How We Extended Our Backyard Season: The Ultimate Fall Outdoor Cooking and Patio Guide
The Ultimate Fall Outdoor Cooking and Patio Guide
Fall is one of my favorite times to make the most of our outdoor space. The temperatures start to cool, the evenings get cozier, and a backyard dinner can feel like an occasion without requiring much of a plan.
Not to mention, it’s a good excuse to get out there and enjoy each other’s company and use the backyard as long as possible before the long winter arrives.
For me, a cozy evening outdoors always comes down to actual warmth: the contrast of the brisk autumn air against a warm meal, a glowing fire, and s’mores, always s’mores!
A good fall setup is about more than just the grill.
It is about having the right tools to make cooking easier, getting food to the table at the right temperature, and creating a comfortable, warm space where everyone wants to hang out a little longer.
From a wood pellet patio heater to grilling accessories and temperature tools, these seven products offer inspiration for putting together a backyard that is ready for everything from casual weeknight dinners to weekend get-togethers.
We got to test these all of these products firsthand, read on to discover why they are on our list!
1. Create a Cozy Backyard With the Big Timber Wood Pellet Patio Heater
The absolute first step in a fall outdoor setup is making the space warm and comfortable enough to enjoy after the sun goes down.
The Big Timber Wood Pellet Patio Heater is a non-electric patio heater fully powered by wood pellets.
That’s right, no propane required.
It features a three-sided glass flame window, giving it a much more distinctive look than a typical metal patio heater.
Honestly, it really is a standout piece that immediately elevates any outdoor space.
The first time I saw it standing in our patio, I was kind of taken aback.
It is a true statement piece.
It is also easy to set up and easy to use, even for me since I’m not super handy.
It features a gravity-fed design that makes the entire process super simple. Lighting it and turning it off is straightforward, which makes using it even more enjoyable.
Imagine serving dinner outside, settling into a comfortable chair, and enjoying the glow of the real flame as the evening gets cooler.
With a few outdoor cushions, warm blankets, and soft lighting, the patio becomes an inviting place to gather well into autumn.
And honestly, with the Big Timber’s 85,000 BTU (heat capacity), I can see us using it well into winter, too.
With the radiant heat, it’s perfect to gather around with some hot cocoa while enjoying outdoor festivities. I also love that it is powered by pellets, whereas propane tends to struggle in cold weather.
You don’t have to worry about power cords or propane tanks sputtering out in the cold anymore either. It turns outdoor cooking from a freezing, rushed chore into a genuinely cozy place to hang out.
To say we are enjoying our Big Timber is a big understatement.
See what I did there?
Fall is my favorite time of year, and being able to enjoy our patio even longer into the colder season is a dream.
And can we say, hello s’mores any time?
Make sure to read our full experience with the Big Timber, and how it transformed our backyard for many seasons to come.
2. Get Better Results on the Grill With the Right Temperature Tools
When the weather cools down, high-heat cooking is an excellent way to bring everyone together.
Burgers, grilled chicken, pork chops, and other favorites can all be part of a fall menu.
But getting the timing right makes all the difference.
These two thermometers can help with different parts of the cooking process: one for quick spot checks and another for monitoring a longer cook.
Every grill master needs these in their arsenal, they make all the difference!
2. ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 Digital Instant-Read Thermometer
When you are grilling up quick-cooking items like burgers, steaks, or chicken, you need a quick temperature check without standing over a blistering hot grill or letting all the heat out into the cool fall air.
Precision timing is critical when cooking over live flames, especially when cold autumn winds cause grill internal temperatures to fluctuate.
Opening the grill lid repeatedly dumps trapped heat, making quick temperature checks essential.
The ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 gives you an accurate reading in just one second (literally, it’s known for a 1-second response), so you can check your food in a flash and get your meat done right, every time.
It turns on when opened and the rotating display makes it easy to read at any angle since it flips depending on how you hold it.
So you get an accurate reading, every time.
It is fully waterproof, which means you can rinse it right off at the sink when you are done.
It is an awesome addition to a fall backyard setup because it takes the guesswork out of fast-paced grilling, ensuring your food stays juicy instead of overcooked.
Plus, it is just as useful year-round in the kitchen for everyday stove and oven cooking when you need a fast spot check without messing with wires or probes.
Since it has a magnetic back, we leave it on the fridge. When we use it outside, we attach it to the side of the BBQ.
The advantage here is flexibility: you can check different foods at different stages without leaving a probe inserted throughout the entire cook.
3. ChefsTemp ProTemp Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer
For low-and-slow roasts, or whole poultry on the grill, the ChefsTemp ProTemp Plus Wireless Meat Thermometer offers a different approach.
Lifting the lid to check progress disrupts the cooking environment entirely, so being able to monitor your cooking remotely is beneficial.
It uses a super thin wireless probe (4.55mm ultra-thin probe) with five sensors on the probe tip and an ambient sensor on the handle to track both your meat’s precise internal temp and the air inside your grill simultaneously.
Plus, with its dual Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection and long-range app monitoring, you can keep an eye on dinner right from your phone or smartwatch without ever having to step away from your guests.
We cooked a whole chicken on the BBQ and stepped away to fix all the sides.
Monitoring the cooking progress through the app is easy (the app has a really beautiful interface and works well) and lists the internal, target, and ambient temperature.
It also calculates the time remaining until you hit the target temp, it is SO cool to see on the app.
When your cook is done, the app notifies you with an alarm. No more guesswork!
While it might seem like you only need one thermometer, using both together is actually the secret to stress-free outdoor cooking.
Think of the ProTemp 2 Plus as your continuous monitor and the Finaltouch X10 as your quick spot-checker.
But when it is time to throw quick-cooking items on the grill like burgers or chicken skewers, or if I want to check a couple different spots on that roast before carving, I grab the instant-read.
Having both means I never have to guess, and my food comes off the grill right when it is perfectly cooked and juicy.
The quick distinction:
- Finaltouch X10: Best suited to quick spot checks, checking multiple items, and confirming doneness near the end of cooking.
- ProTemp Plus: Best suited to monitoring a longer cook while you focus on other tasks.
For food safety, always follow current recommended internal temperatures for each type of meat rather than relying on cooking time, color, or appearance alone.
I love the versatility of having both and can’t wait to use them indoors just as much.
Especially with the holidays coming up, making roasts, ham, and turkey, they will come in super handy!
4. Make Grilling More Comfortable With the Outset Premium Leather Grill Apron
Cooking outdoors can get messy, especially when you’re working with hot grates, grease, marinades, and several dishes at once.
The Outset Premium Leather Grill Apron adds a classic grilling look to your setup while helping protect your clothing from everyday cooking splashes and mess.
Plus, how good does it look?
For any grill master, having a good apron is non-negotiable.
What drew me to this one is the leather finish, the dual deep pockets (perfect for towels or thermometers), and the fact it is flame-retardant.
So, it keeps you safe from any pops, splatters, or flames.
I also like the fact that the straps are heavy-duty and the neck is adjustable.
When it comes to height, we are on the shorter scale, so having the ability to adjust the neck to fit just right goes a long way!
The fact that the apron has weight to it is also nice. It’s not flimsy, has solid metal hardware, and feels protective.
Overall, it is made really well, works amazing, and our grill master LOVED it.
I even put it on to test it out, and it feels great. Since it’s made well, I have a feeling it will last for a long time.
If you’re looking for a great gift to give this coming holiday season, add this Outset Cooking Apron to your list!
It comes in brown, black denim, black leather, blue denim, camo, and tan canvas.
5. Make Crispy, Golden Burgers With the Outset Stainless Steel Burger Press
Few things feel more satisfying than a smash burger with a deeply browned crust, crisp edges, and a juicy centre.
It’s actually my favorite way to cook a burger.
There’s something about a burger with those crunchy and crispy edges that I love.
Plus, I always double the patty in between a slice of cheese!
*chef’s kiss*
I’ll be honest, both Darasak and I have struggled to make the perfect smash burger.
They were never quite thin or cripsy enough.
Creating restaurant-quality smash burgers relies heavily on initial contact area and sear mechanics.
A standard ball of ground beef meets a scorching hot cooking surface, getting flattened instantly so maximum meat surface presses directly against the heat.
Boom, that creates the perfect smash burger.
That’s why we were stoked to try out the Outset Stainless Steel Burger Smasher Press is engineered specifically for this technique.
Featuring a wide, flat disc base and a rigid, ergonomic handle, it provides the leverage required to flatten ground beef into thin patties with lacy, crispy edges.
Unlike cast iron presses that would make the burgers stick and not produce thin burgers, the smooth stainless steel construction offers effortless food release.
Clean up was easy too, and doesn’t require any special maintenance.
The Science of the Smash
- Preheat your surface: Get your cast iron pan or flat-top griddle screaming hot before adding any meat.
- Form loose portions: Roll ground beef into loose, un-compacted balls (around 2 to 3 ounces each).
- Press hard immediately: Place a meat ball onto the hot surface and press down firmly with the smasher during the first 10 seconds of cooking. This maximizes the Maillard reaction, forming a dark, flavorful crust.
- Avoid mid-cook pressing: Only smash at the very beginning. Pressing the patty after the bottom crust has formed will squeeze out rendered juices, leaving you with a dry burger.
- Scrape and flip: Use a sharp metal spatula to scrape beneath the caramelized crust before flipping, add cheese, and serve immediately.
6. Bring Pizza Night Outside With the Outset 14-Inch Cast Iron Pizza Pan with Forged Handles
Burgers aren’t the only thing worth cooking outdoors when the weather cools down. Pizza is another fun, easy way to turn a backyard meal into something everyone can customize.
Cooking outdoors in autumn requires cookware that holds heat aggressively against the cold ambient air. Thin pans lose temperature instantly in the wind, but heavy cast iron retains and distributes heat evenly across the entire surface.
The Outset 14-Inch Cast Iron Pizza Pan features a wide, flat cooking surface framed by sturdy forged handles that make it easy to move from the grill to the table.
It is built to withstand extreme heat on gas grills, charcoal, open campfires, or inside your oven, making it an incredible griddle slab.
For pizzas, it mimics the intense bottom-heat of a commercial brick oven, giving raw dough an instant spring and producing a crisp, charred crust.
Plus, the flat front rim makes it effortless to slide a pizza peel or spatula right underneath without getting caught on a high edge.
Beyond pizza, it excels at searing steaks, blistering fall vegetables, baking flatbreads, or cooking up a full breakfast spread outdoors.
We love having pizza nights, and every week we make our favorite protein dough and load it up with our go-to toppings.
Having this pizza pan from Outset lets us enjoy our pizza al fresco, and we have zero complaints so far!
I’ve also made protein pancakes and sunny-side eggs on the stovetop—it really is a heavy-duty, top-notch grill plate!
How to Get a Crispier Pizza Crust
Start by checking the plate’s instructions to confirm the cooking method, temperature limits, and preheating procedure.
Place it in the appropriate cooking environment and let it heat as directed.
Prepare your pizza with a light, even layer of sauce, your preferred cheese, and toppings that won’t weigh down the dough. We just went with cheese and Windsor-style shredded pepperoni.
Transfer the pizza carefully to the hot plate using a suitable peel or other recommended tool.
Cook until the base is browned and the toppings are ready, keeping an eye on the pizza because high heat can move things along quickly. Let it rest briefly before slicing.
A few tips can make the process easier:
- Avoid piling on too much sauce or too many wet toppings.
- Use the dough and cooking method recommended for your grill or oven.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heating and cooling the plate.
- Avoid sudden temperature changes that could damage the material.
- Allow the plate to cool completely before cleaning or storing it.
For a fall gathering, set out bowls of toppings and let everyone customize a pizza. It’s an easy way to make dinner interactive without adding too much work for the host.
7. Make Post-Cook Cleanup Easier With the Typhur Dome Electric Grill Brush Bot
Once the food is served and everyone has settled in, cleaning the grill is probably the last thing you want to think about or do.
It’s literally the worst part of a cookout for me.
The Typhur Dome Electric Grill Brush Bot made this list because of how COOL it is.
It is the world’s first steam-activated electric grill brush, bringing together a high-torque 90W motor, steam deep cleaning, and a bristle-free design into one cordless tool.
What makes it stand out is how it powers through stubborn grease without stalling. Instead of slowing down when you press down on dirty grates, its precision planetary gearbox maintains consistent rotation.
Because the cleaning head uses stainless steel mesh wrapped around a resilient sponge, you get a deep clean with zero risk of loose wire bristles getting into your food or scratching your grates.
It easy to use, I use both hands to keep it steady, and its so cool to see the steam as it cleans.
How it works:
- Soak the brush head in water.
- Place it on a hot grill (around 400°F) or use it right after you finish cooking.
- The heat turns the absorbed water into steam to loosen baked-on grease and carbon buildup.
- The motorized, segmented head works between the grate bars to scrub everything clean.
It comes with a scraper to get the bits that had been left on the grate. After we scraped the build-up, we used the bot to give it a good clean.
And man, did it do such a good job.
It has an extended handle for added leverage, a built-in LED light for evening cleanups, and a hanging loop for easy storage.
The brush head detaches quickly so you can toss it in the dishwasher (easy peasy), and the full unit carries an IPX7 waterproof rating. So, you’re safe when it comes to water.
Plus, you get up to 20 minutes of continuous cleaning time per USB-C charge.
The key is to make cleanup part of your routine rather than leaving stubborn residue until the next cook.
Once you have finished grilling, serve the meal, let the cooking area reach the recommended cleaning conditions, and use the tool as directed.
The cleaning head and device also need appropriate care after use, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for washing, drying, charging, and storage.
Put It All Together for an Autumn Backyard Dinner
Honestly, I feel like fall is peak season for grilling. Having a few well-chosen tools can support a variety of meals, from a quick burger night to a longer weekend cook. As well as making the whole process from cooking to clean up a breeze.
Here’s one way to bring these seven products together for an easy evening outdoors.
Before Guests Arrive
Set up the seating area and prepare the Big Timber patio heater according to its instructions. Arrange blankets and warm lighting, prepare your condiments, and set out the cooking tools you’ll need.
While the Food Cooks
Wear the Outset leather apron while preparing ingredients. Use the Outset cast iron burger smasher for burgers, or bring out the Outset cast iron grill plate for pizza night. Monitor longer cooks with the ChefsTemp ProTemp Plus and use the Finaltouch X10 to check individual items when needed.
When It’s Time to Eat
Serve the food while it’s hot, gather everyone around the table, and enjoy the outdoor setting. Keeping the menu simple means you’ll have more time to spend with your guests.
After Dinner
Once the grill is ready for cleaning according to the manufacturer’s instructions, use the Typhur Dome Electric Grill Brush Bot to help remove residue. Clean and store your tools properly so they’re ready for the next meal.
The patio heater, meanwhile, helps create a comfortable gathering spot for the part of the evening that happens after dinner.
Thinking Ahead to Holiday Gifts?
If you’re already making a list for the holidays, grilling tools and outdoor living accessories are worth considering for the person who loves cooking outside.
A digital instant-read thermometer is a useful pick for someone who wants to check food temperatures quickly.
A wireless meat thermometer may appeal to someone who enjoys longer cooks, while a burger smasher or pizza plate can be a fun addition for a home cook who likes experimenting with different grilling techniques.
For someone who enjoys entertaining, a patio heater or a practical grilling accessory can also be a thoughtful way to help them make more of their outdoor space. Honestly? This is a game-changer for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. It’s also a gift many people can enjoy too!
The best gift is one that suits how the recipient actually cooks and entertains, whether that means perfecting homemade pizza, hosting backyard burger nights, or keeping the patio cozy as the weather cools.
Create Your Cozy Backyard
A great fall backyard isn’t about having every gadget available. It’s about choosing products that make outdoor cooking more enjoyable, help you prepare food confidently, and make it easier to spend time with the people around you.
The Big Timber Wood Pellet Patio Heater brings warmth and a visible flame to the setting. ChefsTemp‘s two thermometers offer different approaches to temperature checking and monitoring.
That way, you’ll always get the food right.
The Outset apron, burger smasher, and cast iron grill skillet and pan support the hands-on side of cooking, while the Typhur Dome Electric Grill Brush Bot helps with the cleanup afterward.
And you’ll look good doing it, too.
Together, they provide plenty of inspiration for making the most of fall grilling season, from the first burger on the hot surface to the last few minutes spent outside after dinner.
Because sometimes, the best part of a backyard meal isn’t just what’s on the plate. It’s having a comfortable place to enjoy it.
Which one of these items from our fall outdoor cooking and patio guide are you trying first?
Let me know, til then—cheers m’deres!
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
