The Best Grilling Tools and Accessories

When the warmer months roll around it's hard to beat a good ol' grill-cooked meal. Though a quality grill is the most important part of your grilling setup, you're also going to want some reliable barbecue accessories as your wingmen. We're here to cover some of the most important tools that every griller should have, like:

• Cooking Tools
• Cleaning Tools
• Extra, Less-Common Accessories

What Tools Does Every Grill Need?

Every backyard setup needs a few essential grilling tools and utensils that can be used with nearly every dish. Whether you're making burgers, grilled chicken, fish, or even some grilled vegetables, you're going to want these tools available:

Spatula

A nice spatula can make a world of difference when it comes to maneuvering flat meat on your grill without issue.

• Beyond flipping patties, a sturdy spatula is essential for making smash burgers.
• A spatula can even be used as a makeshift tool to help scrape residue off the grill grates after you're done.
• Choosing a stainless steel option ensures your tool will last for many seasons and produce professional results.

Cleaning Brush/Grill Scraper

Though cleaning tools may not be the flashiest accessories, brushes and scrapers play a vital role in ensuring your grill remains in top condition.

• No one wants to cook on, or eat from, a dirty grill; regular brushing prevents old residue from sticking to your fresh food.
• Keeping the grates clean prevents carbon buildup, which helps your grill last longer.

Tongs

Just as handy as the mighty spatula, a solid pair of tongs will make maneuvering food on your grill even easier.

• Tongs give you the freedom to grab and flip almost anything, allowing special attention to every item on the flame.
• They are particularly helpful for manipulating foods that can roll away like hot dogs, sausages, or asparagus.
• Much like the spatula, a pair of tongs made from stainless steel is always a safe bet for long-term use.

What Are Some Handy Accessories That Make Grilling Easier?

Though the tools above are backyard essentials, there are all sorts of accessories that can make grilling more convenient:

Grill Baskets

Grill baskets are the perfect assistants for grilling fish, vegetables, and other delicate, smaller items.

• These metal boxes hold your food together so it can cook evenly without falling through the grates into the fire.
• They are a great tool for anyone who likes to expand their menu beyond traditional meats to include items like grilled fruits or toasted bread items.

Grill Gloves

Grill gloves provide an extra layer of safety that every griller can appreciate.

• Gloves allow you to work with high-heat zones without worrying about burns, especially when reaching across a large cooking surface.
• Even if you are a seasoned grill master, these gloves make it easier to handle hot grates or heavy cast-iron accessories.

Basting Brush

Basting brushes are the best way to apply your favorite BBQ sauce or marinades while your food is on the heat.

• This tool ensures that your sauce is spread evenly so every bite is just as flavorful as the last.
• Using a brush allows you to layer on glazes gradually, creating that perfect caramelized finish on ribs or chicken.

Other Grilling Essentials

Here are some other grilling essentials to keep your grill protected and your heat roaring hot.

Grill Covers

When you're not cooking, a high-quality grill cover is your first line of defense against the elements and keeps your grill looking brand new.

• Leaving a grill exposed to rain, snow, or intense UV rays can lead to rust and fading over time; a grill cover protects it from that.
• Many covers are designed to fit specific models perfectly, ensuring they don't blow away during high winds.

Grill Fuel

The fuel you choose serves as the engine for your cookout and can significantly impact the final flavor of your food.

• If you're cooking on a wood pellet grill, you're going to need hard wood pellets. These little pieces of wood provide a "set-it-and-forget-it" convenience while infusing food with a deep, smoky aroma. They can also come in various flavors like hickory, mesquite or apple, allowing you to customize the smoke flavor to match your meat.
• Of course, other grills are going to require different fuel. If you've got a charcoal grill, be sure to have plenty of extra briquettes on hand. For propane grills, be sure to have extra fuel on reserve.

No barbecue or outdoor kitchen setup is truly complete without an arsenal of grill accessories. Each tool provides a unique function that will ultimately make grilling more efficient and open you up to new recipe ideas. With enough tools by your side, you can live a grill master lifestyle all summer long!