There’s something particularly enjoyable about outdoor cooking and entertaining at home. Forget overpriced pub beers, restaurant dinners, and running into acquaintances whose name you can’t remember for the life of you. An all-weather outdoor kitchen makes staying home easier and even more enticing.

Whether you’re looking to create a hub for at-home gatherings or just want to make the most of your outdoor space, here we cover everything you need to know when building a durable outdoor kitchen set-up that works for you, your space and New Zealand’s varied climate. 

Functional outdoor kitchen design that works in any weather

The most important step to a great outdoor kitchen? A smart design! When constructing your all-weather outdoor cooking area, keep flow, placement, seating, and shelter top of mind. 

How big is your outdoor area? Where does the wind typically come from? How exposed is your outdoor living area to rain? Where does the harsh afternoon sun hit? Asking yourself these questions during the planning and design process will help you make informed decisions. 

Work with the space you have, prioritising functionality to maximise your kitchen’s use and ensure entertaining outdoors is seamless. A designated prep area should be part of your planning from day one – running inside to the main kitchen to chop or peel will quickly defeat the purpose of your outdoor kitchen. 

Adding shelter keeps your outdoor cooking zone usable long after summer ends and ensures that unexpected rain doesn’t ruin your plans. And don’t forget seating: dining chairs, Adirondack chairs, or a nearby outdoor lounge create a natural gathering spot, keeping the cook part of the conversation.

Choosing the right layout for your space

Larger backyards can accommodate generous L-shaped or U-shaped designs, providing space for full bench seating, dedicated prep zones, and even an outdoor fridge. Smaller courtyards or compact spaces often suit a simple linear layout along a fence line — keeping everything streamlined without feeling cramped. 

Standard bench height is around 900–950mm, and it’s important to allow enough clearance around appliances, especially the grill. BBQs and pizza ovens should be positioned away from solid walls and low, enclosed overhangs, with plenty of airflow to manage heat and smoke. If your outdoor kitchen sits under a pergola or louvred roof, ensure it’s well ventilated and designed for outdoor cooking. A well-planned setup will feel comfortable, practical, and safe in everyday use.

Your surface type also matters. Outdoor kitchens on concrete pads are generally the most stable, but you can build one on a deck — just check the load capacity, ensure good ventilation, and choose lighter materials where possible.

No matter the size of your yard, proper planning can bring even the simplest outdoor kitchen ideas to life.

Small outdoor kitchen ideas and smart storage

It’s worth emphasising that you don’t need a large backyard to enjoy an outdoor kitchen. If you’re working with a balcony or townhouse patio, a slim bench with a built-in barbecue, buffet drawers, or modular storage space can create a surprisingly functional outdoor kitchen. 

Smart storage solutions are also your ticket to a functional, compact outdoor kitchen. Vertical, weatherproof shelving, waste bins, and hideaway bins keep everything tidy and protected from the elements. 

Best all-weather outdoor kitchen unit materials: pros and cons

Choosing materials designed to withstand the elements will keep your kitchen functional and sleek-looking for many years to come! 

Countertops

Your countertop sets the tone for your outdoor kitchen, so choosing the right material matters. 

Granite

• Pros: A popular option for its durability and natural heat resistance

• Cons: Requires occasional sealing to keep it looking its best

Concrete

• Pros: Modern, architectural feel and handles high temperatures well

• Cons: Can develop hairline cracks over time if not properly maintained

Porcelain

• Pros: Lightweight, scratch-resistant, and low-maintenance, making it ideal for busy households

• Cons: Typically sits at the top of the price range

Stainless steel

• Pros: Practical and easy to clean, especially for outdoor kitchens

• Cons: May heat up quickly in direct sunlight. 

Weigh the options to determine which makes sense for your taste, budget, and backyard design. 

Cabinets and structure

When it comes to cabinetry and frame materials, think longevity!

Marine-grade stainless steel

• Pros: Built to handle NZ’s coastal air, humidity, and strong sun, long-lasting performance, low maintenance and long-lasting

• Cons: Higher upfront cost, can show fingerprints and scratches, gets hot in full sun

Aluminium frames

• Pros: Lightweight and strong, naturally resistant to rust and corrosion, easy to move and adjust

• Cons: Less rigid than concrete or steel, can dent if knocked

Concrete block bases

• Pros: Extremely stable and sturdy, can be customised to match your style, ideal for heavy countertops and appliances

• Cons: Heavy and harder to move once installed, needs proper sealing to avoid moisture damage, and has limited design flexibility without cladding

Composite panels

• Pros: Low-maintenance and weather-resistant, won’t rot, peel, or fade, lightweight and easy to install

• Cons: Less heat-resistant than stone or steel, may feel less ‘premium’ depending on material quality

Choosing weather-resistant materials from the start means less upkeep and a kitchen that stays looking sharp year after year. 

Pro tip: Cabinetry is where you can incorporate some personality through fun pops of colour!

Flooring

For flooring, safety is just as important as style. 

Pavers

• Pros: Durable, with excellent grip even when wet, low maintenance and long-lasting, works with a variety of garden styles

• Cons: Hard surface underfoot, joints can collect dirt or weeds, installation cost can vary depending on the pattern

Textured concrete

• Pros: Strong, reliable, and weather-resistant, slip-resistant for safety in wet conditions, can be customised with colours and textures

• Cons: May develop cracks over time, hard surfaces can be uncomfortable for standing long periods

Porcelain tiles

• Pros: Sleek, polished look, available in outdoor slip-rated finishes, resistant to stains, fading, and NZ weather, easy to clean

• Cons: Can crack if the surface beneath isn’t level, cold underfoot, slippery if not slip-rated

Composite decking

• Pros: Warm and comfortable underfoot, won’t rot or peel, textured surfaces offer good traction, handles NZ coastal and humid conditions well

• Cons: Can fade over time in strong sun, higher upfront cost than timber, sensitive to scratches from heavy appliances or furniture

Prioritise moderate-to-high-slip-resistance ratings, as well as proper drainage to prevent water from pooling around cooking zones.

Weatherproofing and protection strategies

New Zealand’s weather can be temperamental, so weatherproofing your outdoor kitchen, beyond choosing the right materials, is just as important. Shelter should be a top priority — BBQ shelters, bar gazebos, pergolas, louvred roofs, and retractable covers all help protect your cooking area from rain, wind, and harsh sun, while still keeping the space open and social. 

Appliances should also be protected with fitted covers when not in use, and any power points should be outdoor-rated for safety. Good drainage is another must-have, helping prevent water from pooling around cooking and storage areas.

A little seasonal maintenance keeps everything running smoothly. Reseal benchtops as needed, check metal components for signs of corrosion, and clear drains around your kitchen regularly, especially after heavy rain.

Must-have outdoor kitchen appliances for NZ conditions

Sometimes it feels like an appliance was made just for you, and that’s what outdoor kitchens are all about! Gas BBQs are the most popular option in NZ, offering quick heat-up times and consistent performance. Charcoal grills deliver great flavour but need more shelter from wind, while pellet grills suit more protected setups where temperature control is key.

An outdoor fridge is a game-changer for entertaining, but make sure it’s specially designed for outdoor use. Look for models with good energy ratings and insulation that can handle seasonal temperature changes. Pizza ovens are another favourite, and gas models are more practical in windy or coastal areas, while wood-fired ovens work best in sheltered spaces where airflow is easier to control.

If your kitchen is under cover, don’t overlook lighting and ventilation. Focused lighting makes food prep safer at night, while a ventilation hood helps manage smoke and heat, keeping the area comfortable for everyone.

Designing an outdoor kitchen built for NZ conditions

A successful outdoor kitchen is one that’s designed with New Zealand’s changeable climate in mind. Before you start, run through a quick checklist: choose weather-resistant materials, add adequate shelter, allow for airflow, plan safe appliance placement, and factor in simple seasonal maintenance.

With thoughtful planning, your outdoor kitchen can become a year-round feature — perfect for summer BBQs, relaxed spring lunches, and cosy evenings under cover.

Ready to start building your outdoor kitchen? Explore Keter’s range of durable, weather-ready outdoor furniture solutions to create a space that works beautifully in every season.