10 Must-Have Grilling Tools For Any BBQ Pro

Have you heard the secret of the best BBQ pros? They have a collection of the most essential grilling tools. Seriously, these are tools that any master chef needs! Without them, you can’t cook up anything like your favorite BBQ dishes at home. 

Best BBQ Accessories and Gift Ideas – Essential Grilling Tools
Takeaways
Having the right grilling tools is essential for a successful cookout.
Choosing the appropriate equipment for your needs and budget is important to maximize your grilling experience.
There are many different types of grilling tools available, from essential tools to specialized gadgets.
Cleaning and maintenance of your grilling tools are critical to ensure their longevity and functionality.
Additional resources and guides are readily available to help you choose the best grilling tools for your needs.

That’s why I’ve put together this list for you: so that you can get started on your own collection too.

Half-Moon Two-Way Brush

This brush is made of nylon bristles and has a wooden handle, so it’s easy to clean and will last for years. It can be used on both stainless steel and cast iron grill grates, as well as the body of the grill. 

The bristles will loosen any food residue left on the grate, which makes it easier to wipe down after cooking. You can also use this tool to clean food off your tongs or spatula before putting them back in their place on the side of your grill.

This tool comes highly recommended by professionals who want an easy way to keep their cooking surfaces clean while they cook dinner for friends at home!

To become a BBQ-pro, you need the right tools. Our Ultimate Guide to Grilling Equipment breaks down the essentials you need and what tools you can skip to make the most out of your grilling experience.

One Tool Grilling Accessory Set

This three-in-one set of grilling tools is a must-have for any BBQ pro. It comes with a spatula, fork and tongs all in one convenient package. 

The stainless steel construction makes them resistant to rust and corrosion while their heat resistant silicone handles ensure that they’re comfortable to hold even when hot. They’re dishwasher safe too!

The best part is that this tool set has an nonstick coating on both sides of each tool so it’s easy to flip burgers or anything else over without worrying about food sticking to the surface of your grill.

ToolDescription
SkewersA set of skewers are great for grilling small or delicate foods, such as shrimp, vegetables, or fruit. They come in different materials, such as stainless steel, wood, or bamboo, and can be reusable or disposable.
SpatulaA spatula is an essential grilling tool for flipping burgers, steaks, or fish fillets. Look for a sturdy and wide spatula with a non-slip handle to avoid accidents during grilling.
TongsTongs are perfect for grilling anything from vegetables to meats. Choose a pair with a long handle and a secure grip to ensure that you don’t drop anything on the grill.
Grill BrushA grill brush is necessary to keep your grill clean and in optimal working condition. Look for one with sturdy bristles to scrub any food or debris off of the grill grates easily.
Basting BrushA basting brush is used to apply marinades or sauces to the food while grilling. A silicone brush is recommended because it is durable and easy to clean.
Meat ThermometerA meat thermometer is a crucial tool to ensure food safety and the desired level of doneness. Choose a thermometer that is accurate and easy to read.

Grill Smoker Box

One of the best ways to add smoky flavor to your grilled foods is with a smoker box. A smoker box is a container that holds wood chips, chunks or pellets, and it’s placed on the grill grate over the heat source. 

The smoke is allowed to flow through this container and infuse your food with that distinctive smoky taste.

Some smokers come with an integrated smoker box, but if yours doesn’t have one (or if you want to upgrade), there are several options available for purchase online. 

You can also use a coffee mug or other small metal container as long as it has a lid that fits securely so that you don’t lose any of your precious flavor-giving ingredients!

Grilling is an art that requires tools – and not just any tools, but gadgets that make the process easier and more enjoyable. For a list of 15 grilling gadgets to give you an edge at your next BBQ, check out our guide on Grilling Gadgets and see what you could be missing

Compact Charcoal Kettle Grill

While this compact charcoal grill isn’t necessarily for everyone, it’s hard to deny its usefulness. Whether you’re in the backyard or on the go, this grill is great for making meals like burgers and ribs.

It comes with two hinged grates (for indirect cooking), a metal grate and a lid with vents that control temperature. All of these parts can be stored inside of the kettle when not in use, which makes it easy to store anywhere!

The Weber Kettle grill is perfect if you like to bring some of your favorite foods outside on picnics or camping trips.

Extra-Large Bamboo Grill Set

When it comes to grilling, there are lots of ways to go about it. Some people prefer the convenience of gas grills, while others love the old-school feel of a charcoal-fired grill. However you like your food cooked, one thing is certain: bamboo skewers are a great way to get it done.

Bamboo skewers are easy to use and reusable; simply soak them in water for an hour before cooking so they don’t burn on the grill. 

They’re also biodegradable—which means that when you’re done eating your delicious meal, you can just toss those sticks away without worrying about them clogging up landfills!

Foil Barbecue Drip Pans

Foil drip pans are a must-have for any BBQ pro. These handy little aids can be used to keep your food from falling through the grill and helping to prevent flare ups. 

You can also use them to help cook the food, or even serve it up after you take it off the grill. A foil drip pan is perfect for use with charcoal, gas or electric grills and even works well in an oven!

When it comes to grilling, having the right tools can make a world of difference. From spatulas to tongs and everything in between, our Top 17 Grilling Tools guide has got you covered with tools that can make your BBQ a success

Flexible Stainless Steel Meat Shredder

A flexible stainless steel meat shredder is a must-have for any BBQ pro. This tool allows you to easily shred your meat and vegetables, making it the perfect addition to your arsenal of grilling tools. 

In addition to being great for use with meat, this tool can also be used in the kitchen or even at work if you want to make pasta salads or other vegetarian dishes.

Instant Read Thermometer

The Instant Read Thermometer is an essential tool to have at any BBQ. It allows you to check the internal temperature of meat, other foods and your grill. The instant read thermometer uses a laser beam which penetrates the surface of whatever you are checking, reads the heat and then displays it on a digital screen in seconds!

You can use this thermometer for cooking different kinds of meat such as beef, pork or chicken. For instance, if you’re having a barbecue with friends and family members this summer then why not try out some new recipes? Or maybe even recreate some classic dishes from your childhood? With so many options available today there really isn’t any excuse not too!

There’s nothing more frustrating than being unprepared, especially when it comes to throwing a BBQ party. Our 14 Essential Grilling Equipment guide lists tools and equipment any aspiring BBQ-pro needs for a successful cookout.

Standing Fish Grilling Basket

The Artisana Bamboo Standing Fish Grilling Basket is a must-have for any BBQ pro. It’s great for grilling fish, but it can also be used in the oven or on the grill. 

The nonstick coating makes it easy to clean up after cooking, and the bamboo handles provide a comfortable grip when removing your food from the basket.

FeatureDescription
Adjustable HeightThe fish grilling basket should have an adjustable height feature that can accommodate different sizes of fish. This feature ensures that the fish cooks evenly and prevents overcooking or undercooking.
Non-Stick SurfaceThe fish grilling basket should have a non-stick surface that prevents the fish from sticking to the grid. This feature also allows for easy cleaning and maintenance.
Wide Grill GridA wide grilling grid can allow the fish to cook evenly and prevent it from flaking or breaking apart. Look for a fish basket with a wide enough grid that can accommodate the size of the fish you intend to grill.
Heat-Resistant HandleA heat-resistant handle ensures that you can safely remove the fish basket from the grill even when it’s hot. Look for a handle that is sturdy, comfortable, and easy to grip.
DurabilityThe fish grilling basket should be durable and withstand high temperatures without warping or bending. Look for a fish basket made of high-quality materials that ensure its longevity.

Nonstick BBQ Oven Bags With Cooking Rack

For the serious griller, nonstick BBQ oven bags are a must-have. Unlike regular aluminum foil, these bags have a nonstick coating that makes clean up easy and keeps food from sticking to the pan. 

The cooking rack also allows you to cook fish, meat and vegetables without having them touch each other during the cooking process. 

These are great for preparing larger cuts of meat such as ribs or whole chickens that would otherwise be difficult to fit in standard oven pans.

Grilling can be an expensive hobby, especially when you’re starting out. But that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Our guide on The Best Grilling Tools for Any Budget offers affordable but quality grilling tools so you won’t have to sacrifice quality for a good price

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to grilling tools. If you’re still on the fence about buying some of these handy BBQ accessories, know that they can be used for more than just cooking meat over an open flame! Whether it’s steaming vegetables or grilling chicken breasts indoors or even making dessert with the help of our favorite nonstick foil bags we hope these tools will make your next meal an easy breezy one.

Further Reading

Here are some additional resources on grilling tools and equipment:

Better Homes & Gardens: A comprehensive guide on different types of grilling tools, including essential tools for beginners, specialized tools for advanced grilling techniques, and must-have gadgets for every griller.

The Family Handyman: A list of 30 essential BBQ tools, including cooking tools, cleaning tools, and grilling accessories, with detailed descriptions and recommendations based on experts’ opinions.

Food & Wine: An overview of essential grilling tools and equipment, including cooking tools, cleaning tools, and safety tools, with useful tips on selecting the best tools for your needs and preferences.

FAQs

What are the essential grilling tools for a beginner?

Some essential grilling tools for a beginner are grill brush, tongs, spatula, instant-read thermometer, grill basket, and heat-resistant gloves.

What are the specialized grilling tools for advanced grilling techniques?

Some specialized grilling tools for advanced grilling techniques are smoker box, rotisserie attachment, BBQ guru, grill griddle, and charcoal chimney starter.

What are the cleaning tools required for maintaining a grill?

Some cleaning tools required for maintaining a grill are grill brush, grill scraper, cleaning wipes, cleaning spray, and ash vacuum.

How to select the appropriate grilling tools for different types of food?

Selecting the appropriate grilling tools for different types of food depends on various factors, such as the size and thickness of the food, the cooking method, and the desired level of doneness. In general, longer tongs are better for flipping bigger cuts of meat or vegetables, while shorter tongs are better for smaller items or delicate foods.

How to store and maintain grilling tools properly?

To store and maintain grilling tools properly, you should clean them after each use, inspect them for signs of wear and tear, oil the moving parts if necessary, and store them in a dry and secure place. You should also avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or moisture that can damage the tools over time.