Dust off the old recipe book. The manual for smokers. The Pitmaster’s Bible. Whatever it is that you use to brush up on your grilling techniques, because Fourth of July is right around the corner. And that means it is almost time for one of the most iconic days for the BBQ professional. Your family has waited for this day. The day when you get to be the culinary hero. The day when they will take care of the dishes instead of you, because YOU are the master chef for once. It is almost BBQ day, and that means you will need to procure some of the best products of the year. Or replace the old and outdated. Whether you need just one new toy or the whole chest, here are our favorite grilling gizmos we can’t wait to play with this Independence Day.
The grill: Blackstone 22″ XL Griddle Pellet Grill Combo
When you invite people over, there is always the problem that everyone wants something different. Some people want a burger. Some want a hot dog. Those select few still want vegetables (veggies at a Fourth of July cookout is a no-go for me). What is the best way to fix this problem as a master griller? The grill that can do it all. Dual griddle heat zones and consistent smoke circulation make this the perfect choice for the quick burger to the smoked chicken. If you invited people who want veggies, you’re a better man than me, but this grill will take care of all the culinary needs.
The set: Williams Sonoma Signature BBQ Tools, Set of 5
An artist is only as good as his brushes. Or so I have heard, I can’t paint. But I do know that a pitmaster has figured out that the tools he uses directly impact the outcome of his meat. The grillmaster knows what to use when, and he has selected a set of tools that he is comfortable with at any given time. The Williams Sonoma set has the four main tools you will need, made of high-quality stainless steel, and a roll bag that is the perfect way to store them. I don’t know if you consider yourself an artist, but I am sure the family will hail you as one when you ensure they are fully satisfied before the fireworks start.
The knife: Benchmade Maple Valley Richlite Station Knife
Recently, I was lucky enough to take a cooking class down in Argentina. If you have never been to Argentina, they know how to cook their meats. It is some of the best meat in the world. When I went to slice the steak, the chef made a production of handing me his knife. Why? Because a chef’s knife is a sacred thing. Nobody, and I mean nobody, is supposed to use a chef’s knife but themselves. So, you need a knife that you will covet, and this Benchmade is the best of the best. A minimalist workhorse built to go from field to table, this is the perfect knife to take you from kitchen to backyard. Once you have the perfect knife, nobody is allowed to touch it, right? It is a rule.
The game: Birdie Pong Mini-golf Beer Pong
You remember those days of playing beer pong in the fraternity basement? You were pretty damn good at it, weren’t you? Have you ever thought that you would still be the master if you ever got the chance to play again? Yeah, me too. The problem is, I also remember when I was told I was too old to still be playing beer pong. That is ok, I found a workaround. Nobody will know, it looks like you’re playing mini-golf. Don’t tell anyone, just play the game while the meat is cooking, and nobody is the wiser. This is the game that will make you a hit at the BBQ, and all of your friends will end up with it in their garages, begging to use it all summer long.
The apron: Swanky Badger Classic BBQ Apron
I am a man who loves good style. And that means that, if there is a way to wear something special for an occasion, I will absolutely do it. An even better perk is when I can wear something special, then I can wear something just as special over the top of it, specifically to protect it. Protect your Fourth of July fit with a canvas apron from Swanky Badger (even if I didn’t try this out and love it, the name would have sold me), adorned with leather trimmings and the ability to personalize it. It is useful, durable, and manly as Hell. Just like a good pitmaster is.
The drink: High Camp Flasks Highball Shaker
There is nothing more classic than a man standing at his grill, meat sizzling, family standing around with salivating mouths, and him just watching the scene, with his favorite drink. While most of you think of your favorite beer while you’re cooking, I would venture a guess that it is mostly because it is the easiest to carry. Convenience is key. That is why this Highball Shaker is a revolution. Mix up to five cocktails to last you the entire night, going from the grill to the table to the fire, keeping it chilled and not watered down. The only thing Independence Day BBQs have missed in the past for me is an old-fashioned. Never again.
There you have it, the choices to make to take your Fourth of July from basic to epic. Now you just need to find the right meats.
