Spring is here, Brisbane is warming up quickly, and outdoor entertaining season is starting again.

For homeowners planning a new deck, patio or outdoor kitchen, the barbecue is often one of the first things they start thinking about.

But if you’re considering a built-in gas BBQ, there is one part of the project that is worth planning early: the gas connection.

Whether you’re using natural gas or LPG, a permanent outdoor BBQ setup involves more than simply choosing an appliance and building some cabinetry around it.

The location of the BBQ, the type of gas available, the appliance requirements and the gas pipework can all affect how the outdoor kitchen needs to be designed.

Here are some of the key things Brisbane homeowners should think about before building an outdoor kitchen around a gas BBQ.

1. Decide on the BBQ Before You Build the Outdoor Kitchen

One of the easiest mistakes to make is designing the cabinetry first and choosing the barbecue afterwards.

Different gas BBQs can have different installation requirements, including clearances, ventilation, gas supply requirements and connection locations.

If the BBQ is going to be built into cabinetry, it is worth choosing the appliance early enough that the outdoor kitchen can be designed around the manufacturer’s installation requirements.

This can also make it much easier to plan where the gas pipework, isolation valve, electrical supply, sink and drainage need to go.

2. Natural Gas or LPG?

Gas BBQs can operate on either natural gas or LPG, depending on the appliance and the gas available at the property.

If your home already has natural gas, it may be possible to extend the existing gas system to the outdoor entertaining area.

For homes without natural gas, an LPG installation may be another option.

The important thing is that the appliance must be designed and approved for the type of gas being supplied.

A BBQ designed for LPG should not simply be connected to natural gas, or vice versa, unless the manufacturer specifically allows the appliance to be converted and the conversion is performed correctly.

3. Can You Connect a BBQ to the House Gas Supply?

In many cases, yes.

A licensed gasfitter can assess the existing gas system and determine whether a new gas line can be run to the outdoor kitchen.

However, simply having natural gas at the property does not automatically mean the existing pipework can support another appliance.

The gasfitter may need to consider:

• The gas consumption of the new BBQ
• Other gas appliances already connected to the property
• The size and length of the existing gas pipework
• The gas pressure available at the appliance
• The proposed location of the outdoor kitchen
• How the new pipework will be routed
• The manufacturer’s installation requirements

This is one reason it is worth talking to the plumber or gasfitter before the cabinetry, bench tops and finishes are installed.

4. Gas BBQ Installation Is Licensed Work

In Queensland, gas work must be carried out by a person holding the appropriate gas work licence or authorisation.

That includes installing, altering, repairing, servicing and testing gas systems and gas appliances.

Queensland also requires gas appliances such as cookers, barbecues and hot water systems to be approved devices and installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

This is not an area where it is worth improvising a connection simply because the BBQ happens to fit in the space.

5. Check That the BBQ Is Approved for Use in Australia

There are now enormous numbers of BBQs, outdoor cooking appliances and imported products available online.

Before buying one, it is worth checking that the appliance is approved for installation and use in Australia.

Queensland gas safety guidance recommends checking for a national gas device approval badge when purchasing a gas appliance.

This becomes particularly important with appliances purchased directly from overseas suppliers, where the product may not necessarily meet Australian gas appliance requirements.

6. Ventilation and Clearances Matter

A gas BBQ generates considerable heat and produces combustion gases while operating.

That means the area around the appliance needs to be designed correctly.

This is particularly important where a barbecue is being installed beneath a roof, inside an outdoor kitchen structure or near walls, cabinetry and other combustible materials.

The required ventilation and clearances depend on the appliance and its approved installation instructions.

An area that feels outdoors to a homeowner may not necessarily meet the ventilation requirements specified by the appliance manufacturer.

7. Plan the Sink and Plumbing at the Same Time

If you’re already running services to an outdoor kitchen, this is also a good opportunity to think about the plumbing.

Many outdoor kitchens now include:

• A sink
• Hot and cold water
• A bar fridge
• Ice makers
• Dishwashers
• Filtered drinking water

Planning the gas and plumbing together can make the installation cleaner and potentially avoid having to remove cabinetry or finishes later to run additional services.

8. Already Have a Gas BBQ? Give It a Check Before Summer

If your outdoor kitchen has been sitting largely unused over winter, spring is a good time to check the BBQ before the first big gathering.

Queensland gas safety guidance recommends keeping gas appliances clean and free from rust and debris, checking that the spark igniter is operating correctly and making sure the flame burns evenly.

If the BBQ is difficult to ignite, the flame is uneven or sputtering, there is visible deterioration around the gas connection or you suspect a gas leak, stop using the appliance and have it checked by a licensed gasfitter.

9. What Happens After Gas Work Is Completed?

Gas installation work in Queensland is subject to compliance requirements.

Where applicable, the licensed person carrying out the gas work is required to provide a gas system compliance certificate and attach the appropriate compliance plate to the installation.

This provides a record of the work that has been completed and the person responsible for the installation.

Building an Outdoor Kitchen This Spring?

A good outdoor kitchen should look like it was designed as one complete space.

That becomes much easier when the gas, plumbing, drainage and appliances are planned before the cabinetry and finishes go in.

RJT Plumbing & Gas can help with gas BBQ connections, new gas pipework, LPG and natural gas installations and the plumbing required for outdoor sinks and entertaining areas across North Brisbane and surrounding areas.

If you’re planning an outdoor kitchen or want an existing gas BBQ installation checked before summer, get in touch with RJT Plumbing & Gas to discuss the job.