10 Outdoor Kitchen Ideas to Transform Your Backyard

If you love entertaining outdoors or simply want to make the most of your backyard, an outdoor kitchen is one of the best investments you can make. Whether you’ve got a small patio or a spacious deck, there are smart, stylish ways to create an outdoor cooking space that suits your lifestyle.

At Outdoor Luxury, we design and build high-end, fully weatherproof outdoor kitchens made right here in New Zealand. To help inspire your project, here are 10 outdoor kitchen ideas that combine function, style, and convenience.

Built-In BBQ with Storage

One of the most popular outdoor kitchen ideas is a built-in BBQ setup. Our units come with built-in storage drawers and weatherproof cabinets, so everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Looking for a quality BBQ? Check out the Matador 6-Burner BBQ at Bunnings or the Ziegler & Brown range at Mitre 10.

Outdoor Kitchen with Sink and Tap

Make clean-up easy with a sink and tap integrated into your benchtop. At Outdoor Luxury, we offer outdoor kitchen modules with plumbed-in sinks, perfect for prepping and cleaning without running inside.
Consider a stainless steel outdoor sink that’s built to handle the elements.

L-Shaped Layout for Easy Flow

L-shaped kitchens work beautifully in outdoor spaces, giving you more benchtop space and helping define your cooking zone. Our L-shaped models are fully modular, so you can customise them to suit your layout.

Covered Cooking Area

Protect your appliances and stay shaded while cooking with a covered or semi-covered kitchen area. Pair one of our weatherproof kitchens with a pergola or retractable awning to enjoy your space year-round.
Browse outdoor pergolas and shelters at Mitre 10 for cover ideas.

Outdoor Pizza Oven Station

Love pizza night? Add a pizza oven as a feature to your outdoor kitchen. We can help you create a heat-resistant benchtop area that’s perfect for pizza prep and entertaining.
Check out the Gasmate Pizza Oven at Bunnings or the Alfa Forni range at BBQs & More NZ.

Kitchen with Bar Fridge and Wine Storage

Turn your outdoor area into a full-on entertaining hub by adding a bar fridge and built-in wine rack. Many of our clients choose to include a drinks station to keep guests refreshed without running inside.
View outdoor bar fridges at Bunnings and wine fridges at Mitre 10.

Compact Kitchen for Small Spaces

Not every backyard has room for a full kitchen – and that’s okay. Our compact outdoor kitchen options are perfect for smaller patios, balconies, and courtyards, offering all the essentials in a sleek, space-saving design.

Coastal-Ready Materials

If you live near the beach, your outdoor kitchen needs to be built to withstand the elements. Our kitchens are made from fully weatherproof materials, including powder-coated aluminium frames and marine-grade fixings – so you’ll never need to worry about rust or water damage.

Add a Breakfast Bar or Bench Seating

Entertain with ease by adding a breakfast bar or extended benchtop with stools. This turns your kitchen into a social hub and gives your guests somewhere to sit, snack, and chat while you cook.
Check out outdoor bar stools at Mitre 10.

Smart Storage Solutions

One of the most underrated outdoor kitchen ideas is clever storage. Our kitchens feature soft-close drawers, sealed cabinetry, and weather-resistant finishes to keep your utensils, cookware, and supplies protected all year round.
Add-ons like weatherproof outdoor storage boxes can be a great bonus.