Is Your Outdoor Living Space Ready for Grill Season?

Close your eyes, and you can almost hear it… the slow, simmering sizzle of the grill – the perfect white noise soundtrack to score another summer season spent flipping burgers and turning corn on the cob in your outdoor living space.

As the temperature rises and the days grow longer, the arrival of grill season brings all the excitement of backyard gatherings and delicious barbecues. If you're ready to make the most of your outdoor living space this summer, now is the perfect time to ensure your grill station is equipped with the essentials! 

From sleek grills to convenient storage solutions, we have compiled a list of must-have outdoor kitchen and grilling accessories that will take your backyard cooking to the next level.

1. Choose Your Grill Wisely 

A high-quality grill is the centerpiece of any outdoor cooking space. Whether you prefer gas, charcoal, or a hybrid grill, invest in a model that suits your needs and cooking style. 

Look for features such as adjustable heat settings, large cooking surfaces, and durable construction for years of reliable grilling pleasure.

Here are five of the most popular, in-demand outdoor grills currently available on the market: 

• Weber Genesis II E-310: A high-quality gas grill with three burners, excellent heat distribution, and built-in features like side tables and a warming rack.

• Traeger Pro Series 575: A pellet grill known for its versatility and ability to infuse smoky flavors. It features Wi-Fi connectivity for remote control and monitoring.

• Big Green Egg: A kamado-style charcoal grill renowned for its exceptional heat retention and versatility in grilling, smoking, and baking.

• Napoleon Prestige Pro 500: A luxurious gas grill with four burners, an infrared rear burner, and a rotisserie kit. It offers superior construction and cooking performance.

• Broil King Regal S590 Pro: A durable and powerful gas grill with five burners, a side burner, and a rotisserie kit. It provides even heat distribution and precise temperature control.

No matter your budget or grilling preferences, investing in a trustworthy, durable grill is obviously the most important step toward preparing for grill season! 

2. Consider an Outdoor Kitchen Prep Station 

Consider adding an outdoor kitchen island or prep station to enhance functionality and provide ample workspace. These versatile units offer extra countertop space for food preparation, storage cabinets for grilling tools and accessories, and sometimes even sinks and refrigerators. 

Be sure to choose a design that complements your outdoor aesthetic and offers convenient access to your grill.

3. Collect Your Grilling Tools & Equipment

A high-quality set of grilling tools is essential for effortless outdoor cooking. Look for stainless steel utensils with long handles to keep your hands safe from the heat. 

Let’s review a list of some of the essential tools when it comes to outdoor grilling equipment: 

• Grilling Spatula: A grilling spatula is a long-handled, flat, and wide utensil with a broad, angled blade. It is ideal for flipping burgers, fish fillets, and delicate foods like vegetables without damaging them.

• Tongs: Tongs are a versatile tool for grilling, allowing you to securely grip and flip larger cuts of meat, such as steaks and chicken breasts. Look for tongs with long handles and sturdy construction for easy handling.

• Grill Brush: A grill brush with stiff bristles is essential for keeping your grill grates clean and free from residue and buildup. Regularly brushing the grates before and after grilling helps maintain their condition and prevents food from sticking.

• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring that your grilled meats are cooked to perfection and safe to eat. Instant-read or digital thermometers provide quick and accurate temperature readings, helping you achieve the desired level of doneness.

• Basting Brush: A basting brush is useful for applying marinades, sauces, and glazes to your grilled food. Look for a heat-resistant brush with silicone bristles that can withstand high temperatures without melting or shedding.

• Grilling Gloves: Heat-resistant gloves that protect your hands and arms while handling hot grill grates or moving food on the grill.

• Chimney Starter or Charcoal Lighter: For charcoal grills, a chimney starter or charcoal lighter fluid is essential to ignite and evenly distribute the charcoal.

• Grill Grates or Grids: These provide the cooking surface for your food. Stainless steel or cast iron grates are popular choices for their durability and heat retention.

• Grill Cover: A waterproof and UV-resistant cover protects your grill from any weather elements when not used.

• Grill Cleaner: A grill cleaner or grill brush with stiff bristles to remove residue and buildup from the grill grates after cooking.

• Grilling Planks or Smoker Box: If you enjoy smoking or adding smoky flavors to your food, grilling planks (usually made of cedar) or a smoker box for wood chips can enhance the taste.

Always be sure to opt for heat-resistant handles and easy-to-clean materials for superior convenience and durability! 

4. Install an Outdoor Lighting System 

Anyone who wants to extend their grilling hours into the evening can do so with proper outdoor lighting! 

Install functional and decorative lighting fixtures around your grill station, ensuring sufficient illumination for cooking while the sun goes down and creating a pleasant ambiance for your outdoor gatherings. 

You can always consider outdoor lighting options such as LED string, pathway, or overhead lighting to set the mood and enhance safety.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Accessorize! 

Nothing enhances your grilling experience like equipping your outdoor living space with innovative accessories and cookware designed for superior outdoor cooking. 

You should consider adding items designed for grilling convenience, such as grill baskets for vegetables, grill woks for stir-frying, skewers for kebabs, smoker boxes for adding flavor, and cast-iron griddles or pizza stones for more versatile cooking options.

6. Comfortably Furnish Your Outdoor Seating Area 

Incorporating a comfortable and inviting seating area near your grill station can elevate your outdoor cooking experience. Consider adding lounge chairs, benches, or a dining set to create a cozy gathering spot where family and friends can relax and enjoy meals hot off the grill. Choose weather-resistant furniture and fabrics that can withstand outdoor elements while providing comfort and style. 

7. Seek Out Some Shade Solutions 

Ensure your outdoor living space is comfortable and enjoyable by providing shade options to escape the sun's harsh rays. Install a pergola, canopy, or umbrella over your grill station and seating area to provide relief from the heat and create a more pleasant environment for outdoor cooking and dining. 

Opt for adjustable shade structures that allow you to control the amount of sunlight and airflow based on your preferences. 

8. Grow Your Ambitions With an Herb & Vegetable Garden 

Enhance the dining options of your outdoor kitchen with a functional and beautiful herb and vegetable garden! Planting fresh herbs, vegetables, and spices near your grill station allows you to incorporate homegrown ingredients into your recipes while adding visual interest and texture to your outdoor space. 

Create raised beds, planters, or vertical gardens to maximize growing space and keep your favorite herbs and veggies within arm's reach while you cook. 

9. Impress Your Guests With Outdoor Entertainment Features 

Make your outdoor living space the ultimate destination for relaxation and entertainment by incorporating entertainment features such as outdoor speakers, a TV or projector screen, or a fire pit. 

Create a cozy ambiance with music, movies, or the crackling warmth of a fire, providing endless opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and socializing.

Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, entertainment features can enhance the overall atmosphere and appeal of your outdoor living space. 

Perfect Your Outdoor Living Space With MH3! 

At MH3, nothing motivates us more than helping our clients construct the outdoor living space of their dreams. With our custom outdoor living space designs, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of having access to the ultimate grill station right in the comfort of your backyard! 

For all your luxury landscaping needs, contact MH3 Design Group today and bring your landscaping vision to life!