Grilling is one of the best ways to cook, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started. With the right tools, your next BBQ will be a success.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| A good set of grilling tools can make all the difference when preparing a perfect BBQ meal. |
| The 17 grilling tools listed in the article are essential for any grill master, including a thermometer, tongs, basting brush, and more. |
| Proper maintenance and care of grilling tools is crucial for ensuring their longevity and performance. |
| There are many additional resources available for further reading about grilling tools, including expert reviews and essential tools guides. |
| Beginner grillers can find helpful tips and tricks about grilling online to improve their skills and avoid common mistakes. |
Thermometer
A thermometer is one of the most important grilling tools you can own. Most recipes specify a temperature for meat, but knowing how to gauge whether or not your food is done is also extremely important.
A good rule of thumb is that if you’re cooking indoors, you should cook your meat to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius).
If you’re grilling outdoors over an open flame or in a smoker, it’s best to go up another 10 degrees and cook your meat until it reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit (68 degrees Celsius).
If possible, try using a digital thermometer with an instant-read feature so that you can get an accurate reading without having to wait for the dial on traditional dial models to settle down after being inserted into the thickest part of your cut of meat.
That said, these types are often pricier than analog models and may not be necessary if all you need is something that gives readings within seconds rather than minutes or hours later!
Looking to take your grilling game to the next level? Check out our guide to 15 grilling gadgets you never knew you needed, featuring unique and innovative tools that can make grilling easier and more enjoyable.
Instant Read Meat Thermometer
While a good instant read meat thermometer is one of the most important tools in your arsenal, you might be wondering why.
An instant read thermometer can help you avoid overcooking and undercooking food by giving you an accurate reading in seconds. This is especially important with meats like burgers and steaks which are best served medium rare to medium well done.
If you’ve never used a meat thermometer before, follow these steps:
Insert the tip into the thickest part of your meat. If using an oven-safe probe such as this one from ThermoWorks, wait until it’s inserted at least 2 inches deep before pressing start on your timer or starting up the grill so that all parts have time to heat up evenly before taking a reading you don’t want any cold spots!
Ideally, choose a location where there’s no bone or gristle (those areas tend not to cook evenly). If this isn’t possible then wrap those parts with aluminum foil first; they’ll add another 10 degrees Fahrenheit or so when cooking inside out over direct heat like grilling does outside on top racks too hot for pan searing but hot enough still.
Best Instant Read Meat Thermometers
| Brand | Model | Temperature Range | Accuracy | Waterproof | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ThermoWorks | ThermoPop | -58°F to 572°F | ±0.7°F | No | $34 |
| Lavatools | Javelin Pro Duo | -58°F to 572°F | ±0.9°F | Yes | $55 |
| Kizen | Instant Read Meat Thermometer | -58°F to 572°F | ±1.8°F | No | $20 |
| Habor | Instant Read Meat Thermometer | -58°F to 572°F | ±1.8°F | No | $10 |
| Taylor Precision Products | Splash-Proof Dual Temperature Infrared/Thermocouple Thermometer | -67°F to 626°F | ±1.8°F | Yes | $58 |
Fish Grilling Basket
If you’re going to grill any fish, a fish grilling basket is an essential tool. The mesh basket allows air to circulate around the fish, preventing it from sticking as it cooks.
This makes flipping your catch much easier than traditional methods and ensures that there are no charred spots on the underside of your meal. A fish grilling basket also keeps small pieces from falling through the grate and into the fire below a win-win!
Regular maintenance and care are essential for keeping your grilling equipment in top shape. For an ultimate guide on grill maintenance, check out our checklist to learn more about keeping your grill in top shape all season long.
Grill Brush
The grill brush is the best tool for cleaning your grill. It’s a safe, simple way to remove grease and grime from the surface of your grill without using chemicals or harsh abrasives that can scratch up your stainless steel (or other material) surface and expose it to rusting.
Grill brushes are typically made from nylon bristles that are tightly packed together so they can scrub away at even the toughest barbecue grime without breaking apart or bending out of shape.
The bristles should be able to clean any part of the grill grate or cooking surface, including areas where there isn’t much room between bars like in front of burners or overhangs around lids.
Some models come with removable heads that allow you to reach every nook and cranny while still maintaining its effectiveness as an effective scraper once you’ve removed them from their handle base so they don’t get lost between grates on larger units!
Stainless Steel Tongs
Stainless steel tongs are a must-have tool for any outdoor cook. They are perfect for turning meat and vegetables on the grill as well as picking them up when they’re done.
A set of quality tongs can make grilling easier by keeping hands away from the heat source and allowing you to keep your fingers safe when removing food from the grill or moving it around.
It’s also handy to have a pair at hand when dealing with more delicate fare, like fruit or vegetables that might break apart in contact with metal tongs.
There are many different types of stainless steel tong sets on the market today some have ergonomic handles that provide comfort during use; others come apart so that you can clean each piece thoroughly after use (this is particularly important if you plan on cooking chicken). Some sets feature long necks so they can reach over hot coals while others offer spring action handles that lock into place once closed, preventing accidental opening during use.
Best Stainless Steel Tongs
| Brand | Model | Length | Material | Locking Mechanism | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OXO | Good Grips 12-Inch Tongs | 12 inches | Stainless Steel | Pull-Out Tab | $13 |
| StarPack Home | 12-Inch Kitchen Tongs | 12 inches | Stainless Steel | Pull Ring Lock | $10 |
| DRAGONN | 12-Inch Stainless Steel Kitchen Tongs | 12 inches | Stainless Steel | Pull Ring Lock | $9 |
| Kuhn Rikon | 12-Inch Stainless Steel Tongs | 12 inches | Stainless Steel | Push Lock | $20 |
| Winco | 16-Inch Stainless Steel Pom Tongs | 16 inches | Stainless Steel | Scissor Style | $6 |
Silicone Glove
The silicone glove is a great tool for protecting your hands from the heat of the grill. It can also be used to turn meat, and even handle other hot items like pans or containers.
It’s perfect for lifting food out of the grill or pan because it is heat resistant, making it easy to grab anything from your grill without having to worry about burning yourself.
The best part? This tool is durable and flexible so you don’t have to worry about it breaking as soon as you pick something up!
What’s a BBQ without a delicious drink in hand? Check out our list of top 15 grill-friendly cocktails for your next BBQ, featuring tasty cocktail recipes that can be enjoyed alongside your favorite grilled foods.
Ice Chest or Cooler
Storing food in an ice chest or cooler is the most important step to achieving a perfect BBQ. You don’t want to completely freeze your meat, but it should be cold enough so that the juices are not running out when you cut into it.
A common myth is that you should put hot coals on top of a cooler because it will keep food warm longer, but this is not true at all! The heat comes from burning wood or charcoal and these coals can actually burn holes in your cooler (or even catch fire!).
It’s best if you wrap up whatever food items need to stay cold and put them inside an insulated container like a Styrofoam box before packing them away in your cooler.
Apron
You’ll be using a lot of tools while you’re cooking, so it’s important to keep them close by. That’s where an apron comes in handy.
Not only can it protect your clothes from getting dirty and stained, but it will also protect your skin from burns caused by the heat of the grill or oven.
If you have any food that needs to be kept warm while it cooks, simply put it on top of the apron! If you need room for more tools or ingredients, simply tie up one side and pull out a pocket!
Ice Cream Scoop For Portobello Mushrooms
An ice cream scoop is a handy tool for grilling portobello mushrooms. It will help you to keep the mushroom intact while scooping out the inside and making it easier to grill. You could also use this tool for other foods, like pita breads (for stuffed sandwiches), burgers, brownies and muffins.
Are you a BBQ pro looking to beef up your collection of grilling tools? Look no further than our guide to 10 must-have grilling tools for any BBQ enthusiast, featuring essential tools to help you grill like a pro.
Sauce Brushes
Using a sauce brush to apply your favorite barbecue sauce on ribs, chicken or burgers is a great way to add flavor and make your food taste even better. But if you’re going to use them for more than just sauces, here are some other things you can do with them:
- Use as a grill cleaner
- Use as a grill grate cleaner
- Use as a grill rack cleaner (you can scrub the grates and then flip the brush over and use it on the rack)
Skewers
Skewers are an essential tool when it comes to grilling. These sticks can be used to hold together meats, vegetables and even fruits for easy cooking.
There are several types of skewers available on the market today including flat, round, square or oval ones. You can also find a jumbo or mini size depending on the type of food you need to grill.
There are 2 main types of skewers: metal and wooden ones. Metal skewers are made from stainless steel while wooden ones have a variety of materials such as bamboo or wood (usually from trees like mangoes).
Keep in mind that some metals may react with certain foods so make sure you check if this is okay before using them for your BBQ party!
Smoker Box
A smoker box is a small metal box that you put on the grill to add flavor to your meat. Smoker boxes are usually made of metal, and they can be used in place of a charcoal chimney to get the fire started.
They’re also great for holding wood chips or herbs if you don’t want them sitting directly on top of your food and this way, it’s easier to monitor how much smoke is getting into the food while it’s cooking.
Grilling mistakes can happen to the best of us, but with the right knowledge, they can be easily avoided. Check out our guide to common grilling mistakes and how to avoid them, to ensure your next BBQ is a success.
Grill Light
Cordless grilling is the way to go.
This grill light will last for up to two hours on a single charge, and it comes in a variety of colors—so you can match your personality or your grill! It has an adjustable head that lets you focus on any area of the grill.
Plus, it won’t heat up its surroundings like other lights do, so it’s safe to use near flammable materials like propane gas tanks.
Aluminum Foil
Foil is a great tool for grilling. You can use it to cover food, make a handle for your grill, wrap up leftovers, or even make a disposable grill. Here are some other tips:
Use foil instead of aluminum pans in the oven. The more you bake with foil, the more you’ll realize that every recipe that calls for an aluminum pan can be substituted with equal success by using aluminum foil instead!
Add a layer of insulation between your meat and burners when cooking over high heat. When grilling directly over hot coals or burning wood chips (or even charcoal briquettes), adding another layer of protection between them and your food will help keep it from getting burned up too much on one side before the rest has finished cooking through.
Best Aluminum Foil
| Brand | Width | Length | Material | Thickness | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reynolds Wrap | 12 inches | 200 square feet | Aluminum | Heavy Duty | $11 |
| Kirkland Signature | 12 inches | 200 square feet | Aluminum | Heavy Duty | $17 |
| Amazon Brand – Solimo | 12 inches | 200 square feet | Aluminum | Heavy Duty | $9 |
| Daxwell | 12 inches | 500 feet | Aluminum | Heavy Duty | $22 |
| Handi-Foil | 12 inches | 200 square feet | Aluminum | Heavy Duty | $16 |
Pizza Cutter
A pizza cutter is a handy tool to have in your kitchen if you love to grill. This small, sharp-bladed device can be used to cut pizza and grilled cheese sandwiches into slices, as well as cutting grilled vegetables or meat into portions. It provides a clean, quick cut so there’s less mess when cooking on the grill!
You Can Grill The Perfect Meal With These Tools
With the right tools, you can grill the perfect meal.
Grilling thermometer: Use a thermometer to make sure your food is cooked to perfection!
Grill brush: A grill brush is essential for cleaning your grill. This will prevent any food from sticking and making it hard for you to get the results you want.
Pizza cutter: You don’t have to struggle with slicing pizza in half anymore! With a pizza cutter, all of that hassle goes away! Just cut and serve!
Smoker box: Add some extra flavor with this handy tool. It will give your foods an extra boost without having to add anything else on top of them before grilling them over hot coals or flames
Conclusion
When it comes to grilling, there are a lot of different tools that can help you create the perfect meal.
There are many different types of grills and methods to use them but hopefully we were able to provide some insight into the world of grilling tools!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for you to read up on grilling tools and equipment:
The Best Grill Tools from Wirecutter: An in-depth review guide of the best grill tools on the market.
Essential Grilling Tools from Food & Wine: A comprehensive guide on the essential grilling tools you need.
The 30 Essential BBQ Tools You Need from Family Handyman: A list of 30 must-have BBQ tools and gadgets.
FAQs
What are the most essential grilling tools?
Answer: The most essential grilling tools that are commonly used include a spatula, tongs, grill brush, meat thermometer, and heat-resistant gloves.
Why is maintaining grill equipment important?
Answer: Maintaining grill equipment is important to ensure its longevity and prevent damage that can affect its performance, as well as ensuring safety during use.
What are some tips for grilling beginners?
Answer: Some tips for grilling beginners include preheating the grill, oiling the grates, allowing food to rest after grilling, and using a meat thermometer to ensure to prevent overcooking.
What are some common grilling mistakes?
Answer: Some common grilling mistakes include not preheating the grill, opening the lid too often, not oiling the grates, and crowding the grill with too much food.
Where can I find recipes for grilling?
Answer: Grilling recipes can be found in cookbooks, online recipe databases, and on websites specifically dedicated to grilling and BBQs, such as Serious Eats, Food Network, and Bon Appetit.
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.