How to build an outdoor kitchen on a budget and ideas to get you started

A well-designed outdoor kitchen can help you create some great summer memories with friends and family. While a simple charcoal BBQ might be all that some need, the potential can far exceed this and make quite a big difference to your gatherings and the way you remember them. Taking time to fully understand this potential will help you make informed decisions about how to best set up your outdoor kitchen for you.

Before we get started, it's important to clearly define exactly what an outdoor kitchen is. To avoid confusion, we are not simply talking about a standalone BBQ on a deck.

An outdoor kitchen is a functional cooking and entertaining space specifically designed for al fresco living. It includes essentials like a BBQ grill, prep areas, storage, seating and dining with a number of customisable options that people also add like pizza ovens, outdoor sinks, mini fridges and more.

It's more an extension of a home that promotes outdoor living, most often enjoyed in the summer but not necessarily exclusively, making it something you can get more use out of than you might think.

Related article: How to setup an ideal deck in New Zealand

Outdoor kitchens have many benefits which is why they've become such a popular feature in homes throughout New Zealand. This includes:

Maximising outdoor living

Kiwis love to enjoy the outdoor spaces of their homes over the summer and an outdoor kitchen allows you to get the most out of this. With proper design, you can create a seamless indoor-outdoor flow to make it feel like a natural extension of the home. It also adds extra functionality to your outdoor space, maximising your outdoor living opportunities.

Increasing property value

There's no question that an outdoor living area with a stylishly designed and properly equipped outdoor kitchen greatly increases the value of a home. If you think you'll be selling your home sometime in the future, then this is a great way to help secure a strong return on investment. Prospective buyers will have no trouble imagining an idyllic outdoor entertaining experience which can be a powerful influencer during the selling process.

Easy and convenient entertaining

An outdoor kitchen makes outdoor entertaining so much easier than the alternative of cooking indoors and bringing dishes out. Outdoor cooking allows you to quickly bring food from grill to plate so that it's served fresh. It adds a great ambience and also allows the chef to be more involved in the occasion.

Better aesthetics

The aesthetics of an outdoor kitchen can be intentionally designed in a similar way to an indoor kitchen, compared to the alternative of a lone BBQ that gets rolled out on the deck. By taking this approach, you can consider how your entire cooking space, including your appliances, outdoor furniture and cabinets and other decor items work together for stunning results.

Greater longevity and durability

An outdoor kitchen tends to be designed and constructed using high-quality materials built for the outdoors. This makes it much more robust and secure, which is particularly important for coastal locations in New Zealand that are exposed to the sun, wind and seaside air. It'll cost you more upfront but the return will be well worth it in the long run.

Related article: Deck ideas that make a difference — From stylish homes across the country

As you might expect, outdoor kitchens can have a wide range of costs, depending on the features included, the size of the space, the quality of the materials and products chosen and more.

Generally speaking, a budget outdoor kitchen will cost you at least $2,500 - $10,000.

For a mid-range outdoor kitchen, you can expect to spend at least $10,000 - $25,000.

For a premium outdoor kitchen, you can easily spend anywhere from $25,000 - $100,000.

A breakdown of what outdoor kitchens with these budgets include is shown below.

For a simple and functional setup you'll need:

• Barbecue grill: A portable or built-in gas or charcoal grill.
• Work surface: A small stainless steel prep table or a DIY benchtop.
• Storage: Weather-resistant storage cabinets or shelving.
• Seating: Outdoor dining set or foldable chairs and table.
• Basic shelter: An outdoor umbrella for shade.

For a more polished and versatile setup with added functionality you'll need:

• Built-in barbecue or grill: Higher-quality, multi-burner gas grills or hybrid models.
• Countertops: Made from durable materials like granite, engineered stone, or weatherproof wood.
• Storage: Fully enclosed, weather-resistant cabinets.
• Sink with plumbing: Stainless steel or ceramic sink with proper plumbing for running water.
• Refrigeration: A small outdoor-rated fridge or cooler.
• Lighting: Outdoor lighting for ambience or task lighting for evening use.
• Pergola or covering: A simple pergola or shade system to protect the space.

Extras

• Modular seating like outdoor bar stools or sectionals.
• Sheltered dining area with an outdoor heater or fire pit for cooler evenings.

For a luxurious, fully equipped space that blends design and functionality you'll need:

• Premium cooking equipment: Built-in high-end grills, pizza ovens, and even smokers.
• Custom benchtops: Engineered stone, concrete, or granite with a seamless finish.
• Ample storage: Custom-built cabinetry with weatherproof finishes and soft-close features.
• Sink with hot and cold water: A designer sink with integrated features like a drainboard or pull-out faucet.
• Refrigeration: Full-size outdoor fridge, beverage coolers, or even a wine fridge.

Extras

• Cooking appliances: Side burners, teppanyaki grills, or outdoor wok stations.
• Tech features: Built-in sound systems, smart lighting, or outdoor televisions.
• Luxury seating and decor: Cushioned lounges, dining sets, or bar seating with premium outdoor fabrics.
• Architectural features: Custom pergola, roofing, or retractable awnings.
• Heating options: Infrared heaters, outdoor fireplaces, or fire pits.

With the benefits, essentials and costs covered across a range of different budgets, it's time to find some inspiration. These outdoor BBQ area ideas will help you get started on the right path.

1. Plan before you buy

While it may seem obvious, you'd be surprised how many people skip this step, or at least, don't think about it as much as they should before starting. You really need to spend some time, planning your project out, looking closely at the space you have, the essentials you need and the amount you have to spend.

2. Invest in your BBQ grill

The outdoor kitchen experience centres around food, and the BBQ grill is where most of the action will happen. If you're going to spend big on anything, prioritise this. It'll make your outdoor cooking easier, and more enjoyable and likely result in better tasting food.

3. Prioritise shade and shelter

Anyone who has experienced a summer in New Zealand will know how harsh the sun can be, making shade crucial for any time spent in the outdoors. If you're on a budget, a basic outdoor umbrella will do the trick. Shelter is also helpful when the rain falls, which can happen suddenly even in the summer, in which case a retractable awning is a great solution.

4. Materials matter

For similar reasons, the materials of the appliances and furnishings you choose are vital to ensure longevity in the outdoor kitchen you're investing in. The extremities in our weather, from the harsh UV rays of the sun to the strong wind and rain, can take their toll, so you want to be sure everything you buy for your outdoor kitchen will be able to withstand what the weather has to throw at it.

5. Consider a multi-zone approach

If you're struggling with layouts for your outdoor kitchen, consider taking a multi-zone approach. This essentially means designating separate zones in your available space for cooking, dining, lounging and whatever else you have in mind. It's a highly practical approach and allows you to meet the needs and set the right ambience for each individual zone too.

Related article: Different types of BBQ grills to set you up for the Kiwi Summer

As you can see, it's possible to build an outdoor kitchen on a range of different budgets with plenty of scope for customisation to meet your exact needs. Whether it's a modest outdoor BBQ kitchen with a dining table and seating or a lavish space with designer outdoor furniture to impress one and all, with proper and precise planning you'll be able to make it happen.

(This article was updated on 2nd December 2024)

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