Did you know the world’s longest barbecue was 80 hours? Jan Greeff cooked 1,000 hot dogs, 200 pieces of corn, and more to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Georgia.
If you want to get family or friends together for delicious food and drinks, you should throw a BBQ. Keep reading, and we will guide you through our BBQ essentials checklist and everything you need to throw a successful party.
Get the Right Tools
Before you start grilling, you need to make sure you have the right tools to throw the party. You can start with this list:
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Grilling fork
- Grilling gloves
- Gas, propane, charcoal (depending on your grill)
- Oil
You can find the browse our selection of BBQ tools. We have kettle upgrades, add-ons, such as a grill gate, grill tools, such as a knife sharpener, and more.
You will also want to evaluate your best BBQ grill. You want to follow these steps before you cookout:
- Preheat your grill because this cleans your gas grill
- Use a grill brush to get rid of any leftover food or burnt residue
- Turn up to maximum heat after you remove the last food to get rid of any residual drippings and grease
- Cover your grill once it’s fully shut off and cool
Check out this grilling guide for a smart homeowner on what you should be doing to maintain your grill to give it a long life.
You also want to make sure to double-check your propane and charcoal the day before your BBQ. That way, you save yourself day-of stress that you’re going to run out and need to run to the store for a last-minute grocery trip to get more.
What to Drink
A beautiful, hot summer day will require drinks to keep people happy and hydrated. You will want to provide a variety to your guests, including:
- Water
- Lemonade
- Pop
- Beer
- Wine
- Summer cocktails
- Cooler
- Lots of ice
You want to make sure the drinks stay flowing and cool. Make sure to fill coolers with ice to make drinks accessible and cold simultaneously.
The Main Event
The best barbecue takes the main event, or the food, very seriously. You not only need the main courses, but you should have a selection of toppings so your guests can find what best fits their needs.
You can use this list as a guide but can get as creative as you want:
- Hamburgers and hot dogs
- Hamburger and hot dog buns
- Cheese
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Chips and snacks
You can put all of the topping options in bowls or on plates and have everything set up before your guests arrive. You can do chopping beforehand, so you don’t have any stress at the party.
Get Your BBQ Essentials
Now that you know all of your BBQ essentials, you are ready to plan a party for friends and family that they will never forget.
You want to make sure you have the right tools, drinks, and food. You have to include the staple hamburgers, hot dogs, lots of drink options, and all the grilling tools you need.
Start getting your grill ready with some regular maintenance or read the latest here.
