Outdoor kitchens have quickly evolved from a simple BBQ setup into fully considered entertaining spaces. Across Australia & New Zealand, homeowners are increasingly designing outdoor areas that function as true extensions of the home, spaces that can be enjoyed well beyond summer and built to suit relaxed, year-round entertaining.
Whether you’re hosting casual family dinners or weekend gatherings with friends, a well-designed outdoor kitchen enhances how you use your backyard while adding long-term value to your property.
If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen, here are 7 key features that elevate it from basic to exceptional.
Few things are more synonymous with Australian outdoor living than cooking on the barbie. While a standalone BBQ is often the starting point, built-in BBQs integrated into an outdoor kitchen layout offer better workflow, bench space and visual cohesion.
Whether you’re after a simple setup or a premium grill with multiple burners and rotisserie options, investing in quality will ensure consistent performance and longevity.
Skip the eski and keep drinks perfectly chilled with a built-in outdoor fridge. Designed to handle outdoor conditions, wine and beer fridges make entertaining seamless, no more running inside for cold drinks or dealing with melting ice.
Look for models with dual temperature zones so wines, soft drinks and beers can all be stored at their ideal temperature.
A pizza oven instantly turns your outdoor kitchen into an experience. From relaxed pizza nights to entertaining larger groups, wood-fired ovens bring theatre, flavour and versatility.
Beyond pizza, they’re ideal for roasting meats, baking bread and slow-cooked dishes. Portable options suit smaller spaces, while built-in pizza ovens create a striking focal point within a permanent outdoor kitchen.
Australian weather can be unpredictable, so shelter is essential. Louvre roof systems offer flexibility, allowing you to control sunlight, airflow and protection from rain without enclosing the space completely.
Paired with good ventilation, these systems allow outdoor kitchens to be enjoyed comfortably across seasons while maintaining an open, outdoor feel.
Functionality matters. Integrated storage drawers keep utensils, serving ware and cooking essentials close at hand, reducing trips back inside and keeping the space tidy.
Custom-built outdoor kitchens allow you to maximise available space while incorporating premium appliances such as outdoor fireplaces or pizza ovens for a cohesive finish.
Lighting plays a key role in both safety and ambience. Under-bench and under-cabinet lighting adds subtle warmth, while dimmable task lighting ensures the space remains practical after dark.
Pathway and step lighting should also be considered if your outdoor kitchen is set away from the house. For a relaxed atmosphere, festoon or string lights remain a popular option.
An outdoor fireplaces brings warmth, atmosphere and a natural gathering point to your outdoor kitchen. It extends usability into cooler months while adding a strong visual anchor to the space.
With a range of sizes, styles and finishes available, an outdoor fireplaces can be tailored to suit modern, coastal or architectural homes, and doubles as a cooking surface for flame-grilled food and casual fireside meals.
Outdoor kitchen designed by Love Kitchens NZ, featuring a Douglas Fireplace.
A successful outdoor kitchen balances style, functionality and durability. When thoughtfully designed, it enhances everyday living, supports entertaining and adds lasting value to your home.
We recommend speaking with a landscape designer or a specialised outdoor kitchen builder, to ensure all elements, from layout to ventilation, are carefully considered.
If you're considering adding an outdoor fireplace to your plans, explore our range...