Planning an alfresco kitchen and wondering which outdoor kitchen cooktop to choose? Here’s a practical, expert guide from Joyce Kitchens—Perth’s kitchen, bathroom, laundry and wardrobe specialists—covering cooktop types, weatherproof materials, WA compliance, layouts, styles, costs and timelines.
Planning your outdoor kitchen cooktop
In WA’s sunny climate, an alfresco kitchen lets you cook and entertain year-round. Choosing the right outdoor kitchen cooktop comes down to fuel type, weather exposure, ventilation, and the way you like to cook (from searing steaks to simmering sauces).
Gas vs induction vs hybrid
- Gas cooktops deliver instant heat and wok control. Look for 316 stainless steel or marine-grade burners designed for outdoors, solid trivets and high wind-resistance. Pair with an outdoor-rated rangehood (baffle filters, 900–1200 m³/hr+).
- Induction is clean, efficient and safer in windy sites. Choose models suitable for semi-outdoor use and ensure adequate IP-rated electrical protection. Great for low-profile modern designs.
- Hybrid mixes a gas wok burner with two induction zones—a flexible setup for varied cooking styles.
Sizing and layout
- Common widths: 600, 700 and 900 mm. A 900 mm unit pairs well with a built-in BBQ for family entertaining.
- Allow prep zones either side of the cooktop (ideally 300–400 mm min each side) and think about hot pan landing space.
- Position to minimise crosswinds; in coastal suburbs, add side panels or screens to shield flames.
- Match with alfresco-friendly storage: custom cabinetry WA homeowners love includes powder-coated aluminium frames, weatherproof compact laminate doors and soft-close drawers.
Outdoor gas cooktop with cover
We recommend an outdoor gas cooktop with cover (hinged stainless lid or custom shadowline lid) to protect burners from salt spray, dust and UV when not in use. Covers also keep the line clean in Hamptons or Coastal designs and reduce maintenance. Ensure clearance so the lid doesn’t interfere with gas knobs or pot stands.
Compliance and safety in WA
Outdoor cooktops must comply with Australian Standards and WA regulations. Joyce Kitchens coordinates licensed trades to keep your renovation compliant and stress-free.
- Gas installation: Must be installed and certified by a licensed gasfitter in line with AS/NZS 5601.1. Maintain clearances to combustibles and ensure permanent ventilation for LPG/NG. See WA guidance from Building and Energy WA (Gas) here.
- Electrical: Weatherproof GPOs, isolation switches and RCDs to AS/NZS 3000. Outdoor rangehoods should be hardwired by a licensed electrician.
- LPG bottle placement: Observe minimum distances from openings/ignition sources and provide restraints and ventilation.
- BAL/bushfire zones: In bushfire-prone areas, check material choices and clearances consistent with NCC/BCA requirements and local council advice.
- Rangehoods: Baffle filters, external ducting where possible, and wind-appropriate capture zones. Many alfresco installs need higher extraction (1,000–1,200 m³/hr+) to compensate for open sides.
For general building guidance, see the Housing Industry Association HIA and Master Builders WA MBA WA.
Materials and finishes for alfresco kitchens
Outdoor zones demand weather-tough finishes. Our kitchen renovations Perth team specifies materials proven in WA conditions.
Cabinetry
- Powder-coated aluminium frames and doors: corrosion-resistant, colour-stable and low maintenance.
- Exterior-grade compact laminate doors/panels: water-resistant with UV-stable décor options (think Laminex Alfresco Compact Laminate for a coastal Hamptons look).
- 316 stainless steel drawer fronts or kickers in splash zones.
- Quality hardware (e.g., Blum soft-close) rated for outdoor humidity and temperature swings.
Benchtops near the cooktop
- Sintered porcelain/ultra-compact surfaces (e.g., Dekton, Neolith): excellent UV and heat resistance, ideal beside grills and gas burners.
- Granite: dense, natural stone with good heat resistance; seal periodically.
- Exterior compact laminate: durable and affordable; keep adequate clearance to burners and use heat shields around high-output wok burners.
- 316 stainless steel: commercial-grade and hygienic, suits modern minimalist schemes.
Comparison: Sintered porcelain vs Exterior compact laminate
| Property | Sintered porcelain | Exterior compact laminate |
|---|---|---|
| UV & colour stability | Excellent; ideal for full sun | Very good; select UV-stable ranges |
| Heat resistance (near cooktops) | Outstanding; handles hot pots better | Good; use trivets/heat shields near burners |
| Impact/scratch | High; edges benefit from professional finishing | High; forgiving in family spaces |
| Maintenance | Low; non-porous, no sealing | Low; wipe clean, no sealing |
| Typical price (installed) | $$$–$$$$ | $$ |
| Style fit | Modern, industrial, luxe | Hamptons, Coastal, family-friendly |
Layouts and styles that work outdoors
Popular layouts
- Straight run with return: Efficient against a wall with a return for bar seating.
- L-shape: Separates hot zone (cooktop/BBQ) from prep and sink; great in compact courtyards.
- Island with back bench: Entertainment-focused; ensure rangehood capture if the cooktop is on the island.
Style cues
- Hamptons/Shaker kitchen: Shaker-profile doors in exterior-grade materials, light coastal hues, subway splashback tiles or VJ cladding, composite granite or porcelain benchtops.
- Modern minimalist: Handleless lines, 316 stainless or porcelain tops, under-mount sink, integrated outdoor fridge.
- Industrial: Exposed brick, powder-coated steel, black accents, concrete-look sintered stone.
We carry design language through your home—matching your alfresco to your kitchen, bathroom renovation WA projects, laundry renovation Perth upgrades and wardrobe fitouts for a cohesive look.
Our design-to-installation process in Perth
- Consultation: We discuss cooking style, capacity (e.g., 900 mm appliances), budgets and exposure to wind/salt.
- Measure & concept: Site measure, services check, layout plans and 3D renders.
- Selections: Choose appliances, outdoor gas cooktop with cover, weatherproof custom cabinetry, sinks and tapware.
- Compliance review: Coordinate licensed trades for AS/NZS 5601 and AS/NZS 3000 compliance, ventilation and clearances.
- Fabrication: Perth-made cabinetry and benchtops, precise cut-outs for cooktop and rangehood.
- Installation & handover: Fit-off, gas certification and care guide.
Need inside help too? Our team also delivers complete kitchen renovations Perth homeowners trust, plus bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes.
Real WA examples
Case 1: City Beach alfresco makeover
A coastal family wanted a breezy Hamptons feel with robust performance. We specified a 900 mm gas cooktop with a custom stainless lid, baffle-filter rangehood at 1,200 m³/hr, exterior compact laminate Shaker doors and a sintered porcelain benchtop around the hot zone. The result: fast wok cooking, low maintenance and a cohesive look with their shaker kitchen inside.
Case 2: Fremantle terrace courtyard
A compact L-shape with induction cooktop to beat Fremantle Doctor winds, 316 stainless top near the cook zone and powder-coated aluminium cabinetry. Space-saving, quiet and perfect for mid-week meals. We mirrored finishes in a small laundry renovation for continuity.
Costs and timelines
- Cooktop appliance:
- Gas: approx. $600–$3,500+ (316 stainless or pro-style up the range)
- Induction: approx. $1,200–$3,800+ (outdoor-suitable models)
- Installation:
- Gasfitting and certification: ~$450–$1,200+ (scope-dependent)
- Electrical (GPOs, isolation, rangehood): ~$350–$1,200+
- Cabinetry and benchtops:
- Exterior compact laminate: from ~$8,000 installed for a modest run
- Sintered porcelain/316 stainless packages: ~$12,000–$25,000+ depending on size and spec
- Lead times: Design and selections 1–2 weeks; fabrication 3–6 weeks; install 1–3 days plus services fit-off. Allow extra time for custom finishes or peak seasons.
Every site is different—book a free consult and we’ll tailor a transparent proposal.
Practical checklist: Pre-start for an outdoor kitchen cooktop
- Decide fuel: gas, induction or hybrid based on wind and cooking style.
- Confirm appliance width (600/700/900 mm) and pot clearance.
- Plan an outdoor gas cooktop with cover or a custom lid to protect burners.
- Nominate rangehood extraction and ducting path; allow make-up air.
- Choose weatherproof cabinetry and benchtops (porcelain, 316 stainless, compact laminate).
- Mark gas bottle location (LPG) and regulator, respecting setbacks and ventilation.
- Select splashback materials (porcelain slabs, stainless, exterior tiles) with heat tolerance.
- Confirm electrical points, isolation switches and IP ratings for alfresco.
- Agree on a service route that avoids penetrations in waterproofing or pool zones.
- Book licensed trades and keep certificates of compliance.
Ready to design your alfresco?
From concept to completion, Joyce Kitchens designs and installs outdoor kitchens that stand up to WA conditions. We also craft beautiful interiors—from custom cabinetry to wardrobes and bathrooms—so your home feels consistent inside and out.
Book your free in-home or showroom consult with our Perth designers today.
FAQ
What is the best cooktop for an outdoor kitchen in Australia?
For most alfresco spaces, a quality gas cooktop offers the best control for searing and wok cooking, provided you have wind protection and a suitable rangehood. Choose 316 stainless or models designed for outdoor use. In windy or exposed sites, induction performs brilliantly with minimal heat loss and added safety. Many WA homeowners opt for a hybrid: a powerful gas wok burner plus two induction zones.
Do I need a cover for an outdoor gas cooktop?
Yes—an outdoor gas cooktop with cover is strongly recommended. A hinged stainless lid or integrated custom cover protects burners and igniters from rain, salt spray, dust and UV, reduces cleaning and keeps lines tidy when the alfresco is used as a servery. Ensure the cover clears controls and trivets and doesn’t trap heat after cooking.
Are there special regulations for installing an outdoor gas cooktop in WA?
Yes. Gas work must be completed and certified by a licensed gasfitter to AS/NZS 5601.1, with correct clearances, ventilation and compliant LPG bottle placement (if applicable). Electrical work must meet AS/NZS 3000 with appropriate IP-rated fittings. Your designer should coordinate rangehood performance and ducting. For guidance, see Building and Energy WA’s gas information.
What benchtop materials are best around an outdoor cooktop?
Sintered porcelain/ultra-compact surfaces and 316 stainless steel handle heat and UV extremely well. Granite can also work with sealing. Exterior-grade compact laminate is durable and cost-effective—position heat shields and use trivets near high-output burners. Avoid timber near hot zones and consider compliant alternatives to engineered stone for new fabrication.
How much does an outdoor kitchen cooktop and installation cost in Perth?
Expect $600–$3,500+ for a gas cooktop or $1,200–$3,800+ for induction, plus ~$450–$1,200+ for gasfitting and ~$350–$1,200+ for electrical. Cabinetry and benchtops typically add $8,000–$25,000+ depending on size and materials. Lead time is usually 4–8 weeks from design sign-off to installation.