With Australia’s warm days and a pretty relaxed outdoor lifestyle, it’s no wonder people just naturally find themselves spending more and more time outside. The backyard becomes the go-to spot for catching up with mates, spending time with the family or just unwinding at the end of the day.
And when you’re already enjoying the outdoors, firing up the grill just makes total sense. Sharing a meal straight off the grill is a great way to turn a simple dinner into something more special and memorable. And don’t worry, you don’t need a top-of-the-line outdoor kitchen to make it happen either. Just a few clever additions to the backyard can completely change how you get on with cooking out there, making it easy, flexible and actually quite enjoyable.
Fire Pit with Cooking Accessories
There’s just something timeless about having a fire pit in the backyard. It instantly creates a focal point, somewhere people just naturally gravitate towards – whether it’s on a cool evening, or just as part of a relaxed weekend get-together. The soft crackle of the flames, the nice warmth it gives off, and the way it just draws people in – a fire pit is just less like an outdoor feature and more like the heart of the backyard.
Cooking over an open flame adds a whole new level to the outdoor experience. Taking a simple sausage or marshmallow from the heat and turning it into a shared moment becomes second nature. Then throw a grill on top of the fire pit, and the possibilities really start to open up. Suddenly, your fire pit is not just a pleasant addition to the backyard. It’s become a fully-fledged cooking surface that can handle everything from grilled fish and veggies to steaks and a proper family meal.
When you’re shopping for a fire pit grill, you’ve got to think about the size. It needs to fit over your fire pit comfortably so that the heat is even and so that it’s easy to get the grill on or off as you need to. Material is important as well. Stainless steel is one of the best options because it’s super durable, won’t rust and is perfect for life outside, where it can get battered about a bit by the weather. Plus, a stainless steel fire pit grill is a breeze to clean, and it won’t soak up all the flavours of what you’re cooking.
Portable BBQ
Portable BBQs make backyard cooking a breeze and a whole lot more accessible. Not to mention the fact that they’re perfect for quick, casual get-togethers or when your outdoor space just isn’t big enough for something more elaborate. No permanent setup required – just plonk ’em down wherever, and pack ’em up when you’re done.
They’re up and running in no time, and dead easy to use, so you can forget about cooking being a big production. Whether it’s a classic BBQ favourite, some grilled veggies, or some seafood, a portable BBQ gives you a reliable way to cook outside that won’t leave you stuck in the kitchen with your guests. Great option for anyone who wants to get into outdoor cooking without the long-term commitment of a built-in feature.
When you’re looking for a portable BBQ, go for one that’s easy to set up and move around, and light enough that you can do it with one hand – without sacrificing any cooking space. And while we’re at it, the type of heat source is pretty important too. Charcoal for that classic BBQ smoke flavour, or gas for speed and control – whichever you fancy. Plus, look for BBQs with durable materials and sturdy legs and feet, and one with a decent drip tray or grate system to make cleanup a breeze.
Pizza Oven
A pizza oven in your backyard is basically the ultimate game-changer. While it’s obviously perfect for whipping up a crisp, delicious pie, it’s also good for baking bread, roasting veggies, tossing casseroles, and even knocking out some sweet treats – the possibilities really are endless out there.
Part of the fun is the way a pizza oven turns cooking into a party. Suddenly, you’ve got a focal point for entertaining, drawing in friends and family as you cook up a storm. Everyone wants to get involved, choosing toppings and sliding pizzas in and out of the oven, and before you know it, meal time’s turned into a fun, interactive social event.
Pizza ovens come in all shapes and sizes these days. You can get compact portable jobs, or go for something more substantial that’ll be a fixture in the backyard for a while. They heat up quickly and retain heat like a pro, so you get that pro-style cooking in the comfort of your own home.
Propane Stove
A propane stove is a super simple and efficient way to cook outdoors. They’re so light and portable – perfect for grabbing for a backyard BBQ or just whipping up a quick meal on the patio. Propane stoves heat up in no time and let you dial in the flame just right, which is great for simmering sauces and soups or searing a nice steak.
One of the best things about a propane stove is how low-maintenance it is. No waiting around for the fire to get hot, as you do with charcoal or a wood-fired setup, and cleanup is a breeze. This makes it a great option for people who want to be able to cook outdoors without having to put in a ton of effort.
Propane stoves also play really well with other outdoor cooking additions. You can use them alongside a portable BBQ or fire pit grill to add some new options to your cooking game, or even pair them with some cast-iron pans to get creative with some new recipes.
Smoker
A smoker is perfect for those who love slow-cooked, flavour-packed meals that are a real showstopper. Unlike your average grill, a smoker uses a low, steady stream of heat and smoke to infuse your meat, fish, or veggies with all sorts of rich, deep flavours that are impossible to get anywhere else. If you love experimenting with different woods and flavours (whether it’s hickory and mesquite or apple or cherry), a smoker is the way to go.
Using a smoker turns cooking into a really relaxed, hands-on experience. Just set it up near your fire pit or BBQ, and let it do its thing while you hang out with your mates. With the right setup, you can make all sorts of amazing dishes – like ribs, a slow-cooked brisket, pulled pork, or even some tasty smoked veggies.