Let’s be honest, when the sun shows up in Ireland, you have to make the most of it. And few things feel more like summer than firing up the BBQ, whether you’re feeding the family, having a few friends around, or just enjoying a quiet one in the garden.
But with the unpredictable weather, short notice, and plenty of mouths to feed, a bit of planning goes a long way. That’s why we’ve put together some simple tips (and budget-friendly essentials) to help you make every BBQ count, no matter how long the sunshine lasts!
Choose the Right BBQ for Your Space
Before you even think about what’s going on the grill, you’ll need to pick the right BBQ setup. Whether you’re hosting the whole neighbourhood or just having a quiet evening with the family, picking the right BBQ can make all the difference.
If you’ve got a garden with a bit of room, the Vaggan Barbecue on Wheels is a brilliant all-rounder. It’s large enough to handle burgers, skewers, sausages, and even grilled veg for a group, and the wheels make it easy to move around if you’re chasing the sun or tucking it away between uses.
On the other hand, if you’re working with a smaller outdoor space, like a balcony, patio, or even heading off on a camping trip, the Ember Grill Master Portable Grill is a compact and lightweight option that still delivers big on performance. It’s ideal for small households or casual, last-minute grilling when the weather suddenly turns BBQ-friendly.
If you’ve got the storage space, many BBQ lovers keep both: a larger one for hosting and a smaller one for portable or midweek grilling. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that suits
your setup, and your lifestyle. A BBQ that’s easy to use and maintain means you’ll use it more often, not just when the weather is perfect.
Get Prepped Like a Pro
Once your grill’s sorted, it’s time to get your prep game on. A little bit of planning beforehand means more time relaxing and less time running around trying to find tongs or marinades when the heat is on.
Start by prepping your ingredients early. Marinate meats the night before to pack in more flavour, and pre-chop your veggies, salad toppings, and burger extras so everything’s ready to go when the grill’s hot.
Having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. The Ember Bamboo Handle Grilling Rack is ideal for grilling delicate items like fish, kebabs, or veg, it keeps everything together and flips easily, so nothing slips through the grates.
And when it comes to getting things fired up quickly (especially if you’re chasing a short window of sunshine), a bottle of Bartoline BBQ Lighting Fluid is your best friend. It helps get your charcoal lit fast and evenly, so no faffing about with matches or trying to coax reluctant flames to life.
Top tip: set up a BBQ tray or storage tub with all your essentials (think tongs, brush, lighting fluid, foil, spices, kitchen roll) so you’re always ready to go at a moment’s notice. You never know when the next sunny spell will strike!
Serve It Up in Style
You’ve done the cooking, now it’s time to serve. Creating that classic BBQ feel at home is easy with a few clever touches. Presentation doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to feel like a treat, and that’s easy to do with a few clever touches.
Skip the kitchen crockery and lean into that classic BBQ feel with BBQ Burger Boxes. They’re perfect for burgers straight off the grill and make it easier for guests to carry their food around the garden or patio. Pair them with BBQ Fries Trays for chips or sides and you’ve got a complete meal that looks great and cuts down on the washing up (win-win).
To really level up your BBQ, use BBQ Serving Baskets for a retro diner-style experience. Line them with parchment paper, add your burger and chips, and you’ve got a seriously Instagram-worthy setup.
For bigger gatherings, setting up a serve-yourself station works a treat. Pop all your sauces, toppings, napkins, and cutlery on one table and let people build their own burgers or hot dogs, less stress for you, and more fun for everyone!
Keep It Clean for Next Time
After a great BBQ, cleaning up might be the last thing on your mind—but a few minutes of effort now will save you a lot of hassle the next time the sun decides to show up. A well-maintained BBQ not only lasts longer, but it also cooks better and avoids any old residue affecting the flavour of your next meal.
Start by giving your grill a good scrub while it’s still warm (but not hot). This makes it much easier to lift off any grease or food bits before they harden. The Ember 3-in-1 BBQ Brush is a brilliant tool for this, it has a scraper, a wire brush, and a scrubber all in one, so you can quickly clean grates, corners, and awkward spots with ease.
For tougher grime or for giving your grill a proper once-over, the Astonish Oven & Grill Cleaner Sponge is a game-changer. Just apply the paste, leave it to work its magic for a few minutes, and wipe clean. It’s ideal for BBQ racks, drip trays, and even the inside of your oven if you’re doing a full kitchen clean while you’re at it.
Don’t forget to give your BBQ exterior a quick wipe down too, especially if it’s been sitting outside. Once it’s clean and dry, store it in a sheltered spot or cover it up to protect it from the elements, particularly useful in Ireland, where you never quite know what the forecast has in store.
Taking the time to do a proper clean now means the next time the sun appears, you can skip the elbow grease and get straight to the good stuff, grilling, serving, and enjoying. Trust us, your future self will thank you!
Be Weather-Wise & Always Ready
If there’s one thing we all know about the Irish summer, it’s that the sun and showers often come as a set. So it pays to be prepared.
Set up your BBQ near a sheltered wall or under a parasol to avoid getting caught out mid-grill. If you have a gazebo, even better. And keep your BBQ bits together (lighting fluid, tools, trays, and charcoal) in a storage box so you’re ready to roll the minute the clouds clear. Sometimes, you’ve only got an hour or two of dry weather so, being BBQ-ready means you’ll make the most of it.
Rain or shine, BBQ season is always a good idea in Ireland. With a few clever tips, a bit of prep, and the right tools, you can enjoy laid-back, delicious moments in your own back garden.
From grilling racks and serving baskets to lighting fluid and portable BBQs, EuroGiant has everything you need to fire things up this summer, without burning a hole in your pocket! Pop in-store or browse online to get BBQ-ready, and here’s hoping for a few sunny spells to go with it.