If you’ve ever stood in the garden, staring at a cold barbecue with hungry kids and a half-lit bag of charcoal, you know the stakes are high.
BBQs are a rite of passage for British dads — but without a checklist, they can go from legendary to laughable pretty quickly. Whether you’re hosting mates, feeding the family or just enjoying a solo grill session with a beer, this ultimate BBQ checklist makes sure nothing is forgotten.
From gear to grub, here’s everything you need to be that dad: confident, calm, and cooking like a pro.
🔥 BBQ Gear Essentials
These are your non-negotiables. Forget these, and you’ll end up microwaving sausages indoors. No one wants that.
- Charcoal or Gas – and enough of it! (Check your tank or coals the day before)
- Firelighters or Chimney Starter – ditch the petrol. Get consistent heat, fast.
- BBQ Grill – cleaned and oiled before guests arrive
- Tongs & Spatula – ideally long-handled to avoid singed knuckles
- Lighter or Matches – the reliable kind (not the one from the bottom drawer)
- Wire Brush or Grill Cleaner – clean grates = better flavour
- BBQ Gloves – especially for kettle or lid-style BBQs
Optional but helpful:
- Digital meat thermometer – for nailing chicken and burgers. See: How to BBQ Chicken Without Drying It Out
- Fold-out table or trolley – for prep and serving
- BBQ lid or cover – if you want slow-cooked results or protection from the UK weather
🌞 Food Checklist (Dad-Tested Favourites)
Here’s your no-fuss, guaranteed-to-please list:
- Burgers – beef or plant-based, your call
- Buns – always buy more than you think
- Sausages – Cumberland, Lincolnshire, or veggie options
- Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks – marinate overnight for best flavour
- Halloumi Slices – grilled cheese = instant crowd-pleaser
- Veggie Skewers – peppers, mushrooms, courgettes
- Corn on the Cob – brush with butter and salt
- Prawns or Salmon – foil tray helps avoid the grill grate graveyard
Pro tip: Always have a few extras in the freezer in case the guest list grows. Marinades and seasoning mixes can also be prepped the night before for maximum flavour and less stress.
🥗 Sides, Sauces & Extras
A BBQ isn’t just about meat. The sides can be just as important:
- Coleslaw – shop-bought or homemade
- Potato Salad – herby or mustardy
- Green Salad – for the conscience
- Crisps or Tortilla Chips – pre-dinner grazing
- Relish, Ketchup, BBQ Sauce, Mayo
- Pickles & Jalapeños – game-changers
- Grated Cheese & Onions – for loaded burgers
Looking for salad ideas? Try 6 Easy Salad Recipes That Actually Belong at a BBQ — no soggy lettuce, just solid dad-approved sides.
🍻 Drinks & Chill Zone
Keep it simple, stocked and suitable for all ages:
- Beer or Cider – bonus points for local brews
- Lemonade or Squash – for kids and designated drivers
- Reusable Cups & Bottle Opener – never forget the opener!
- Cool Box or Ice Bucket – essential in a heatwave
- Camping Chairs or Garden Seating – dad deserves a throne
- Jug of Water with Lemon – hydration matters when the grill is hot
🧼 Clean-Up Kit
Nobody wants a greasy garden the next day. Be prepared:
- Bin Bags – black for waste, clear for recycling
- Kitchen Roll or Wet Wipes – sticky fingers are a certainty
- Tupperware or Foil – for leftovers (labelled is ideal!)
- Washing-Up Bowl & Detergent – makes outdoor clean-up easier
- Disinfectant Spray – for post-party wipe down
☕ Final Touches: The Sorted Dad Extras
- Bluetooth Speaker – for the ultimate Dad Rock playlist
- Blanket or Patio Heater – British evenings get chilly
- Citronella Candle or Bug Spray – keep the midges at bay
- Torch or Outdoor Lights – if you’re grilling after dark
- Notebook or Checklist – for tracking what worked and what to improve next time
📅 Bonus: The Night Before Checklist
A little prep now = maximum chill later.
🚀 You’re Good to Grill
Whether it’s a family get-together or a last-minute sunshine session, this list keeps you sorted.
Want to level up your BBQ even more? Don’t miss Grilling in 2025: The Top Trends Heating Up Backyard BBQs for next-level gear and food ideas.
You don’t need to go overboard. You just need the right bits in the right order.
And remember: the best BBQs aren’t about the food — they’re about the vibes, the people, and the dad at the grill who actually remembered the foil.
The Sorted Dad 
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