The backyard has become more than a place to barbecue.
With the right equipment and a little planning, it can handle everything from weeknight dinners to wood-fired pizza and fresh-baked cinnamon buns.
Jason Ratushny, Barbecues Galore
For Calgarians, outdoor cooking has traditionally been a summertime pursuit, but increasingly, people are treating their outdoor spaces as true extensions of the kitchen. News flash — it’s no longer just for steak and potatoes. With a few thoughtful upgrades and some smart planning, even a small setup can take your culinary skills out of the house and into the great outdoors.
“A good grill is the foundation of your outdoor cooking setup,” says Jason Ratushny of Barbecues Galore, Calgary’s longtime destination for all things barbecue. “Invest as much as you can into a quality grill at whatever your budget allows, then build from there.”
One of the most overlooked parts of outdoor cooking is the importance of maintenance (we’re looking at you, person who hasn’t cleaned the grease tray since the Flames’ last playoff run). A clean, well-cared-for grill not only lasts longer, but performs better. Ratushny recommends investing in a quality grill brush, regularly cleaning grease trays and pans, and learning how to properly season cast iron cooking surfaces. And in Alberta’s unpredictable climate, a quality cover is also a must.
“A cover that fits properly is an easy thing to invest in to extend the life of your grill,” he says. “It keeps dirt, debris, snow, and everything you don’t want out.”
Once you’ve got the basics covered, accessories offer a world of new possibilities. Pizza stones turn a standard grill into an outdoor oven capable of baking bread or crafting desserts. Rotisserie baskets make crispy chicken wings, while griddles have surged in popularity for everything from smash burgers to full breakfast spreads.
Pizza ovens are also having a serious moment right now, and not just for pizza. Think of them as versatile little outdoor ovens, capable of roasting vegetables, baking casseroles or even whipping up cinnamon buns — all without heating up the house during the hottest months of the year.
“Now there’s an amazing way to start a morning,” Ratushny muses. “Coffee on the patio with fresh cinnamon buns made outdoors.”
And while a fully built-out kitchen complete with refrigeration, cabinetry and heating might be the eventual goal, a simple patio setup can still feel intentional and inviting with a few thoughtful upgrades. A sturdy prep table, comfortable seating or better cooking tools can make a surprisingly big impact. Lighting is also one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades to start with. String lights, pathway lighting, or a simple grill light can instantly make a space feel warmer and more functional for evening cooking.
When planning your setup, it’s also worth thinking through the details. For example, sight lines — if you’re spending time cooking outside, you probably want a nice view while you do it. Wind direction is another important factor, especially in Calgary, where gusty evenings can quickly cool down a grill and make cooking frustrating. Positioning the barbecue near a wall, fence, pergola or windbreak can make the space far more comfortable. Ratushny also suggests considering the placement of utilities such as gas, electrical and drainage, since those decisions can affect both layout and long-term costs. Choosing durable outdoor materials and leaving room for future upgrades can also save headaches later.
And for anyone who loves trying new gadgets, outdoor cooking trends continue to evolve. Outdoor air fryers are starting to appear in more backyards, while electric grills are becoming increasingly popular, especially for condos and townhomes where traditional gas or charcoal options may not work. Outdoor fridges, rolling prep carts, portable shelving and attachable storage cabinets are also helping people turn smaller grilling areas into functional cooking spaces. If you’re looking for inspiration, Barbecues Galore regularly hosts professional guest chefs demonstrating creative outdoor cooking techniques.
Ultimately, the appeal of outdoor cooking goes beyond the food. That’s especially true in Calgary, where warm evenings can feel fleeting. Maybe that means investing in a pizza oven and learning to bake cinnamon buns outside, or maybe it’s simply hanging some string lights and finally replacing those rusty barbecue tools. Whether you’re plating a four-course dinner or roasting marshmallows over a campfire, the goal is really to spend some time outside and eat good food.
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