass splashbacks. Benchtop overhangs and weather lips help keep rain out of joinery.

Benchtop comparison: Engineered Stone vs Laminate (for context)

While neither is ideal for fully exposed alfresco benchtops, homeowners often weigh them for indoor or enclosed spaces. Here’s a quick guide:

For alfresco benchtops in the sun, we typically prefer porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel or sealed granite, not laminate.

Cabinetry details that last outdoors

• Exterior-grade substrates and water-resistant adhesives.
• Stainless fasteners and vented doors for gas bottle storage.
• Soft-close drawers with outdoor-rated runners; Blum or equivalent hardware.
• Sealed kickboards and scribed panels to keep weather out.

Considering indoor style continuity? A shaker kitchen profile outdoors pairs well with Hamptons cladding; contemporary homes might go handleless with shadowline and a slim benchtop for that modern, barbecue best statement.

Popular layouts & styles that work outdoors

• Galley alfresco: Straight run with 900–1200 mm BBQ, prep zone, underbench outdoor fridge and a compact sink.
• L-shaped with island bench: Ideal for entertaining—bar seating, ice well and bin drawer; mirrors your indoor scullery or island.
• U-shaped entertainer: Maximum storage, separate wet zone and a concealed butler’s pantry link for platters.

Match your interior language: Shaker/Hamptons outside with v-groove panels and pale tones; or go minimal with a graphite porcelain benchtop, black glass splashback, and a streamlined rangehood.

Costs and timeframes in Perth

• BBQ unit (best BBQ grill ranges): approx. $900–$6,000+ depending on size/brand.
• Custom outdoor cabinetry: $4,500–$15,000+ depending on length, hardware and finish.
• Benchtops (porcelain, stainless, granite): $2,500–$8,500+.
• Appliances (fridge, sink, tap, side burner): $1,200–$5,000+.
• Trades (licensed gasfitter/electrician, ventilation): $1,500–$5,500+.

Typical Perth alfresco builds run 4–8 weeks from final sign-off, subject to material lead times and site access. For full-home projects (kitchen renovations Perth, bathrooms, laundry, wardrobes), we sequence to minimise disruption.

Two WA case-style examples

Cottesloe coastal alfresco: 1200 mm built-in BBQ (316 SS), porcelain benchtop (sintered stone), stainless splashback and vented gas bottle cabinet. Handleless drawers with soft-close runners. Result: corrosion-resistant, easy to hose down after beach days.

Mt Lawley inner-city courtyard: Compact 700 mm 3-burner BBQ with fold-down prep, IP-rated power points, slimline rangehood and a durable granite top. Smart storage for covers and tools; perfect for small gatherings.

Practical alfresco BBQ planning checklist

• [ ] Choose fuel: Natural gas (plumbed) or LPG (bottled)
• [ ] Decide built-in vs freestanding (future moves?)
• [ ] Confirm BBQ width (700–1200 mm) and cut-out specs
• [ ] Add side burner or Teppanyaki plate if desired
• [ ] Plan ventilation: rangehood capture and make‑up air
• [ ] Select benchtop: porcelain/sintered, stainless or sealed granite
• [ ] Cabinetry: exterior-grade boards, vents, soft-close drawers
• [ ] Services: licensed gasfitter and electrician bookings
• [ ] Weather: covers, wind direction, sun/UV exposure
• [ ] Storage: utensils, condiments, trays, bottle bay

Ready to turn your alfresco into the heart of the home? Joyce Kitchens designs and builds outdoor and indoor spaces that work together—custom cabinetry WA that elevates daily living.

Authority notes: For design and compliance guidance, see the Housing Industry Association (HIA), WA Building & Energy on gasfitting, and Safe Work Australia on the engineered stone ban.

References:
HIA |
WA Building & Energy – Gasfitting |
Safe Work Australia – Engineered Stone

FAQ

Which built-in BBQ is best for an Australian alfresco?

The best built-in BBQ has a 304/316 stainless body, even heat (12–15+ MJ burners), solid grates, covered ignition, rotisserie option, and a 900–1200 mm width. Brands we commonly integrate in Perth include Beefeater, Napoleon, Artusi, Everdure and Gasmate. Ensure the model is configured for your fuel (NG/LPG) and installed by a licensed gasfitter to AS/NZS 5601.

Is natural gas or LPG better for my BBQ in Perth?

Natural gas is ideal if you can plumb it—no bottle swaps and often lower running costs per MJ. LPG offers flexibility if you don’t have gas reticulation or you like to rearrange the space. Both require a licensed gasfitter; NG needs correct injectors and pressure testing in WA.

What benchtop materials suit outdoor kitchens in WA heat and UV?

Porcelain/sintered stone, stainless steel and sealed granite are top picks for alfresco durability. Laminate isn’t suitable for full exposure. Note that new engineered stone supply/use is restricted nationally—choose compliant alternatives for new projects in WA.

How much does a custom outdoor kitchen cost in Perth?

Allow $9,000–$30,000+ depending on BBQ size/brand, cabinetry length/finish, benchtop material, ventilation and trades. Typical timelines are 4–8 weeks from final sign-off, subject to materials and site access.

Do I need council approval or a licensed gas fitter for a built-in BBQ?

Most alfresco fitouts don’t need development approval unless structural works are involved, but you must use a licensed gasfitter for any gas connection and a licensed electrician for power. Clearances and ventilation must meet AS/NZS 5601; check WA Building & Energy guidance.