How to Choose the Right Gear and Recommended Items for a Comfortable Barbecue Experience

How to Choose Barbecue Gear

Barbecues are one of the unique joys of the outdoors.

With a barbecue, you can fully enjoy cooking that’s difficult to do at home—such as grilling ingredients over roaring flames or stir-frying on a griddle—without worrying about oil splatters or smoke.

To ensure a successful barbecue, “preparation” is key. First, choose the grill or stove that best suits your vision for the barbecue. Preparation begins by selecting and gathering the essential items needed for cooking and eating.

Barbecue grills and cookers come in a wide variety of types, sizes, and designs, and the other essential items are just as diverse, making it easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of barbecue grills and cookers, how to choose them, the necessary tools, handy extras, and our recommended items.

If you’re looking to take your barbecue to the next level, please use this as a guide.

How to Choose #1: Three Types of Heat Sources

There are three types of heat sources for grills and barbecue stoves, which are essential items for barbecuing. Each has its own distinct characteristics.

－Charcoal

Although barbecue grills and barbecue stoves are sometimes described as the same thing, strictly speaking, a “barbecue stove” refers to a tool used to start a fire with charcoal.

There is a wide variety available, ranging from the standard type with a cooking surface and four legs to models with lids, tabletop models, and types that double as fire pits.

The appeal of a charcoal barbecue stove lies, above all, in the effect of "far-infrared rays," which lock in the meat’s umami and juices, ensuring delicious results no matter who’s cooking.

Lighting the charcoal and grilling ingredients while listening to the crackling sound gives you the authentic feeling of “having a barbecue outdoors!”

However, there are also some drawbacks, such as the time required to light the fire, the difficulty in adjusting the heat, and the hassle of cleaning up the charcoal and ash afterward.

－Gas

On the other hand, grills that use gas are called “gas barbecue grills.”

It’s easy to use: simply attach a canister of gas to the unit and press or turn the ignition switch.

Since it lights up in an instant, it’s appealing because even barbecue beginners can use it easily.

Another advantage is that you can easily adjust the heat to suit your menu. Since it doesn’t produce as much ash as a charcoal grill, cleanup is a breeze.

However, gas grills are generally expensive, with larger models costing hundreds of thousands of yen.

Another drawback is that, unlike a traditional barbecue grill, it’s harder to get that authentic outdoor experience—like watching the heat and adding charcoal with tongs as you go.

－Electric

Electric barbecue grills come with a power cord attached to the unit, so you can use them effortlessly by simply plugging them in and flipping the switch. Depending on the product, electricity costs are likely to be cheaper than charcoal or gas cylinders.

Ignition and heat adjustment are simple, so you can use it much like a hot plate.

Sizes vary widely, ranging from large barbecue grills with legs to compact tabletop models that are easy to use in your backyard or on your balcony.

While their ease of use is a major appeal, their relatively high price is a drawback. Also, if you want to use one at a campground, you’ll need to choose a campsite that allows electrical appliances or purchase a small portable power source separately.

How to Choose #2: Select a Grill Size Suitable for the Number of People

When choosing a barbecue grill or stove, it’s important to consider “how many people will be using it.” Think about the number of people attending your barbecue and select a product with the optimal cooking surface area.

As a general guideline, choose approximately 20×20 cm for solo camping, about 30×20 cm for 2–3 people, and at least 60×40 cm for larger groups.

Tip 3: Consider Portability and Storage

Also consider the size and weight of the barbecue grill or stove itself. Models with legs or lids allow you to enjoy a full-scale barbecue, but they are correspondingly larger and heavier.

If your campsite is far from the parking lot, transporting it will be difficult. You’ll also need to secure storage space for it at home. Be sure to check the product’s size and weight.

Barbecue Essentials

Here are the essentials for barbecuing.

BBQ Grill

Recommended for 1–2 people! “Meba Fire Pit”

The "Meba Fire Pit" is a convenient product that can be used not only for campfires but also as a barbecue grill.

It has an inverted triangle shape and is designed to be placed on top of the “legs” of the separately sold “Cord Unit” (*).

The grill plate slides open to the left and right, allowing you to adjust the charcoal while cooking. It’s also convenient because you can remove the plate and the inner fire pit to use it as a fire pit.

Since you simply open the legs and place it on top, even beginners can set it up easily.

*COORDUNIT: A stainless steel set consisting of legs that open and close in an X-shape and a tabletop. It offers a wide range of uses, such as connecting units to create a mini table or stacking them to form a shelf.

Fire Starters

Fire starters are products that make it easier to ignite and burn charcoal or firewood that is difficult to light. There are mainly the following five types:

• Solid type: Made by compressing sawdust or wax, these are easy to handle. There are many varieties, offering a wide range of options.
• Match-type: A type that is struck like a match to ignite. Easy to carry and convenient, making it ideal for solo camping.
• Gel Type: This gel comes in a tube and is applied directly to firewood or charcoal, making it easy to ignite and producing strong heat
• Packet Type: The fire starter comes in a packet, so you can place it directly on a stove or fire pit and light it with a lighter. Individually packaged, they are easy to carry and resistant to moisture and water.
• Tinderwood: Wooden sticks rich in resin. You can enjoy whittling them with a knife to make feather sticks

Charcoal

The amount of smoke and burning time vary depending on the type of charcoal.

• Black Charcoal: Made from hardwoods such as oak and Japanese oak, it is the most popular option and offers excellent value for money.
• White Charcoal: Burns steadily for 6–8 hours with consistent heat, but takes time to ignite
• Mangrove charcoal: Inexpensive and easy to obtain, but it burns for a short time and tends to produce smoke and odor
• Sawdust Charcoal: Artificial charcoal made by molding sawdust generated during wood processing
• Pre-ignited, molded charcoal: Charcoal impregnated with fire starter ingredients, making it easy to light

Compare factors such as the duration of your barbecue, the price of the charcoal, and ease of use to choose the type that works best for you.

Tongs

These are essential for flipping meat, vegetables, and other ingredients while barbecuing. Their main advantage is that they make it easier to grip food than regular chopsticks.

Tongs come in various materials, such as metal, silicone, and wood, so use different types for different purposes: flipping meat during a barbecue, serving salad vegetables, or shoveling charcoal.

Work Gloves / Heat-Resistant Gloves

Work gloves or heat-resistant gloves are essential when using grills or stoves.

However, work gloves made of synthetic fibers like polyester may melt if they come into contact with high temperatures.

Use work gloves for tasks other than handling hot items; for actual barbecue work, we recommend genuine leather gloves with high heat resistance.

Dishes and Cutlery

Since you’ll be carrying a lot of items for a barbecue, a set that includes plates, bowls, cups, chopsticks, and cutlery is convenient.

Since they aren’t disposable, you can use them repeatedly.

Choosing a set that stacks and stores cutlery together in a carrying case helps prevent items from getting lost.

Seasonings and Ingredients

When it comes to ingredients, we recommend bringing not only grilling items like meat, fish, and vegetables, but also staples such as rice, pasta, and yakisoba, as well as fruits that taste great when grilled for dessert.

For seasonings, an all-in-one seasoning mix containing various spices can help reduce the amount of luggage you need to bring.

Cooler

The "Kiba Soft Cooler Box" packed with handy features

A cooler is essential for keeping food safe. The "Kiba Soft Cooler" is a soft-sided cooler that can be installed on the trailer unit; it features high-insulation materials that provide excellent cooling performance.

Tables & Chairs

Stylish Low Table: "Sleek Modern Table"

This modern, simple folding table combines black aluminum with bamboo composite wood. Setup is easy—simply open the left and right legs, extend the metal brackets, and lock them in place.

It folds flat for easy transport and takes up minimal storage space.

"Sleek Modern Chair"—a low chair that reduces strain on the lower back 

This chair matches the Sleek Modern Table. Setup is quick—simply spread the legs to the sides, raise the backrest, and adjust the seat with your hands.

When folded, it becomes extremely compact and can be easily carried with one hand.

With a seat height of 30 cm, it offers a relaxed, low-style seating experience, yet the design prevents your hips from sinking in, so you won’t get tired even after sitting for long periods.

Handy Barbecue Tools

Here are some handy items to bring along.

Tarp

The "One Tarp" with an innovative design

A tarp is handy for barbecues to provide shelter from the sun or sudden rain.

The "One Tarp" is a uniquely designed tarp that sets up by inserting a single pole into a star-shaped frame, allowing for various configurations.

It’s easy to set up and take down, and since it’s lightweight and compact, it’s easy to carry.

Knives & Cutting Boards

From cooking to batoning: the "Delta Talon"

This outdoor knife features a blade and handle integrated into a single piece.

It excels in various situations, from whittling firewood and branches to cutting ingredients. Made from high-quality, high-strength 440C stainless steel, its all-black body offers a stylish look.

"Zikama Nita" 2-Way Cutting Board

The "Jikamanita" features a natural acacia wood cutting board with black legs.

The legs and cutting board fold up for compact storage. It’s not just a cutting board—it also looks stylish when placed directly on the dining table as a serving platter.

Charcoal Extinguisher

The "Charcoal Extinguisher" is an essential item for charcoal barbecues. By placing used charcoal into the extinguisher, you cut off the oxygen supply, allowing the fire to die out faster than waiting for it to extinguish naturally.

Models with a locking mechanism that extinguishes the fire quickly and prevents charcoal from spilling are particularly convenient.

Choose the right tools for you and enjoy your barbecue!

For a smooth cooking and dining experience, be sure to stock up on handy items in addition to your main grill or barbecue.

Think about your own barbecue style and choose the perfect tools for you.