Everything You Need for the Ultimate Backyard Barbecue
Summer is coming fast, and that means one thing: it’s officially BBQ season in America. Whether you’re firing up a charcoal grill, lighting an open flame, or planning a backyard Barbecue with friends, now is the time to make sure you’ve got your BBQ essentials ready to go.
We teamed up with BBQ legend Al Frugoni to round up the best Barbecue tools, must-have grilling accessories, and essential products for your summer grilling setup.
Here’s your ultimate BBQ checklist for 2025 to make sure you're fire-ready when the sun comes out and the meat hits the grill.
1. Donkey Long Tong: The Best BBQ Tool for Open Fire Cooking
If you’re serious about grilling, then the Donkey Long Tong is your go-to. This isn’t just another pair of tongs. It’s a precision-engineered open fire tool built for high heat. It’s also rugged enough for real pitmasters and gives you full control of your fire without burning your hands.
Whether you're working with charcoal, wood, or a roaring backyard flame, the Donkey Long Tong is a must-have tool.
We believe BBQ tongs must be:
- Long enough for safety
- Strong enough for control
- Specifically designed for open flame handling ( And don’t forget about the Donkey Tong to handle your meat.)
- Built tough for wood fire, charcoal, and smoker setups.
Pro Tip: Add The Blower and The Paddle to your fire-tool kit. These tools are essential for airflow control, especially when grilling over an open flame.
2. Prep Tubs: Smart BBQ Marinade & Storage Solutions
Marinade prep containers are often overlooked, but they’re a game-changer. A leak-proof, grill (and fridge) friendly container can change the game. That’s why Drip Ez BBQ prep tubs are on our essentials list for 2025.
These portable prep tubs for BBQs can:
- Store meat and marinade in the fridge.
- Be transported to the grill without spills.
- Collapse flat for easy storage.
Whether you're prepping ribs or seasoning wings, this is your new best friend.
3. Bugasalt: BBQ Bug Control That’s Fun
Nothing ruins a Barbecue faster than flies buzzing around your brisket. Enter Bugasalt, a salt-shooting bug blaster that keeps your patio pest-free. It’s not just effective but also ridiculously entertaining.
Why it's one of the top grilling accessories for summer:
- Shoots table salt at flies (yes, really).
- Keeps bugs away from your food.
- Makes you feel like a cowboy every time you fire it.
4. Waterproof Speaker: Music for the Grill Master
A great BBQ needs great music. Enter the Turtlebox waterproof speaker, one of the top outdoor grilling accessories of 2025.
Why we love it:
- It not only floats, but it can also take a beating.
- Perfect for beach BBQs, pool Barbecues, or backyard jam sessions.
- It makes every Barbecue feel like summer.
5. Fuel: Wood & Charcoal That Elevates Flavor
A fire’s only as good as its fuel. Stock up on high-quality BBQ fuel like Butlerwood firewood or Royal Oak Charcoal now. These are essential for both flavor and performance.
Why it matters:
- Different fuels = different smoke = different flavor.
- Great fuel = better burn = tastier meat.
Choose fuel like you choose spices. With purpose.
6. Seasonings: Flavor That Hits Like Fire
Want big flavor without the guesswork? Visit Al Frugoni’s website for artisanal BBQ rubs made for open flame, smokers, and grills.
What makes these the best seasonings for grilling:
- Handcrafted for meat, fire, and flavor.
- Tested in real BBQs.
- Supports a small business with every shake.
7. Grills: Clean, Maintain, or Upgrade Before BBQ Season 2025
Your grill is the heart of your BBQ setup. Whether you’re working with a pellet grill, charcoal smoker, or Santa Maria-style grill, now is the time to:
- Deep clean your grill.
- Replace broken parts.
- Upgrade to something better.
Check out trusted brands like Tagwood BBQ, Fuegos, Weber Grills, Big Green Egg, or Chuds BBQ for quality options.
Final Checklist: What You Need Before Summer BBQ Season
- Best BBQ tools for summer: Donkey Long Tong, Donkey Tong, Blower, Paddle
- Grilling prep gear: Drip Ez marinade tubs
- Bug control: Bugasalt
- Outdoor audio: Turtlebox waterproof speaker
- Fuel for flavor: Butlerwood firewood, Royal Oak charcoal
- Seasonings: Al Frugoni BBQ rubs
- Grill setup: Clean, fix, or upgrade now
Don’t Get Caught Meatless
Summer BBQs are coming fast. Don’t be that person without fuel, fire tools, or flavor. Stock up now, grab your Donkey Long Tongs, and get ready to fire up the best Barbecue of your life.