There's just something about the smell of burgers and hot dogs sizzling away on the grill that promises a delicious time. Pulling off a first-class barbecue can be tricky though — unless you have the right gear.
A grill is crucial for all the barbecue classics, but a gas griddle can handle all those iconic foods like burgers, hot dogs, steak and chicken. Or maybe you want to switch things up and use a pizza oven to make tasty, barbecue-themed pies.
The BestReviews Testing Lab put some barbecue essentials to work to see how well they perform for backyard parties. We've gathered some of our favorite products to ensure your barbecue is a success.
In this article: Blackstone 2 Burner Griddle, Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Dutch Oven and Solo Stove Pi Pizza Oven
Each month, the BestReviews Testing Lab tests some of the most popular products from brands like Shark, Ninja and Cuisinart, seeing how they perform in real-world conditions. We consider how well each item works for its intended purpose, as well as the value it delivers for its price. We also keep an eye out for features that distinguish it from similar products, so you can make more informed shopping decisions.
This large gas-powered griddle offers 470 square inches of flat-top grilling space, making it perfect for burgers, hot dogs, steak, chicken and more. The Testing Lab loved that it got hot enough to sear in under 15 minutes, reducing cooking times. The two burners also allowed us to keep one side super-hot for meat and the other at a lower temperature for toasting buns.
Whether you're whipping up baked beans, sausage and peppers or a hot dip, this pre-seasoned cast-iron skillet will come in handy for your next barbecue. We were impressed with how evenly it cooked our food and how much flavor it provided. Being able to put it in the oven to finish off dishes makes it super versatile too.
Amazon Basics Pre-Seasoned Cast-Iron Dutch Oven
This cast-iron Dutch oven is one of the most affordable we tested, but it performed just as well as the pricier options. It comes pre-seasoned, so no prep work is required before cooking. The Testing Lab still found it to have an excellent nonstick surface, making it easy to clean.
Summer nights can get chilly, but your barbecue guests can stay warm by gathering around this easy-to-use fire pit. It produces very little smoke, so we didn't have to move our chairs as the wind shifted. It was also very straightforward to set up, taking just a couple of minutes to assemble.
If you want to serve more than burgers and hot dogs at your barbecue, this propane pizza oven can make 12-inch pizzeria-quality pies right in your backyard. It took just 15 minutes to reach 750 degrees and only a few minutes to cook each pizza during our testing. We appreciate that it's large enough to fit a cast-iron skillet to cook other foods like steak and vegetables.
This sleek outdoor pizza oven is one of the most efficient we tested. It took just about a minute to cook each pizza, heating up to 800-plus degrees during our testing. We loved how evenly it cooked the pies and how crispy the finished crust was. The oven is also easy to clean since most debris burns off.
Ninja Foodi FlexBasket Air Fryer with 7-Quart MegaZone
This extra-large air fryer is perfect for making barbecue side dishes for a crowd. It has dual cooking zones, so you can prepare two foods at once for a total of 7 quarts of food. We loved how crispy it got french fries and chicken wings and how evenly it cooked all the foods. It was also very easy to clean with just warm water and soap.
Keep your wine chilled and ready to drink with this convenient wine cooler. It is similar in size to a mini-fridge and can fit up to six bottles at a time. We love its sleek, compact design because it can fit nearly anywhere. It's also very light, so it's easy to move if you want to move it to the yard for your barbecue.
Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast-Iron Dutch Oven
This versatile Dutch oven is perfect for making barbecue brisket, pulled pork and more. Its efficiency was particularly impressive during testing, finishing meals as quickly as higher-end cookware from brands like Le Creuset. The enamel finish also makes cleanup a breeze.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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