Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Ryan Conlon | 🕒 8 min Read Time
Ready to transform your backyard barbecuing from good to great?
Tired of charring instead of char-grilling, or struggling with outdated tools that more resemble ancient artifacts than modern cooking equipment?
Elevate your grilling game this summer with our guide to the best barbecue accessories on the market right now.
Our comprehensive list includes everything from essential grilling gadgets to state-of-the-art equipment; these must-have items are sure to make every cookout a culinary delight.
So fire up your grill, because we’re about to enhance your BBQ experience beyond measure.
Our website recommends a variety of top-rated barbecue accessories, including the Mercer Hell’s Handle Large Fish Turner and Winco TN719 Blade Hamburger Turner for flipping burgers, Winco UT-16HT Extra Heavyweight Utility Tongs for precise control when grabbing smaller items, and Best BBQ Grill Brush with sturdy construction for efficient cleaning.
Other useful accessories include the Weber chimney for lighting coals quickly, Rib rack to create more space on the grill, and Nordoc Ware Half Sheet Trays.
We also recommend using high-quality thermometers such as the Thermapen thermometer and ThermoWorks thermometers for checking the temperature of meat.
Must-Have Grill Tools
When it comes to perfecting your grilling skills, having the right tools is essential. You want to ensure that you have everything at your fingertips to make your grilling experience both effortless and enjoyable.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the must-have grill tools that every grilling enthusiast should consider adding to their collection.
The first tool on our list is the Grill Turner. This versatile tool is an absolute necessity for any grill master.
Made with a long handle and a wide, flat blade, the grill turner allows you to easily flip burgers, steaks, vegetables, and more without losing any of your precious grill marks or risking them falling apart.
Imagine you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, and your friends are eagerly waiting for those perfectly grilled burgers.
As you carefully flip each patty with your trusty grill turner, everyone watches in anticipation as the sizzling sounds fill the air.
With its fine edge, stable blade, and tapered shape, the Mercer Hell’s Handle Large Fish Turner stands out as one of the best options for grilling. Its seamless sliding under burger patties without resistance ensures that you can achieve that ideal flip every time.
Another invaluable tool in your arsenal is the Hamburger Turner. While similar to the grill turner, this specialized tool features a wider blade specifically designed for handling hamburger patties.
Its robust construction makes it perfect for flipping burgers effortlessly while keeping them intact.
Now that we’ve explored the importance of these two essential grill tools let’s dive deeper into understanding their unique features and why they are vital assets in achieving grilling perfection.
Grill Turner and Hamburger Turner
A well-designed grill turner should have a few key characteristics that set it apart from regular kitchen spatulas. Firstly, its wide polypropylene handle provides more leverage, making it easier to work with larger pieces of meat.
feature is particularly helpful when flipping those thick-cut steaks or hefty pork chops.
Additionally, a quality grill turner should be able to withstand the high temperatures of your grill without warping or melting.
Look for options that can handle temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring durability and longevity even in the intense heat of your grilling sessions.
Think of it as having a reliable and sturdy tool in your hands, like a surgeon using a scalpel during an operation.
The precision and control offered by a well-designed grill turner make it an essential companion for any grilling adventure.
Moving on to the hamburger turner, this tool offers similar functionality to a grill turner but with some added features specifically catered to handling burger patties.
The wider blade allows you to easily lift and flip burgers without creating unnecessary mess, ensuring that your patties stay intact and maintain their perfect shape.
When choosing a hamburger turner, make sure to consider the material and build quality.
Opt for an option that is comfortable to handle and easy to clean after use, such as one made from stainless steel or heat-resistant nylon.
For those seeking optimal control when grilling smaller items like vegetables or kabobs, utility tongs can be an excellent addition.
The Winco UT-16HT Extra Heavyweight Utility Tongs are designed with comfort and usability in mind.
Their narrow angle of the scalloped heads provides better control for picking up small items while offering sturdiness during grilling sessions.
- According to a survey conducted by The Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association in 2020, nearly 80% of all U.S. households own a grill or smoker.
- The same survey revealed that among the owners, 70% use their grills for cooking year-round showcasing the need for sturdy, durable BBQ accessories.
- In 2022, Global Market Insights, Inc. reported that the global market size for barbecue grills and accessories surpassed USD 4.5 billion, indicating high consumer interest in these products.
Utility Tongs and Skewers
When it comes to grilling, having the right tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience. One essential tool is utility tongs – long-handled, sturdy tongs that provide a firm grip on various foods while grilling.
These tongs allow you to easily flip burgers, turn sausages, and handle delicate cuts of meat or vegetables with precision and control.
The length of utility tongs ensures that your hands are safely away from the heat source, protecting you from accidental burns.
Picture yourself standing by the grill, expertly flipping a juicy steak with the help of these trusty utility tongs.
You feel in complete control as the sizzle of the meat fills the air, knowing that your food will be perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
In addition to utility tongs, skewers are another must-have tool for any barbecue enthusiast. Skewers come in various forms, such as metal or bamboo, and are incredibly versatile when it comes to grilling.
They are perfect for creating flavorful kebabs, skewering shrimp or vegetables for delicious grilled appetizers, or even roasting marshmallows for decadent desserts.
Skewers allow you to arrange your ingredients in a way that optimizes cooking time and even heat distribution.
Whether you’re grilling bite-sized pieces of chicken marinated in flavorful spices or incorporating colorful vegetable medleys onto each skewer, they offer an easy and convenient way to cook multiple items at once without worrying about them falling through the grates.
When using skewers, remember to soak wooden ones in water before grilling to prevent them from burning or splintering.
By doing so, you’ll ensure that your skewered creations turn out perfectly cooked every time.
Having covered the importance of utility tongs and skewers in making your grilling experience exceptional let’s now explore other essential BBQ cooking equipment that you need to have in your arsenal.
Essential BBQ Cooking Equipment
To take your grilling endeavors to the next level, equipping yourself with essential BBQ cooking equipment is crucial.
These tools ensure that you can tackle any culinary challenge and achieve mouthwatering results.
One key tool every griller should have is a reliable meat thermometer.
This handy device allows you to accurately monitor the internal temperature of your meat to ensure perfectly cooked results every time.
Particularly noteworthy is the Meater Plus Smart Wireless Thermometer, which offers wireless connectivity and remote monitoring capabilities, allowing you to keep an eye on your food’s progress from a distance.
When it comes to basting or marinating your creations with flavorful sauces, a high-quality basting brush is essential.
The Weber Premium BBQ Tools Set includes a durable basting brush along with other useful utensils such as a spatula and tongs, ensuring that you have all the necessary tools for success.
And let’s not forget about grill brushes!
After enjoying a delectable grilled feast, cleaning up may seem daunting.
However, with the right grill brush, like the Grillaholics Steel BBQ Grill Brush, this task becomes much more manageable.
The sturdy bristles and durable construction will make quick work of stubborn residue and food debris, allowing you to maintain a clean grill for future cooking endeavors.
By investing in these essential BBQ cooking equipment pieces, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer any grilling challenge with confidence and finesse.
Your friends and family will be left in awe of your culinary skills and eagerly anticipate your next barbecue gathering.
Insulated Handling Gloves
One of the most crucial accessories for any grill master or home cook is a pair of insulated handling gloves.
These gloves are designed to protect your hands from the intense heat radiating from the grill while ensuring a firm grip on your cooking tools and food.
Whether you’re flipping burgers, handling hot skewers, or adjusting charcoal, having the right gloves can make all the difference in both safety and convenience.
Insulated handling gloves offer superior protection compared to ordinary oven mitts or regular gloves that may not be heat-resistant enough for grilling.
They are typically made with materials like aramid fibers, silicone, or neoprene that can withstand high temperatures without conducting heat to your hands.
These gloves often have a textured surface to enhance grip and prevent slippage when handling slippery items like greasy meats or sauced ribs.
Imagine reaching over a sizzling hot grill grates to flip a juicy steak, feeling the searing heat radiate towards you.
With insulated handling gloves, you can confidently grasp the tongs or spatula, preventing any potential slips or burns.
The thick insulation serves as a barrier between your hands and the scorching heat, allowing you to focus on your delicious creations without worry.
Another advantage of using insulated handling gloves is their versatility.
Unlike traditional oven mitts that limit dexterity, these gloves provide greater flexibility and maneuverability, giving you better control over your cooking tasks.
You can easily handle delicate foods like fish fillets or vegetables without damaging them or struggling with clumsy movements.
Picture yourself delicately arranging thin slices of marinated vegetables on the grill grates, ensuring they don’t fall through the gaps.
With insulated handling gloves, your fingers have more freedom to grasp each piece securely and position it precisely where you want it.
The confidence and precision afforded by these gloves allow you to elevate your grilling skills to the next level.
As crucial as insulated handling gloves are, other essential accessories for perfect grilling include thermometers and knives.
Thermometers and Knives
Accurate temperature measurement is vital for achieving perfectly cooked grilled meats, whether you prefer them rare, medium-rare, or well-done.
A reliable thermometer is an indispensable tool that helps you gauge the doneness of your steaks, chicken breasts, or pork chops with precision.
It takes the guesswork out of cooking times and ensures you achieve consistent results every time you fire up the grill.
There are different types of thermometers available for grilling, including instant-read thermometers and leave-in probe thermometers.
Instant-read thermometers provide quick and accurate temperature readings when inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
On the other hand, leave-in probe thermometers allow you to monitor the internal temperature continuously while the meat cooks, with some models even featuring wireless connectivity for added convenience.
Imagine cooking a thick-cut ribeye steak to perfection on a charcoal grill. With an instant-read thermometer, you can easily check its internal temperature without having to cut into it prematurely.
By inserting the thermometer’s probe into the thickest part of the steak, you can determine if it has reached your desired level of doneness – be it a juicy medium-rare or a tender medium – ensuring your steak turns out just right every single time.
Alongside a trusty thermometer, having high-quality knives is also crucial for any barbecue enthusiast or grilling aficionado.
A sharp and reliable knife ensures clean and precise cuts, allowing you to carve through succulent meats effortlessly and present your culinary creations in their full glory.
Picture yourself skillfully slicing through a beautifully smoked brisket with a top-notch carving knife.
The razor-sharp blade glides effortlessly through the meat, yielding perfectly even slices that showcase the tender texture and rich flavor of the brisket.
With a high-quality knife in your hands, you have full control over each cut, elevating both the presentation and enjoyment of your barbecue feast.
As we’ve explored the importance of insulated handling gloves, thermometers, and knives, it’s clear that having the right barbecue accessories significantly enhances your grilling experience.
These tools not only contribute to perfect results but also ensure safety, precision, and culinary prowess.
Fire Management Accessories
To achieve that perfect grilling experience, fire management accessories are essential.
These tools help you control and maintain the heat of your grill, ensuring consistent and even cooking. Let’s take a closer look at some must-have fire management accessories:
One crucial accessory for fire management is a grill thermometer. A high-quality thermometer allows you to monitor the temperature accurately, ensuring that your food cooks to perfection. Whether you prefer a digital or analog version, make sure it has a wide temperature range suitable for both low and high heat cooking.
Another useful fire management tool is a chimney starter. This device helps you quickly and efficiently light charcoal without the need for lighter fluid.
Simply fill the chimney starter with briquettes or lump charcoal, place some newspaper in the bottom compartment, and light it.
As the newspaper burns, the flames ignite the charcoal above, creating hot coals ready for grilling.
When it comes to controlling airflow and maintaining proper ventilation, adjustable air vents are indispensable.
These vents are typically located on the bottom and top of your grill.
By adjusting them, you can regulate the amount of oxygen that reaches the fire, allowing you to control the heat intensity.
This is especially helpful for slow-cooking methods like smoking or when searing at high temperatures.
Lastly, if you want to add wood chips or chunks to infuse your food with delicious smoky flavors, a smoker box or foil packet is essential.
These accessories hold the wood chips or chunks and prevent them from catching fire directly.
Instead, they smolder slowly, releasing aromatic smoke that enhances your grilled dishes with a tantalizing smoky essence.
Now that we’ve covered fire management accessories let’s move on to an important component of grilling: firewood and charcoal tools.
Firewood and Charcoal Tools
Choosing the right type of fuel is crucial for achieving optimal grilling results. Firewood and charcoal each offer distinct advantages, and having the right tools to handle them is essential.
Let’s explore some must-have firewood and charcoal tools for your grilling adventures:
To safely handle firewood, a sturdy log carrier or firewood tote is invaluable. These tools make it easier to transport and store firewood, saving you trips back and forth from your woodpile. Look for carriers made of durable materials like canvas or reinforced fabric, with strong handles for comfortable lifting.
When it comes to charcoal, a charcoal chimney starter is a game-changer. This handy tool helps you quickly light charcoal without the need for lighter fluid, ensuring a chemical-free grilling experience.
Simply fill the chimney starter with charcoal, place some crumpled newspaper in the bottom compartment, and light it.
The chimney design allows for efficient airflow, resulting in hot coals ready for grilling in no time.
For precise control over your charcoal placement and easy ash disposal, a charcoal grate and ash pan are essential accessories.
A high-quality charcoal grate ensures even heat distribution across your grill surface while allowing ashes to fall into the ash pan for effortless cleaning post-grilling session.
Imagine you’re grilling burgers on a warm summer afternoon. With the right tools at hand, you effortlessly load up your charcoal-filled chimney starter, ignite it using newspaper, and wait for those hot coals to form.
Once ready, you pour them onto your perfectly positioned charcoal grate, knowing that the even heat distribution will result in evenly cooked mouth-watering burgers.
Fire management accessories like grill thermometers, chimney starters, adjustable air vents, and smoker boxes enhance your control over the cooking process and help you achieve consistent results every time you fire up the grill.
Meanwhile, firewood and charcoal tools like log carriers, chimney starters, charcoal grates, and ash pans ensure convenience when handling fuel types and maintaining cleanliness.
Utensils for Flavor Enhancement
When it comes to grilling, the right utensils can make a world of difference in enhancing the flavors of your favorite barbecue dishes.
From basting brushes to sauce bottles, these tools play an integral role in adding that extra touch of deliciousness to your grilled creations.
Let’s start with basting brushes.
These handy tools are designed to help you apply marinades, sauces, and oils onto your food, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Basting brushes come in different materials, such as silicone or natural bristles. Silicone brushes are heat-resistant and easy to clean, making them popular among grill enthusiasts.
On the other hand, natural bristle brushes have excellent liquid retention properties, allowing for even distribution of basting liquids.
Whichever type you choose, a good basting brush will help you achieve that mouthwatering glazed finish on your grilled meats and vegetables.
Imagine grilling a juicy steak and applying a homemade garlic butter glaze to it using a high-quality basting brush. The brush effortlessly spreads the aromatic mixture over the meat, giving it a tantalizing golden sheen and infusing it with irresistible flavors. Each bite is an explosion of savory delight.
Continuing our journey of flavor enhancement, we come to sauce bottles.
These versatile containers provide an efficient way to store and dispense your favorite barbecue sauces.
Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, having sauces readily available during your grilling sessions allows you to add bursts of tangy, sweet, or spicy flavors on demand.
Sauce bottles are typically made from durable materials like plastic or glass and often come with squeeze tops or flip caps for easy pouring.
Look for bottles that have leak-proof seals to prevent any messy accidents while in use or when storing them in the refrigerator.
Picture this: You’re hosting a backyard barbecue with friends and family, and your signature homemade barbecue sauce is the star of the show. With a reliable sauce bottle in hand, you can effortlessly drizzle that savory concoction over grilled chicken wings or slather it on ribs, taking your dishes to a whole new level of deliciousness. And the best part? You have full control over the amount and placement of the sauce, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned.
As we’ve explored these indispensable utensils for flavor enhancement, we’ll now shift our focus to grill cleaning necessities – another crucial aspect of successful grilling maintenance and longevity.
Basting Brushes and Sauce Bottles
“Good barbecue is all about the flavors, and basting brushes are like the magic wands that bring those flavors to life. From sweet glazes to savory marinades, these brushes are the bridge between ordinary and extraordinary grilling experiences.” – Grill Master Magazine
Whether you’re grilling meat, fish, vegetables, or even fruits, basting brushes are a must-have tool for any serious griller.
These brushes allow you to apply marinades, sauces, oils, or melted butter onto your food for enhanced flavor and juiciness.
The bristles of basting brushes can be made from various materials such as silicone or natural fibers like boar hair.
Silicone basting brushes are popular due to their heat resistance, flexibility, and ease of cleaning. They can withstand high temperatures without melting or shedding bristles.
Additionally, they do not absorb flavors or odors from the ingredients used in the basting mixture.
On the other hand, natural fiber bristle brushes like those made from boar hair have excellent liquid retention properties.
They hold onto sauces and marinades well, allowing for even distribution while imparting a traditional touch to your grilling experience.
“A good sauce bottle is like having your own personal barbecue sauce dispenser, ready to elevate your grilled dishes with a touch of tang or sweetness whenever needed.” – Grill Enthusiast Monthly
Sauce bottles are essential for storing and dispensing your favorite barbecue sauces, marinades, and dressings.
Made from durable materials like plastic or glass, these bottles come in various sizes and designs.
Look for leak-proof seals and well-designed caps or nozzles that allow for easy pouring or squeezing without causing any accidental spills.
Having your own sauce bottles allows you to have a variety of flavors readily available during your grilling sessions.
Whether you’re brushing on a tangy barbecue glaze, adding a kick with hot sauce, or drizzling sweet honey mustard over grilled vegetables, having easy access to your desired sauce enhances the overall grilling experience.
Grill Cleaning Necessities
Grilling is undoubtedly a favorite pastime for many enthusiasts.
However, with great grilling comes great responsibility – the responsibility of keeping your grill clean and well-maintained.
This not only ensures optimal cooking performance but also extends the lifespan of your beloved barbecue equipment.
To achieve this, there are a few grill cleaning necessities that every grill master should have in their arsenal.
First and foremost, let’s talk about grill brushes.
These handy tools are specifically designed to remove charred residue and grime that accumulates on the grates after each use.
The bristles effectively scrub away stubborn grease, ensuring a clean surface for your next grilling session.
When choosing a grill brush, it’s crucial to consider the type of bristles being used.
Heavy-duty stainless steel bristles are known for their durability and effectiveness, while brass or nylon bristles may be more suitable for delicate grates such as those made from ceramic or porcelain.
Let’s say you’ve just finished an epic cookout, grilling succulent steaks and juicy burgers.
As you look at the aftermath on your grill grates, you realize they’re covered in stubborn bits of burnt-on food residue. It’s time to bring out your trusty grill brush and get to work.
With firm yet gentle strokes, you scrape away the charred remnants, leaving behind gleaming clean grates ready for your next culinary adventure.
For those who prefer alternatives to traditional grill brushes, alternative scrapers offer innovative solutions.
These can include wooden scrapers or grill stones made from pumice or other abrasive materials.
Wooden scrapers are often custom-shaped to fit the individual grill grate patterns and help scrape off stuck-on debris without damaging the surface.
Grill stones, on the other hand, are porous and can be used wet or dry to gently remove buildup without scratching.
Another essential cleaning necessity is grill cleaner solution.
These cleaners are specially formulated to tackle grease and grime buildup on both the grates and the interior of the grill.
Opt for eco-friendly options that are safe for food contact surfaces and won’t leave any harsh residue behind.
When it comes to maintaining a pristine grill, don’t forget about the ash removal tools for charcoal grills or grease traps for gas grills.
These accessories facilitate the proper disposal of ash and grease, preventing them from accumulating within the grill and compromising its performance.
Additionally, investing in protective covers can help shield your grill from the elements when not in use, ensuring its longevity.
Now that we’ve covered the essentials for grill cleaning, let’s dive deeper into the world of grill brushes and alternative scrapers.
- Grill cleaning and maintenance are crucial for optimal cooking performance and the lifespan of your grill. Grill brushes, alternative scrapers, grill cleaner solution, ash removal tools for charcoal grills and grease traps for gas grills, and protective covers are all necessary accessories for effective grill cleaning. When choosing a grill brush, consider the type of bristles being used, heavy-duty stainless steel bristles for durability and effectiveness, or brass or nylon bristles for delicate grates. Alternatives to traditional grill brushes, such as wooden scrapers or grill stones made from pumice or other abrasive materials, offer innovative solutions. Opt for eco-friendly grill cleaner solutions that are safe for food contact surfaces and won’t leave any harsh residue behind.
Grill Brushes and Alternative Scrapers
Grill brushes play a vital role in keeping your cooking surface clean and ready to use, but it’s essential to choose the right one for your specific grill type.
For example, if you have stainless steel grates, opt for a brush with sturdy stainless steel bristles that can powerfully scrub away stuck-on residue without damaging the surface.
On the other hand, if you have delicate ceramic or porcelain-coated grates, nylon bristles may be more suitable to prevent scratching.
Let’s imagine you’re standing in front of your prized gas grill with cast-iron cooking grates.
You reach for your grill brush with thick brass bristles and begin working your way across the grates.
The bristles effectively remove residual fats and charred remnants while providing enough pressure to eliminate stubborn debris.
With each stroke, you can see your reflection on the polished cast-iron surface – a testament to your commitment to cleanliness.
Alternative scrapers offer innovative solutions for those seeking alternatives to traditional grill brushes.
Wooden scrapers are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to custom-fit the individual grill grate patterns, ensuring thorough cleaning without scraping off the surface.
Imagine gripping a wooden scraper specially crafted for your grill grates. As you glide it across the surface, the charred bits effortlessly loosen and fall away, revealing a clean grate that’s ready to tackle your next grilling masterpiece.
While grill brushes and alternative scrapers are essential for keeping your grates clean, there are plenty of other barbecue accessories that can enhance your grilling experience.
Related Posts
Pins for Pinterest
If you like what you see, feel free to share some love on Pinterest ❤️
