There's a reason backyard grilling becomes the centre of summer life in Canada. After months of cooking indoors, firing up the BBQ feels like a ritual — a signal that warmer weather is here and outdoor living can finally begin. Whether you're a weekend griller or someone who cooks outside from May through September, the right setup makes every meal better.
A well-planned outdoor grilling space isn't just about having a good BBQ. It's about creating a space that works smoothly for everything from Tuesday night dinners to long weekend gatherings — and one that holds up through everything a Canadian summer throws at it.
Why Grilling is at the Heart of Canadian Outdoor Living
Summer in Canada is short, and Canadians tend to make the most of it. Grilling is one of the most direct ways to get outside and extend the time spent in the backyard, on the deck, or out on the patio. It turns an ordinary weeknight dinner into something a little more enjoyable and gives weekend entertaining a natural focal point.
The challenge is finding equipment that performs reliably, season after season. Not all grills are built to handle the temperature swings, humidity, and weather variability that come with Canadian summers — or the occasional cool spring and fall grill session. Choosing quality equipment from the start means fewer headaches and more time actually cooking.
Choosing the Right BBQ for Your Space
Not every grill suits every outdoor space, and it's worth thinking through how and where you'll be grilling before making a decision.
Gas Grills
Gas grills remain the most popular choice for Canadian backyards and decks. They heat up quickly, offer easy temperature control across multiple burners, and make weeknight cooking straightforward without a lot of prep or cleanup. If you grill frequently and value convenience, a well-built gas grill is hard to beat.
When evaluating gas grills, pay attention to BTU output, burner quality, and the overall construction of the cooking grates and firebox. A grill that holds heat evenly and recovers temperature quickly after the lid opens will produce consistently better results than one with hot spots and poor insulation.
Charcoal Grills
Charcoal grilling delivers a flavour that gas simply can't replicate. For dedicated grillers who enjoy the process as much as the result, charcoal offers a more hands-on cooking experience and versatility for things like slow-smoked ribs, reverse-seared steaks, and whole chickens.
Charcoal grills require a bit more setup and attention, but many backyard cooks find that to be part of the appeal. A quality charcoal grill — whether a classic kettle-style or a larger barrel format — can last for many seasons with basic upkeep.
Pellet Grills
Pellet grills have grown steadily in popularity because they combine the smoky flavour of wood-fired cooking with temperature precision that rivals an oven. They're an excellent choice for low-and-slow cooks like brisket, pulled pork, or smoked salmon, and many models also handle high-heat searing well.
If you want to expand your outdoor cooking repertoire beyond traditional grilling, a pellet grill opens up a lot of possibilities.
Why Broil King Belongs in Your Backyard
When it comes to BBQ grills built for Canadian cooking conditions, Broil King is a name that comes up consistently — and for good reason. Broil King grills are engineered with a focus on performance, durability, and heat control, and they're a natural fit for the kind of regular, year-round outdoor cooking that Canadians actually do.
Their lineup covers a wide range of needs, from compact two-burner gas grills well-suited to smaller decks and balconies, to large format multi-burner models designed for serious entertaining. Broil King's heavy duty grates retain and distribute heat evenly, while their dual-tube burners are built to deliver consistent performance across the entire cooking surface.
Whether you're looking for an entry-level grill for casual weekend use or a feature-rich option that can handle everything from searing steaks to rotisserie chicken, there's a Broil King model worth considering. Smitty's carries a selection of Broil King grills, making it easy to compare options and find the right fit for your space and cooking style.
Setting Up a Functional Grilling Zone
A great grill is the starting point — but a well-organized grilling zone makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Think about workflow when positioning your grill. Ideally, it should be close enough to the kitchen for easy access to ingredients, but positioned away from foot traffic and any overhead structures to ensure proper ventilation. Leave enough clearance on either side for safely maneuvering around the grill and for plating food without crowding.
Side shelves or a nearby prep table make a significant difference during longer cooks. Having a surface to rest tongs, hold sauces, or stage food before and after it comes off the grill means you're not running back and forth constantly.
Storage for grill tools, covers, and BBQ accessories keeps the area tidy and protects your equipment between sessions. A grill cover is a simple investment that meaningfully extends the life of your BBQ by shielding it from UV exposure, rain, and early-season frost.
For those who grill well into the evening, outdoor lighting near the cooking area is a practical detail that's easy to overlook. Good visibility makes cooking — and cleanup — easier and safer.
The Outdoor Entertaining Space: Dining and Gathering
Grilling naturally brings people together, and having a well-set-up dining and lounging area nearby completes the outdoor experience. When family and friends gather around the BBQ, they need somewhere comfortable to sit, eat, and linger.
An outdoor dining table is one of the most versatile investments for a backyard or deck. Choose a size that fits your space without overwhelming it — a six-seat dining set works well for most families and small gatherings, while larger tables suit those who regularly host bigger groups. Look for tables with sturdy construction and finishes designed to handle sun, moisture, and regular use without warping or fading quickly.
Comfortable dining chairs make a real difference during longer meals. Chairs with some weather-resistant cushioning encourage people to sit and stay rather than rushing through dinner.
If space allows, a separate lounging area — a few comfortable chairs or a small sectional positioned away from the grill — gives guests a place to relax before and after the meal. This separation between the cooking zone and the sitting area helps outdoor spaces feel organized and easy to move through rather than cramped.
For patios and decks that see full afternoon sun, a well-positioned umbrella or shade structure makes the dining area more usable during peak heat hours. Comfortable outdoor entertaining is much easier when guests aren't squinting into direct sunlight.
Accessories That Elevate the Grilling Experience
The right accessories can take your outdoor cooking from functional to genuinely enjoyable.
A quality set of long-handled grilling tools — tongs, a spatula, and a grill brush — are everyday essentials. Longer handles keep your hands clear of the heat and make it easier to work confidently at the grill.
A reliable instant-read meat thermometer removes guesswork from cooking. Whether you're pulling chicken breasts at exactly the right moment or checking a thick cut of beef, a thermometer is one of the most useful tools a backyard cook can have.
Grill baskets and grilling mats expand what you can cook outdoors. Vegetables, fish, shrimp, and smaller items that would otherwise fall through the grates become easy to manage with the right accessories.
For those who enjoy slow cooking, a quality charcoal chimney starter makes getting your fire going clean and straightforward, without the need for lighter fluid. And for pellet grillers, keeping a stock of wood pellets in a variety of flavours — hickory, apple, cherry, mesquite — lets you match the smoke profile to whatever you're cooking.
Caring for Your Grill Through the Season
A little routine maintenance keeps your grill performing well and extends its lifespan significantly.
After each use, burn off any residue with the lid closed for a few minutes, then brush the grates clean while they're still warm. A quick wipe-down of the exterior and drip tray every few uses prevents buildup and keeps the grill looking good.
At the start of each season, check burner tubes for blockages, inspect the ignition system, and look over hoses and connections on gas grills. Catching small issues early prevents them from becoming bigger problems mid-cook.
A properly fitted grill cover does a lot of work between sessions. It protects the finish from UV fading, keeps moisture and debris out of the firebox, and generally keeps the grill in better condition with minimal effort on your part.
At the end of the season, a more thorough cleaning — including the interior of the firebox, grease management system, and cooking grates — sets your grill up for an easy restart in the spring.
Building a Backyard You'll Cook In All Season
The best outdoor grilling setup is the one you actually use. Start with a reliable grill that suits your space, add a comfortable dining area for sharing meals, and build from there as you develop a sense of what your outdoor space really needs.
Quality equipment, thoughtful layout, and a few well-chosen accessories go a long way toward making the backyard or deck feel like a natural extension of your home throughout the summer months.
At Smitty's Furniture, you'll find a selection of Broil King BBQ grills, outdoor dining sets, and the accessories to complete your outdoor cooking setup — everything you need to make this the summer you actually use your backyard.