Grilling is one of the greatest pleasures in life. It’s a good excuse to hang out with friends, sip on some beers, and let your inner caveman loose on a hunk of meat over an open flame.
But what happens when you run out of propane? Or you forget your tongs? Or even worse: Your charcoals go out mid-cooking because it was raining earlier in the day? Don’t let that happen again!
This guide will tell you everything you need (and don’t need) to know about grilling equipment so that your next BBQ will be perfect from start to finish.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Choosing the right grilling equipment can significantly enhance your grilling experience. |
| It’s essential to invest in high-quality grilling tools that meet your grilling needs and are built to last. |
| Maintaining and cleaning your grill regularly is crucial to ensure proper performance and longevity. |
| Check out other related articles to continue learning about grilling, such as essential grilling tools, how to prep your grill for cooking, and tips for grilling and maintaining your grill. |
| Frequently ask questions for grilling equipment include what the essential tools are, how often to clean your grill, how to maintain your grill, the ideal fuel source, and how to prepare your grill for cooking. |
Grill
The grill is the most important piece of your outdoor cooking equipment. It’s where you’ll be doing the actual grilling, so it needs to be large enough for you to work with and have all the right attachments.
If you don’t have an outdoor grill yet, that’s okay! You can use either a charcoal or gas model. But if you plan on using your grill regularly and really, who doesn’t? it will save you money in the long run not to go for something cheap and flimsy that won’t last more than a year or two.
You also need some tongs (or spatulas) for turning food and removing it from heat sources like grill grates; these should be made from metal without plastic handles (which might melt).
A pair of pliers comes in handy too when picking up those stubborn pieces of meat off the bottom rack; make sure that whatever kind of pliers you get aren’t sharpened at all because they could poke holes through thin meats like pork chops or chicken breast fillets while trying to turn them over during cooking time!
Maintaining your grill is crucial to ensure its longevity and best grilling performance. That’s why we’ve created The Ultimate Grill Maintenance Checklist: How to Keep Your Grill in Top Shape, so you’re always prepared and equipped to take care of your grilling equipment.
Charcoal Chimney
A charcoal chimney is a metal cylinder with a wire handle on top, and you use it to start your coals without lighter fluid or matches.
You pile the coals into the bottom of the cylinder, light them with newspaper (don’t forget to crumple that paper), and then wait for about 20 minutes for them to get going.
When you’re ready to grill, dump out those hot coals into your grill grate. The advantages of this method are that there’s no risk of flare-ups if you’re using smaller pieces of wood like mesquite or hickory; it’s relatively inexpensive; and it makes less mess than lighting your coals over a candle or matchbook.
Charcoal Chimney Comparison Table
| Weber Rapidfire | PK Grills Original Charcoal Chimney | Char-Broil Charcoal Chimney Starter | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | Holds enough coals for up to a 22-inch Weber Kettle grill | Holds enough coals for up to a 20-inch grill | Holds enough coals for up to a 20-inch grill |
| Material | Plated steel | Aluminum | Steel |
| Dimensions | 8.8 x 6 x 11.8 inches | 10 x 6.25 x 11.25 inches | 12.28 x 6.1 x 10.83 inches |
| Weight | 1.8 pounds | 1.2 pounds | 1.6 pounds |
| Handle | Heat-resistant thermoplastic handle | Heat-resistant thermoplastic handle | Cool-touch handle |
| Additional Features | Cone-shaped grate for improved airflow | Tapered design for easy coal transfer | Stay-cool shield for additional safety |
Lighter Fluid or Matches
If you’re looking for something to start the coals, traditional lighter fluid is the way to go. This is especially true if you’d like to avoid adding more smoke because of the lighter fluid itself (which can be dangerous), or if you’re worried about your kids or pets accidentally knocking it over.
However, if you are concerned about safety and choose not use lighter fluid out of simple caution, matches are an excellent alternative.
They aren’t as dangerous as they were in days past—people aren’t flicking them into their mouths anymore—but they do have some downsides compared with other methods of starting fires (e.g., lighters). For example:
- It’s hard to see what’s happening on your grill when using a match against this background; so make sure that whatever method you use for lighting does not obstruct your view of things inside!
- If there is any wind blowing during this process, it could blow away the flame before adding any significant heat onto those coals below (this means less cooking time until done).
There are endless grilling tools on the market, but which ones are really necessary for a BBQ pro? To find out, read our review of the 10 Must-Have Grilling Tools for Any BBQ Pro and elevate your grilling game with the perfect tools.
Grill Brush
Brushing the grill is an absolute must before you start cooking. For this, you’ll need a grill brush.
A wire brush will scratch your grill, so don’t use one if you’ve got a stainless steel or enameled one. Also avoid using a wire brush if you have an electric or gas grill that has knobs on it—the wires can get stuck between the knobs and damage them.
Instead, opt for a non-wire brush that’s designed specifically for cleaning grills (like this one). It doesn’t matter what material your grill is made out of; even if it’s not stainless steel or enameled, it’ll still work perfectly well with these brushes!
| Weber 12-Inch Grill Brush | Kona Safe/Clean Grill Brush | Alpha Grillers Grill Brush | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Bristle Type | Stiff stainless steel bristles | Triple helix design with hard-wired bristles | Three-sided brush with strong bristles |
| Handle Type | Ergonomic handle for a secure grip | Anti-slip handle with finger protection | Heat-resistant handle with a metal loop for hanging |
| Length | 12 inches | 18 inches | 18 inches |
| Additional Features | Angled head for easy cleaning | Includes a scraper blade and bottle opener | Comes with a free ebook with grilling recipes and tips |
Tongs
Tongs are the workhorse of grilling tools. You can use them to turn meat, move food around the grill, and flip burgers—they’re a must-have for any serious grill master.
Unlike tongs that you might use in the kitchen (which are typically used for serving or grabbing hot items), these have a long handle and two spring-loaded ends that grip onto whatever you’re holding.
This allows you to put some distance between yourself—and your hands—from searing flames and hot foods without dropping them into your coals or fire pit.
Finding the perfect grilling tools can be tricky, especially when you’re on a budget. However, our review of The Best Grilling Tools for Any Budget will help you make an informed decision and find the best tools that will suit your needs without breaking the bank.
Long Handled Spatula
If you have a gas grill, this is the tool for flipping burgers, chicken, and other meats. It should be long enough to reach the grill without burning your hand (about 26 inches).
The best ones are made of stainless steel or another heat resistant material and are sturdy but not too heavy.
A good spatula will last a lifetime if taken care of properly.
Thermometer
One of the most important pieces of grill equipment is a thermometer. Knowing when your food has reached a safe internal temperature is essential for avoiding foodborne illness and ensuring that you get the best result from whatever you’re cooking. There are several different types, including:
- Meat thermometers (like traditional ones used in the oven) can be inserted into thick cuts of meat to monitor their internal temperature as they cook.
- Probe thermometers measure the temperature at various places within your grill—the grate, meat surface, or air—and then display it on an electronic screen so you can see how things are going without lifting up your lid or opening the door too often.
- Digital thermometers have probes like probe thermometers but also give you digital readouts right on them instead of just flashing lights like probe models do (which makes them easier to use without having to peer into tiny holes).
| ThermoPro TP03 Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer | Weber iGrill 2 Thermometer | Kizen Instant Read Meat Thermometer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer | Bluetooth Thermometer | Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer |
| Temperature Range | -58°F to 572°F | -22°F to 572°F | -58°F to 572°F |
| Probe length | 3.9 inches | 2 probes with 48 inches cord | 4.3 inches |
| Accuracy | ±0.9°F | ±1°F | ±1.8°F |
| Battery | 1 AAA battery required | 2 AA batteries required | 2 CR2 batteries required |
| Additional Features | Auto-rotating display | Four probe capacity | Waterproof design |
Plates and Forks
Plates and forks are not necessary. If you want to grill some food, slap it on a plate and use your hands or a spatula to serve yourself. Forks are for eating, not serving—and if you need one because you’re afraid of getting cooties from your food, then don’t eat out at all!
Charcoal and Wood Chips
Charcoal and wood chips are used for grilling because they add flavor to your food. However, each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Charcoal: Charcoal gives you more control over the temperature of your grill than using a gas grill. It’s also less likely to flare up than wood chips. Plus, you can use it in any type of grill (or even on an open fire!). The downside is that charcoal burns out faster than wood chips, so it might need replacing more often as well as being messier to clean up after use.
Wood Chips: Wood chips don’t give off much heat but do produce smoke when burned which imparts a wonderful aroma into grilled foods!
However, this means that there will be more flare-ups on your grill if using only these instead of charcoal briquettes or natural lump hardwood lump charcoal combined with some kind of fuel source like propane or electricity
Grilling mistakes can ruin your food and your grilling equipment if not addressed properly. Our guide on Grilling Mistakes You’re Probably Making and How to Avoid Them will help you identify common grilling mistakes and provide you with actionable tips and solutions to avoid them and keep your grill in top shape
Basting Brush
A basting brush is a great tool to use when you are cooking meat on the grill. It is used to apply sauces, marinades and other liquids to the meat while it is cooking.
The bristles of the brush help lift up all of those delicious flavors stuck in between your grates, allowing for even distribution and control over how much sauce goes where.
There are many different types of brushes available for purchase depending on your personal preference.
Some have long handles with multiple bristles or only one layer at a time, others have shorter handles but thicker bristle clusters that allow for more coverage area per swipe over your grill racks.
Whatever type of brush you choose will depend on what type of results you’re looking for from this particular item! Now that we’ve covered some basic information about this tool let’s look at some specific brands which might fit better into each person’s budget!
Pit Mitts or Heat Resistant Gloves
- What to look for in a good pair of pit mitts or heat resistant gloves:
- The material of the gloves should be flame, heat and chemical resistant. This will protect your hands from high temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about getting burned when picking up hot pieces of food from the grill.
- Look for breathable materials that will keep your hands cool and comfortable while you work with hot grills and utensils during grilling sessions.
- It’s also important that they are lightweight so they don’t weigh down your movements as much as regular gloves would do.
- How To Clean And Store Your Pit Mitts Or Heat Resistant Gloves:
No BBQ party is complete without delicious grill-friendly drinks to complement your food. That’s why we’ve created The Ultimate Guide to Grill-Friendly Cocktails and Drinks where you will find everything you need to know to make the perfect grill-friendly cocktails and drinks that your guests will love
Fire Extinguisher or Buckets of Sand
It’s important to have a fire extinguisher on hand. It’s also important to have buckets of sand (or water) nearby in case you need to put out a grease fire with brute force. The best part is, these are all things you can buy at your local hardware store.
If you plan on grilling regularly, it’s smart to invest in a decent-sized grill for your home or apartment. We recommend getting one with wheels so that you can roll it outside when the weather is nice and bring it back inside when it isn’t you don’t want to ruin your floors by leaving a smoky char on them!
What you need and what you don’t need to grill
You’ll want to make sure you have the right equipment before you step foot on the grill. There’s a lot to choose from, so we’re breaking it down for you. You’ll need:
- A grill with multiple burners and a lid
- A spatula or tongs
- A meat thermometer
Conclusion
As you can see, there is quite a lot to consider when buying or building a grill. You also have to factor in whether or not you want gas or charcoal and how much time and money you are willing to spend on your new hobby.
We hope that this guide has been helpful for those people who are looking for information about grilling equipment before making a purchase!
Further Reading
Here are some related articles to continue learning about grilling:
Essential Grilling Tools: A comprehensive guide on the essential grilling tools needed to elevate your grilling experience.
How to Prep Your Grill for Cooking: A step-by-step guide on how to prepare your grill before cooking, which will help maintain your grill’s performance and longevity.
Keys to Grilling and Maintaining Your Grill: A guide that covers everything from cleaning and maintenance to choosing the best fuel source for your grill.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about grilling equipment:
What are the essential grilling tools?
The essential grilling tools are a spatula, tongs, grill brush or scraper, basting brush, and a meat thermometer.
How often should I clean my grill?
You should clean your grill after each use to remove excess food residue and prevent future buildup. A deep clean of your grill should be done at least once a year.
How can I maintain my grill’s performance and longevity?
You can maintain your grill’s performance and longevity by cleaning it regularly, storing it properly, and checking for any damages or parts that need replacing.
What is the ideal fuel source for grilling?
Charcoal and gas are the most popular fuel sources for grilling. Charcoal grills provide a distinct smoky flavor, while gas grills offer convenience and easy temperature control.
How can I prepare my grill for cooking?
To prepare your grill for cooking, start by cleaning the grates and removing any leftover ash or debris. Then, preheat the grill on high for 10-15 minutes before adjusting the temperature to the desired heat level for your food.
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.