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1. A compact Weber grill that'll become your go-to appliance, since you can cook up alll of the meats, veggies, and seafood on it without subjecting yourself to a stifling kitchen. Not only will it make your patio your new favorite place to be, it'll also fill the space with such wonderful aromas, the neighbors will start inviting themselves over.
I grew up eating food my dad cooked on his Weber grill, and you really can't beat the flavor you get from using charcoal. Plus, it's the perfect size for making a good deal of food without taking up too much space.
Promising review: "Affordable and reliable. Perfect for our backyard. We prefer charcoal to gas, and we've cooked about everything under the sun on this bad boy. Easy to assemble. Easy to clean. Exactly what we wanted." —Marci Manley
Get it from Amazon for $139+ (available with or without a cover).
2. Or, a highly rated gas grill for getting that BBQ on your table in a flash. It heats up in no time, and the four-burner design is great if you're cooking for a crowd.
Don't forget the propane tank!
Promising review: "This is my third gas grill and this is the best one so far. To me, the biggest issue is 'even heat' across the surface and this one is very even. My last grill had one super hot area, a couple of them just hot, and a couple of cooler areas. Was a pain, you had to stand there switching positions of the food so none got overcooked too fast. This grill doesn't have that issue. Very pleased with this purchase." —Ron
Get it from Amazon for $369.99.
3. A picnic table with benches, because it's a proven fact that barbecue tastes best when eaten al fresco (science, I don't make the rules). This one folds down flat so it won’t take up all of your yard space when it’s not in use.
4. A fan favorite savory seasoning that'll spice up your life — I mean, food. This unassuming yet flavor-packed blend of garlic, onion, cayenne, parsley, and citrus has over 8,000 5-star reviews, and can be used on any veggies or protein you'd like!
Dan-O's is a small biz that was founded by — yes — Dan O. (Oliver), who came up with a spice blend one day and realized it actually tasted really good! People who tried the seasoning told him he should sell it, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Promising review: "Life changing. The best seasoning I’ve ever used. Definitely leveled up my cooking with this! Will order again — but the biggest size this time!" —Josie
Get a pack containing the original and spicy seasonings from Dan-O's on Amazon for $21.89.
5. A super handy grill mat, which "future you" will be *so* appreciative of "current you" for purchasing once you see how easy it makes clean-up — especially when you're using those sticky molasses-based sauces.
6. And, a Scrubbin' Stone grill cleaner to scrape away any caked-on residue coating your grates. It's nontoxic, odorless, and made from recycled glass, and requires way less elbow grease than your standard sponge.
Each stone is good for up to two deep cleanings or 6–8 maintenance cleanings.
Promising review: "Completely restored my 3-year-old grill grates. Used to clean them with a box of Brillo pads and a headache but this product did the job so efficiently. Will definitely be keeping on hand for as needed cleaning. Would recommend cleaning in a deep sink so you can rinse stone residue off as you go, cannot use this at the grill without rinsing as the stone gets smaller as you go. Worth the price!" —hbinoc
Get it from Amazon for $6.99.
7. A small but mighty Thermapen for accurately checking the doneness of meat so it's perfectly medium rare (or well done, if that's your thing). You'll be so thrilled when you realize, yes, you can grill a piece of steak without it turning into rubber!
While you might think $83 is a bit steep for a thermometer, just know it's the one the pros reach for when they want the most accurate temperature, stat. It doesn't have "Super-Fast" in its name for nothing!
Promising review: "This is the absolute best thermometer out there, I've had one for over a year now and use it nearly every weekend with great results. It's extremely fast, and always accurate and consistent. I had tried cheaper thermometers from retail stores and they were wildly inconsistent — probing the same spot would swing in a 30-degree difference! Once I got a Thermapen I threw all of those other thermometers away, there's just no comparison. Now that I have a fast and accurate way to check my temps, food off the grill or smoker is cooked to perfection. Well worth the money!" —Matt
Get it from Thermapen for $83 (available in six colors).
8. A set of metal skewers that'll have you wondering why you went the wooden route up until now. Not only will these save you money, their flat design will keep your food from moving around when you flip them.
9. A bottle (or seven) of Lillie's of Charleston mustard barbecue sauce, because not everyone has time to whip up a topping for their ribs from scratch. It gets a tangy kick from the mustard and sweetness from honey and molasses, and trust — no one will know you didn't spend hours stirring a pot over a hot stove.
Lillie's of Charleston is a Black- and family-owned small biz based in South Carolina that, lucky for us, bottles and sells their award-winning sauces and spice mixes that were inspired by Sunday dinners at Aunt Lillie's house.
Promising review: "I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina and this is by far the most authentic South Carolina Mustard BBQ I’ve been able to find. I highly recommend. A true taste of home delivered to my door in Phoenix!" —Jenna Bowen
Get it from Lillie's of Charleston on Amazon for $10.98 (available in hot or mild).
10. And while we're on the subject of condiments, a bottle of truffle-infused hot sauce for classing up your wings. It comes in two spice levels depending on how much heat your mouth can handle, and the addition of agave nectar gives it a welcome bit of sweetness.
It's vegan and gluten-free!
Promising review: "THE BEST SAUCE ON EARTH! Life changing on eggs, epic on macaroni and cheese, superlative on hamburgers, incredible on roasted veggies! There is no end! It is hands down the most delicious hot sauce ever. Makes your breakfast burrito gourmet! Not outrageously hot, not outrageously truffle, just perfect, a little zing of heat, and a wonderful unctuous truffle flavor! You will not regret ordering this delicious perfect sauce!" —Erica Kimberly
Get it from Amazon: the black truffle hot sauce for $14.99, the black truffle "hotter" sauce for $11.49, the white truffle hot sauce for $25.75, and the white truffle "hotter" sauce for $29.99.
11. A pair of grilling gloves so you can grab things right off the grill without it resulting in a trip to the ER. They're heat-resistant up to 932 degrees F, and you can even use them in boiling water!
Promising review: "These gloves are exactly what I needed. I cook on a bbq outdoors a lot and I cook with cast iron in my kitchen. These gloves allow me to handle hot pans and grates more easily than with potholders. These will become an integral part of my cooking routine from here on out." —Amazon Customer
Get a pair from Amazon for $25.49+ (available in three sizes).
12. And, a set of tongs your fingers will thank you for while you're flipping chicken on the grill. The longer pair will ensure the food gets charred (rather than your hand), while the shorter ones are great for serving salads and sides.
Promising review: "I have purchased several sets of tongs for my husband for grilling over the past few years. It is difficult to find tongs that are long enough and sturdy enough for grilling a lot. These are the best I’ve found. The longer ones are very good for grilling on a large grill when you need to reach across the heat. The grips are good and the locking mechanism works well. I think best of all is the gripping end of the tongs. They grip very well for food pieces large and small. They also clean up very well. I will be buying more of these as Christmas gifts." —CAgrios
Get a set of two from Amazon for $14.95.
13. And! A wide offset spatula that'll have you flipping and smashing burgers like a total pro. Look out, Shake Shack...
Promising review: "Bought this to aid in making smash burgers on the flat top grill — it works AWESOME! I couldn’t be happier. It’s heavy and feels sturdy in hand. I was looking at a more expensive name brand option, but it was out of stock so I decided to give this one a whirl — really glad I did! It would be silly to spend more for the same thing. Try it — you’ll love it!" —Dez
Get it from Amazon for $12.99.
14. A set of flexible grill lights anyone who loves a little nighttime barbecue action needs in their cart, stat. The magnetic bases attach to any metal part of your grill, no installation required.
Promising review: "Absolutely LOVED this product. I purchased them as a gift for my brother when we were all using cell phones to see the grill one night. They are sturdy, provide sufficient lighting, and are high temperature resistant. Be careful, because when they are on the grill they do get hot on the outside, so take them off with some protection (gloves, towel, etc). I loved them so much I ended up purchasing a pair for my grill as well." —MVega
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $12.74+ (available in black or silver).
15. Or, a handy dandy headlamp I've heard of many a grilling enthusiast using, since it helps them see anything they might have dropped on the ground, where they're walking in the dark, and any signs of a BBQ-seeking Bigfoot.
Promising review: "The LED headlamp with smart dimming technology is a nifty little item. We used it for grilling dinner outside while it was starting to get dark. Dusk time, the light was bright enough to see but not full power. As the sun set completely, the headlamp brightened and my husband didn’t have to stop cooking or go wash his hands to adjust the brightness of the bulb. It just automatically did it. I would highly recommend this product, especially for outdoors work when daylight may be short." —brian rowan
Get it from Amazon for $14.35+ (available in green or red).
16. A set of ~ingenious~ bacon holders so you'll be able to wrap anything in everyone's favorite pork product without it unraveling as soon as it hits the grill. Think of them as thumbtacks for meat.
DDR Fab is a small biz based in Bentonville, Arkansas that was started by two Texans who love all things metal, bulldogs, and barbecue. They make everything from t-shirts and hats to metal decor and accessories.
Promising review: "If you grill, you need this product. I love them to keep my bacon on steak, hot dogs, and so on." —Daniel Ward
Get a set of eight from DDR Fab on Etsy for $22.49 (also available with BBQ rubs).
17. A stainless-steel grilling basket for anyone who wants to flip their food in one fell swoop without risk of precious morsels slipping in between the grates. It's also perfect for bringing on camping trips!
It comes with dividers so you can cook three types of food at the same time while keeping them separated!
Promising review: "Scallops, veggies, chicken tenders...no matter what, this basket is awesome for charcoal grilling. Saves the hassle of managing small items on the grill, and perfect for easy clean-up!!" —Cynthia S.
Get it from Amazon for $19.99.
18. And, a grill basket with high sides so you can stir and toss your chopped veggies and not have them fly everywhere.
Promising review: "Exactly what I wanted and it is very sturdy. Perfect for grilling veggies or other loose things on the grill without losing them in between the grates." —Aaron Sholl
Get it from Amazon for $24.49+ (available in two sizes).
19. A Weber charcoal smoker that'll make you feel like a legit pitmaster once you taste your first fall-off-the-bone ribs and tender, low and slow cooked brisket. Reviewers say it's a breeze to use, so don't be intimidated!
It has two cooking grates for smoking multiple items at once, and the temperature is easily adjusted using the two dampers. Plus, you can connect it to the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub via Bluetooth to monitor the internal temperature!
Promising review: "Don’t waste your money on overpriced smokers. This Weber smoker gets the job done and holds temp between 235–215 degrees all day. You may have to add a few briquettes after 4-5 hours but totally worth it!! I have cooked brisket and ribs on this over a dozen times and the people I shared the food with were amazed!! Well done, Weber!" —Steve Livingston
Get it from Amazon for $279+ (available in three sizes).
20. Or, if you're short on patio space, a cast-iron smoker box, which you can throw right on your gas, charcoal, or electric grill to infuse some delectable flavor into your meats and seafood.
It works on pretty much any grill — just add your favorite wood chips, along with juices, water, or marinades, and let the grill do the rest!
Promising review: "Highly recommended! If you are looking to get a smoker and are hesitant to drop big bucks because you don't know how to use one, this is a great place to start! Easy to use and portable!" —Dawna
Promising review: "Was intrigued by all the smoker grills but two BBQs is too much. Decided to try a smoker box on our Weber. This box is a solid build, and we’re surprised by how well it works. So far we’ve used pecan wood chips to cook/smoke chicken breasts, hot wings, turkey burgers, and cod. Results have been delicious!" —Andrew A.
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
21. Or! A stainless-steel fire pit for anyone simply looking to roast hot dogs while sitting around and telling ghost stories. Low maintenance, fun, what more could you ask for?
BuzzFeed Shopping's Heather Braga says: "My family has this fire pit and has been loving it all summer long! My sisters have a blast making s'mores and hanging out around it while watching the sunset — what more could you ask for? My dad also built out an entire seating area around it! It looks fantastic."
Promising review: "We just received our Tiki fire pit and I was immediately impressed with the quality of the craftsmanship. We have been looking for a fire pit for our patio and this one is perfect! The black exterior and copper colored lining is gorgeous and I love that it can use pellets or wood logs. It is a nice size and there was nearly no assembly. The low smoke design and ash pan for easy cleanup was an unexpected bonus. This definitely exceeded our expectations." —Shari Bitterman
Get it from Amazon for $295+ (available in two sizes).
22. And, perhaps most importantly, a marshmallow roasting set, because if you're not ending the cookout with s'mores, we've gotta talk. These fold up nice and compactly, but extend when you need them so the only thing that gets burnt is the marshmallow. Plus, you can get them engraved if you like!
Donebetter is based in Dennis Port, Massachusetts and specializes in all sorts of personalized gifts, from wooden cutting boards to leather wallets.
Promising review: "These were the perfect gift for my sisters family who love to make s'mores over their fire pit! The packaging is amazing and the quality is wonderful for gift giving. Perfect!" —Kaitlin Mercurio
Promising review: "Absolutely love that these are so long and have blunt ends! The other ones we had were so sharp I was always worried about the kids impaling themselves!" —Laura
Get it from Donebetter on Etsy for $29.95+ (available in two sizes, engraved or not, and in 19 font options).
23. A Lodge cast-iron grill press for achieving a nice, even sear without having to stand over your hot food and pressing it down with a spatula. You can even heat it up ahead of time and cook your meat on both sides at once to speed up the cooking time!
Promising review: "Love this! Before, I was standing at the stove with a spatula pressing down on the food, which caused uneven cooking, plus kept me standing at the stove all the time. Now, I just set the grill press on the sandwich or meat item that I'm cooking and I'm free to do other stuff in the kitchen. I can even preheat the press and really speed up cooking times. Great product, easy to attach the handle, which doesn't get hot when cooking food, and super easy to clean (I use a lot of cast iron in cooking so I just clean this like any of my other cast iron items)." —Southern woman
Get it from Amazon for $19.90.
24. A long-handled basting mop so you'll be able to slick sauces and marinades all over your food while it cooks without burning yourself. These mop heads hold a lot more sauce than the silicone ones, so you won't have to go back and dip as much.
It includes two bonus mop heads!
Promising review: "This a very good mopping brush for grilling and smoking. It holds enough of your favorite mop sauce so you don't have to keep going back to the bucket. I like having the two heads because I don't like to cross contaminate chicken with other meats I am smoking and the sauce is different. I participate in competitions and it is quick and easy to use. The large handle helps reach the back of the smoker and no worries about the heat burning your hand. I recommend this product to all wanting to keep their meat moist and flavorful." —Chris O
Get it from Amazon for $10.
25. A Cuisinart pizza grilling set that'll give your dinner routine some variety when you're on your fifth night of pulled pork in a row. The ceramic pizza stone can go right on the grill for cooking up personal-sized pizzas so tasty, you'll be like, "delivery who?"
26. A very convenient portable drink table you simply stake into the ground so your beverage of choice will always be just an arm's reach away while you're working the grill. Hey, hydration's important!
Woodland Steelworks is a small biz based in Woodstock, Georgia that hand-selects the pieces of wood they use to make quality furniture and decor.
Promising review: "Love it!!! We needed a portable table for our adult beverages while sitting by the fire pit or when playing cornhole and we found it!!! This beer table even has a bottle opener attached to the side! Well crafted and totally exceeded our expectations. Shipped quickly and packaged well." —dawn ricci
Get it from Woodland Steelworks on Etsy for $60+ (available in three finishes with six engraving options to choose from).
27. A set of red and black prep trays for preventing cross-contamination and confusion: Use the red one for bringing raw meats and vegetables out to the grill, and the black one for transporting the cooked food to the table. They're made of shatter-resistant melamine, and are dishwasher safe!
Promising review: "I honestly LOVE these two trays. I use the red for the 'raw' meat when I'm taking it to the grill and the black one for the cooked meat to put on it. It's only my husband and me, however when we cook we cook enough to have leftovers for a few meals apiece so we cook a good amount of food at a time, and when going to the grill these are a great size to take out the meat on and bring it back after cooking. Absolutely love them and would be willing to pick up again if we decide to get more!!" —B. White
Get a set of two from Amazon for $29.99.
28. A canvas cross-back apron with plenty of pockets so you can store your meat thermometer, tongs, and any other grilling essentials you'll want out in the backyard with you. Plus, it'll help keep your clothes from getting all greased up!
Promising review: "Very happy with this apron! The adjustable fit is exceedingly comfortable and its fabric has a nice thickness, which makes it feel sturdy without being cumbersome. I especially dig those roomy pockets! Plenty of storage capacity to hold whatever you'd want to keep handy. All of the stitching and riveting is noticeably solid, and overall everything has a very quality feel. I expect to get many years of use out of this awesome apron! Labeled as a 'chef apron,' though will also be perfect in any variety of crafting/building/tinkering activities. Definitely a great value for its price (and even comes with a couple of bonus microfiber shammies!)." —Randy Butler
Get it from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in eight colors, and adjustable up to a unisex size XXL).
29. Some mesh food covers that'll protect all of the cooked food while you finish up at the grill. I mean, if you’re gonna go through the trouble of making tons of barbecue, the last thing you want is ants making a buffet out of it.
Promising review: "These popped up in seconds. Zero assembly required and didn't blow away. Folded back to almost flat and easily stored in their original box once we were finished. These are a must for outside picnics and parties." —Professor X
Get a set of three from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in sets of six or 12).
30. And finally, some Deet-free Repel so you'll be able to grill outside while keeping bugs at bay for up to six hours. The lemon and eucalyptus oils provide a fresh scent without leaving your skin feeling sticky, so spray away!
Promising review: "In Georgia, you're the buffet for hordes of mosquitoes. This stuff is amazing. I can spray it on, go out for half a day and not get an itch! It smells nice, doesn't leave any residue. This little bottle packs a punch. Small enough to slip in your pocket to go to the park. The only thing I have to warn is that if you get any in your mouth you get a weird taste for a few minutes, like menthol cool but not exactly menthol-y taste. So if you have a picnic after you put this on, I suggest rinsing your hands first! But I will be buying this again when the weather warms!" —Mae
Get a 2-pack from Amazon for $15.40.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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