Basic Grilling Tools

Jeff Jones, author - Charcoal Grill Enthusiast and Weber Grill supporter

Tongs. The most used grilling accessory of them all. Have at least three pairs: One for picking up raw food, one for handling cooked food, and if you own a charcoal grill, one for arranging the coals. The best are made of stainless steel and are spring loaded.

Spatula. Required for turning burgers, delicate fish fillets, and wide items like pizzas. Don’t bother with an extra-long spatula with a flimsy blade; the blade should be long, wide, and sturdy.

Barbecue mitts. Fire is hot. Protect yourself at all times while cooking.

Grill brush. It’s the best tool for keeping your grill clean. Get a long-handled one with stiff brass bristles. If your grill has a cast-iron cooking grate, get one with steel bristles.

Basting brush. Good for basting food with sauces and even more useful for brushing oil on food before grilling.

Chimney starter. Lighter fluid is no good, period. It imparts a nasty taste on your food and can be dangerous. If you own a charcoal grill, a chimney starter provides a simple, safe, fast, and more eco-friendly way to light charcoal. Buy one big enough to light as many briquets as will fit in a single layer across your charcoal grate.

Timer. You need this to follow suggested grilling times.

Thermometer. An instant-read thermometer is the surest way to know if you’re food is done before taking it off the grill.

Vegetable basket. As vegetables and fruit are major staples in a healthy diet, splurge on a good grill basket made of professionalgrade stainless steel. This way you can grill the smallest of foods, such as mushrooms or strawberries, without worrying that they’ll fall through the grate.

Disposable drip pans. These are essential for most gas grills to catch grease and drippings which you won't need if you use a charcoal grill.

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