Ahh, summer. The smell of charcoal and grilled meat, sweet buttered corn, and of course, and maybe a beer or two, if you choose. Growing up, we only had the basics when we grilled. All we needed was a simple charcoal grill, spatula, and chicken wings. However, now that my palette has evolved and I enjoy cooking a variety of fabulous things, having some equipment would make grilling even more delightful.
I asked self-proclaimed grilling aficionados about their favorite piece of grilling equipment; turns out, not everything you need is expensive or hard to use. Here’s what they told me.
Fish Basket
A fish basket is your best friend when it comes to cooking more delicate items, especially my favorite—rainbow trout caught by yours truly. The fish basket takes any worry out of flipping or having any of the fish stick to the grill. Simply secure the fish in the basket and place it right on the grate, or over the coals. You can flip away with no fear of losing the fish in the fire.- Matt Moore, Author of Serial Griller
Pizza Stone
The Louisiana Grills Pizza Stone will transform your pizza eating experience by infusing the taste of real wood fire into your delicious creation. At 15 inches, this stone is perfect for any wood pellet or ceramic charcoal grill. Note that this product is heat resistant for temperatures up to 450°F and is safe for ovens, microwaves, and barbecues.
“Perfect addition to my grill. I especially appreciate the raised hand holds. Has made perfect crusts.” - NavyDoc, Home Depot Reviewer
Silicone Baster Brush
Looking to marinate your dis for BBQ, baking, and even cooking in a frying pan? Then, get the SILCONY 8.4" Basting Brush. This product is made from 100% food-grade silicone material and BPA-free. With a flexible grip, this brush is heat resistant and safe to use in an oven, microwave, dishwasher, and freezer.
Additionally, it is non-stick, stain. and odor resistant for long-lasting use.
These silicone brushes are wonderful! They’re all one piece, so there’s nowhere for food to be trapped under an edge, and being silicone, they’re easy to clean. I was afraid they would be stiff like plastic and poke holes in my food, but they’re very soft and flexible! I’m so glad I bought these! Buh-bye, bristle shedder. - Lisa F., Amazon Reviewer
Grill Tool Set
Now, if you instead want to buy a set that has everything you need, then I’d recommend the Cuisinart 13-piece Combo Set. It has tongs, spatula, basting silicone brush, grill brush, 4 skewers, and 4 corn holders. These are essential to make typical summer BBQ dishes like kebab, corn on the cob, burgers, brats, etc. All the tools have a nice wooden handle while the rest of the material is stainless steel. - Thinh Phan, BBQ in Progress
Cast Iron Wok
I love a Seasoned Cast Iron Wok for BBQing. It is a game-changer for anyone who likes to add more vegetables to their diet. Simply spray some vegetable oil on the wok and add melody or cut-up vegetables with various herbs to make flavorful dishes. To mix it up sometimes I add different nuts to the veggie stir fry from cashews, walnuts or peanuts. - Joanna Laznicka, CaliDiet.com
Chimney Starter
Looking for the fastest and safest way to light charcoal? Look no further than the Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter. You don’t even have to use lighter fluid. It’s that easy! Just place the product with coals on top of the lighter cubes or crumpled newspaper, then light. Note that this is designed for Weber smokey joe and jumbo joe charcoal grills.
“The ease of use, simplicity and convenience of the Original charcoal Chimney Starter, is well known, and has been around for years. With the latest creation of the COMPACT Charcoal Chimney, cooking life is even better. It is an ideal size for traveling, or using around the house, when you don’t really need 100 pieces of charcoal burning. It is the perfect size for my Weber, Little Smokey grill, which we use camping. It is an ideal tool, when cooking on your Camp Dutch Ovens. Or if you are grilling on the bigger grills, but really don’t need allot of coals to do the job. Compact is the way to go. When pack space is a concern, and you don’t need a ton of charcoal to cook your meals, this is perfect tool for the job. I highly recommend it. The compact model is about 1/3 the size of the original chimney starter, and half the price.” - DutchOven, Home Depot Reviewer
Grill Wipes
One of the best grilling accessories I keep around at all times are non-stick, disposable grill wipes. Not only do they make cleaning grill grates a breeze removing debris or burnt-on juices, but they are also much safer and more effective than any sprays. They cling very easily to grill brushes too. Grate Chef’s contain pure vegetable oil, which also helps season your grill, keeping its quality and its natural non-stick surface. It definitely makes the overall cleaning process a lot easier. - Blake Dan, GrillSimply
Wireless Thermometer
This is a simple one, but something folks often overlook—a great thermometer! We are big fans of the Inkbird Wireless BBQ Thermometer. It has a great range of about 150 feet so you don’t have to stand next to your grill constantly checking the temperature. This meat thermometer also has three meat probes to make sure you get the most consistent reading of your meat as it’s cooking. It’s easy to store and the number one accessory we recommend for grillers. - Hannah Lewis, The Beard And The Baker
This deal was originally published by Chaya M. Milchtein on 06/20/2020 and updated with new information by Juliana Clark on 08/13/2021.