Five of the best bits for a barbecue

Make sure you have bangers and these other bits for your next barbecue. Photo / Thinkstock

1: Sausages

Nothing says summer barbie like a sausage sizzle. We reckon Westmere Butchery makes some of Auckland's best bangers - in fact its peri peri chicken creation just took out the People's Choice Award at the NZ Sausage Awards ($17.95kg). Serve up snags on a fun, functional platter such as this nautical-inspired melamine one from Redcurrent, $32.

2: Tools

A set of tough barbecue tools will make your time around the fire easier. This slick steel Wave four-set, including a spatula, two-prong fork, knife and locking tongs, will do the trick ($125 from Mildred & Co). Plus, they're dishwasher-proof and can be stored safely in their black wooden box.

3: Cocktails and mocktails

You don't want your mates mingling around the barbecue going thirsty. We're looking forward to mixing up some delicious cocktails and mocktails as the weather warms up and we have a particular fancy for mint. Pack plenty of ice into a classy drinks dispenser, like this Yorkshire Glass version ($89.99, Chefs Complements) and let guests help themselves to a refreshing beverage.

4: Salad

A seasonal salad is a welcome addition to any barbecue. A shallow bowl allows you to show off the fresh feast and means none of the best bits get lost to the bottom. We like the classic Joren Shallow Bowl, $59.95, from Country Road, teamed with these lovely natural salad servers made of hard, sustainable mango wood, $48, from Father Rabbit.

5: Something different

A barbecue can go beyond the classic steak and sausage menu. Think a generous pan of paella with smoked fish or get your mitts on this Avanti ceramic barbecue pizza stone for inspiration ($60, mildredandco.com). This gem promises to deliver crispy crusts just like a traditional pizza oven.

Bite's Top Five BBQ recipes:

Photos / Bite magazine

• Barbecue skirt steak with chargrilled cauliflower and chipotle hot sauce
• Barbecue chicken steak
• Barbecue prawn skewers with chilli lime
• Barbecue scallops with green chilli nahm jim and herb salad
• Fruit salad parcels