Grilling doesn’t have to be a nightmare. As a hobby, barbecuing can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to get together with friends and family, and it’s a very social activity. There are a lot of different ways to barbecue, so you can always find new techniques and recipes to try out. And the best part is, you get to eat the food afterward.
Furthermore, you can make sure that your BBQ pit is always prepared for any situation with the right tools. Here are six essential additions to your backyard BBQ pit to will help you avoid disaster and ensure everything goes smoothly, regardless of what you need it for:
1. A place to barbecue
This is a no-brainer. You absolutely must have a barbecue place. Whether it’s a full grill or an electric stove, you need some form of surface for cooking your food. If there isn’t one, then just bring something that will work.
Keep in mind that if you’re going to be using a lot of different grills, you’re going to need a lot of space. Make sure that your cooking area is large enough to accommodate all of your guests and their food when it’s time to party.
Of course, the backyard is your go-to spot. But you’ll want to have a covered space to shelter your expensive—and you know how expensive they can get—grills and all your other equipment. You’re thinking garage, but an alternative in covered carports is also ideal. They give you ample space to move around, barbecue, and store your equipment while also providing direct access to your equipment.
2. A reliable grill
The first thing on your equipment list should go without saying, but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless because there really isn’t anything worse than showing up at someone’s house and realizing they don’t even have a grill. If you’re planning on throwing a potluck or just want an easy way of preparing food outside, then you need to invest in a good grill. Invest in next-generation grills if you want to turn this into a hobby and even a business. And if space is tight, consider getting one of these handy portable grills. They’re a more cost-effective option and still provide the same great results.
3. Smoker box
A smoker box gives you that excellent barbecue flavor without having to take up all the space on your grill. The best part is it’s a lot less expensive than a full-sized smoker, but it still has a huge impact on the taste of what you’re cooking. It’s also lightweight and easy to use. If you don’t have one, then you’re really missing out!
4. A propane tank or two
If you want to get really fancy, you can go all out on your BBQ pit and install gas lines. But if you’re not looking to make any permanent changes to your backyard, then propane tanks are the way to go. They’re more expensive, but they’re also a lot sturdier and can provide you with fuel for years without having to be replaced. Plus, some BBQ pits actually come with propane tanks included.
5. A pair of tongs or some long-handled utensils
You don’t want to end up burning yourself, so you’ll want to find some gadgets that will keep your hands safe. There are utensils made especially for barbecuing, but all you need is a good pair of tongs and a long-handled spatula. These help you control the food on the grill much better than trying to do it with your hands. You should also get a grill brush. It will help clean the grill while you’re cooking without having to risk burning yourself.
6. A thermometer
One of the most important things when barbecuing is making sure that your food is cooked properly. This means knowing the right temperature to cook it at and, more importantly, accurately measuring the temperature. There are digital ones that are very accurate and easy to use, or you could go for the classic meat thermometer. Whichever you choose, make sure that it’s reliable and easy to read.
If you don’t cook the meat right, you could end up with a nasty case of food poisoning. That’s definitely not something you want to deal with when you’re trying to relax and enjoy yourself at a barbecue.
These are just a few essential things that you need to have in order to make your backyard BBQ pit experience a success. With these tools, you’ll be able to cook food like a pro and everyone will be asking for your recipes. So get started planning your party and don’t forget these six essential additions.
