Whether you're making a meal for the kids or entertaining the family, cooking outdoors can add an entirely new layer of flavor to your food. To make a great meal in the backyard, stock up on these tools: Grill: From folding barbecue grills to tabletop models, outdoor dining starts here, with the cooking surface. Charcoal: Running out of charcoal puts a damper on your grilling plans, so be sure you have plenty on hand. Smoking Chips: To add a smoky flavor to your main dish, stock up on smoking chips and devices. Lighter Fluid: Before you can start the fire, you need lighter fluid or matches. Utensils: When you're ready to flip the meat or veggies, you need spatulas or tongs.