Engadget recommends only products that have been reviewed by our editorial staff. This is independent from our parent company. Affiliate links may be included in some of our stories. We may be compensated if you purchase something using one of these affiliate links.
Although the weather is cooling, it doesn't mean that winter is here. You still have plenty of time to enjoy your backyard, porch, or balcony before it snows. We've collected the best outdoor gear to cook, relax, and drink this fall. This includes a pizza oven and smart outlets for outdoor lighting.
Ooni Karu 16
Ooni
You have probably seen someone in their backyard setting up an Ooni pizza oven if you've used Instagram over the past few months. The pandemic has made Ooni even more popular. The company's range of gas- and wood-fired pizza ovens allows you to make high-quality home-made pies. The company's latest offering is the Karu 16, which features a larger stone to make bigger pizzas, a more accessible fuel chamber, and a thermometer. It is attached to the door so it is easier to use. The glass window allows you to see what's happening without losing heat. The Karu 16 oven can heat up to 950 F in 15 minutes, just like commercial Neapolitan-style ovens. The model can be used with wood chunks straight out of the box. However, the company also offers a gas burner that costs $100.
Traeger Ironwood 655 and 885
Billy Steele/Engadget
The cooler weather is the perfect time to improve your backyard pitmaster skills. Traegers WiFi-connected pellet grills are easy to use, even for beginners. You can control your grills from anywhere with the company's app. It also offers step-by-step guidance and recipes.
The Ironwood series is my favorite. It comes in two sizes, with 650 and 885 sq. inches of grilling space. They are the middle of Traegers' lineup and offer the most bang for your buck. Are you a slow or fast smoker? Yes. You mean hot and fast searing? They can do that, too. With the company's pellet sensor, there is no need to worry about running low on fuel during a 10-hour brisket session.
Weber Genesis II EX-315
Engadget
Weber is most well-known for its charcoal kettle grills. However, its gas models are just as popular. The company added the Weber Connect system in its gas line-up earlier this year, following up on its smart grilling technology that was built into the SmokeFire pellet grills. There are many options, but the Genesis II EX-315 offers a great mid-range option. Connect tech allows you to receive real-time updates on food doneness, estimated completion times, and fuel level monitoring.
Weber Connect offers step-by–step guidance based upon the food you are cooking. The LED display on your grill also shows the ambient temperature and meat. The grill can also be connected to WiFi, so you can send all this information to your smartphone. If you are lost in the dark, there is a light mounted on the handle and backlit control knobs.
Thermoworks Thermapen One
Thermoworks
The Thermapen is my favorite grilling tool. It's useful for checking whether I have overcooked a steak or cooked it too long in the sous vide. It's great for checking the temperature of bread and other items in the kitchen. Thermoworks has unveiled the successor of its popular Thermapen Mk4 earlier in the year, the Thermapen One. This device can give you a reading in less than a second. The display is also brighter and more accurate than the old model. It rotates automatically depending on how it is held. An auto-wake/sleep feature and IP67 rating ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Meater Plus probe temperaturemeter
Meater
It's a fact that I admit, I was skeptical when I first saw Meaters wireless probes for food. The Meater Plus offers all the same convenience as the original wireless probe but has a longer Bluetooth range. Two sensors are included in each probe, so they can both monitor the internal temperature of food and the ambient temperature of your grill. The company's app receives all of this information and you can use it to set a target temperature, estimate completion times, or follow the step-by-step instructions if needed. The Meater Plus is wireless, so you don't have to worry about routing wires. I think this is an innovative grilling idea that many people will love.
Thermacell E-55
Thermacell
Thermacell Patio Shield protected us from mosquitoes last year for outdoor activities that were socially distant. The company has reintroduced the E-55, which provides a 20-foot coverage and is fully rechargeable. The unit is slightly larger and uses a Li-Ion battery to prevent biting insects from getting inside for up to 12 hours. You can purchase refills that provide up to 40 hours of protection for your family. The E-55, just like other Thermacell products doesn't emit any odor so it won't be noticeable.
Solo Stove
Billy Steele/Engadget
A fire pit is a great place to relax when the temperature drops. The majority of cheap fire pits you'll find in big box stores are not designed to vent smoke away or maximize airflow. Solo Stoves stainless-steel fire pits can do both. They create a roaring fire that will not smoke you out. The three models range in price from $269 to $599 and can be carried around with you. The Ranger is the smallest and most portable model. These can be placed on the ground or concrete patio. However, it is recommended that you invest in a stand and weather-proof cover. The Ranger and Bonfire models cost about $80.
Outdoor smart plug and dimmer TP-Link Kasa
TP-Link
The Kasa Outdoor Smart plug was my first backyard guide. I was instantly hooked. TP-Link has recently released a new model and a dimmable single-outlet variant of its smart plug. Both plug into an existing outlet and are waterproof. You can control both of them independently with the two-plug option. You can set up a timer, runtime, and other parameters for each plug in the Kasa app. This allows you to automate turning on deck lights. They also work with Alexa or Google Assistant so you don't even have to pick up your smartphone. You won't have any trouble connecting them to your home network, with a range of 300 feet.
Sony SRS-XB13
Sony
Sony's tiny XB13 speaker makes it a great choice for music outside. Its compact size makes it extremely portable but the sound quality is great thanks to Sony's Sound Diffusion Processor and Extra Bass feature. It is IP67 rated for dust-and water-proofing, so it shouldn't be too worried about being outside. It also has UV protection to protect it from the sun. The XB13 can be used for hands-free calling and you can also use two at once to make a stereo pair. The XB13 can last up to 16 hours and costs $60.
Brumate Toddy, and Toddy XL
Brumate
Since I purchased a Hopsulator Trio to take on a vacation, I have been a huge fan of Brumates drinkware. It is still my favorite beverageware, and I use it every day in both the warm and cold months. But, as temperatures drop, I find myself reaching for hot beverages more frequently, so the Brumates Toddy insulated mug may be a better choice. The spill-proof lid makes it easy to keep hot drinks cold. This lid has saved me a lot of cleanup. The Toddy XL can hold 32 ounces, while the regular Toddy can hold 16 ounces.
