$5-$30k Functional & fabulous
In order to avoid doing DIY, you’ll need to hire a professional to build your outdoor kitchen and possibly design it as well. Many landscape architects now specialise in outdoor kitchens, and by hiring a specialist you’ll ensure a great design that’s tailored to your home and to how your family likes to live.
Shelter if you’re working at the upper end of this budget, you should consider building a freestanding pergola to offer shelter from rain. If your outdoor kitchen is adjacent to your home, you might be able to get away with an awning attached to the side of the house. Even a shade sail will make your kitchen more user friendly during hot weather. Don’t forget to shield your cooking area from the wind, either with a permanent fence or some hedging plants in containers or raised beds.
Food prep You can likely afford either a bespoke bench to suit your space or a modular outdoor kitchen bench with built-in storage. If you’re having something built, look to the materials inside your kitchen to create a cohesive look and feel.
Paving create a simple paved area or deck that includes space for dining as well as cooking. Talk to your landscaper about creating a good sense of flow between your cooking space and adjoining garden or indoor spaces, and use existing trees, plants and structures to make your kitchen feel like part of the landscape.
A sink and a fridge should be part of your kitchen plan, but will likely influence where it can be located as you’ll want to minimise plumbing and electrical costs.
“Lots of people overlook a sink, but if you want a proper functional kitchen, you need a sink,” says James. “And a fridge isn’t essential, it’s more like a next step. But a proper outdoor fridge isn’t cheap.”