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After months of snow and chilly winds, the sun finally graces the nation with its warmth, and Canadians everywhere flock to their backyards. The air fills with the scent of freshly cut grass, the sound of children’s laughter, and the unmistakable, mouth-watering aroma of a barbecue fired up and ready to go. It’s a cherished ritual, a celebration of the season.
At the heart of this celebration is the food, and nothing says “summer feast” quite like a towering, saucy, and incredibly tender pulled pork burger, crafted right in your own backyard. Alright, prepare yourself with the generator and solar power to explore how to host a barbecue evening.
Before you start cooking, getting your backyard ready is the first step to a fun get-together. A good Canadian BBQ is all about relaxing with friends and family from the afternoon into the evening.
Good backyard decor ideas can make a big difference. Think about hanging some string lights to create a warm glow when the sun goes down.
A solid table and comfortable chairs, like classic Muskoka chairs or a simple patio set, give everyone a place to sit and chat for hours.
These simple touches can make your yard feel like a special backyard bistro. Then come to the center of this celebration.
For amazing pulled pork, a smoker or a charcoal backyard grill is your best bet because they cook the meat slowly, making it super tender.
It also helps to have a small backyard kitchen area. This can be just a simple prep table with your tools ready to go: sturdy tongs, a meat thermometer to know when the pork is done, and a brush for the sauce. This keeps everything organized.
Also, don’t forget a cooler to keep your drinks cold and the meat chilled before it goes on the grill.
A modern backyard barbecue often relies on a variety of electronics, from the smoker itself to lights and music that set the mood. The Jackery Solar Generator 2000 V2 is designed to be the central power hub for these events, and its specifications directly translate into practical benefits for any BBQ host.
The power station and solar panel setup feature:
Many popular electric pellet smokers have a significant surge of power (500- 600W) for a few minutes to heat the ignition rod and start the fire pot. After starting, they run at a much lower wattage (50- 100W) to power the auger and fans.
The power station’s 4,400W surge capacity handles this initial startup with ease, a task where smaller power stations would fail. The continuous 2,200W output means you can not only run the most demanding smoker but also power other appliances simultaneously.
Appliance | Estimated Power Draw (estimated) | Estimated Runtime | Common BBQ Use |
Pellet Smoker | 75W | Over 27 hours | All-day, low-and-slow cooking for pulled pork or brisket. |
Electric Cooler | 60W | Over 34 hours | Keeping drinks and food salads safely chilled without ice. |
String Lights | 25W | Over 80 hours | Creating a festive atmosphere that lasts long after sunset. |
Music Speaker | 20W | Over 100 hours | Playing a party playlist all day and well into the night. |
Jackery Solar Generator 2000 V2 features 3 AC outlets, a 100W USB-C port, a 30W USB-C port, and an 18W USB-A port, which means you can run the smoker from one AC outlet, a blender (for margaritas) from another, and a slow cooker (for keeping beans warm) from the third, all at the same time (as long as the combined draw is under 2,200W).
The power station weighs approximately 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) and operates nearly silently.
While not lightweight, it is fully portable. You can easily carry it from your garage to the perfect spot in your backyard without worrying about proximity to the house.
More importantly, its silent operation means you’ll hear the sizzle of the grill and your party’s music, not the disruptive roar of a gas engine. This ensures the generator is a helpful tool, not an annoying distraction.
With your backyard set up and the drinks on ice, it’s time for the main event. If you wanna receive “well done, buddy” and all the finger-linking appreciation, it takes patience.
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a flavourful spice rub and a perfectly sauced final product.
One 4-5 lb (approx. 2 kg) bone-in pork shoulder, also known as pork butt.
Follow these steps for fall-apart tender pulled pork every time. Remember, the key is cooking to temperature, not to time.
In a small bowl, mix together all the spice rub ingredients: brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Pat the pork shoulder completely dry with paper towels. Generously coat the entire pork shoulder with the rub, massaging it into all the crevices.
Don’t be shy with it! Wrap the seasoned pork tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavours to sink deep into the meat.
On BBQ day, prepare your smoker or grill for indirect cooking. The goal is a steady, low temperature between 250°F and 275°F (120 °C and 135°C).
Place the pork shoulder on the cool, indirect side of the grill, fat-side up. Close the lid and let it cook. For the first few hours, you can baste it occasionally with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and a little BBQ sauce to build layers of flavour. Now, be patient. The pork needs to cook for 6-8 hours.
It will eventually hit a “stall” around 160°F (71°C) where the temperature stops rising for a while—this is normal! Just maintain your grill’s temperature and let it push through. The pork is ready when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding bone) reads between 195−205°F (90−96°C).
This step is critical for juicy pork. Carefully remove the pork from the grill, place it in a large pan or dish, and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for at least 30-45 minutes. After resting, it’s time to shred. Use two forks to pull the meat apart; it should be so tender that it offers almost no resistance. Remove the bone and any large pieces of fat you don’t want.
Once all the meat is shredded, pour about 1 to 1½ cups of your favourite BBQ sauce over the top and mix it all together. Pile the saucy pork high on a toasted bun, top with a scoop of cool, creamy coleslaw and some tangy pickles, and serve immediately. This is the taste of a perfect Canadian summer day.
While the pulled pork burger is undoubtedly the star of the show, a truly legendary backyard party is built around it with delicious sides, refreshing drinks, and easy entertainment.
Side Dishes: Think of hearty, smoky baked beans simmering with a hint of molasses. A platter of golden, buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce. A creamy, homemade potato salad provides a cool and satisfying contrast, while grilled corn on the cob, slathered in butter and lightly charred, is a taste of pure summer.
Refreshing Drinks: On a hot day, a large pitcher of homemade lemonade, dotted with fresh mint or berries, is a welcome sight for guests of all ages. For the adults, nothing pairs better with BBQ than a cold beer. Stocking a cooler with a selection from a local Canadian craft brewery is a great touch—a crisp pilsner, a light lager, or a citrusy pale ale are all fantastic choices for a summer barbecue.
The right atmosphere keeps the good times rolling long after the meal is done. The key is to keep it simple and relaxed.
Music: A good playlist is non-negotiable. With a portable Bluetooth speaker—powered up and placed wherever you need it, no cords attached—you can set the perfect soundtrack for the day. A mix of classic Canadian rock, feel-good summer hits, and chill indie tunes creates a relaxed and festive vibe for everyone.
Lawn Games: Simple lawn games are a fantastic way to get guests mingling and laughing. A friendly game of cornhole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, while a classic bocce ball set can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. Even something as simple as a Frisbee or a giant Jenga set can provide hours of easy, laid-back fun in the backyard.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of hosting the perfect backyard barbecue—seeing friends and family happy, well-fed, and enjoying the long, warm evening.
Ready to make your next backyard party the best one yet? Explore the Jackery generator and solar power and discover how you can power your perfect summer memories.