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Best Grilling Accessories
When it comes to a grill, your experience is not quite complete until you explore the world of grilling accessories. Tools such as a spatula or tongs for flipping and moving the food on the grill, a thermometer to ensure that your meats have been safely cooked, a grill light so you can enjoy grilling at night, and heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands from scalding can all lend a helping hand.
Among the many grilling accessories on the market, we did research for you and found the best ones. Read to learn more on how to choose the best grilling accessories for your next barbecue party.
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
From one person to the next, the accessories that they prioritize are going to differ. It merely depends on what you need and what you desire.
However, when it comes to grilling, there are several accessories that you can get your hands on that can enhance and complete the experience.
Ironically, several of them are used for prepping your meats and foods and have no coordination with the grill itself (for the most part).
This can include a chimney starter to quickly and safely heat your briquette, a basting brush to apply any sauces that you have, and even a knife and a cutting board to prep the meat itself. These types of accessories can be lifesavers, that is for sure.
Durability
When it comes down to it, how a product is designed is virtually everything. As simplistic and obvious as it sounds, it is the cold hard truth, and you need never forget it. No matter which accessory you are interested in investing in, everything from a grill brush to gloves, their durability is everything.
Certain products, such as a grill brush and perhaps even a cutting board, are going to take more abuse than others. After all, with a grill brush, you are scrapping it on the grates of your grill (which are not smooth when there is food debris on them).
The same concept applies to a cutting board as you are continuously and relentlessly hitting it with a knife.
Construction is more than durability, however. For example, with certain grilling accessories, the handle is as important a factor as any. A grill brush, tongs, a spatula, a basting brush, and even a knife all need to sport a handle that is not only comfortable to grip but secure at the same time.
Features
In the grand scheme of things, convenience is a comprehensive term that can be looked at a few different ways. However, with a guide that is catered towards a wide variety of accessories, broadness is almost a necessity.
Despite this, though, there are still some commonalities that many of these grilling accessories share when it relates to convenience. Take, for example, how simple the product is.
For the most part, grilling accessories are not exactly complex algorithms that take years to practice. But, you still do not want something as simple as cleaning your grill and prepping your meat to be complicated.
Ease of Use
This just in, grilling can be a messy experience. Alright, this is probably not news to anyone even if you have never yet looked at a grill before.
With any accessory that physically makes contact with either the grill or the foods that will be cooked on it, cleaning will be part of the process. Thus, leading many to wonder if a specific tool is dishwasher safe.
Those who have a dishwasher installed in their home fully understand the convenience that this machine provides. After you use one for a while, you will never want to wash dished again.
If this matters to you, prioritize those grilling accessories that are certified safe in a dishwasher. Even if it is not, however, it is still a bonus if the materials being utilized are easy to clean with pure warm and soapy water.
Top 10 Picks
1. Victorinox Pro Slicing
Is it a fair assumption to believe that you will be cooking meats on your grill? Well, they certainly do not cut themselves. With the Pro Slicing Knife from Victorinox, the prepping phase of the grilling process will be made significantly easier.
Read moreUse for Grilling
Technically, this is not used in coordination with your grill. Instead, this razor-sharp edged knife is designed to deliver maximum cutting performance capable of slicing the toughest of meats.
Durability
This has been crafted in Switzerland, and if the quality is subpar, there is a lifetime warranty against material defects. Also, the blade is high-carbon stainless steel with incredible flexibility.
Features
To increase the motion and to increase the efficiency of the knife, this blade creates pockets of air, and this prevents the food from sticking to the blade.
The combination of the non-slip, ergonomic handle which improves the grip of the blade and the hollowed-out grooves, this is one of the safest knives on the planet. Of course, precaution is still necessary for those who are underage.
Ease of Cleaning
Victorinox recommends that you hand-wash this knife with a soapy cloth. Even though they are dishwasher safe, it is merely advice to stick to hand washing. Thankfully, the pockets mentioned above of air created to limit the amount of food that will stick to it.
Overall
Most people will need to perform some prep work before they are ready to grill. When it comes to stiff meats and even vegetables, this Victorinox knife does as good of a job slicing as any.
2. Elizabeth Karmel Brush
Just as important as ensuring your meat is as done as you want it to be, is the seasoning you apply to enhance the flavor. One convenient way to do so is with a basting brush and it is especially useful for marinating your meat.
Read moreUse for Grilling
Meat is excellent, and all, but the proper seasoning and margination can ultimately enhance the flavor. Indeed, this basting brush is solely used as a prepping tool before you cook the meat.
Durability
The bristles are heat-resistant to up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit so you can easily apply your sauce and seasoning while the meat is on the grill. Even if it makes contact with the grates, it will not melt or shed.
Features
Probably the most beneficial aspect of this brush is how simple it is to use. It is as necessary as saturating the brush with your desired sauce and then running your brush on the meat.
Due to the length of the handle and the fact that it is angled, you can rest assured that you will always be kept at a safe distance away from the grill.
Ease of Cleaning
For those who have a dishwasher installed in their home, this is safe to be placed inside. Not only that but the brush itself is removable so you can clean it by itself.
Overall
Perhaps you are 100 percent certain that you will never apply a special sauce to your meats. No problem because even if you do not utilize this basting brush with your grill, you could easily find other uses for it.
3. Grill Heat Aid & Gloves
It may not seem like it to chefs but the reality is, grilling can be a dangerous activity as you are dealing with scorching temperatures. As such, a heavy-duty pair of gloves that have been specifically designed for grilling may be on the table for you.
Read moreUse for Grilling
To allow you to handle all kinds of heat when you are grilling, these gloves provide maximum protection. They could even come in handy in the kitchen if you desire.
Durability
Both of these gloves are crafted with aramid fabric, which is found in firefighter uniforms and known for being a heavy-duty synthetic and a heat-resistant material.
Features
If you genuinely never find a need for these gloves when grilling, they can be a suitable addition to your home. They act as pot holders but provide superior dexterity.
No doubt, these gloves are the epitome of safety. Their entire design is centered upon it as these are rated to handle temperatures of up to 923 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some users have claimed that steam can remain an issue.
Ease of Cleaning
When these need to be cleaned, which should not be very often, they can be placed in a washing machine. It is important to note, though, to ensure they are dehydrated as they lose their heat protection when wet.
Overall
Is it overprotective to wear heavy-duty gloves when grilling? Perhaps, but it depends on the grilling that you are performing. When your hands get close to the fire, it can get blistering hot very quickly. Better to be safe than sorry.
4. Weber Chimney Starter
One of the most convenient ways to properly and evenly heat your coals is to utilize a chimney starter. Weber has crafted one of the finest models on the market and after you use it once, you will never want to give it up.
Read moreUse for Grilling
When it comes to crackling briquettes and evenly heating your charcoal, this chimney starter is as ideal as it gets to get the job done.
Durability
This is designed to hold enough briquettes for around a 22-inch kettle grill. In addition to this, the exterior is designed from aluminized steel. However, while it is claimed to have a stay-cool thermoplastic handle, a few users have stated otherwise.
Features
No lighter fluid is required to heat the charcoal, which is convenient on your part. Also, there is a cone bottom that ensures a fast start every single time.
You do not dare allow burning hot charcoal to make contact with your skin. As such, this sports a two-handle design, and it provides you more control when you are pouring the charcoal into your grill.
Ease of Cleaning
Weber does not provide too much emphasis on the cleaning phase of their chimney starter. This should not be an area of concern for you.
Overall
If you own a charcoal grill, then this accessory is going to appeal to you more than the average person. Providing you with a way to conveniently and safely heat your charcoal beforehand will save you a lot of hassle.
5. Barbecue Light
If you are strictly a daytime griller, then this next accessory will not be of much use to use. However, when the craving hits you at night, this LED grill light makes it incredibly easy to grill even when the sun goes down.
Read moreUse for Grilling
Is this product useful in daylight? No, but sometimes nighttime brings with it some crazy cravings. If the desire is there to fire up the grill at the night, this grill light illuminates the entire grilling surface.
Durability
To ensure this is suitable for all weather conditions, it can withstand temperatures of up to 365 degrees Fahrenheit, down to sub-zero temperatures, and is both weather-resistant and heat-resistant. Plus, it is crafted from a durable nylon glass fiber.
Features
Included in this grill light is a waterproof cover if you wanted to leave it on your grill. Even more so, the adjustable clamp will fit on any charcoal, electric, or gas grill handle.
It seems simple but if you can’t see what you are cooking, you have no idea when it is fully cooked. With some meats, eating them part-raw can be detrimental (such as chicken).
Ease of Cleaning
If need be, if the lens of the lights begins to fog up then you could use an eye-glass cleaning cloth (if you are paranoid about scratches) to brighten them up.
Overall
Once again, this accessory is dependent on how and when you grill. But, even if you believe you will never have a need to grill in the darkness, you just never know what will pop up.
6. Mountain Woods Cutting Board
Prepping the meat, as novices are beginning to understand, is half the battle of grilling. Yet another essential tool when doing so is a cutting board. Sure, you could get a cheap model; or, you could go with a heavy-duty cutting board as Mountain Woods provides.
Read moreUse for Grilling
Before you can even begin grilling your meats and foods, chances are they will need to be cut and prepped. This type of cutting board is ideal to do so due to its durability.
Durability
Mountain Woods made their cutting board from both maple and Blackwood, and also coated it with a food-safe finish. In addition to this, it is reversible and both sides can be used for slicing.
Features
At 15 inches x 12 inches, this cutting board is suitable for several foods at once. Also, thanks to the finger grooves on the edges, it is easy to haul it from your kitchen to your grill.
The cutting board itself does not have safety concerns. However, remember, when you are slicing on it be careful as knives can prove to be very painful.
Ease of Cleaning
Unfortunately, this cutting board is not suitable to be placed in a dishwasher. As such, good old-fashioned hand-washing is necessary and can be done via warm soapy water.
Overall
The maple and blackwood combination is not only visually appealing to the eyes but also extremely durable. Cleaning it could end up becoming a tiny hassle but it seems everything comes with some sort of caveat.
7. Weber Brush
Each new time you grill, it is good to develop the habit of cleaning your grates before you do so. Clearly, a grill brush is the most ideal way to rid your grates of all the food debris from your last grilling session.
Read moreUse for Grilling
Never, ever skip the cleaning process when you are grilling. This 3-sided brush is the tool that allows you to accomplish just that as you can rid the grates of their food debris.
Durability
To provide a strong grip when you are forcefully cleaning the grates, there is an ergonomic handle. Past this, the bristles are stainless steel and extra thick for incredible durability.
Features
The design of this brush allows you to get to hard-to-reach areas with ease. When finished, in addition, there is a hanging strap for storage.
Because the cleaning should be partaken in before you start grilling, safety should not be a concern with this type of an accessory.
Ease of Cleaning
The easiest and most suitable way to clean this brush is with warm, soapy water. Given its designed purpose, it may not be necessary to clean it after each use.
Overall
Some accessories on this list are strictly optional but make no mistake about it, a grill brush is all but mandatory. You could probably get away with using another tool but at the end of the day, this is the most feasible way to clean your grates.
8. Cave Tools Tongs
When it comes to grilling, personal preference plays a vital role. Not everyone will desire a pair of grill tongs but for those that do, Cave Tools has designed a stainless steel version with an extra-long handle for safety.
Read moreUse for Grilling
As these are oversized, they provide unparalleled control when you attempt to pick up your meats and vegetables to flip them.
Materials
It was chosen by Cave Tools to design their tongs with 20 percent thicker stainless steel than the average grilling accessory. In the end, this increases the durability and ensures they will never bend or break.
Features
For easy storage, these tongs will lock shut to maximize space. But, there is also a leather hanging strap that allows it to easily be hung on your grill.
Thanks to the 17-inch handle, which is fairly long for a pair of tongs, you are kept away from the roaring temperature of the grill.
Ease of Cleaning
While a simple hand-wash will still suffice, if you have a dishwasher installed then you can merely place these tongs inside as they are certified dishwasher safe.
Overall
Tongs can certainly be an essential component of the grilling formula. There are certainly other means of flipping your foods but for what it is worth, these tongs provide a great way to do so.
9. Weber Igrill 2 Thermometer
Many may seem like a thermometer is a bit unnecessary as they have become accustomed to when their meat is ready to go. However, if this is a constant issue for you, a thermometer is a great tool to see if the internal temperature of the meat is safe.
Read moreUse for Grilling
This may seem like an over-the-top design, but not only is this designed to track the internal temperature of your food, but you can do so in conjunction with the Weber iGrill app and your smartphone.
Durability
On the device itself, there is an LED temperature read-t for clarity, a battery life of up to 200 hours and a range of 150 feet (which some users have highly questioned) of Bluetooth.
Features
There are two probes that are included, with this device but at one time, you can connect up to four Pro Meat Probes simultaneously.
Some meats, such as steak, can be eaten several ways whether it is medium-well, medium-rare, rare, etc. However, others such as chicken can cause salmonella infection if ingested rare. This tool allows you to know a safe temperature all the time.
Ease of Cleaning
The probes are possibly the only aspect you would need to clean on this device. To do so, simply cleaning it with soap and water should suffice.
Overall
Several grillers will be fine with a basic thermometer. However, technology rules the modern world and so does Bluetooth. Having the ability to see the temperature of your meats from your smartphone is certainly convenient.
10. Onesource Spatula
It almost seems apropos to finish off this list with perhaps the most important tool you will ever use with a grill. A spatula is basically mandatory and it just so happens that this 21-inch, stainless steel version is one of the best.
Read moreUse for Grilling
For those who do not want tongs, a spatula is the next logical choice. As it turns out, this is also a sufficient way to flip and turn your meats and foods on the grill.
Materials
The spatula blade is made from brushed stainless steel and is commercially-graded. In conjunction with this is the smooth wooden handle.
Features
Because of its blade length and width of 10 inches and 3.85 inches, respectively, it provides a large surface area for you to flip overly-sized meats.
In total, this measures 21 inches; meaning the handle is 11 inches. This lends a helping hand in keeping your hand at a safe distance away from the fire.
Ease of Cleaning
As the head is riveted, you should be okay with placing this in a dishwasher. For precaution, though, hand washing with soap and warm water will easily suffice.
Overall
One way or the other, you need a tool for flipping. Whether it is via a thick pair of tongs or a spatula, it is the most feasible manner to cook on a grill.
Sources
- , The Accessories That Turned Me Into a Master Backyard Griller, Magazine
- , The 11 Best Grill Gadgets for a Better BBQ, Buying Guide