Planning a BBQ? Here’s our summer BBQ checklist with the 10 essentials you’ll need…
At last summer is here and what better way to make the most of the beautiful weather than with a BBQ with mates. Hosting a BBQ will ensure you make the most out of your backyard, camping or coastal summer experience.
What should I take to a BBQ?
It’s always a great idea to ask your host if there’s anything in particular they would like to bring. A cold drink to share, such as wine, beer or soda, or a side salad or dessert is often a popular choice. If you’re meeting in a public setting, consider bringing blankets or outdoor games.
With everything from drinks, to cookbooks and the all-important tools to ensure you look the part, your summer event will be the talk of the town. Keep scrolling for our ultimate summer BBQ checklist!
Staple Drinks Vodka Soda Lime. Image supplied.
Staple Drinks Vodka Soda Lime
Staple Drinks are a newcomer to the ready-to-drink canned spirits market and their remake of an Australian classic, the Vodka Soda Lime, is sure to tempt your taste buds. Using real Tahitian limes, the all-natural, low-sugar Vodka Soda Lime contains only 89 calories per can and a 4.2% ABV. Packed with flavour, it is a highly sessionable drink and is best served cold with your mates, so gather around the BBQ and drink away on some guilt-free Vodka Soda Limes by Staple Drinks. They are now available at Dan Murphy’s for $110 per case of 24 and at other selected retailers.
Ribs and Sides by Adam Roberts. Image supplied.
Ribs and Sides Cookbook
A summer BBQ isn’t complete without some mouth-watering dishes to dig into, and this Ribs and Sides cookbook by Adam Roberts will have your guests in awe. Adam Roberts, author and founder of the Australasian Barbecue Alliance and has a love for everything BBQ smoking. This recipe book is an update to his RIBS cookbook, now providing the perfect additional sides with further delicious recipes. You can buy a personalised copy of the book for $34.99 by contacting the Cue Deli Facebook page.
Kingsford Charcoal. Image supplied.
Kingsford Charcoal
Kingsford Charcoal (from $14.99) are here to help bring your grilling game to the next level. Infuse your food with even more flavour by smoking it up over one of their four finest charcoal briquette flavours – The Original Charcoal, Charcoal with Hickory (smoky and flavoury), Charcoal with Mesquite (delicate and smoky) and Charcoal with Applewood (sweet and fruity smoke flavour).You’ll be sure to have your guests wanting more and more.
The Smoke Shop's Backyard BBQ. Image via Booktopia.
The Smoke Shop's Backyard BBQ
Looking to become a backyard BBQ expert? The Smoke Shop’s Backyard BBQ ($27.25) cookbook will have you sorted with a range of recipes from award-winning American pitmaster Andy Husband and Will Salazar. With special tips on the best pulled pork, chicken, St. Louis rib and much more, the only question you might have is why it took you so long to get your hands on it in the first place. Andy and Will also offer their best recommendations for accompanying sides, drinks, and desserts to take that your all-round BBQ experience to another level. The hardcover book is available online at Booktopia for just $27.25, so you can become a grilling master right away.
Photographed by Egor Fomin. Image via Shutterstock.
Jimmy Brings
If your backyard BBQ is already well underway, and you need extra drinks delivered to your door, Jimmy Brings are here to save your day. These same-day alcohol delivery experts are up-and-running in most Australian cities (including: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Adelaide and Perth) – so even if you’re esky is running low, there’s no danger the party will grind to a halt.. Loyalty counts with Jimmy Brings, so your eighth order will be free and they are always striving to bring you prices that are competitive with other retailers. Order away on the app or website and an RSA-qualified delivery driver will be at your doorstep with beers, wines, or spirits within 30 minutes!
Barricade XL Speaker, Skullcandy. Image via Skullcandy website.
Skullcandy Speakers
Music is an essential item to set the atmospher at any BBQ, and Skullcandy have you sorted with their awesome variety of wireless speakers. Set the tone of your summer BBQ with one of Skullcandy’s perfectly portable speakers, the Barricade XL ($249.95), Barricade BT Speaker ($119.95) or the Barricade Mini ($79.95) to get grooving!
Dometic 70L icebox, BCF. Image via BCF website.
Dometic Icebox
An esky (or chilly bin to our Kiwi counterparts) is a must-have item for all BBQ’s and BCF have an extensive range which will appeal to everyone. You can cater for all your summer BBQ guests and keep their beers, sparkling wines, and ciders ice cold. You’ll be able to pick your size depending on your guestlist, but each icebox is efficient and lightweight – making it the perfect solution for BBQs at home, or to take down to the beach. Plus, they can keep ice frozen for a very impressive 10 days!
Outdoor Cornhole Board, Amazon. Image via Amazon website.
Outdoor Cornhole Board
Entertaining the crowd is all a part of the ultimate BBQ experience, so look no further than the a game of cornhole. This Outdoor Cornhole Board ($139) by Jenjo Games will entertain everyone while the BBQ is grilling away. Suitable for adults and kids, this competitive game simply requires each team to get their bag through the goal. But don’t worry, you don’t need to rely on us to explain it – each kit will come with two cornhole boards, four red corn bags, four blue corn bags, a carry bag and a cornhole rulebook, it has all you need for a fun-filled and competitive experience.
Greenlund 18-piece BBQ tool set, Catch.com.au.
Image via Catch.com.au website.
Greenlund 18-piece BBQ Tool Kit
To pull off the title of a BBQ master, you’ve got to have all the gear (and hopefully some idea) and this 18-piece BBQ Tool Set ($24.99) is a great buy. Featuring a meat fork, tongs, spatula, basting brush, carving knife, thermometer, four corn holders and eight skewers, this kit truly has it all. The tools are made from premium anti-rust stainless steel, so you can be assured they are durable and reliable. It even comes with a lightweight zip-up bag for easy storage and carrying. And, better yet, if you join Club Catch you can get this BBQ tool set delivered for free!
Weber's Baby Q Series Image via Weber website.
Weber BBQ's
You cannot have a summer BBQ without the all-important BBQ itself. Thankfully, Weber has you sorted with their expansive range of beginner and expert BBQ’s available. Suitable for every type of cook, their range includes Wood Pellet BBQ’s, Weber Q BBQ’s, Premium Gas BBQ’s, Charcoal BBQ’s and Electric BBQ’s. The famed Weber Q range are each compact, powerful, and contemporary. If you’re after something small and mobile which you can take on the road, the Baby Q Series is the perfect fit at a price of $349. Perhaps you’re looking for something with a larger cooking area and capable of providing for a big backyard party – if that’s the case, then the Family Q Series at a price of $799 is just what you need.
Now you’ve got your summer bbq shopping list down pat, perhaps you need some inspiration on what to serve? Try this Chilli Beef Bowl and Creamy Bacon & Egg Sweet Potato Salad recipe. Or, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, finish your day with this Maple Baked BBQ Bananas recipe, courtesy of Sean Connelly no less. Who doesn’t love a cocktail or two? Luckily we’ve got three easy Peroni beer cocktail recipes for you try on your next weekend BBQ!
Editor’s Note: Our writers and contributors have independently selected and curated this article, and all opinions are their own. This article does contain affiliate links which allow us to make revenue off some purchases made by our readers.