Grilling is a great way to get a delicious meal on the table. It’s also one of the easiest ways to get yourself an epic barbecue accident.
This is why there are so many tools out there that help you keep everything under control while you’re cooking up some tasty treats and they all make life easier in their own unique ways. In this article, we’ll cover some of our favorite grilling tools and what makes each one special.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The right grilling tools can make a big difference in the quality of your cooking. |
| Investing in durable, high-quality grilling tools can save you money in the long run by avoiding the need to replace tools frequently. |
| When shopping for grilling tools, consider factors such as material, comfort, and ease of cleaning in addition to price. |
| Essential grilling tools include a spatula, tongs, a grill brush, a meat thermometer, and a pair of heat-resistant gloves. |
| Proper grill maintenance is important for the longevity of your equipment and the quality of your cooking. |
Tongs
Tongs are one of the most versatile tools you can have in your arsenal. They’re great for flipping meat, vegetables and fish on the grill, but they also come in handy when you need to move food from a plate onto a serving platter or if you want to grab something that might be too hot for your fingers.
Tongs are also ideal for serving smaller pieces of food like veggies, as well as for grabbing hot dogs and bratwurst off the grill with ease.
Grilling like a pro requires the right tools – our article on 10 Must-Have Grilling Tools for Any BBQ Pro lists the essential equipment you need to have a successful cookout.
Thermometer
There are a few different types of thermometers you can use for grilling, but the best one for you depends on how much money you want to spend and how accurate you need your temperature reading to be. If you’re looking for something super cheap and easy-to-use, try the “instant read” type.
These have an internal sensor that measures the temperature of whatever’s being tested with it in only 4 seconds. Instant reads are awesome because they’re fast enough that even a busy cook can get an accurate reading without having to stop what they’re doing (like checking whether or not their coals are hot enough).
Other options include dial thermometers (these look like little clock faces) or digital versions with remote controls.
Digital versions tend to cost more than dials do, but many people prefer using them because they’re easier on the eyes than tiny numbers printed on glass faces and those remote control options let users set alarms when certain temperatures have been reached!
No matter which type works best for your needs, there’s no denying that investing in one will make grilling so much easier!
Recommended Meat Thermometers
| Thermometer | Type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ThermoWorks Thermapen Mk4 | Instant-read | $99 |
| Lavatools Javelin Pro Duo | Instant-read | $54.99 |
| Weber iGrill 2 | Bluetooth remote | $109.99 |
| ThermoPro TP20 | Wireless dual probe | $56.99 |
| Maverick ET-733 | Wireless dual probe | $69.99 |
Smoker Box
Smoker boxes are containers designed to hold food while it’s being smoked. They’re typically made of metal, ceramic or wood, and the bottom of your smoker box should be lined with a layer of soaked wood chips. As the chips burn slowly and create smoke that flavors your food.
If you want to make barbecue at home without having to buy an expensive smoker (which can cost hundreds or even thousands), then a smoker box is a great option for you!
These little devices will allow you to get all sorts of delicious flavors from meats such as chicken, fish and beef but they also work well for vegetables like potatoes and carrots!
Not all grilling equipment is created equal – our Ultimate Guide to Grilling Equipment breaks down what’s essential and what’s not.
Grill Brush
If you’re a regular griller, you’re going to need a grill brush. This is the best tool for cleaning your grill after each use and we recommend having at least two of them for easy cleaning.
The reason we say this is because it can get pretty dirty and nasty after every use, especially if there are bits of food stuck on the grates that need scraping off.
A lot of people tend to just leave it until next time but then they forget about it or don’t have time so they end up leaving bits of food sitting in there while they go and do other things such as work or sleep!
We recommend that you clean your grill brush immediately after using so that way when it comes time to clean again all those old bits will be gone and won’t add any extra effort into what should be an easy job!
Grill Cover
The first thing you might consider investing in is a grill cover. This will keep your grill protected from the elements and help to retain heat during cool weather. It’s also super easy to put on and take off, so you can use it for when you’re grilling outside and then store it away when done.
It’s important to have at least one good quality cover that fits well over your grill because this will help keep rain, snow, wind and dust off of the unit which protects both its exterior surface as well as internal components from damage caused by exposure over time.
Ready to up your grilling game? Our list of Top 17 Grilling Tools covers everything from thermometers to tongs that can make a big difference in your cooking success.
Bamboo Skewers
Bamboo skewers are best known for their grill-ability, but they can be used in many ways around the kitchen.
Bamboo skewers are the most popular choice among barbecuers because they’re long and strong enough to hold meat firmly on your grill.
However, they’re also a great alternative to metal skewers when you need something that won’t get hot enough to burn your food (such as with fruit or vegetables).
And if you’re planning on serving anything small and delicate like appetizers or sushi rolls, then bamboo skewers are an obvious choice for their elegantly slender structure that’s perfect for holding delicate morsels together without ripping them apart especially since these sticks don’t conduct heat like metal does!
But what makes bamboo skewers so versatile? It all starts with how easy it is to use them: simply push one end of each skewer into your food item before placing it directly over an open flame (or gas stovetop burner) until cooked through as desired.
It doesn’t get much easier than that! Their flexibility means there’s no limit on what kinds of foods these little guys can handle: try making kebabs out of chicken wings or beef strips; pile strawberries onto banana slices; pile mini pickles into hot dogs; spread peanut butter between two halves of an apple slice…the list goes on!
Bamboo skewers will help keep everything together while cooking so none slips off during transportation from stovetop/grill/oven straight onto plate at table which can happen quite easily when dealing with smaller items such as these.
| Bamboo Skewers | Length | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Bamboo Skewers | 10 inches | 100 |
| Perfect Stix Wooden Skewers | 10 inches | 100 |
| Grilling Corner Bamboo Skewers | 12 inches | 100 |
| Hipeeco Bamboo Skewers | 8 inches | 200 |
| Premium Bamboo Skewers | 12 inches | 100 |
Grilling Basket
Grilling baskets are a great way to cook foods that are small and delicate, like shrimp or vegetables. The basket will keep the food from falling through the grill grates, so you don’t have to worry about it getting lost in the flames.
If you’re cooking vegetables, this can be a huge time-saver: By placing your veggies in a grilling basket and closing them up with its lid (or top), you won’t have to flip them at all they’ll cook evenly on both sides via indirect heat!
You can buy an affordable stainless steel version for around $10 or opt for an insulated version that’s made with heavy-duty cast aluminum and has handles on either side for easy handling while on the grill.
Remember not to put meat near any plastic parts of your grill basket because they could melt into your food if they get too hot.
Don’t overlook grill maintenance – our Expert Tips for Grill Maintenance can help you avoid common mistakes and keep your grill in top shape throughout the grilling season
Meat Claws
Meat claws are a great tool for moving meat around on the grill and can also be used to shred meat. They’re also perfect for removing bones from chicken or pulling pork. If you’re not using them all at once, they can be stored in a drawer or cabinet easily without taking up much space at all.
The only downside to this particular model is that the tongs don’t lock into place when closed, unlike some other brands out there. However, this is still a very useful tool that does exactly what you need it to do: grab onto things and hold them firmly so you can move them around with ease (or shred them).
Apron
An apron is one of the best tools you can own, whether you’re grilling at home or in a professional kitchen. Aprons protect your clothing from grease and spills, so when things get messy on the grill, you don’t have to worry about dirtying up your clothes.
There are two types of aprons: cotton and nylon. Cotton will absorb more oil than nylon, but it may shrink or tear if exposed to high heat for long periods of time.
Nylon is less absorbent but won’t shrink or tear easily; however, it can melt in direct contact with flames if left too close during cooking. Either type will work well as long as they have adjustable straps and long enough to cover your front and backside while working on the grill.
Want to take your grilling to the next level? Our guide on The Science Behind Grilling can help you understand key principles of grilling and how to apply them to get perfect results every time.
Spatula
You’ll want a spatula for flipping meat, scraping out the grill, adding sauce to meat and cleaning the grill. It can be used to check the temperature of the grill too.
A good option is this classic stainless steel version from Vollrath that’s dishwasher safe.
Gas Grill Splatter Mat
A gas grill splatter mat is a handy tool that makes grilling easy and keeps your grill clean. It’s made of a non-toxic, heat resistant material that’s easy to clean, so all you have to do is wipe down your mat after each use.
It can be used on both charcoal and gas grills with the lid open or closed, and it’s durable enough to withstand high temperatures without warping, chipping or cracking.
Charcoal Chimney Starter
The more interesting and fun your food, the more likely you are to get people over. The Charcoal Chimney Starter is a great way to liven up your grilling experience. It’s made from high-quality materials and can be used in a variety of ways.
The Charcoal Chimney Starter is easy to use: just fill it with charcoal and light the paper on top with some kindling or lighter fluid. Once the coals are burning, use tongs or gloves (as necessary) to remove them and transfer them directly into your grill or smoker.
The top also acts as an ash pan once all of your coals have been lit; this keeps your kitchen floor clean while allowing smoke to escape easily during cooking!
This versatile tool can also be used as a campfire starter if you have larger pieces of wood around that need lighting quickly just put some newspaper inside before lighting it up with newspaper under the basket where there are holes cut out for ventilation purposes only!
This way no additional work needs done after getting settled at campground site after site unless needed by fire marshal regulations which vary by state so check ahead before planning on using this feature during camping trip coming up soon 🙂
Recommended Charcoal Chimney Starters
| Chimney Starter | Capacity | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter | 5 pounds | Aluminized steel |
| Charcoal Companion Chimney Charcoal Starter | 5 pounds | Stainless steel |
| PK Grills Charcoal Chimney Starter | 4 pounds | Heavy-duty steel |
| Kingsford Heavy Duty Deluxe Chimney Charcoal Starter | 7 pounds | Aluminized steel |
| Ventsislav Trifonov Charcoal Starter | 5.5 pounds | Stainless steel |
Cast Iron Griddle
A cast iron griddle is a versatile tool that can be used on the stovetop, in the oven, or even on your grill. It’s excellent for pancakes, but also great for meats and veggies too. The best part? A cast iron griddle will last you a lifetime!
Here are some of our favorite options:
Cast Iron Pizza Pan With Handles
- Cast iron is heavy and durable. It’s also an excellent heat conductor, which means you can use it on the grill or in the oven. You can even take it camping with you!
- Cast iron pizza pan with handles is a great tool for making pizza on the grill. The handle makes it easy to transport from one place to another without burning your hands or spilling food everywhere!
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you to find the right grilling tools for your needs. No matter what type of grill you have or how much money you want to spend, we’re confident there’s something here for everyone!
Whether it’s a new cover or a brand new pair of tongs, we hope our list was helpful in giving you some ideas on what could improve your next BBQ experience. If nothing else, remember that when it comes down to it, having fun is all that really matters—and if being prepared helps with that? Well then, go ahead and grab yourself some gear!
Further Reading
For additional resources on grilling tools and equipment, check out these articles:
The Best Grill Tools (The New York Times Wirecutter): An in-depth review of the top grilling tools on the market, with recommendations for every budget.
The 8 Best Grill Tool Sets (The Grilling Dad): A list of the best grill tool sets for those looking to upgrade their grilling arsenal.
The Best Grilling Tools for 2021 (CNET): Expert reviews and recommendations for the best grilling tools and accessories.
FAQs
What are the essential grilling tools?
The essential grilling tools include a spatula, tongs, a grill brush, a meat thermometer, and a pair of heat-resistant gloves.
What should I look for when buying grilling tools?
When buying grilling tools, look for durable materials, comfortable handles, and tools that are easy to clean. It’s also important to choose tools that are appropriate for the type of grilling you will be doing.
How do I clean my grilling tools?
To clean your grilling tools, soak them in warm soapy water and scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly and dry before storing.
Can I use regular kitchen tools for grilling?
While you could technically use regular kitchen tools for grilling, it’s generally not recommended. Grilling tools are specifically designed to handle the high heat and outdoor conditions of grilling, and using regular kitchen tools could damage them.
How often should I replace my grilling tools?
The lifespan of grilling tools will depend on their quality and how often they are used. Generally, it’s a good idea to replace them every few years or whenever they show signs of wear and tear, such as rusting or cracking.
Hi there! I’m Hellen James, and I’m a grilling enthusiast. I’ve been grilling for years, and I absolutely love it. I love how it brings people together and how you can feed your family with just a few minutes of work.