The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Cooking from Williams

Kim Williams, SVP of Retail Operations at Williams Lumber and Home Centers, shares all the ways to bring outdoor cooking to your own backyard.

Some of the season’s best moments begin right in your own backyard — gathered around the grill, sharing good food with the people you love.

Whether it’s easy weeknight dinners, lively weekend BBQs, or quiet evenings making pizza under the stars, the right outdoor setup can turn any space into something special. From cozy patios to fully outfitted outdoor kitchens, Williams is here to help you create a space that suits your lifestyle and the way you love to cook.

We carry a full range of outdoor cooking essentials — from Weber’s classic gas and charcoal grills to Traeger pellet grills, Kamado Joe smokers, Blackstone griddles, and pizza ovens from Ooni and Gozney. No matter your cooking style, we’ll help you find the perfect tools to make every meal more memorable.

And with free assembly and delivery on most grills, there’s no reason to wait. Let’s get the season started — right in your backyard.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Think about:

Your Space: Small patios might benefit from a portable pizza oven or a compact grill.
Your Lifestyle: Do you like quick meals or do you love slow-roasting and relaxing on your deck with a glass of wine?
Your Family: Some setups are great for cooking with kids (hello, DIY pizza nights), while others are ideal for grown-up gatherings.

There’s a grill, griddle, smoker, or pizza oven that’s just right for YOU.

Let’s Chat Grills

If the sizzle of a hot grill and the irresistible aroma of burgers on the flame make your heart race, then a Weber grill might just be your perfect match. Known for their quality, reliability, and classic design, Weber’s lineup of gas and charcoal grills has something for every BBQ enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for a compact, portable grill for tailgating and small patios or a full-sized, stationary setup designed to anchor backyard gatherings, Weber delivers options to suit every space and style. Best of all, you can see them all on display right now at Williams—come find your next favorite!

If you crave that rich, smoky flavor but love the convenience of modern cooking, Traeger’s line of pellet grills is a game-changer. With easy, set-it-and-forget-it controls, Traeger lets you smoke, grill, bake, roast, and more—all with one versatile outdoor cooker.

Looking for something that brings the best of both grilling and smoking together? The Kamado Joe is a standout. Its ceramic body delivers exceptional heat retention, making it ideal for searing steaks, slow-cooking ribs, or even crafting wood-fired pizzas.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, the right grill or smoker can turn your backyard into your favorite kitchen. And the best part? You can see them all in person at Williams—every Traeger, every Kamado Joe, all on display, all in stock and ready to inspire your next outdoor feast.

Griddles: Easy Meals for Any Time

If you love cooking all day long—from pancakes in the morning to stir-fry or smash burgers at night—a Blackstone or Weber griddle might be exactly what your outdoor kitchen needs. These flat tops offer unmatched versatility, making it easy to whip up everything from breakfast skillets and quesadillas to grilled veggies and even warm cookies for dessert.

Weber’s griddles come in a range of sizes to suit any space, whether you need a compact model for a cozy patio or a full-size 36″ griddle built to feed a crowd. They heat up fast, clean up easily, and give you the freedom to cook just about anything, anytime.

At Williams Lumber, we’re proud to showcase the full lineup of Blackstone and Weber griddles—all on display and ready for you to explore. Stop by and see how a great griddle can transform the way you cook outdoors.

Where There’s Smoke, There’s Flavor

If you love the rich, deep flavor that only slow cooking over smoke can deliver, a smoker like the Kamado Joe or Traeger is more than a tool—it’s an experience. Smoking isn’t about rushing; it’s about the joy of the process. There’s something deeply satisfying about tending the fire, checking the temps, and letting the smoke work its magic while you enjoy a quiet afternoon—whether you’re tossing a ball for the dog or relaxing with friends. At Williams Lumber, our knowledgeable associates are here to help you find the perfect smoker for your style, space, and skill level. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pitmaster, we’ll guide you through the options and features, answer your questions, and make sure you leave with exactly what you need to start your smoking journey. And with Kamado Joe and Traeger smokers on display, you can see, compare, and choose the one that feels just right.

Pizza Ovens: A Slice of Happiness

Is it even a real New York summer without a slice of pizza? With Ooni and Gozney pizza ovens, you can bring that classic pizzeria experience right to your backyard. These ovens heat up in just 15 to 20 minutes and reach blazing-hot temperatures—up to 950°F—perfect for cooking restaurant-quality pizzas in as little as 60 to 90 seconds. Crisp, charred crust, bubbling cheese, and your favorite fresh toppings—it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table.

And it doesn’t stop at pizza. These ovens are incredibly versatile, ideal for roasting veggies, baking bread, or even cooking a sizzling steak, all infused with that irresistible wood-fired flavor.

At Williams Lumber, we’ve got a full range of Ooni and Gozney ovens on display, and our friendly, knowledgeable associates are ready to help you find the perfect model for your space and cooking style. They’ll walk you through how each oven works, what fuel options are available, and how to get the best results—whether you’re a seasoned cook or a weekend pizza enthusiast. And don’t forget to grab a few sprigs of fresh basil or rosemary from the garden—it’s the final touch that turns a great pizza into something truly unforgettable.

A Few Extra Worth Adding

Over the years, I’ve realized that having the right gear on hand makes grilling smoother, easier, and honestly more enjoyable. Whether it’s a solid pair of tongs, a sturdy prep table, or the perfect seasoning, those small things really do make a difference when you’re cooking outdoors.

At Williams, we’ve got everything you need to round out your grill setup:

The Everyday Essentials

Tongs, spatulas, pizza cutters, a good thermometer, fire starters, and plenty of charcoal, pellets, or propane backup tanks — it’s always nice to have backups on hand before the next cookout.

For Flavor Lovers

At Williams we have signature rubs, sauces, and all kinds of flavored pellets to keep things mouthwatering and delicious.

My Favorites

Cast iron, aprons and fun kits like Blackstone’s smash burger, plus prep tables and outdoor carts that make a big difference when things get busy.

For Serving & Storage

Think grill baskets, grills mats, and covers to protect the tools you love — plus cleaning supplies that are safe for your grill and easy to use.

We’ve stocked our shelves with all the extras that make summer cooking enjoyable. Come see us at Williams and let’s get your space set for the season.

From My Backyard to Yours

If you’re dreaming of that kind of backyard magic, stop by Williams. We carry trusted brands like Weber, Traeger, Blackstone, Kamado Joe, Ooni, and Gozney we’re happy to help you find the one that fits your space, your style, and the way you love to cook. And with free assembly and delivery, there’s no reason to wait! Let’s build an outdoor cooking setup that will help you NAIL IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME.

—Kim

Make a plan to visit one of our seven Williams Lumber locations today!