38 glorious gadgets to level up your outdoor living
From sophisticated garden parties to sunny afternoons spent clipping topiary, bring the outdoors to life with these gadgets
Lizzie Wilmot
Summer's here and your patio is calling, so it's time to upgrade your outdoor space. We've laid out all the garden-maxxing options, from the obvious, such as relaxing, entertaining or keeping your lawn edges in check, to the less so, such as keeping yourself cool when the heat kicks in or building an outdoor gym so you can sculpt your physique and get some fresh air and Vitamin D at the same time.
Eat like kings and queens
MEATER PRO XL
Why settle for one meat thermometer when you can have four? The Meater Pro XL has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can cook meals in your oven or on the grill and get the best results every time. The four stainless steel probes have five internal sensors and one ambient sensor that reads internal food temperature and external temperature simultaneously – all without you having to open the lid of your barbecue. £329, meater.co.uk
MASTERCLASS PROFESSIONAL COOK'S BLOWTORCH
For finishing touches that take your barbecue food to the next level, you need a Masterclass Professional Cook's Blowtorch. Compact and easy to use, this blowtorch has a quick trigger ignition for instant fire to crisp up meat, vegetables and even desserts. The flame of the Masterclass Professional Cook's Blowtorch can also be adjusted for different levels of heat and char, and comes with safety features, including a display stand. £43, boroughkitchen.com
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WEBER GENESIS SMART GAS GRILL
Weber's bestselling gas barbecue recently got a smart upgrade, making the popular grill better than before. With its Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled digital thermometer, the Weber Genesis Smart Gas Grill can connect to the Weber Connect app for you to remotely control and monitor your food. It has sear and side burners, as well as a new Sear Zone that reaches up to 398ºC for concentrated cooking that leaves those trademark sear marks. £1,849, weber.com
GOZNEY ARC LITE
The Gozney Arc Lite takes the classic features and design of Gozney's other pizza ovens and makes it smaller – oh, and more affordable. Perfect for smaller spaces, the Gozney Arc Lite has a 12mm stone cooking surface that can fit up to 12-inch pizzas. The compact pizza oven only weighs 12kg so it takes up hardly any room in your garden, balcony or patio – but its good looks will make you want to display it proudly. £349.99, gozney.com
Tips to prepare your barbecue
Now that it's sunny, make sure your next meal isn't a breeding ground for food poisoning! Start by heating your barbecue to its maximum temperature. Once it cools, clean the grates with a brush and soapy water.
Check a gas barbecue's fuel hose for damage and leaks. Make a solution of water and dish soap, and apply it to the hose and gas line connection. If there are bubbles, turn off the gas and tighten connections before retesting.
With your grill clean, give it a quick season by adding a small amount of oil to the grates. You can also rub an onion on them to help enhance the flavour, but really this is about making it non-stick and resistant to rust.
Get geared up
JIMMY FAIRLY THE MATH UNISEX SUNGLASSES
Jimmy Fairly's The Math Unisex Sunglasses are undeniably fashionable, with their square frame and customisable lenses, including coloured, polarised and prescription options. The sunglasses screen out glare and UVA/UVB to protect your eyes while stylishly framing – pun intended – your face. Made from cellulose acetate, The Math Unisex Sunglasses are biodegradable so they're kinder to the environment when they break down – not that you'd ever want to get rid of them! £135, jimmyfairly.com
COLUMBIA WHISTLER PEAK WATERPROOF JACKET
The UK weather is always unpredictable, so a good waterproof jacket is a must. The Columbia Whistler Peak Waterproof Jacket is a perfect example, as its weather and temperature-proof features can help you battle a downpour and stay cool while hiking in the heat. The jacket's underarm vents are designed for increased ventilation, while the adjustable hood blocks out rain. The pockets also seal out moisture to keep your belongings dry. £270, colombiasportswear.co.uk
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BERGHAUS UNISEX EVERYDAY CAP
Protecting yourself from the sun never looked better than with the Berghaus Unisex Everyday Cap. Made from nylon, this cap stays comfortable from the moment you put it on to the end of the day – we can't promise you won't get hat hair, but you certainly won't feel any pinches. It has an elastic back so it stays in place, even when you're hiking a mountain or running on the beach. £30, berghaus.com
BLUNDSTONE CLOGS
Whether you're lounging in your garden or need to make a quick trip to the bins, the Blundstone Clogs are stylish and comfortable. Made from waxed nubuck leather, these clogs are easy to slip on and make for a great gardening companion. They have a comfortable inner lining and a pre-worn finish that gives them a natural, relaxed feel – you'll even want a pair for indoors. £165, blundstone.co.uk
WHAT TO (AND NOT TO) WEAR IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Whether you're off camping or simply gardening, the right clothes and accessories can make or break your activity. Now that the weather is heating up, it's important to protect yourself from the elements. If it's hiking or camping you're partaking in, pack clothes that can adapt to different terrains and weathers. It might look like it's going to be hot, but weather can change very quickly, so make sure you bring waterproofs, sun-shielding caps and sturdy shoes. The garden is far less dangerous but you should still be protected, especially if you're digging and planting. Wear comfortable, covered shoes, and robust gloves to stay safe while connecting with the earth.
Entertain everyone
NINJA FIRESIDE360
Amongst its sea of air fryers, the Ninja Fireside360 is the first outdoor heater and firepit that could give the Solo Stove a run for its money. It offers 360º heat that's distributed evenly, and has the option of flames, heat or both. Propane-burning and completely smokeless, the Ninja Fireside 360 is designed to keep you and your guests warm without making anyone smell like a bonfire. $499.99 (around £368), sharkninja.com
SAMSUNG THE TERRACE
Take your garden entertainment to the next level. Available in three sizes up to 75 inches, Samsung's The Terrace is an outdoor TV that offers brilliant picture quality, even when the sun is blaring. Weather-resistant and durable, this TV can be watched come rain or shine, making it the perfect spring-summer entertainment centre for sporting and streaming events. From £2,799, samsung.com
SONOS OUTDOOR SET
A party isn't complete without music, and with the Sonos Outdoor Set you can dance and sing all night long. The set features two Sonos and Sonance outdoor speakers, plus an amp to give your garden the pumping sound it's long been lacking. It's completely weatherproof, and easy to control with the Sonos app or Apple AirPlay 2, so you can play music, playlists and even audiobooks with a tap of a button. £1,598, sonos.com
How to host a garden party
Preparation is a must when having guests over. Start by mowing your lawn and tidying the patio before decorating to set the mood. This can include laying the table, setting up a projector or hanging some bunting.
A good playlist is the key to setting the right mood for your alfresco party. With a trusty speaker at hand, make a playlist with a range of genres and artists so there's something for everyone to enjoy.
If you're partying into the night, it's important to still be able to see your guests, so introduce light to your garden. If you have smart lights, this is even better as you can customise colours to set the ambiance.
Entertain everyone
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BOSE SOUNDLINK MAX
For hiking trips, camping adventures and days at the beach, the Bose Soundlink Max is one thing you must remember to pack. This portable speaker plays up to 20 hours of music, and despite its small size, it packs a serious punch with its surround sound and deep bass. Complete with a cute handle at the top, it's a handy speaker to grab and go so you're never without music even in the great outdoors. £399.95, bose.co.uk
YETI TUNDRA COOL BOX
Rather than running back and forth to the fridge to replenish drinks or grab extra sausages for the grill, the Yeti Tundra Cool Box takes care of this for you. Available in multiple sizes and colours, the box can fit a huge amount of cans and ice to keep everything cool. It even has a separate dry goods drawer, and handles so you can take it from your garden to the beach and back. £325, yeti.com
Outdoor gym
BLK BOX OUTDOOR PULL UP BAR
An essential in any outdoor gym, this outdoor pull up bar has multiple grip options so you can work every area of your arms, back and shoulders to improve your upper body. Made from steel, the bar is durable, weather and corrosion resistant, so once you've installed it on a wall, it'll stay put and continue to perform perfectly while you go from being a gym beginner to a full-on bodybuilder. £299.99, blkboxfitness.com
NORDICTRACK 24 STUDIO INDOOR CYCLE
The NordicTrack 24 Studio Indoor Cycle could be about to take Peloton's crown. This exercise bike has a 24-inch pivoting HD touchscreen that comes with thousands of workouts and classes, while also tracking your performance. It comes with 24 resistance levels to challenge your cardio, and has a built-in cooling fan for when you're really pushing it. £1,899, sweatband.com
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AGAIN FASTER HEXHEAD DUMBBELLS
No gym – whether it's outside or inside – is complete without a set of dumbbells… or a whole tree of them! These dumbbells range from 5kg up to 50kg so everyone in your household can use them and build up their strength. With end-to-end steel handles, the set offers maximum secure grip, and is finished with premium rubber to protect your gym floor or lawn. £40, againfaster.eu
TECHNOGYM JUMP ROPE
Hitting your cardio goals has never been easier. While we didn't think you could make a simple skipping rope any better, Technogym proved us wrong with an adjustable design that can be customised to your height to prevent tripping or tangling. Made from rubber-coated steel wires, the Technogym Jump Rope could be the only rope you ever need. £85, technogym.com
WHAT TO REMEMBER WHEN BUYING OUTDOOR GYM EQUIPMENT
If you're looking to make your own outdoor gym, there are a few things you'll want to consider before you buy equipment. Firstly, if your exercise bike or dumbbells aren't weather-resistant, you're going to waste a ton of money on kit that you'll have to replace a lot sooner. Not all equipment is durable against the elements, so look for materials like steel and powder coatings to prevent rust. Another thing to keep in mind is utilising the space you already have. You don't need to immediately turn your garden into a Crossfit gym! Instead, look at areas in your garden or garage where you can work out with simple or minimal equipment, such as jump ropes, pull up bars and resistance bands.
Jazz it up
EUFY FLOODLIGHT CAMERA E340
Security and lighting come together beautifully in the Eufy Floodlight Camera E340. It keeps your garden brightly lit whilst also recording crisp video whenever motion is detected. Whether you're deterring unwanted visitors or just keeping an eye on things at night, it's set to be a smart and reassuring addition to your outdoor setup. £219, eufy.com
GOVEE OUTDOOR CHROMATIC STRING LIGHTS
If your garden needs a glow up, Govee's brand new outdoor lights are a brilliant place to start. These stylish smart lights can shift through millions of colours, set the mood for parties or simply add a warm glow to evening dinners outside. They're fun, customisable and instantly make any garden feel more inviting. $255 (around £188), govee.com
IKEA SOLVINDEN LED SOLAR-POWERED GROUND STICK
The Ikea Solvinden ground light is proof that great garden lighting doesn't have to be complicated or expensive to be effective. Simply push it into the ground and let the sun do the rest. By nightfall, it casts a gentle glow along paths or flower beds, making your garden look beautifully styled without any effort. £12, ikea.com
DON'T FORGET YOUR OUTDOOR WI-FI COVERAGE
Before investing in any outdoor smart home gadgets, make sure your garden actually has reliable Wi-Fi. Many smart home gadgets struggle when placed too far from your router, which can lead to slow response times or devices dropping offline entirely. A simple fix is installing a weather-resistant Wi-Fi extender or a mesh node near the back of your house or in a garden office, which ensures everything stays connected and responsive.
Chill out
LUMI POD PRO 8
If you want to turn your garden into a proper wellness retreat, look no further than the Lumi Pod Pro 8. Its upgraded insulation keeps water colder for longer, while the sleek, weatherproof design protects it in even the harshest of winds. It's a stylish way to add relaxation and luxury to your garden at the same time. £399, lumitherapy.co.uk
EGO FN1800E MISTING FAN
When the heat really kicks in, the Ego FN1800E misting fan feels like a breath of fresh air. It combines powerful airflow with a refreshing mist, instantly cooling anyone who's sat near it. Ideal for garden gatherings, it will turn even the hottest summer day into a far more comfortable outdoor experience. £399, egopowerplus.co.uk
ECOFLOW GLACIER
The EcoFlow Glacier is far more than just a cool box. This clever portable fridge and freezer keeps food and drinks perfectly chilled wherever you set up camp in the garden. Great for long barbecues or outdoor movie nights, it means you'll never have to keep running back inside for cold drinks again. £599, ecoflow.com
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SHARK CHILLPILL
Hot summer afternoons are far easier to handle with the Shark ChillPill nearby. This portable 3-in-1 cooling gadget combines a high-speed fan, an ultra-fine misting pod and an InstaChill cooling plate. Designed to clip onto prams, exercise bikes or simply sit beside you, it's the kind of gadget you'll wonder how you lived without. £130, sharkclean.co.uk
CASO DESIGN ICE CHEF PRO
Nothing says summer like freezing cold drinks, and the Caso Design Ice Chef Pro will make sure you're never short of ice. It quickly produces fresh cubes whenever you need them, which is perfect for hosting and means no more constant refilling of the trays. £180, casodesign.co.uk
PORTABLE DRINKS STATION, ANYONE?
If you're using any of the products above, consider pairing them with a small portable drinks station. This compact setup gives you a dedicated spot for glasses, bottle openers, napkins and garnishes, effectively turning your garden into a mini outdoor bar that works perfectly alongside coolers, ice boxes or even an ice bath. It's a simple addition, but one that makes hosting far easier – and saves guests from constantly heading back inside for a refill.
Smarten up
SWITCHBOT IP65 INDOOR/ OUTDOOR HYGROMETER THERMOMETER
If you're serious about gardening, knowing your garden's conditions can make a big difference. This SwitchBot hygrometer tracks both temperature and humidity, helping you understand what your plants are experiencing. It's a perfect device for gardeners who want a little more insight into their outdoor environment. £20, switch-bot.com
EVE AQUA SMART WATER CONTROLLER
Watering the garden becomes effortless with the Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller. Attach it to your outdoor tap and schedule watering straight from your phone. Plants stay hydrated without you lifting a finger, and you'll never forget to water again – a small upgrade that makes garden care far simpler. £159, evehome.com
MEROSS SMART OUTDOOR PLUG MSS620HK
An outdoor plug is a brilliant way to make your entire garden gadget setup smarter. From string lights to water features, you can control outdoor power straight from your phone or voice assistant. It's simple, convenient and might just leave your guests wondering how your garden runs so effortlessly. £40, meross.com
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DWARF MINI
The Dwarf Mini is a fascinating little gadget for stargazers and nature watchers alike. This smart portable telescope can capture images of the night sky or zoom in on distant wildlife in your garden. It's compact yet surprisingly powerful, making backyard astronomy or birdwatching much more accessible. £359, dwarflab.com
NETGEAR ORBI RBE973S
A strong Wi-Fi signal in the garden can make a huge difference, especially if you work outside or stream music while relaxing. The Netgear Orbi RBE973 extends high-speed connectivity far beyond your walls, keeping everything from smart lights to outdoor speakers running smoothly without frustrating signal drops. £1,500 (two-pack), netgear.com
CHECK YOUR GARDEN'S MICROCLIMATE
Every garden has its own microclimate – small areas where temperature, humidity and sunlight levels differ from the rest of the space. For example, a shaded corner may stay cooler and more humid, while a patio or raised bed could heat up much faster in direct sunlight. Knowing this makes it easier to place plants in the right spots and adjust watering schedules accordingly. Over time, these small insights can make a big difference to how well your garden grows.
Keep it trim
VONHAUS CORDLESS PRUNER
Pruning trees and shrubs becomes surprisingly satisfying with the VonHaus cordless pruner. This handy tool cuts through small branches with ease, saving your hands from the strain of manual secateurs. It's perfect for quick garden maintenance and makes keeping plants neat much faster and easier. £60, vonhaus.com
HUSQVARNA 312V ROBOT MOWER
Few gadgets are as satisfying as a robot mower quietly keeping your lawn in perfect shape, and the Husqvarna 312V is a great example. Designed to take the hassle out of lawn care, it keeps grass neatly trimmed with minimal input, making it ideal for anyone who wants a pristine lawn without spending hours tweaking settings. £1,499, husqvarna.com
MAMMOTION SOLAR PANEL FOR RTK REFERENCE STATION
If you already own a Mammotion robot lawn mower system, the Mammotion solar panel is a clever upgrade to consider. It powers the RTK reference station using sunlight, reducing the need for wired power and resulting in a more energy-efficient setup. £329, mammotion.com
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STIGA HT 100E KIT
Keeping hedges under control becomes far easier with this Stiga cordless hedge trimmer, especially after a winter when everything's grown a little unruly. It slices through branches with ease, helping you tidy up shrubs and borders in no time – and maybe even come to enjoy the process as well. £99, stiga.com
KÄRCHER K5 COMFORT PREMIUM PRESSURE WASHER
Everyone knows the Kärcher name, but the K5 pressure washer is the model you really need to try. From muddy patios to algae-covered decking, it blasts away dirt in seconds. You'll wonder how you ever kept your garden looking clean without it. £399.99, kaercher.com
INVEST IN A TOOL SHARPENER
Even the best gardening tools can lose their edge over time. Secateurs, shears and mower blades all work far more efficiently when properly sharpened, making cutting easier and reducing strain on both yourself and your tools. A compact garden tool sharpener is an inexpensive accessory that can dramatically extend the life of your equipment, and regular sharpening also produces cleaner cuts, which helps plants heal faster and lowers the risk of disease.
