Best Outdoor Cooking Equipment for Your Backyard Adventures

Summertime in Ireland is short, sweet and lots of fun. Make the most of the sunny weather by enjoying some outdoor cooking this summer. Outdoor cooking, be it in your garden, on a balcony, or whilst camping is one of the ultimate summer activities. Nothing makes summer smell or taste quite as good as outdoor cooking does. To help you get ready for some alfresco fun, we have put together our top picks for outdoor cooking this summer.

Our Favourite Charcoal BBQ For Outdoor Cooking

There is something about cooking on a charcoal BBQ grill that makes summer meals more memorable and celebratory.  You know it's really the start of summer when you catch a waft of BBQ smoke from your neighbours' gardens.

We love a classic style charcoal BBQ for outdoor cooking. Cooking on coals is a lot more fun than regular cooking and BBQ food always tastes amazing. Everyone, from young kids to grown ups enjoys a good old BBQ and some seasonal outdoor cooking.

The Ferraboli Famiglia Black Charcoal Grill BBQ is a great pick for easy outdoor cooking. It is very easy to assemble and compact enough for all garden, patio and balcony sizes. It also comes apart after use to be stored easily between summers.

Shop BBQs | Prices start at €59.99

What Camping Stove Is Best For Outdoor Cooking

If you like the option of outdoor cooking whilst out and about, then a camping stove is your best choice. Camping stoves,  sometimes called portable stoves, are a BBQ alternative and a good choice for small and large groups alike. As well as outdoor cooking, single and double burners can be used to make hot drinks. Perfect for relaxing at the end of a long day spent on the beach or fishing.

The Milestone Camping Grill & Stove is a portable double burner, loved by outdoor cooking fans. The stove is simple to use and runs on Butane at 28-30mbar or Propane at 37mbar. What we particularly like about this outdoor stove is the ingenious grill. Having a grill on a camping stove adds so many delicious cooking options, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Aside from being lightweight and portable, camping stoves are a cleaner outdoor cooking choice, with no ash to clean. They also pack up into easy to carry cases. Perfect for travelling, camping and all outdoor adventures.

If you are cooking meals for just one or two people, you may prefer a single burner camping stove. Equally as efficient as any other camping stove, the single burner is a handy compact outdoor cooking option. The Milestone Camping Portable Gas Stove is one of the simplest outdoor cooking stoves in Ireland. The fuel canister clicks in quickly and safely, the cooking heat is controllable and the stove ignites with one click. If you are new to outdoor cooking or in need of a compact portable stove, this one is for you.

Shop Camping Stoves | Prices start at €39.99

Get The Outdoor Cooking Feeling & Flavour Indoors

Looking for a grill that will let you enjoy the delicious taste of BBQ year-round, without the hassle and mess of traditional grilling? Look no further than the George Foreman Smokeless BBQ Grill. This innovative grill uses advanced technology to eliminate smoke and minimise splatter, making it perfect for use indoors or outdoors. With its durable non-stick surface and adjustable temperature control, you can cook all your favourite foods with ease.

The George Foreman Smokeless BBQ Grill is perfect for those who love the taste of grilled food but don't want to deal with the smoke and mess of traditional grilling methods. It's easy to use, easy to clean, and perfect for cooking everything from burgers and hot dogs to vegetables and seafood. So why wait? Get your George Foreman Smokeless BBQ Grill today and start enjoying the delicious taste of BBQ all year long.

Shop George Foreman Grills | Prices start at €54.99

Four Products You Need For Prepping Like An Outdoor Cooking Pro

A little preparation makes outdoor cooking stress free and possibly even more delicious. By preparing salads and side dishes in advance, you can focus on cooking on the grill or stove.

One of our favourite prep products for outdoor cooking is the Philips Viva Veggie Multifunctional Food Processor. This multi-tasking tool has an incredible range of functions. When getting ready to cook outdoors, use the Viva Veggie Food Processor to prepare chopped salads and nuts and slice vegetables. You can even slice cheese ready for murders and knead your own bread dough.

For outdoor cooking on the move, a classic Thermos flask is a useful addition to your kit. Heat your drinks on the stove to top up your flask to enjoy later. Alternatively, use a larger Thermos Food Flask to bring soup or hot sauce to compliment your grilled and barbecue food. Food flasks can hold up to half a litre and stay warm for up to 9 hours. Planning to bring ice cream to enjoy outdoors? Then you will be happy to know that Thermos food flasks keep food cold for 14 hours.

Speaking of ice cream, if you really want to impress your guests, we have the best kitchen tool for you. With the Magimix 11047 Le Glacier Ice Cream Maker, you can create your own delicious frozen desserts. Better still, they will be ready in less than 30 minutes. Make your ice cream creation in advance or let it work its magic whilst you entertain. If you fancy something a little different, you can also make easy sorbets and frozen yoghurt with the Magimix Le Glacier.

No al fresco meal is complete without a sweet dessert - especially one served with your homemade ice cream. The easiest way to serve up dazzling desserts is to prepare them in advance and store them in food containers. When you are ready, simply serve or finish off on the grill.

Easy summer desserts for outdoor dining include fruit salad, ice cream sandwiches, and fruit skewers. These desserts are some of our summer favourites. They are simple to make, require minimal prep time, and are perfect for enjoying in the warm weather. 

Easy Summer Desserts For Outdoor Cooking

Grilled Fruit skewers - simply wash and chop your favourite fruits. Slide carefully onto bamboo or reusable BBQ skewers and place over a moderate BBQ heat. Alternatively, use foil or a skillet to cook on a camping stove.

BBQ Banana Split - Take one banana per person, and carefully slice lengthways. Push small squares of cooking chocolate into the banana. Wrap in foil and place on the grill until gooey. Serve with homemade ice cream.

Caramelized Pineapple - Slice the flesh of a pineapple into lengths or rings. Carefully place directly onto the BBQ grill. Keep turning until the outside turns caramel brown. Delicious with cream or ice cream.

Shop Food Storage Containers |Prices start at €54.99 for a set of 5

Outdoor Lighting To Set The Outdoor Dining Mood

Add a little romance and festivity to outdoor dining with some colourful garden string lights. Whether you are cooking at home in the garden or at a campsite, a simple string of lights adds charm.

The Leora 15M LED Garden String Lights not only add a warm glow but are also waterproof and snowproof. Ideal for leaving up all year ready to get out and make the most of mild and warmer days.

To add some charm to outdoor dining adventures away from home, try the Alina 10M LED Garden String Lights. These petit string lights can also withstand all weather. What makes them great for camp cookouts is that they are battery-operated too.  Not only they also have adjustable levels, flashing sequences and a timer so your batteries don’t run out.

Shop Garden Lights | Prices start at €39.99

Stress Free Outdoor Cooking

Stress free outdoor cooking, whether it’s a BBQ, picnic, or camping trip, requires careful preparation to ensure an enjoyable experience. The key to outdoor cooking is to have the right tools and supplies.  It also helps to plan for what you will be cooking and how you will be cooking it.  Here’s what you need for a stress free outdoor cooking experience.

• A Good Location

The first step in preparing for outdoor cooking is to choose the right location. This will depend on what you are cooking and how many people you’re cooking for. Make sure you have a level surface and a safe place to set your BBQ or camping stove.  If you plan to cook away from home, make sure that it is allowed and safe to do so in your chosen area.

• Cooking Supplies

Next, you will need to gather your cooking supplies. This includes your BBQ or camping stove, fuel, cooking utensils, pots and pans, plates, cups, and cutlery. You may also want to bring a cooler with ice to keep your food and drinks cold.

• Food

When it comes to food, plan ahead and make a list of what you will need. This includes main dishes, side dishes, snacks, desserts and drinks. Bring a variety of foods that can be cooked on the grill or stove. Popular options include burgers, hot dogs, chicken, vegetables, and foil-wrapped potatoes. Don’t forget to bring seasonings, sauces, and condiments to add flavour to your dishes.

With the right preparation, outdoor cooking can be a fun and rewarding experience that everyone can enjoy.

Call in-store to Irwins Megastore or shop online at irwinsmegastore.ie for outdoor cooking essentials.  Our experienced and friendly team are always on hand to lend a hand and offer advice.