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    Everything You Need for the Best Backyard BBQ

    by Lucille Watson

    family grilling during a backyard BBQ party

    Summer is just around the corner, which means warmer and longer nights with friends. A classic way to hang out with everyone during the evenings is by hosting an epic backyard BBQ party. We’ll detail all the cooking essentials you could need to grill up delicious smoke-rubbed burgers and give you a few outdoor patio ideas as well. Whether you’re looking for luxury outdoor furniture or want to host on a budget, we’ve got you covered.

    At a Glance:

    Backyard BBQ Grill Types (Pros and Cons)

    Outdoor Patio Furniture

    Grilling Tools You Need

    Luxury and Budget-Friendly Ideas

    Why Trust Us?

    Backyard BBQ Grills

    If you’re building a backyard outdoor kitchen or just want to be the house on the block that everyone flocks to for games, take a look at our backyard BBQ grills below.

    couple grilling

    A Barbeque Grill

    If you’re planning to host a BBQ in your outdoor backyard kitchen, an essential tool you need is a grill. There are a few different types of grills you can choose from depending on your needs and budget. Whether you choose to barbeque your meat or grill it, let’s look at the different cooking units and their benefits.

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    Outdoor Grills

    Charcoal Grills

    A charcoal grill is what most people think of when it comes to grilling out. The smokey, wooded flavors bring aromas that are hard to beat. These grills are typically more portable than gas grills and burn hotter than gas. Take into account that you have less control over a charcoal grill since you can’t control the heat as easily.

    Gas Grills

    Gas grills bring accuracy to your cooking. The heat of a gas grill is consistent, typically coming from two or three different burners. Another benefit to a gas grill is they are usually a cheaper option than charcoal ones. A gas grill is ideal for grillers who prefer optimal control over their barbequing.

    Wood Pellet Grills

    Wood pellet grills easily maintain a slow and steady temperature for hours without requiring any major adjustments. If you’re interested in slow-cooking briskets, ribs, or pulled pork, then a wood pellet grill is a great option.

    Pros and Cons of Each Grill Type

    How do you choose which grill is best for you? Let’s look at a few benefits and downfalls of each type.

     

    Pros

    Cons

     

    Charcoal Grills

    • Burns Hotter 
    • Very Versatile
    • Juicer Flavors

     

    Gas Grills

    • Instant Ignition
    • Temperature Control
    • Easy-to-Use
    • Can Be Very Large
    • Needs Gas to Run

     

    Wood Pellet Grills

    • Consistent Temperature Control
    • Flavorful Tastes
    • Easy Ignition
    • Wood Pellets Can Go Bad
    • Requires Electricity

    Outdoor Patio Furniture

    If you’re building an outdoor kitchen or just want a few pieces of backyard furniture to enrich your home, there are plenty of styles and options to choose from.

    family with backyard furniture

    Comfy Patio Seating

    What’s a night enjoying the outdoors with friends and a great barbeque sandwich if you don’t have patio seating? If you have the space in your backyard, invest in an L shaped couch that can withstand the elements. Add a chaise to give your guests the ultimate lounging capabilities to enjoy those cool summer evenings.

    If you don’t need or have the space for a large outdoor couch, purchase a few outdoor chairs and benches to host all your friends. Gather around a large table and share coleslaw, baked beans, and juicy barbeque.

    An Outdoor Table

    You can’t have an epic backyard BBQ party without a grand table to host everyone and delicious dishes! There are a few different options for patio furniture tables that you can choose from.

    Large Outdoor Dining Table

    If you do have the space for a large outdoor table, it’s a great piece of outdoor furniture to have. Set your comfy patio chairs around the table and host the entire family at once. Whether you plan to have everyone over for the holidays or host the kid’s birthday parties, these spacious tables will work perfectly.

    Outdoor Accent Tables

    A large outdoor table isn’t always necessary, so look into a few outdoor accent tables. They’re versatile in design and can be great for days lounging by the pool or reading in the yard. Arrange small charcuterie boards on top of these tables or use them to easily sip your drink all day long.

    BBQ Pits

    Complete your backyard kitchen ideas with a BBQ pit. For roasting marshmallows or keeping the cool summer nights going, a BBQ pit is essential if you want to have a successful backyard BBQ atmosphere. Cozy up to the fire and enjoy your evenings no matter the weather.

    Essential Grilling Tools

    Lastly, to make sure your backyard BBQ is stacked with all the essentials, don’t forget these outdoor grilling tools.

    1. BBQ Thermometer: You truly can’t successfully grill without a barbeque thermometer. You can find wireless thermometers that will give you the internal temperatures of your briskets straight to your phone. Or choose an older school gadget to ensure each guest has a food-safe and delicious meal.
    2. Grill Tool Set: These sets can be as inexpensive or luxurious as you need. But having the right accessories near you while flipping burgers is essential. Invest in a grill tool set with a spatula, cleaning tools, tongues, and basting brushes for an easy day of roasting briskets.
    3. Grill Brush: A grill master knows that a day of serving meat isn’t over without having a clean grill. This may be a part of the process that you dread the most, but with the right grill brush, it can be fast and easy, allowing you time to enjoy friends.

    Backyard Budget Ideas

    We’ve got you covered if you’re wanting to propel your yard into a luxurious haven or just need a few more budget-friendly outdoor kitchen appliance ideas.

    friends in front of a firepit

    Luxury BBQ Ideas

    There are plenty of ways to create a luxury outdoor kitchen area or a beautifully designed patio, but these two luxury ideas will ensure your friends stay the evening.

    • Wine Cooler: A wine cooler is an elegant fridge that can house any of your favorite bottles. Depending on the model you choose, you can let your Merlot age to perfection or ensure that your bottles don’t get rattled by running kids. Through UV-protected glass and climate control features, your favorite Cabernets can be ready to serve at any time.
    • Hot Tub: For a dose of relaxation and to bring your backyard into luxury, invest in a backyard hot tub. Whether you’re empty nesters, newlyweds, or in the years of young children, a hot tub can easily take the edge off of a stressful day and make your backyard parties that much more fun.

    Budget-Friendly BBQ Ideas

    If you are looking for a few ways to create the perfect backyard atmosphere but need to stay on a budget, we have a few ideas for you.

    • Outdoor Planters: To spruce up your backyard while staying on a budget, invest in a few outdoor planters for either faux plants or live ones. Sporadically place these around your patio, doors, or pool, and what as your backyard transforms into an oasis.
    • Countertop Grill: You may not need or want a full-sized grill to host your friends. If that’s the case, you can still cook up a storm while saving a few bucks. Countertop grills are perfect for smaller patio areas or the occasional backyard party!

    Whether you not you plan to host the next neighborhood Super Bowl party, a backyard BBQ party isn’t complete without a grill. On top of that, equip your yard with outdoor furniture and patio essentials to give your guests a great time. Idler’s outdoor catalog has you covered whether you want a budget-friendly gas grill or are looking to slow-cook your burgers on a wood pellet grill.

    Design Your Own Outdoor Kitchen

    Why Trust Idler’s Home?

    At Idler’s Home, we believe in providing the highest quality products and service to our community. Over the span of 70 years (and counting), our business has seen successful growth, with over 100 employees and with five locations along the central coast of California. Not only do we offer major appliances, quality furniture, and the best mattresses but we also provide hot tubs and swim spas and perform kitchen design services. In addition, our trained professional installers can set up all appliances we sell while our factory-trained technicians service and repair them if they ever break down. Suffice it to say: Idler’s is dedicated to help you make the vision you have for your home a reality.

    Shop Outdoor Essentials at Idler’s

    Envision the possibilities for your home and shop Idler's outdoor catalog online. Our friendly team is always happy to help you design a backyard BBQ atmosphere— whether you call us, email us, or use our online chat feature. Or better yet, stop by any of our five Central Coast locations to experience the quality of our products yourself. Visit us today!

    Recommended Read: What to Consider When Buying Outdoor Furniture