When creating unforgettable meals under the open sky, having the right outdoor cooking equipment makes all the difference. From grilling juicy steaks to smoking tender ribs or sizzling up breakfast on a flat-top, your gear can turn an average backyard into a full-blown outdoor kitchen. This guide highlights 10 must-have outdoor cooking equipment items—from the versatile Weber Genesis to the flavor-packed Traeger Pellet Smoker, and the ultra-portable Camp Chef Slate Tabletop Griddle. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned outdoor chef, this lineup will elevate your cookouts and transform your outdoor space into a food lover’s paradise.
- Outdoor Cooking Equipment: Picks You Can Trust
- 1. Weber Genesis E-325s 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
- 2. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Gril
- 3. Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill
- 4. Blackstone Original 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
- 5. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
- 6. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
- 7. Masterbuilt 30-Inch Electric Smoker
- 8. Slate® 22” Rust-Resistant Tabletop Griddle
- 9. The Big Green Egg – Large Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker
- 10. Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Insulated Cooler
Outdoor Cooking Equipment: Picks You Can Trust
As we do with any best-of round-up, we’ve sifted through our many options until we had a group of great grills. We read reviews, compared them against other options, road-tested as many as we could, and finally landed on what we’re certain are the absolute best outdoor cooking equipment currently on the market. We’re confident there’s an item for everyone’s backyard BBQs and outdoor parties on this list. Ultimately, you’re bound to fall in love with our top 10 (and 3 bonus items!). Make your outdoor feasting kit just right for you with these truly brilliant items.
1. Weber Genesis E-325s 3-Burner Propane Gas Grill
The Weber Genesis is a top-tier gas grill offering consistent heat distribution for a complete backyard culinary experience! Featuring WEBER connect smart technology, WEBER crafted outdoor kitchen accessories to complete the full outdoor cooking experience.
2. Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Gril
Yep, we do love our Weber’s and with good reason. The Weber Kettle is a time-tested icon of outdoor cooking, trusted by backyard BBQ lovers for generations. With its simple, yet highly effective design, this classic charcoal grill delivers consistent heat-rich, smoky flavors that elevate everything from burgers to brisket. Its durability is second to none, and the fact that it’s still a go-to for grillers after decades on the market is a true testament to its quality.
3. Traeger Pro 575 Pellet Grill
If you’re looking for a versatile pellet grill that combines the convenience of modern WiFIRE® technology with the rich, traditional wood-fired flavor that outdoor cooking enthusiasts crave, grab the Traeger Pro. This powerhouse grill offers precise temperature control, allowing you to smoke, grill, roast, bake, and even braise with ease—all from your smartphone. The Traeger Pro mix of tech meets tradition makes it a versatile piece of outdoor cooking equipment on the market today.
4. Blackstone Original 36-Inch Griddle Cooking Station
A spacious flat-top grill perfect for cooking a variety of foods simultaneously, from pancakes to steaks is the Blackstone 36” Flat Top Griddle. We love this grill so much that we featured it in our post about outdoor griddles – it’s our favourite for a backyard BBQ and with good reason. With four independently controlled burners and an expansive 720 square inches of cooking surface, you can cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a crowd without a sweat. Its flat-top design offers even heat distribution, while the built-in grease management system makes cleanup quick and easy.
5. Ooni Karu 16 Multi-Fuel Pizza Oven
The Ooni Karu 16 offers top-tier performance with a large cooking surface and versatile fuel options, ideal for those who want professional-grade results. Whether you’re using wood, charcoal, or gas (with the optional attachment), this oven gives you the flexibility to craft your pizza just the way you like it—with that authentic wood-fired flavor and a crispy, charred crust in just 60 seconds. You can read more about it in our outdoor pizza ovens wrap-up!
6. Lodge Cast Iron Skillet
The Lodge cast iron skillet really will be your favorite pan to cook in, at home and outdoors. This durable and versatile skillet is suitable for any cooking purpose from stove top to campfire cooking, offering excellent heat retention for searing and frying.
7. Masterbuilt 30-Inch Electric Smoker
Designed to be the ideal electric smoker for beginners, the Masterbuilt Electric Smoker features straightforward operation with just the push of a button, you can set your desired temp and let the smoker do the work. No constant fire tending required. It has a built-in thermostat, four chrome-coated smoking racks, and a side wood chip loading system, allowing you to add that rich, smoky flavor without opening the door and losing heat. This smoker delivers excellent results with minimal effort, making it a favorite choice for outdoor cooking equipment!
8. Slate® 22” Rust-Resistant Tabletop Griddle
If like us, you like to have a gourmet feast when you’re camping out or on a road trip, check out Weber’s amazing ‘table’top’ or ‘tail-gate’ griddle. Compact yet powerful, this griddle is perfect for small patios, campsites, and tailgating setups, giving you the flexibility to cook just about anywhere without compromising on performance. Despite its portable size, it delivers Weber’s signature quality and even heat distribution—ideal for everything from pancakes and eggs in the morning to seared steaks and grilled veggies at night. This outdoor cooking equipment piece turns a simple outdoor meal into something truly memorable, no matter where you fire it up!
9. The Big Green Egg – Large Charcoal Kamado Grill and Smoker
If you are new to the Big Green Egg, it’s a heavy-duty ceramic grill offering precise temperature control and exceptional heat retention, suitable for various cooking styles. Its thick ceramic construction holds heat like no other, allowing for everything from low-and-slow smoking to high-heat searing, wood-fired baking, and even brick oven-style pizza. Its versatility means you can grill, roast, smoke, and bake—all in one unit—with consistent results every time.
10. Yeti Hopper Flip 18 Insulated Cooler
The ultimate accessory to outdoor cooking is a cool drink to accompany the occasion! This Yeti Cooler is a rugged, yet soft-sided cooler designed to keep your food and drinks cold for outdoor adventures and backyard gatherings.
Bonus Outdoor Cooking Equipment: Portable Gas Korean BBQ Grills
Grills like the Iwatani Korean Gas BBQ Grill provide convenience without sacrificing quality. They’re perfect for quick setups and maintain steady heat for a seamless grilling experience, making them ideal for at-home gatherings.
Bonus Outdoor Cooking Equipment: Pizzacraft PC6000 Pizzeria Pronto – Gas-Fired
This compact gas oven from Pizzacraft delivers excellent performance for its price, making it a top choice for budget-conscious pizza lovers.
Host the ultimate outdoor feast: Best Outdoor Cooking Equipment
The right outdoor cooking equipment can take your backyard feasts from good to unforgettable. Investing in quality gear makes all the difference, whether you’re searing steaks on a top-tier grill, crafting wood-fired pizzas, or slow-smoking brisket to perfection. Durability, performance, and versatility are key when choosing equipment that will serve you for years. These selections are based on expert reviews and consumer feedback, ensuring quality and performance for your outdoor cooking needs. With these top-rated essentials, you’ll be ready to cook incredible meals and create lasting memories with family and friends. Outdoor cooking isn’t just about great food—it’s about the experience, and a great kit will keep you grilling all summer.
