Investing in a handful of well-made grilling essentials can transform your outdoor cooking experience, whether you're preparing quick weeknight burgers or an all-day smoked barbecue. After years of testing grills, griddles, smokers, and accessories, these 20 tools have earned a permanent place on the patio and many see as much use indoors.
Prep and Organization
The OXO Grilling Prep And Carry System (from $44.97) eliminates constant trips to the kitchen with six pieces that organize seasoning, marinating, transporting, carving, and serving. Color-coded trays prevent cross-contamination, and the non-slip cutting board catches juices. Everything nests together for easy cleanup.
For trimming and coating meat, the Drip EZ 3-Piece Prep Tub Set ($124.99) contains the mess. Each collapsible tub base doubles as a cutting board, and the vats can serve as an ice-filled cooler, prep trash bin, or serving bowl for saucy dishes.
Fire Management
The Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter ($24.99) lights charcoal without lighter fluid, using a cone-shaped grate and generous air vents for quick, even ignition. Its durable aluminized steel construction and dual-handle design allow safe pouring of hot coals.
Weber Char-Baskets ($19.99) enable two-zone cooking by holding lit coals neatly to one side of a kettle grill, creating separate heat zones for reverse-seared steaks or whole chickens. They fit kettles from 18 to 26 inches.
Handling and Safety
Oxo Good Grips Stainless-Steel Locking Tongs ($17.95) are comfortable, dishwasher-safe, and precise enough for asparagus or steaks. Choose the 12-inch model for kitchen double duty, 16-inch for extra reach, or 19-inch with a built-in bottle opener.
Hey Grill Hey Pitmaster Gloves ($24.99) combine a waterproof rubber shell with cotton-insulated lining, allowing dexterity for slicing and shredding while protecting hands from heat. They are machine washable.
The Rescue Ultra Brush ($49.99) uses aramid fiber (Kevlar) cleaning head that creates steam when dipped in water, loosening residue without wire bristles that could break off into food. Stainless steel teeth tackle stubborn buildup between grates.
Precision Cooking
The ThermoWorks Thermapen One ($74) delivers an accurate temperature reading in about one second, eliminating guesswork for steak doneness. For longer cooks, a wireless leave-in probe like the Typhur kit monitors chicken or brisket from hundreds of feet away, sending alerts to your phone.
Traeger's XXL BBQ Spatula ($33.99) features an oversized 6x10-inch stainless steel blade that supports large cuts like brisket or turkey without bending, and doubles as a smash burger press.
Versatile Tools
Tablecraft 16-oz Widemouth Squeeze Bottles ($15.26) provide precise application of oil, sauce, or marinade. The wide-mouth opening makes refilling easy, and they are dishwasher-safe.
Nordic Ware Naturals High Sided Half Sheet Pan with Rack ($35) resists warping and heats evenly. The wire rack elevates food to prevent steaming, and can be used on a grill for small vegetables.
Made In Grill Press ($79) weighs nearly two pounds for even pressure, creating crispy bacon and smash burgers with lacy edges. The raised handle and leather sleeve keep hands safe from heat.
OXO 6-Piece Grilling Skewer Set ($17.99) features flat stainless steel skewers that prevent food from spinning, with sharp tips and wide handles for easy gripping. They nest together for storage.
OXO Grilling Basting Pot and Brush Set ($34.95) holds 18 ounces of sauce or glaze, with a silicone lid to protect from bugs and an angled silicone brush that minimizes drips.
Oklahoma Joe's Competition BBQ Spritz Bottle ($27.99) holds 1.2 liters for all-day smoking, delivering a consistent spray of water, cider vinegar, or apple juice to keep meat surface moist and encourage smoke adhesion.
Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket ($24.99) keeps vegetables and shrimp from falling through grates while exposing them to smoky heat. It doubles as a colander for rinsing produce.
Blackstone Medium Square Basting Dome ($44.99) traps heat and steam to melt cheese over burgers or finish thicker cuts without drying. The heat-resistant handle stays cool for safe repositioning.
Napoleon Expandable Rib Holder ($27.99) adjusts to cook one to six racks of ribs, fitting cart-style barbecues and kettle grills. It is dishwasher-safe and folds flat for storage.
Lodge 8-inch Carbon Steel Skillet ($38.75) heats quickly and evenly for searing and frying. Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, it works on induction stovetops, grills, campfires, or charcoal setups.
Oklahoma Joe's Workstation DLX Prep & Storage Cart ($399.95) provides 900 square inches of stainless steel prep surface with locking casters, built-in storage, and fuel bins for efficient outdoor cooking.
