A cookout on Saturday and you have never hosted one

5 things, already decided.
Work down the list. Tick off what you own. Every option opens on Amazon, where the current price and the real delivery date live — we never print a price here.
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1. 01 of 05
   I already have this

   More fuel than you think you need

   Running out halfway through is the classic and it always happens with the food half-cooked. It is also the cheapest thing on this list.

   What to check before you choose. Check whether you need charcoal or a gas canister, and buy a spare. Check the connector type if it is gas - they are not all the same.

   Kingsford Original Charcoal Briquettes, BBQ Charcoal for Grilling, 16 Pounds (Package May Vary)Check price on Amazon paid linkKingsford 30479 Charcoal Briquettes, 20-Pound BagCheck price on Amazon paid link8 LB. All Natural Hardwood Lump Charcoal by Mr. Bar-B-Q - Premium Natural Charcoal for GrillingCheck price on Amazon paid link

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2. 02 of 05
   I already have this

   A thermometer

   Cooking for other people is exactly when you should not be guessing. Outside cooking is less predictable than an oven, not more.

   What to check before you choose. Instant-read for checking, or a leave-in probe if you are doing something big. Check it reads fast - a slow one means the lid is open too long.

   ThermoMaven 1 Sec Professional Digital Meat Thermometer, ±0.5℉ Accuracy | NIST&NSF Certified FoCheck price on Amazon paid linkThermoMaven 0.5 Sec Professional Meat Thermometer Digital, ±0.5°F Accuracy | NIST&NSF CertifiedCheck price on Amazon paid linkThermoMaven Sub-1G Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer with Standalone Base | 10X Enhanced Signal aCheck price on Amazon paid link

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3. 03 of 05
   I already have this

   Long tongs and a proper spatula

   Kitchen tongs put your hand right over the heat. This is the most common minor burn at a cookout and it is entirely avoidable.

   What to check before you choose. Look at the length in inches, and check they lock closed for storage. Stainless survives outside better than coated.

   ROMANTICIST 29PCS Griddle Accessories Set - Flat Top Teppanyaki Spatula Set with Scraper, BastiCheck price on Amazon paid linkROMANTICIST 8pcs Professional Griddle Accessories Kit - Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Grill SpatulCheck price on Amazon paid linkLeonyo Metal Barbecue Grilling Tools for Outdoor Grill Set of 6 | Stainless Steel 18IN Long GriCheck price on Amazon paid link

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4. 04 of 05
   I already have this

   A side table or prep surface

   Everything has to be put down somewhere - raw food, cooked food, tools. Without a surface, that somewhere ends up being the ground or the clean plate.

   What to check before you choose. Check the height works next to your grill. Folding is worth it unless you have somewhere to store it.

   Byliable Folding Camping Table, Portable Aluminum Adjustable Height, Black | Roll-Up Camp LightCheck price on Amazon paid linkByliable Camping Table Folding Portable Camp Aluminum Table, Wood Grain | Foldable Design, RollCheck price on Amazon paid linkhediya 2 Pack Camping Table Foldable, Portable Folding Beach Table, Black-S | Ultralight, MetalCheck price on Amazon paid link

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5. 05 of 05
   I already have this

   A cooler that keeps ice all day

   Drinks in a fridge inside means everyone walking through the house. A cooler outside keeps the party where the party is.

   What to check before you choose. Check the capacity in quarts against the group. Wheels matter more than they sound once it is full.

   RTIC 45 QT Ultra-Tough Hard Cooler | Portable Hard Ice Chest Box for Beach, Drinks, Camping, PiCheck price on Amazon paid linkColeman Pro Heavy-Duty 45qt Ultra-Light Premium Hard Cooler, Extra-Thick Insulation Keeps Ice uCheck price on Amazon paid linkColeman Snap 'N Go 45-Quart Collapsible Hard Cooler, Portable Hard-Sided Cooler with WaterproofCheck price on Amazon paid link

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Every option above is a real product listing on Amazon, chosen by research, not by testing. We do not own these products and we have not tried them. Prices and delivery dates live on Amazon and change constantly, so we do not print them here.