5
Must-Haves for the Backyard Grilling Season
The weather is getting
warmer, the grass is getting greener, and cool breezes are blowing across
backyards across the country. All of this can only mean one thing: It’s
grilling season! For most people, that means spending tons of time enjoying
your patio or porch accompanied by the sweet smells of barbequed meats and
vegetables. To help you make the most of this year’s grilling season, here are
our top five must-haves.
Find a Reliable Grill
We’re not going to weigh
in on the age-old debate of charcoal versus propane or wood pellet. Instead,
here’s a quick rundown of the main benefits of each type of grill:
- Gas Grill – Ready to go fast with
easy cleanup.
- Charcoal Grill – Great for a strong smoky
flavor.
- Wood Pellet Grill – Combines the flavor benefits of
charcoal and the precision of electric heat.
- Electric Grill – Perfect for portable
grilling.
Whichever option you
choose, make sure you have a reliable grill that can handle whatever you throw
at it. That means picking the right size grill. If you often find yourself
acting as the grill master for a group of neighbors, you’ll want a grill big
enough to handle it. Whereas if you’re a weeknight griller for the family, you
might not need such a large grill.
Get the Right Tools for
the Job
Grilling outside can be
a pain when you don’t have the right tools. You can’t use a plastic kitchen
spatula to flip burgers on the grill, and you can’t use small tongs to pick up
steaks or vegetables. You need to have the best tools for outdoor grilling use.
Here are a few of our top picks:
- Spring-loaded grill tongs
- Stiff wire grill brush
- An instant-read infrared meat
thermometer
- Stainless-steel kabob skewers
- Long-handled metal spatula
Here’s a pro tip: Keep
all your grilling accessories in a small Rubbermaid container. If you keep it
outside, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid. In the same container, stash
some aluminum foil, salt, and pepper. This handy grill box makes for an easy
spur-of-the-moment cookout.
Weather-Proof,
Comfortable Patio Furniture
We’ve been focusing on
the grilling itself, but what about after? Make sure you have a comfortable
place outside to eat that meal! We recommend a sturdy table with enough chairs
for the whole family – plus one or two extra for dinner guests. Keep in mind
that any fabric – like seat cushions – should be kept indoors whenever
possible. The last thing you want is for your furniture to get moldy after a
summer rainstorm.
Make a Shady Spot
Speaking of creating a
comfortable space to enjoy your grilling, don’t forget about the sun and heat!
Make sure to build in some shade around your patio furniture to avoid melting
in the hot sun during the summer. There are plenty of options, both permanent
and temporary. Here are a few ways you can bring shade to your backyard:
- Patio umbrella
- Free-standing or home-attached
pergola
- Gazebo (with or without netting)
- Canopy (perfect for large
gatherings)
- Retractable awning
For the more permanent
options, you can also dress them up with lighting or speaker systems to
completely transform your outdoor space.
Outdoor Firepit or
Fireplace
Grilling goes
hand-in-hand with summer entertaining. Take your backyard parties up a notch
with an outdoor firepit or fireplace. They’re beautiful, affordable, and can be
used nearly year-round to create a cozy atmosphere. You can opt for a classic
wood-burning fire pit or go for a smokeless propane firepit.
Building an outdoor fire
pit is a great way to bring creativity and design to your backyard. You can
construct a modern fire pit with clean-cut stones or vibrant mosaic patterns,
or you can opt for brick and stone. There are endless options here, as well.
Gathering these
must-haves before the season hits is sure to bring you months of backyard
grilling enjoyment! Have fun entertaining friends and neighbors, or get cozy
with your family around a firepit, and create happy memories outdoors.
