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What Appliances Should Be in an Outdoor Kitchen?
Planning an outdoor kitchen is an exciting step for anyone who loves cooking and entertaining outdoors. While the BBQ is usually the centrepiece, a well-designed outdoor kitchen includes several appliances that make cooking easier, more versatile and far more enjoyable.
Whether you’re building a full outdoor kitchen or gradually upgrading your BBQ area, the right appliances can transform your outdoor space into a complete cooking and entertaining zone.
Below are the key appliances that make an outdoor kitchen truly functional.
Built-In BBQ
The built-in BBQ is the foundation of most outdoor kitchens. Unlike freestanding BBQs, built-in models are designed to integrate into benchtops or cabinetry, creating a clean and permanent cooking station.
Benefits of a built-in BBQ include:
- Larger cooking surfaces for entertaining
- Consistent heat control
- Seamless outdoor kitchen design
- Extra durability for long-term outdoor use
Built-in BBQs allow you to cook everything from weeknight dinners to large weekend gatherings without needing to move equipment around.
For many homeowners, this is the first appliance installed when creating an outdoor kitchen.
Pizza Oven
Adding a pizza oven to an outdoor kitchen expands what you can cook far beyond traditional BBQ meals. Pizza ovens reach higher temperatures than standard grills, producing crisp bases and perfectly melted toppings.
They’re ideal for:
- Wood-fired style pizzas
- Roasted vegetables
- Breads and flatbreads
- Slow-roasted meats
Pizza ovens also bring a social element to outdoor cooking, allowing guests to build their own pizzas while enjoying the outdoor space.
Outdoor Fridge
An outdoor fridge is one of the most practical additions to an outdoor kitchen. Instead of constantly going inside to grab drinks or ingredients, everything stays within reach.
Benefits include:
- Convenient drink storage for guests
- Keeping meat and ingredients chilled while cooking
- Reducing trips back to the indoor kitchen
- Creating a dedicated entertaining area
Outdoor fridges are designed to handle outdoor temperatures and humidity, making them more suitable for outdoor kitchens than standard indoor refrigerators.
Side Burner
A side burner adds flexibility to your outdoor cooking setup. It allows you to prepare sauces, sauté vegetables or cook side dishes while the BBQ handles the main meal.
Common uses include:
- Heating sauces and marinades
- Cooking stir-fry or vegetables
- Boiling seafood
- Preparing pasta or side dishes
With a side burner, your outdoor kitchen becomes a complete cooking space rather than just a grilling station.
Outdoor Sink
An outdoor sink adds convenience and practicality to any outdoor kitchen. It allows you to wash vegetables, rinse utensils and clean up without needing to go back inside the house. This makes food preparation easier and helps keep your outdoor cooking area organised while you’re entertaining. Outdoor sinks are typically connected to your home’s plumbing and can be installed alongside your prep bench, creating a more functional outdoor kitchen setup.
Outdoor Built In Storage Drawers
Storage is often overlooked when planning an outdoor kitchen, but it makes a significant difference to usability.
Outdoor kitchen drawers allow you to store:
- BBQ tools and utensils
- Seasonings and rubs
- Grill accessories
- Cleaning equipment
Having storage built into your outdoor kitchen keeps everything organised and close at hand, making cooking outside far more efficient.
Browse our Outdoor Storage Options
Build Your Ideal Outdoor Kitchen Setup
A well-designed outdoor kitchen typically combines a built-in BBQ, pizza oven, fridge, side burner and storage solutions to create a space that is practical, enjoyable and ready for entertaining.
Whether you’re starting with a simple BBQ upgrade or planning a full outdoor kitchen installation, choosing the right appliances will ensure your outdoor cooking space is both functional and enjoyable all year round.
Contact us for expert advice about your Outdoor Kitchen