These are the 12 grilling tools no grill chef can be without. Most of the gadgets are basic, inexpensive, and not-so-fancy, but they’ll help you get where you want to go…and that’s grilling and barbecuing perfection.
The first tip for using these gadgets is to have them within easy reach of your grill before you even start grilling. Organization is key to producing quality grilled food.
1) Butane Lighter: Forget having to search for matches again. With a long handle and long tip, the butane lighter makes it safer, easier to use, and easier to find than matches.
2) Meat Thermometer – Having to repeatedly open the grill lid to check for doneness causes it to lose heat and increase cooking time. Have a digital roasting thermometer with a probe. This stays in the meat during cooking and allows you to read the temperature without lifting the lid.
3) Chimney Starter – For those with a charcoal grill, a chimney starter is a must. All you have to do is place the charcoal on top of the starter, roll up some newspaper, and glue it to the bottom. Place the chimney starter on the food rack and light the newspaper. As soon as the coals are ready, just dump them on the grill.
4) Roasting tongs: These help you flip food without piercing it. The best grill straps have long handles and spring-loaded hinges.
5) Timer: A standard kitchen timer is all you need to avoid overcooking your food on the grill.
6) Basting Brush or Mop – Use a basting brush to apply sauces to meats without keeping the grill lid open for long periods of time. A brush with natural bristles also works well.
7) Metal Spatula – A long handled spatula with a wide stainless steel blade. it is one of the most essential grill items. Perfect for flipping large cuts of meat.
8) Long Handled Fork: This helps lift large cuts of meat or poultry off the grill. Never pierce meat until after it has finished cooking, as the juices will drip onto the grill.
9) BBQ Gloves: Fire retardant gloves protect your hands when working with the grill and hot coals.
10) Wire Grill Brush: A stiff wire brush allows for quick cleaning of food grates before the grill cools down.
You can often find many of these grill tools inside a barbecue kit. Buy a good grill set and keep the tools clean and ready for any time you’re ready to grill.
