Everything You Need for a Perfect Backyard BBQ

Take your backyard cookout to the next level.

Everything You Need for a Perfect Backyard BBQ

It's barbecue season, and nothing compares to getting out your backyard grill to cook up a meal. Of course, sharing your culinary talents with friends and family makes outdoor grilling even better.

For that, you’ll want some essential items to help you cook your food and host the perfect BBQ right in your patio. Whether it's your first time or you're an expert griller, this is everything you need for a backyard BBQ.

Grill

There’s no grilling without a grill, so this is obviously the first item you’ll need for a BBQ.

The grill you choose will determine everything else, so it’s worth buying one that fits your space needs and preferred cooking methods.

Best grills to buy:

Grilling Toolset

Next up, you’ll need a sturdy set of grilling tools. Sets vary in materials and in how many tools they include. The most basic ones include just a spatula, a tong and a basting brush.

This is enough if you want to keep it simple. If you want to go pro, there are sets with more than 10 tools.

Best grilling toolset to buy:

3-piece stainless steel BBQ set ($19.97)
13-piece bamboo BBQ tool set ($39.79)
3-piece golfer BBQ set ($34)

Apron

A cooking apron is a practical grilling accessory. It looks good and keeps your clothes clean.

And the right apron will also let you have all your grilling tools on hand, so you can multitask more easily.

Best aprons to buy:

BBQ Grilling Basket

BBQ baskets are perfect for food like chopped veggies, wings and shrimp.

They allow you to grill these food items to perfection without worrying about them falling through or getting charred.

Best BBQ basket to buy:

Skewers

Another great way to cook veggies and shrimp is with skewers.

You can also use skewers to do international BBQ recipes like kebabs, yakitori or Brazilian barbecue.

Best skewers to buy:

Burger Press

If you’re a perfectionist, don’t hesitate to buy a burger press. Your burgers will come out the perfect size and shape, leaving all your guests impressed.

Best burger presses to buy:

Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is an essential tool for anyone who cares about getting meat juuust right.

They are especially important if you’re planning on cooking chicken or pork, which can be either too raw to consume or too dry.

Best meat thermometers to buy:

Grill Lights

There’s just something so satisfying about a nighttime BBQ.

If you want to entertain guests after the sun sets and the temperature drops, grill lights will be a lifesaver.

Best grill lights to buy:

Grilling Gloves

Don’t let burns spoil a great grilling day. The easiest way to avoid any accidents while grilling is to wear protective gloves.

Best grilling gloves to buy:

First Aid Kit

Keeping with the theme of safety first, you should always have a first aid kit nearby when barbecuing.

It’ll help manage any minor accident, especially if there are kids around.

Best first aid kits to buy:

Fire Extinguisher

Every house should have a fire extinguisher regardless of whether BBQs are happening there or not. But if you’re planning on grilling, have it handy just in case.

Better safe than sorry.

Best fire extinguisher to buy:

Food Covers

Pesky flies tend to hover over your perfectly grilled goodies, threatening to spoil them.

Be one step away from the pests by covering your food after it’s done and until right before serving.

Best food covers to buy:

Cooler

The right drink pairing can be the cherry on top of a great barbecued meal. No matter the time of the year, you’ll probably want something cool like beer, wine, iced tea or lemonade.

To keep bottles and cans cool, a cooler is a must-have.

Best coolers to buy:

Non-Melting Chillers

Ice cubes are another obvious way to make sure your sodas or iced tea is cool. The only problem is that they change the taste of drinks as they melt.

In come non-melting cubes as the perfect solution.

Best non-melting cubes to buy:

Drink Dispensers

Rather than worrying about constantly refilling your guests’ drinks, invest in some drink dispensers.

That way, everyone can simply get more whenever they want, and you’ll only have to refill the dispenser when it runs out.

Best Drink Dispensers to buy:

Compostable Plates

Save yourself from having to do dishes and from environmental guilt with compostable plates.

They tend to be a little more expensive than plastic ones, but it’s worth it to know your BBQ isn’t adding to the planet’s waste problem.

Best compostable plates to buy:

Serving Tray

Hauling food back and forth will be much easier with the right serving tray. Plus, it can make your table look nicer.

Best serving trays to buy:

Backyard Table

Once the food is ready, you’ll want to have the perfect place to serve your guests. Don’t have them standing awkwardly around, trying to cut their meat or worse, going inside to eat.

Get a table big enough to enjoy outdoor dining.

Best backyard tables to buy:

Lawn Chairs and Couches

When your guests are waiting for the food or once they’ve finished eating, they might want to lounge about and relax with a cold drink in their hand.

Make this possible with some comfy lawn chairs or couches.

Best lawn chairs to buy:

Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant AI technology device can make hosting a patio event much easier. And there are numerous ways to use it.

For instance, you can give it a voice command to put a timer on so you know when the meat is ready. Or you can ask it to change, stop, start and play whatever song you want.

Best virtual assistants to buy:

Wireless Speaker

Getting your virtual assistant device to play music won’t do any good unless you have a good set of wireless speakers.

If you don’t want to spend money on an AI, connecting your phone to a speaker is the best way to use music to set the mood of your outdoor party.

Best Wireless Speaker to buy:

Outdoor Games

Entertainment is almost as important as the food, so you’ll want to prepare some fun backyard games. For all ages.

Best outdoor games to buy:

Bug repellents

Don’t let mosquito bites ruin the fun. There are several ways to keep them at bay without having to lather on smelly mosquito repellent.

Best bug repellents to buy:

Fire Pit

The fun doesn’t have to end at night. One of the best ways to finish a perfect BBQ is by sitting around a fire pit, talking and roasting marshmallows.

Best fire pits to buy:

Grill Brush

At the end of the day, the last thing you’ll want to do is clean your grill. But since you have to, you’ll want cleaning tools that’ll make it easier and faster to get the job done.

Best grill brush to buy: