Every summer, when the sun is hot and everyone is drowning in sweat, barbecue invitations go out. While these get-togethers create the perfect setting to catch up with old friends, befriend your neighbors, and meet new people, they also highlight how important it is to have all the best gear. That way you can impress everyone with how you’ve married 21st century technology with the time-honored tradition of cooking hot dogs and hamburgers in 95-degree weather.
Whether you get stuck with grill duty this year, have to mix drinks, or keep running people’s phones inside to charge them, a large dollop of technology can make summer party life a little bit easier — or at least more exciting. (Plus, if you aren’t feeling talkative you can always retreat from conversation to fix whatever gadget has stopped working.)
We’ve rounded up the best tech for throwing a barbecue. These gadgets can get the party started with music and food, and keep the party going with a little bit of extra phone battery for everyone.
UE Wonderboom
Photo by James Bareham / The Verge
These cute speakers are capable of filling an average-sized room with sound, and they can work up to 100 feet away from a Bluetooth source. They come in customizable colors and deliver great sound, considering their size.