Make the most of the fading summer months, on the beach, on the rooftop, poolside, or perched around the fire pit, with these barbecue essentials for the modern grillmen.
What is it about grilling our own meat that feels so…satisfying? It’s not like we invented fire, pioneering convection cooking, or even killed our dinner, but when you’re there, beside the grill, the warmth of the flame wafting across your face, the laughter of your friends as they await a feast, the last of the heat draining from the day, and the tantalizing possibilities of the night ahead, it’s about as close as many of us are ever going to get to god in this mortal realm.
So, if your Weber has become your urban shrine of sorts, don’t you owe it to the gods of fire and flame to give the grilling experience everything you have? And to do that, you’re going to invest in a few tools. Here are some of our favourites.
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Minimax
If you don’t already have a barbecue, you’re going to want something that packs plenty of punch in a relatively small bod because, let’s face it, if you had the room you’d have brought a beast already. The Big Green Egg from Minimax just might be what you need. With a built-in grip carrier to make transportation a breeze, this pint-sized BBQ features a domed design and ceramic construction to ensure optimal heat conduction as well as a stainless steel cooking grid. There are six ‘egg’ sizes so choose one that suits your needs and enjoy a lifetime of grilling thanks to a lifetime warranty.
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Coleman Steel Belted Cooler
While yes, keeping things hot is a fundamental aspect of grilling, the meet (and perhaps some of your company) are the only things that are supposed to sizzle. The rest, from fresh meat to batch-made margaritas and that always-essential ice, all need to be kept cool, and that’s where this durable yet chic cooler comes in. A classic first introduced in the 1950s, the Coleman cooler is blissfully retro yet has a 50-liter capacity – that’s 85 cans of your favourite IPA – which it will keep cold for the better half of a week, no matter the heat. And when you’re not scooping ice from its frosty interior, it makes a great seat.
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Kenyon City Grill
We’ve spoken about this little number before. Perfectly suited for urban grilling, it’s electric-powered, has lines that would please a German gourmand, and powers up to an impressive 315 degrees Celcius, ensuring great medium-rare beef without smoke or flare-ups. Best yet, it’s easy to wash and when you’re all done, it can slide away until the sun shines once again.
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FreshJax Grilling Spice Set
Creating a signature flavour for your barbecue is part of being a modern grillman Sure, you can experiment with marinades and brush-on sauces but consistency is pretty close to excellence in our book. The organic spices from FreshJax will help you create your own style. The range includes Fresh Bay, Peppered Habanero for those who like a little heat, Smokey Southwest for a Tex-Mex flavour, Grill Master for burgers and kebabs, and Citrus Pepper, which is perfect for chicken and fish. You can create your own blend using these base spices, and keep it a family secret – we won’t tell.
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Waxed Apron x Brad Leone
What stands a real grill monkey from an amateur is his apron. Not only does it say “give me some room here” but it ensures that you don’t get sauce, spices, fat, and all manner of airborne obstacles all over your nice summer wardrobe. This apron from Flint & Tinder is easy to throw on and off, made from durable Martexin sailcloth, and comes with a two-thumbs-up approval from American chef and culinary guru Brad Leone, so you know you’ll be in good company.
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GrillTime
No matter how accomplished you are as a BBQ King, when we’re entertaining it’s very easy to get distracted. Men will naturally hover around a lit grill like moths to a flame – it’s just primal – and that means you could easily get carried away with conversation instead of watching for the perfect crisscross on your Porterhouse. Allow modern technology to be your aide in the form of GrillTime, a simple yet effective smartphone and Apple watch app that gives you a wide range of cooking and cut options and serves as a gentle tap on the shoulder should you lose yourself in your friends’ company.
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Röshults BBQ Tools
So you have a grill, you have your meat, you have your seasoning, now all you need are the tools of the trade. Crafted in brushed stainless steel and teak, and designed by Amstell Berlin, this five-piece set from Röshults includes everything a BBQ junkie could need, from tongs for unruly snags, and a patty flipper, to a razor-sharp knife, a fork for sirloin skewering, and a fish slicer for more delicate maneuvers.
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Williams Sonoma BBQ Sauce, Bourbon & Black Pepper
There’s just something about bourbon that makes everything better, especially when its the key ingredient in your BBQ sauce. William Sonoma’s Bourbon & Black Pepper barbecue sauce is perfect for pretty much anything that makes its way onto your grill. Laced with aged Kentucky bourbon, with pepper for a touch of heat, this sauce promises a brilliant glaze and a phenomenal finish with notes of brown sugar and cinnamon. Perfection.
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Meat Brand
Don’t you just hate it when you’re cooking communally, and the special steak your procured and coveted in anticipation is snatched from the grill by an unscrupulous scofflaw. Ensure you claim your meat with this personalised branding iron. There’s no need for tools, as the letters just slide right on. Not only can you ensure the right steak or sausage gets to the right mouth, but it’s also a great way to deliver your details to a guest that’s caught your eye.
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Project Fire: Cutting-Edge Techniques and Sizzling Recipes from the Caveman Porterhouse to Salt Slab Brownie S’Mores
A bible for lads looking to barbecue, Steven Raichlen’s guide to the grill includes cutting edge inspiration as well as plenty of traditional techniques to ensure you’re cooking your best game. Ever tried reverse searing? Ever wanted to tattoo your steak? How about blowtorch veal chops or salt-brick baking a chicken? Raichlen has your back.
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