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    Great Gear for a Backyard Barbecue

    Turn up the fun at your cookouts with wireless speakers, cookware, an air fryer, and more that do well in CR's tests

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    family having backyard bbq GettyImages-869865814

    Backyards are taking on an extra-important roll this year, because many folks are staying home more due to the pandemic.

    And what better way to chill than to have a barbecue? It's one of the few things you can do with family and friends where you can still maintain social distancing guidelines and have a great time.

    More on Grills

    The grill might have the starring role at a barbecue, but your next cookout can get a boost from some top-tier supporting actors. CR tests tons of products that can help you pull off the perfect party, including cameras, Bluetooth speakers, air fryers, and even cookware to heat or serve your sides outdoors. We've also tapped our experts for their best tips on making a backyard oasis this summer.

    Here, we highlight six top-scoring products from Consumer Reports' tests that can take your cookout to the next level. If you're in the market for a new grill, our buying guide is a great place to start. CR members can also jump right to our ratings of more than 200 grills.

    Top-Scoring Products for Your Barbecue

    Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July 2020 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.


    Paul Hope

    Paul Hope is a Home & DIY Editor at Consumer Reports and a trained chef. He covers ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens, as well as grills, drills, outdoor power tools, decking, and wood stains. Before joining CR in 2016, he tested kitchen products at Good Housekeeping and covered tools and remodeling for This Old House magazine. You’ll typically find him in his old fixer-upper, engrossed in a DIY project or trying out a new recipe.