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Throwing a good BBQ isn’t about going over the top; it’s about getting the right things in place. Whether you're planning a barbecue for the first time or you've hosted dozens of backyard BBQs, you might still be asking yourself: what’s missing?
The right gear, a little prep, and a few smart swaps can take your BBQ menu and outdoor space from good to great. Here are some products and ideas that we’ve used, loved, and would absolutely recommend if you’re planning an outdoor get-together this summer.
Drip EZ Prep and Storage Bins
Drip EZ Prep Bins are extremely practical. Think of the big ones as an all-in-one prep container, and the smaller sizes as practical storage. Whether you need to marinate meats in barbecue sauce or need a big vessel for holding pulled pork and pasta salad, they give you prep space when you need it most. And once you finish the leftovers, they collapse flat for storage.
We've also earmarked that they'll be perfect for making a huge volume of stuffing at Friendsgiving.
- Food-safe, BPA-free plastic
- Collapsible design for compact storage
- Includes lids and strainers
- Built-in cutting board as the base of the container
- Durable enough for outdoor use
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes in multiple sizes
- Handy for BBQ meats, ice storage, or leftovers
Built-In Smoker on the Ninja FlexFlame Cooking System
The Ninja FlexFlame Cooking System is already a favorite—it heats fast, burns clean, and looks great on a patio. But the built-in smoker? That’s the game-changer. If you’ve been asking yourself how to throw a good BBQ without investing in a full smoker into the backyard, this is the move. (Plus, at the time of publishing, it's on sale.)
- Smoker attachment built into the main burner system
- Easy slide-out drawer for wood chips
- Can be used while grilling or as a standalone
- Great for subtle smoked flavor
- Compatible with wood chips, pellets, or dried herbs
- Doesn’t require separate power source
- Adds no extra bulk to the cooking station
Can I use the FlexFlame's smoker functionality for more than meat?
Absolutely. Try it with corn on the cob, smoked ice cubes for cocktails, or even smoked elements in a side dish like potato salad. At an event hosted by NinjaKitchen in Nashville, we made smoked mac & cheese. I also learned you can smoke your barware to give a glass a smoked flavor without exposing it to the heat of a traditional smoker.
The Breeo Live-Fire Grill
This grill isn’t your everyday backyard cooker—it’s a bold, heavy-duty upgrade made for home chefs who love the challenge and flavor of cooking over real wood. Unless making a nightly fire is your jam, we'd reserve this grill for those weekends when you want to make a meal an experience. And yes, it was delivered via forklift... that’s how solid it is.
- Made from durable stainless and corten steel
- Engineered airflow for smokeless burning
- Modular design with bundles for searing, pizza, skillet cooking, and more
- Adjustable cooking heights for heat control
- Uses wood or charcoal (no propane tanks needed)
- Built-in storage and removable ash tray
Chef iQ Sense Smart Thermometer
No more guessing if the chicken's cooked or the brisket’s done. A smart thermometer keeps you on track without hovering over the grill. Chef iQ Sense gives you readings in real-time, straight to your phone. It’s Bluetooth-enabled, rechargeable, and even tracks multiple temps at once—perfect for anyone managing a few things at once.
- Wireless and app-connected for remote temp tracking
- Magnetic base for easy attachment near the grill
- Rechargeable battery
- Real-time graphs for nerds who love data (Hi.)
Rowdy Glasses by Rowdy Crowd
We’ve broken our last patio glass, but only because we made the switch to plastic. Rowdy Crowd's glassware is crystal clear, durable, and nice enough to serve a cocktail in. Honestly, even if you’re just serving soda or lemonade, they keep things looking clean, and importantly, keep glass shards off the patio.
- Made from BPA-free Tritan™, looks like real glass.
- Dishwasher safe
- It claims that it won’t get cloudy or scratched; so far, so good with our samples.
- Shatterproof; great for any outdoor dining scene, or for use in pool areas.
- Available in multiple sizes, from champagne flutes to wine tumblers.
French Onion Soup Burgers with Le Gruyère AOP
This burger was the opening act for our summer. It’s a twist on French onion soup, turned into a beefy, cheesy burger, developed by Sara Moulton using Le Gruyère AOP. The cheese is buttery, melts beautifully, and makes basic grilled burgers feel fancy. This one got serious compliments.
- Melt-in-your-mouth Gruyère from Switzerland
- Pairs well with caramelized onions
- Melts smoothly without being greasy
- Sampled versions: Le Gruyère AOP Classic (aged 6-9 months) and Reserve (aged more than 10 months)
Dawn Powerwash, PowerSuds & Cascade ActionPacs for BBQ Cleanup
Cleanup used to be the worst part of a BBQ. "Over the years, I’ve learned a thing or two about making this process a little less daunting," shared Arianna Castro, Dish Care Scientist, Procter & Gamble Home Care. "I’ve found that Dawn Powerwash is a real game-changer for those stubborn big items that don’t fit into the dishwasher or are hard to clean like grill grate stains and sticky marinade messes. I can get the power of an overnight soak in just minutes.”
She adds, "[When] it comes to washing a big stack of dishes by hand, I’ve started using Dawn PowerSuds. For my dishwasher, I always reach for Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs. Their new formula contains enzymes that outperform any other pods I’ve tested, easily breaking down tough, dried-on food stains—including dishes with dried BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and baked beans. I can skip the pre-rinse step and trust that even my greasiest, stickiest cookout dishes will come out spotless."
FAQ
How do I plan food for a big BBQ party?
Plan around ½ pound of meat per person. Offer a couple of sides like pasta salad or baked beans. If you have more than four items, you can trim the portions a little since people will try a bit of everything.
What’s missing from my BBQ that could make things easier?
A lot of folks forget about prep space. I highlighted the Drip EZ bins above because they really do help before and after cooking. I also noted the meat thermometer for good reason; from my own experience, many people don't use one, but I think it can really take the guesswork out of cooking thicker pieces of meat, like pork tenderloin or roasts.
