There’s nothing like grilling outdoors—the sound of sizzling food, the smoky scent wafting through the air, and the pleasure of sharing a meal with family and friends. Whether you’re a grilling expert or just starting out, one thing remains true: the right tools can make a world of difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essential grilling tools, plus a few unique gadgets to elevate your grilling experience. We’ll help you choose high-quality gear and offer tips so you can grill like a pro—without overspending or filling your space with unnecessary gadgets.
1. Grill Tongs: Your Go-To for Control and Precision
When it comes to grilling, tongs are a must-have tool. They give you the control you need to flip burgers, handle delicate vegetables, or move larger cuts of meat without piercing them and losing valuable juices. The right pair of grill tongs could offer the perfect balance between control, reach, and durability.
What to Look For:
- Length: Look for tongs that are at least 16 inches long. This gives you enough distance from the heat to avoid burns while still maintaining control over your food.
- Material: Stainless steel is a great option because it’s rust-resistant and durable. Avoid plastic tongs, as they won’t stand up to the heat.
- Grip: Opt for tongs with a comfortable, non-slip grip. Some even come with silicone-coated handles for added comfort, especially during long grilling sessions.
Handy Tip: Choose tongs with a locking mechanism. This allows you to store them more easily when not in use, preventing them from springing open and taking up extra space in your drawer or grill station.
2. Spatula: For Flipping and Sliding with Ease
A sturdy spatula is another grilling essential, especially for flipping burgers, fish, or larger cuts of meat. A well-made grill spatula should be thin enough to slide under food easily but strong enough to support heavier items without bending.
What to Look For:
- Size and Shape: A spatula with a wide, flat surface gives you the support needed for flipping larger items like burgers or fish fillets. Look for one with a slightly beveled edge, making it easier to slide under the food without tearing it.
- Handle Length: Like tongs, the handle should be long enough (about 16 inches) to keep your hands safe from the heat while offering precise control.
- Material: Stainless steel is ideal for durability and heat resistance. A heat-resistant wooden or silicone handle can provide a more comfortable grip and reduce heat transfer.
3. Meat Thermometer: Take the Guesswork Out of Cooking
Achieving the perfect level of doneness can be one of the trickiest parts of grilling, especially for larger cuts of meat like steaks, chicken, or roasts. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your meat reaches the correct internal temperature for both safety and flavor.
What to Look For:
- Instant-Read Thermometer: An instant-read thermometer allows you to quickly check the temperature without having to leave the probe in the meat for long periods. These are great for quick readings, especially when grilling smaller cuts or burgers.
- Digital Thermometers: For even more precision, a digital probe thermometer is a great option. Many come with preset temperatures for different meats, or you can set your own desired doneness.
- Wireless Thermometers: If you love multitasking while you grill, a wireless thermometer could be a game-changer. It allows you to monitor the temperature from a distance, freeing you up to prep sides or enjoy time with guests.
Handy Tip: Remember to insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, away from bones, to get an accurate reading. This is especially important for larger cuts like roasts or whole chickens.
4. Grill Brush: Keep Your Grill Grates Clean
A clean grill is key to successful grilling, and a good grill brush can help you keep your grill grates free from grease, food residue, and debris. Regularly cleaning your grill not only improves the flavor of your food but also helps extend the life of your grill.
What to Look For:
- Bristles or Bristle-Free: Many traditional grill brushes come with wire bristles, but there’s been growing concern over bristles coming loose and sticking to food. Consider a bristle-free brush that uses metal coils or scrapers to clean grates without the risk of stray bristles.
- Durability: A brush with stainless steel or brass bristles will hold up better over time, especially when exposed to high heat. Look for a long handle (at least 12 inches) so you can clean your grill while it’s still warm without burning your hands.
- Scraper Attachment: Some brushes come with a built-in scraper that helps tackle tougher, stuck-on debris. This can be a handy feature if you grill frequently.
5. Grill Baskets: Keep Small Foods in Place
Grill baskets are a fantastic solution for grilling smaller or delicate items that might otherwise fall through the grates, like chopped vegetables, shrimp, or delicate fish. They keep your ingredients contained while still allowing the smoky flavor of the grill to penetrate.
What to Look For:
- Material: Stainless steel or cast iron are both great options for grill baskets. Stainless steel is lightweight and easy to clean, while cast iron retains heat well and offers even cooking.
- Size: Choose a grill basket that fits your grill but also offers enough surface area for the food you’re grilling. If you often grill for a crowd, a larger basket may be more practical.
- Handle Design: Some baskets come with removable or folding handles, which make it easier to maneuver and save storage space. Heat-resistant handles can also help prevent burns.
6. Chimney Starter: Ditch the Lighter Fluid
If you use a charcoal grill, a chimney starter is a game-changing tool that helps you light your coals quickly and evenly—without the need for lighter fluid. This not only makes the process more efficient but also ensures your food doesn’t pick up any chemical taste from the lighter fluid.
What to Look For:
- Size: Choose a chimney starter that’s appropriately sized for your grill. Larger grills may require a bigger chimney to hold enough charcoal, while smaller grills can use a compact version.
- Construction: A chimney starter made from galvanized steel or stainless steel will be durable and able to withstand the heat of repeated use.
- Ventilation: Look for a model with good ventilation holes to promote airflow, which helps the coals light quickly and evenly.
*Handy Tip: For an eco-friendly way to ignite your coals, place a few sheets of crumpled newspaper under the chimney starter before lighting it. In just 15-20 minutes, your coals should be ready to go.
7. Grilling Gloves: Safety First
Grilling often involves dealing with high heat, hot surfaces, and potentially splattering grease. A good pair of heat-resistant grilling gloves could help protect your hands and forearms while giving you the grip and dexterity to handle hot tools or move food on the grill.
What to Look For:
- Heat Resistance: Look for gloves that can withstand high temperatures, typically up to 500°F or higher. Silicone, Kevlar, or heat-resistant fabric gloves are popular choices.
- Grip: Gloves with textured surfaces provide a better grip on tools, hot grill grates, or pans, helping to prevent slips and accidents.
- Comfort and Dexterity: While protection is key, you also want gloves that allow you to move your fingers easily and handle smaller tools or food without feeling clumsy.
*Handy Tip: Don’t forget that grilling gloves can also be handy for tasks like moving a hot chimney starter or adjusting coals in a charcoal grill—situations where standard kitchen oven mitts may not be enough.
8. BBQ Tongs for Charcoal: Manage the Heat Like a Pro
While regular tongs are essential for handling food, BBQ tongs for charcoal are designed to help you manage your heat source. These longer, heavier-duty tongs allow you to move or adjust hot coals without risking burns, giving you precise control over your grill’s temperature.
What to Look For:
- Length: Look for tongs that are at least 18-20 inches long to give you plenty of distance from the hot coals.
- Material: Stainless steel is the best option for durability and heat resistance.
- Comfortable Grip: Since you may be handling heavier coals, choose tongs with a comfortable, non-slip grip that’s easy on the hands.
9. Basting Brush: Add Flavor with Precision
Basting your food while grilling helps keep it moist and flavorful, but not all brushes are created equal. A good basting brush allows you to apply marinades, sauces, or oils evenly without bristles falling out or melting from the heat.
What to Look For:
- Silicone Bristles: Silicone is heat-resistant and easy to clean, making it a great choice for grilling. It’s also more durable than traditional brushes with nylon or natural bristles.
- Long Handle: A longer handle (at least 12 inches) helps keep your hands away from the heat when basting food on the grill.
- Dishwasher-Safe: For easy cleanup, choose a basting brush that can be thrown in the dishwasher.
Handy Tip: When basting, wait until the final stages of cooking to apply sweet or sugary sauces to avoid burning. Early in the grilling process, use oil-based marinades or herb butter to enhance flavor and moisture.
10. Skewers: Perfect for Kabobs and Beyond
Whether you’re making kabobs, grilling vegetables, or even roasting marshmallows, skewers are an essential tool for outdoor cooking. Reusable metal skewers are eco-friendly and long-lasting, while wooden skewers are great for one-time use if you’re hosting a larger crowd.
What to Look For:
- Metal Skewers: Stainless steel skewers are durable, reusable, and won’t catch fire. Look for flat or twisted designs, which help keep food from spinning as you turn the skewer.
- Wooden Skewers: If you prefer wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Length: Skewers should be at least 10-12 inches long to hold enough food and make turning easy.
Handy Tip: For even cooking, leave a little space between each piece of food on your skewer. This allows the heat to circulate and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Build Your Perfect Grilling Toolkit
Choosing the best grilling tools for your outdoor cooking setup doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is to focus on quality, versatility, and your specific grilling style.
With the right tools, you’ll not only enjoy the process more but also achieve better results with less hassle. Remember, it’s all about finding the tools that make grilling easier, more enjoyable, and a whole lot tastier.
By investing in a few high-quality essentials—like sturdy tongs, a reliable meat thermometer, and a versatile grill brush—you can handle just about any grilling challenge that comes your way. And with some of the more specialized tools, like grill baskets or chimney starters, you’ll elevate your skills and add a bit more creativity to your outdoor cooking routine.
MJ Brioso, Editorial Staff
MJ Brioso is a content writer who takes pleasure in creating compelling and informative articles about health and lifestyle. During her free time, you'll likely find her indulging in shopping or passionately exploring the world of fragrances.
