Grilling out in the summer sun is a great way to spend time with family and friends. Not only is eating at home cheaper than going out, it also provides a sense of community and closeness with those that you love. Grilling out on the patio is an essential part of summer and is a good way to enjoy the nice weather of the season. Here are a few tips for creating the ultimate grill area on your patio to enjoy.
Clean Up the Space
As a soon to be hangout spot for any event in the summertime, you’re going to want to start by cleaning up your backyard space. This can include a wide range of things, such as removing unwanted furniture, cleaning up landscaping, and potentially touching up your patio or deck. Learn How to Apply Deck Stain to get the best results.
Luckily, a quick and easy refresh trick is to make sure the greenery around your new space is in great shape and looking its best. It can be as easy as mowing your lawn or even adding colorful garden containers. Doing so will help create a more welcoming and relaxing environment free of excess tree branches, plants, and overgrown grass.
Get Yourself a Grill
Any ultimate grilling area is going to need a grill that will fit your needs. There are many products out on the market when it comes to grills including propane, charcoal, electric, or smokers. Finding the right one for your patio is key to creating a great outdoor grilling space. Make sure to choose a grill that fits your family and your available time for cooking. Smokers and charcoal grills require more time to cook, whereas electric or propane-powered grills require far less time.
Some of the most popular grill brands on the market like Weber and Traeger are sold at doitbest.com. Check out the Weber Grills Buying Guide and Traeger-The Ultimate Wood-fired Grill.
Add Some Seating
You'll want to have enough seating in your grill area to comfortably fit both large and small crowds. It isn't just a grill area, but an area for everyone to spend time together. You can purchase patio furniture if your budget allows, or create some moveable seating with folding chairs, stools, or benches.
Cover It Up
The ultimate grill area is best when it's comfortable for all guests. Allow for more comfort by creating some sort of coverage for your grill area. This will protect the space from high temperatures and harsh sun exposure for those guests who prefer to stay out of the sun.
Be sure to use materials that are safe to use with a grill or just make sure that your grill is on the edge of the patio so fumes from the grill can easily escape. There are numerous outdoor projects to create a backyard space that feels like it’s own room. Building a pergola or using umbrellas are two great options to provide coverage very quickly!
Don't Forget Prep Space & Storage
When grilling out you always seem to need more space to hold those grill accessories, extra dishes, drinks, and tools. You can easily set up a folding table to provide extra prep space, but the ultimate grilling patio will have a built in area for storage. Consider adding a few shelves or storage benches in order to provide extra storage space without taking away space from your seating area.
Add a Drink Cooler
So long are the days when plastic coolers are used for ultimate grilling areas. Consider building or purchasing a standalone cooler tub that can be permanently out on the patio. Having a dedicated space for ice cold drinks will keep people from always heading indoors for a cold one. Many options are available that include metal tubs, as well as those built into wood stands. Install a permanent bottle opener on the side of the cooler to easily open and offer drinks to those who join you outdoors.
Spices & Sauces
Spices and sauces are a great addition to any outdoor grill area! They help add flavor and variety to any meal. There are plenty of spices to choose from, like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, rosemary, and black pepper, all perfect for seasoning meat, veggies, and seafood. As for sauces, there are many great brands from grilling experts that you can choose from. You can add sauces to your food before, during, or even after cooking to enhance the flavor.
You can also use different wood chips or pellets to enhance the flavor of your grilled foods. Each type of wood imparts a unique flavor profile to your grilled dishes, and the options are endless! For example, apple wood adds a sweet and fruity flavor, while hickory wood adds a smoky and robust flavor. Cherry wood adds a slightly sweet and tart flavor, and mesquite wood adds a bold and earthy flavor. So, if you want to take your grilled dishes to the next level, consider experimenting with different wood chips or pellets to find the perfect flavor for your next outdoor cooking adventure.
Grilling Accessories
Grilling accessories are essential to keep in your outdoor grill area as they make grilling easier and more enjoyable. Whether you're a seasoned grilling pro or a beginner, having the right tools on hand can make a big difference. Some popular essential grilling accessories to keep on hand include:
These tools will make grilling easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable. Be sure to keep them in your outdoor grill area at all times!
Creating the ultimate grilling patio is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and the warmer summer weather. Start with a grill and add seating, storage, and a drink cooler to finish off the space. Consider covering up the area with a pergola in order provide enough shade while also protecting it. Enjoy a summer full of grilling opportunities simply by following these quick and easy steps.
