Summer’s here, and it’s time to up your BBQ game! Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or heading to a friend’s garden party, we’ve got the ultimate guide to make your outdoor feast sizzle. From clever gadgets to mouthwatering treats, we’ve rounded up the essentials that’ll take your summer shindig from standard to spectacular.
Forget the same old boring burgers and warm lemonade. This year, we’re talking gourmet sauces, smart tech for perfect grilling, and drinks that’ll keep your guests buzzing (without the sugar crash). Plus, we’ve got some nifty tricks to keep your garden looking as fresh as your food.
So fire up the grill, grab a cold one, and let’s dive into the must-haves for your best summer BBQ yet. Trust us, your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!
Hokan Bowls: The Stylish, Bug-Proof Solution for Effortless Summer BBQs
Summer BBQs just got a whole lot easier with Hokan Bowls. These nifty stoneware bowls are a game-changer for outdoor dining. Say goodbye to pesky bugs dive-bombing your potato salad – the handy lids keep everything fresh and protected. They’re perfect for marinating your favourite meats or keeping those burgers warm while you finish up the last batch.
The best part? These bowls aren’t just practical; they’re pretty darn stylish too. Available in five eye-catching colours, from a sunny Lemon Yellow to a sleek Pitch Black, they’ll add a pop of personality to your patio table. And talk about versatile – the lids double as plates, and the bowls stack neatly when you’re done.
The bowls are sold as a set of three for £80 or individually: Small (400ml) for £24, Medium (600ml) for £27, and Large (1000ml) for £30. Their robust design ensures they are suitable for use in the freezer, fridge, oven, and microwave, making them a lifelong addition to any kitchen.
Tower’s Sphere Pit N Grill: From Sizzling BBQ to Cozy Fire Pit in One
Transform your summer BBQ into a cosy evening affair with the Sphere Pit N Grill from Tower. This versatile fire pit and BBQ combo is the perfect centrepiece for your garden gatherings. By day, it’s a proper grill for cooking up a storm, and as the sun sets, it becomes a toasty fire pit to keep the party going well into the night.
Crafted from durable steel with a sleek black finish, this 3-in-1 wonder comes with a cooking grill, mesh lid, and poker, making it a doddle to switch between functions. The 56cm diameter offers ample space for grilling, while the sturdy legs ensure stability on various surfaces.
Whether you’re sizzling sausages or toasting marshmallows, the Sphere Pit N Grill adds a touch of warmth and style to any outdoor do. Nab yours for £69.99 from the Tower website or popular retailers like Argos and Amazon. It’s the perfect pressie for the BBQ enthusiast who fancies extending those balmy summer evenings.
Elevate Your Summer BBQ with CHIMMY’S Authentic Argentinian Chimichurri Sauces
Spice up your summer BBQ with CHIMMY’S Authentic Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce Range. Created by Michelin-starred chef Diego Cardoso and his wife Sofia, these sauces bring a genuine taste of Argentina to your garden gatherings. The range includes Classic, Smoky BBQ, and Spicy chimichurri, catering to various palates.
Made with all-natural ingredients, these versatile sauces are vegan-friendly, free from artificial additives, and contain less oil than traditional recipes, making them a healthier choice. Whether you’re emboldening meats, complementing fish, or adding zing to salads, CHIMMY’S sauces will elevate your BBQ fare with their rich, herbal flavours.
CHIMMY’S sauces are available in 265g glass bottles and retail for around £5.45. You can find them at Ocado, Selfridges, and many independent stores nationwide. For more information or to purchase online, visit http://www.chimmys.com. Go on, give your summer BBQ an Argentine twist!
Swizzels’ Strawberry & Cream Squashies: The Sweet Taste of British Summer for Your BBQ
No British summer BBQ or garden party is complete without a sweet treat, and Swizzels’ new Strawberry & Cream Squashies are the perfect addition to your outdoor feast. These moreish chewy sweets combine the classic British flavour pairing of strawberry and cream, evoking memories of sunny afternoons and Wimbledon matches.
Priced at just £1.15 for a generous 120g sharing bag, these Squashies are ideal for passing around amongst friends and family as you enjoy the warm weather. The two-tone sweets, reminiscent of the original Drumstick lollies, are sure to be a hit with guests of all ages. You can easily pick up a bag (or two) from major supermarkets and convenience stores nationwide, or order online from retailers like Amazon for doorstep delivery. Why not stock up on these quintessentially British sweets to ensure your summer gatherings are filled with delicious flavour and nostalgic charm?
Quench Your Thirst Sustainably with M&S’s Re:Water
This summer, elevate your BBQ experience with an eco-friendly twist, courtesy of Re:Water’s collaboration with Marks & Spencer. These innovative water bottles are a must-have for any environmentally conscious host. Made from 100% recycled aluminium, Re:Water bottles can be refilled, reused, and easily recycled, helping to reduce single-use plastic waste. Choose from still or sparkling varieties, both priced at £1.99, and enjoy cooler, fresher water for longer. Perfect for keeping guests hydrated during those long summer afternoons, these bottles can be purchased individually or as part of M&S’s lunchtime meal deals. By opting for Re:Water, you’re not just quenching your thirst – you’re contributing to the removal of over 100 tonnes of single-use plastic from the UK supply chain. Make a splash at your next BBQ with this guilt-free, sustainable hydration solution.
Remedy Kombucha: The Gut-Friendly, Sugar-Free Fizz Your Summer BBQ Needs
For the perfect summer BBQ, don’t forget to add Remedy Kombucha to your essentials list. This fizzy, fermented tea is the UK’s leading kombucha brand, offering a delightful range of flavours that are sure to please every palate. What sets Remedy apart is its sugar-free formula, achieved through a traditional, long-aged brewing process that results in a complex blend of sweet and sour notes. The drinks come in convenient cans, ideal for outdoor gatherings, and unlike many kombucha brands, they don’t require refrigeration until serving. Packed with live cultures, organic acids, and antioxidants, Remedy Kombucha not only tastes great but may also support gut health. You can find this refreshing BBQ companion at major retailers like Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Waitrose, and Ocado, with prices starting from £1.99 for a 250ml can.
Kärcher’s Cordless Trimmer: BBQ-Ready Lawns in a Flash
No summer BBQ is complete without a well-manicured lawn. Enter the Kärcher LTR 18-30 Cordless Grass Trimmer, a nifty gadget that’ll have your garden looking tip-top in no time. This lightweight wonder zips around corners and edges with ease, leaving patios and paths looking sharp. Its 30cm cutting width and zippy 7800 rpm motor make short work of unruly grass, while the clever auto-feed line and plant guard keep things neat without nicking your prized petunias. Powered by an 18V battery, you’ll get a good half-hour of trimming time before needing a recharge. The handy LCD screen lets you know when you’re running low on juice. Fancy treating your BBQ-obsessed mate to a bit of garden kit? Nab one of these from Kärcher’s UK website or your local garden centre. It’s just the ticket for hosts who like their lawns as perfectly prepped as their burgers.
Opies: Your One-Stop Shop for BBQ Flavour Boosters
As the summer sun beckons, elevate your BBQ game with Opies’ delectable range of sweet and savoury treats. Perfect for pickle enthusiasts and home mixologists alike, Opies offers a treasure trove of flavour-enhancing products to transform your outdoor feast. Their Cocktail Cherries add a touch of sophistication to your Pina Coladas and Manhattans, while Sliced Lemons are a must-have for refreshing G&Ts and zesty Sangrias. For the grill, Mini Gherkins make the ideal burger companion, and Silverskin Onions with Turmeric & Mustard bring a vibrant pop to salads and slaws. Don’t forget pudding – Opies’ Summer Berry Compote creates an effortless Eton mess. Available at leading supermarkets and speciality food shops across the UK, Opies’ range is the secret ingredient to elevating your summer BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary.
Sweet Freedom FIZZ™: The Guilt-Free, Eco-Friendly Sparkle Your Summer BBQ Needs
Looking to jazz up your summer BBQ without the sugar overload? Sweet Freedom FIZZ™ is your new secret weapon. Launching on 3rd, this sparkling drink range is set to revolutionise your outdoor sipping game.
With four fruity flavours to choose from – Lime & Mint, Raspberry & Cranberry, Mango & Mandarin, and Pineapple & Coconut – there’s something to tickle everyone’s taste buds. Each variety packs a punch of functional benefits, from energy boosts to immunity support.
The best part? These drinks are low in calories and free from artificial nasties, sweetened naturally with sustainable cocoa juice – a UK first! This clever use of cocoa pulp (usually chucked away) means farmers get paid for an extra bit of their harvest. Win-win!
Enjoy FIZZ™ chilled on its own or mix it up in your favourite cocktail or mocktail. It’s packed with ingredients to support your wellbeing, making it the perfect guilt-free summer refresher.
Grab a four-pack (including a taster pack) for £6 from sweetfreedom.co.uk or look out for them in your local supermarket. Your taste buds – and your waistline – will thank you!
Bar-Be-Quick’s Smart Bluetooth Thermometer: Precision Grilling Made Easy
As the summer season approaches, it’s time to gear up for those quintessential British barbecues. For the ultimate grilling experience, look no further than the Smart Bluetooth Barbecue Thermometer, available from Bar-Be-Quick. This nifty gadget is a must-have for any BBQ enthusiast, offering precise temperature control for up to four food items simultaneously. With a 100m Bluetooth range and a user-friendly smartphone app, you can monitor your culinary creations from afar, ensuring perfectly cooked meats every time. The thermometer easily replaces your existing gauge and includes two probes, with the option to add more. Priced at £49, this versatile tool works with all barbecues and even your kitchen oven, making it an essential year-round accessory. Elevate your grilling game and impress your guests with this smart addition to your BBQ arsenal.
The convergence of tech and brands 