When the temperatures rise and summer approaches, thoughts automatically turn to garden barbecues and entertainment on the terrace.
But if this year you’re looking to improve your garden cooking game with outdoor gadgets, where do you start?
Jayme Muller, a member of the RTA Outdoor Living design and sales team, says you don’t have to be overwhelmed by the cost or amount of work you can put into your outdoor space.
“There are money-saving DIY options of varying degrees of difficulty for those with limited space or budget who want to avoid traditional masonry,” said Mueller, who recommends shortcuts like finding discount appliances or DIY outdoor kitchen kits, both of which can make big changes easier.
Müller says there are so many benefits to having a well-organized outdoor area for cooking and entertaining that it is worth investing your time and thought.
“A well-equipped outdoor kitchen enables meetings to be held outdoors without the typical stress and fear of missing out on the best moments,” Müller told Shop TODAY. “Cooking, eating, and topping up drinks all take place outside. The chaos stays outside. And the host can stay free where the action is and enjoy the company without fear of tidying up the house later.”
“Convenience is a decisive advantage,” continued Müller. “Most Americans who grill would certainly grill more often if they had a central room with all the tools they need to prepare, cook, and tidy up afterwards.
What does Müller recommend to prospective backyard hosts to awaken delicious summer memories?
Grills and outdoor ovens
The star of any outdoor cooking area is the grill or outdoor oven. Whether you’re hosting a neighborhood pizza night or grilling burgers by the pool, there are options for a variety of space constraints and cooking needs.
Müller recommends a good pellet grill and pizza oven to start with.
“Why make room for a grill and a smoker when you can have the best of both in one?” he said. “And wood-burning pizza ovens are more versatile than they sound and more accessible than ever. They still feel like a treat, but they don’t have to be anymore.”
For standard grills, Müller recommends one that offers a little more for your money.
“To really take cooking outdoors, a side burner or power burner is ideal for making the food preparation process easier,” he explained.
Memorial Clearview stainless steel gas grill
This stainless steel grill has a built-in window for easy viewing as well as two side burners and a built-in thermometer.
Ooni Koda gas-fired pizza oven
Lightweight and portable, this gas-powered pizza oven from Ooni is a great way to make pizzas in just 60 seconds.
PK Grills PK360 charcoal grill and smoker
This sturdy aluminum grill doubles as a smoker. With a unique capsule shape and four point venting system, it’s easy to control the temperature and choose between fast grilling or low and slow smoking.
Solo stove grill
Grill masters and their guests can sit at this unique grill from Solo and cook together while they catch up.
Roccbox portable outdoor pizza oven
This portable pizza oven cooks stone oven quality pizza in just 60 seconds using either wood or gas for fuel.
Momument Pellet Grill
This roomy pellet grill has plenty of room for any meat you smoke, from the brisket to the pork on the cob.
Fire and taste hero grill system
This affordable portable charcoal grill system is also dishwasher safe so cleaning up is a breeze.
George Foreman electric grill
This compact electric grill is designed for indoor and outdoor use and is ideal for pulling on the back patio or in the kitchen.
connected
Grills
Are you looking for the perfect skewers for your next try at kebabs? Do you need the perfect instant reading thermometer? Müller says there are gizmos that are perfect for all of your grilling needs.
“If you normally ask whether your meat is ready, a meat thermometer offers valuable security,” said Müller. “Easy to store utensils like tongs, a two-pronged fork, a spatula, and a staple brush are a griller’s best friends.”
“And don’t forget extras like long-life kabob skewers and grill baskets for vegetables to add variety to your grilled dishes.”
Delicious smart meat thermometer
This wireless thermometer connects to the Yummly app via Bluetooth and tracks everything from the temperature of the meat to the ambient temperature in the grill or smoker.
O-Yaki perfectly portable grill set
This portable set includes tongs, a carving knife, a staple brush and other barbecue utensils.
SearBQ frying pan and press
This cast iron press and griddle cut cooking time by over 50% by perfectly distributing the weight across the meal you are cooking and giving it a perfect sear.
Stanley cook set with even heat
This outdoor cookware set is compactly stowed and is perfect for storage under a grill or in outdoor cabinets. It is also made of sturdy stainless steel and comes with coasters, a serving spoon, a cutting board and a spatula.
Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub
This Weber temperature monitor is compatible with any grill and uses an app to keep backyard chefs informed of the temperature of their meat.
O-Yaki vertical spit system made of stainless steel
With this set of nine stainless steel skewers sitting vertically in their stand, multiple skewers can be cooked evenly on the grill. The set even claims to be able to cook a whole chicken!
connected
domestic appliances
Whether you’re mixing cocktails or drinking coffee on the terrace, weatherproof equipment is a must for an outdoor kitchen. According to Müller, the idea of an outdoor kitchen is to go beyond grilling for a complete outdoor dining and beverage experience.
“That includes the ability to make all kinds of drinks to your liking,” he explained. “Coffee for two on the terrace, smoothies for the family or mixed drinks with friends. Save time and hassle with a separate mixer and coffee maker for.” use outdoors only. “
BlendJet 2 portable blender
This rechargeable mini blender is available in colors to match any patio decor. He makes everything from frozen drinks to chip dips.
Jomo French Press
This unbreakable stainless steel French coffee press comes with a travel bag and is perfect for outdoors.
Serveware
Once you’ve grilled a delicious meal, it’s time to serve your guests in style. Müller says that when it comes to preparing and serving food, it’s the little details that make a big difference.
“Coolable serving plates keep cold food at the right temperature even when it is hot,” said Müller. “Serving trays help centralize food with fewer containers to clutter the counter and are easy to move around. And high-quality steak knives ensure the meat gets off the grill and onto the plate with minimal effort.”
Double-walled drinks server for the Frontgate Glacier
This table cooler is a nice way to serve everything from beer to bottled water. It even comes with a split tray for lemons, limes and other side dishes.
Viking Steak Knife Set
If you love to grill steaks, this Viking steak knife set is a perfect addition to your al fresco dining.
Stanley Hot Crock
Serving soup on the side? Would you like to keep a side dish warm? This Stanley pot will keep things warm for 12 hours. And if you keep a dip or other chilled item cool, the pot will be covered for 16 hours.
Viking Olive Wood serving paddle
Not only is this serving board durable and easy to clean, it’s also made from beautiful olive wood.
Frontgate Super Chill Appetizer Tray
Just freeze the bottom half of this beautiful serving tray before coating entrees to keep food cool longer.
Crate and barrel wine bottle coolers
Take those chilled whites and rosés to the next level with this wine cooler made partly from stainless steel and partly from ice. Whether you’re adding fruit to the ice cream or adding color to things with food coloring, your guests will be impressed with this unique serving piece.
Frontgate Wyatt Spirits Caddy
Pre-dinner cocktails? Serve drinks elegantly in this acacia wood and iron serving caddy.
connected
Chillers and chillers
Spend more time enjoying your guests and less time worrying about keeping things cold with these coolers and coolers.
While outdoor refrigerators can be expensive, there are other alternatives, according to Müller.
“Whether it is food or not, cold drinks are essential to outdoor living,” he said. “While a refrigerator makes sense for frequent use, the cooler option is perfect for low-key gatherings.”
Yeti tank ice bucket
This giant yeti ice bucket is perfect for serving beer, mineral water or soda and makes setting up a garden grill easy.
Stanley Fast Flow water jug
Keep diners hydrated with this Stanley water jug that holds two gallons of liquid.
Yeti six gallon water cooler
Have a bigger gathering? This cooler from Yeti can serve six gallons of liquid.
Viking double-walled stainless steel serving bowl
This beautiful serving bowl from Viking was developed to keep dishes warm or cold for longer periods of time. It is perfect for serving an aromatic salad. Have a happy hour in the backyard? It’s also perfect as a drink cooler.
Riverbend Home Picnic Time BBQ Cooler and Grill Set
Not only is this cooler bag from Riverbend Home perfect for storing groceries, it also features an array of grilling tools that can be conveniently stored in the front compartment.
Patio goods
Müller says that an outdoor kitchen needs more than just grilling.
“If the installation allows it, easy access to running water for cooking and cleaning is a great convenience,” said Müller. “Here, too, the beauty of an outdoor kitchen is the ability to bring all the interior fittings outside in one place.”
GCI Outdoor Master cooking station
This cooking station can be folded up when not in use and has features such as an aluminum worktop, a softshell sink and storage options for cookware and utensils.
Rio Gear aluminum camp table
Do you need extra space to prepare your meals? This aluminum folding table from Rio Gear is a great addition to any backyard setup.
W Home tile patio bar trolley made of steel
This stylish bar cart fits any outdoor area and is weatherproof. Therefore it is a great place to store not only bar items but also cookware.
For more stories like this, see:
Download the new TODAY app and subscribe to our Stuff We Love newsletter for more deals, shopping tips and budget-friendly product recommendations!
Comments are closed.