The summer is just around the corner and there is nothing better to do on warm summer days than to sit down with your friends and family and make a BBQ.
Not everyone knows how to cook the perfect rib, so if you are trying to impress your loved ones, you need to have the grilling essentials. These things will make the difference between a mediocre meal and something everyone will be talking about.
Use our list next time you go shopping for grilling equipment and you will see the difference in preparation right away. Don’t forget to buy some high-quality meat and you will end up making BBQ at least 3 days per week.
1. The perfect BBQ
You cannot make the perfect steak if you don’t have the right BBQ. There are so many different types on the market, so you can easily find something that fits your needs. Outdoor Cooking Pros has some great recommendations for grills, so you can simply check out their list, but make sure to do your own research and consider personal factors that will affect your final choice.
Start by thinking about the size that’s perfect for your backyard and the budget you have. If you make BBQ frequently, then you should invest in something better with a lot of features. Choose between a charcoal or a gas one, depending on what you want to achieve. Burnupp.com has some great recommendations grills within the affordable range.
2. Fuel
Once you’ve found the perfect device, you need to get the fuel for it. If you opted for a charcoal BBQ, then you will need to get a bag of charcoal and lighter fluid. Users say that when you add some wood in it, you will get an extra delicious flavor.
According to the Carnivore Style, if you chose the gas unit, then you need to buy at least one canister of patio gas. They come in different sizes, usually between 10 and 20 pounds.
3. Spatulas and Tongs
The next things you need to worry about are the spatulas and the tongs. You need at least 2 or 3 of them because you will misplace them at least once. There are a lot of different sizes and shapes, so make sure you get something long that will keep you safe from the heat.
Usually, you can buy these things in sets, or you can get a grilling kit that includes them all. However, experts say that when you buy a set, the quality is not as good as when you get every piece individually.
4. Oven Mitts
There are some things that you can get with spatulas, but for others, you will need to get closer to the grill. The same goes for when you need to dismantle it or clean it. Invest in a good pair of oven mitts that are made for BBQ.
The oven mitts are also used to start the grill and to protect your hands when you put the meat on. Choose a pair that is silicone and that’s non-slippery and you will be fine.
5. Thermometer
You cannot make the perfect meat if you don’t have a thermometer. They make the difference between the perfectly cooked steak and an overcooked one. You can check the best ones on giftwits, and you can even choose a smart device that will send you a notification to your phone when the meat is ready.
6. Hamburger Press
Is there anything that screams BBQ louder than hamburgers? We all love them, so instead of spending money on fast food, you can prepare them in your home. For the next level experience, you should get a hamburger press. The press will help you create a perfect, even burger that will give you an even taste to the last bite.
7. Pizza Oven
You don’t have to prepare just meat when you make BBQ. If you want to try something new and if you want to prepare a pizza with the perfect crust, you should get a pizza oven. Most of these units are available for gas grills only, so make sure you get the right one for your grill. Users say that it takes only 5-8 minutes to get a perfectly cooked pizza.
8. Rib Rack
Have you ever burnt the ribs because they were too close to the heat source? That is one of the worst things that could happen when you are grilling meat. To save yourself a lot of trouble and to make sure that the ribs won’t stick to the grill, you should invest in a non-stick rack. There are different sizes available on the market depending on your grill, but you can cook up to 6 ribs on most of them.
9. Apron
Every great chef knows that the apron is what makes the whole experience better. We know about the funny aprons with interesting quotes, but if you want to look like a professional, then you should get a leather apron.
The great thing about them is that they are so durable, that you won’t have to replace them for years. They don’t wear and tear in time and they are easy to wash. Plus, you won’t risk burning yourself or ruining your clothes.
10. Furniture
You’ve made the BBQ and everything smells perfect. Now is the time to sit down and eat. Invest in good patio furniture so you have enough space to accommodate all guests and to be able to have the best lunch ever. You need to buy at least two sofas, a few chairs and don’t forget about the tables. Invest in outdoor furniture that won’t get damaged in time.
11. Lighting
BBQs don’t have to happen during the day only, and you can prepare a nice late-night dinner and enjoy it with your family in those warm summer nights. Get some great lights and put them all around the patio. Don’t forget to get at least one big lamp that you will put next to the grill so you can see how the meat is cooking.
What do you think the essentials are? Now that you are ready, you can start grilling those steaks and ribs, and don’t forget to throw in a few potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil to make the best out of the meal.