As we wind down for the year and snuggle up around our favorite premium grills and smokers, we here at BBQ Outlets have come up with our ultimate grilling checklist for all of the best tools you could possibly need for your dream bbq set up. Whether you’re scrambling to come up with some last minute gift ideas for a grill master in your life or maybe looking to find some new pitmaster tools for yourself – we made sure to curate the perfect grilling checklist. So regardless of if it’s for you or the big BBQ enthusiast in the family, every grill master deserves something special, shiny, and new for the backyard this season.
Grilling Checklist
In this grilling checklist, we have 14 of the best grill tools you could need to make your backyard the oasis you have always desired. Find out why we recommend each of these pitmaster tools for your bbq set up and the different unique features and components behind every accessory.
5-in-1 Grilling Tool
Looking for the all-inclusive outdoor cooking accessory every bbq enthusiast deserves? Search no further than our handy 5-in-1 Grilling Tool. A silicone basting brush is included in this amazing gadget and is perfect for when you want to mop on some different sauces and marinades for grilling. It also comes with a 17” spatula, 16” BBQ fork, corkscrew, and bottle opener. The beautiful rosewood is crafted in a way that is easy to grip. This is a worthwhile investment that you can use time and time again and for all sorts of grilling situations.
BBQ Cutlery
These are the most basic essential pitmaster tools one may need. Without some good quality knives, this can make an easy and effortless prep all the more difficult to achieve. Buying bbq cutlery can be a daunting task which is why we have already put together a helpful and quick-to-read guide. Explore what the perfect type of set of knives and cutlery accessories for your grillin’ wants and needs may be.
Charcoal Chimney Starter
Obviously one of our charcoal grill must haves that would have to be at the top of our list is a charcoal chimney starter. If you find yourself spending much of your time in front of your charcoal grill, then we recommend you invest in one and never look back. This is something that will have you asking yourself, “Why didn’t I buy one of these sooner?” Charcoal chimney starters are one of the best grill tools to have if you want the true flavors of your food to stand out. Eliminate any sort of chemical taste that one may get from using some lighter fluid as there is no longer a need to use any with this helpful pitmaster tool.
Grilling Apron
The finishing fashion statement piece for all grill masters – the grilling apron. While some may wear them for the look or sometimes quirky quote printed on the front – we know that for many of you they serve a technical purpose. Not only can it protect your clothes from any drips, splatters, or splashes, but many come in flame-retardant material. Store your 5-in-1 Grilling Tool easily in a grilling apron that offers a front pocket.
Grill Basket
This is another accessory that we consider not only essential as a charcoal grill must have, but also necessary for all other types of grills – gas grills, pellet grills, kamado grills, etc. Grill baskets help keep food like veggies from falling through the grates. This could be especially beneficial for those of you that practice mindful eating and mindful grilling and have an interest in vegan bbq. Of course, we all love a good side dish, and know that with this useful tool that your bbq set up will never be the same again.
Grill Cover
A grill cover may be one of the accessories that many overlook, but these are something that are worth the extra few dollars if you want to protect your premium grill or smoker from the elements. Many are made of heavy-duty vinyl material and are especially good for keeping out any water, dirt, dust, etc. Keep your grill sparkling like the first day you got it with a grill cover.
Grill Scraper
Grill scrapers can make keeping the grates of your grill clean a breeze. The EVO Stainless Steel Scraper is a particularly excellent example of a high-quality grill scraper. This grill scraper is made from high-quality stainless steel for its scraper component, and then a fine wood for the handle which gives you an easy and lightweight grip. EVO Flattop Grills isn’t the only premium brand that makes an exceptional grill scraping tool. However, no matter what grill scraper you do inevitably purchase, know that you will finally find satisfaction in removing all of the gunked up food debris from between the grates of your grill.
Heat Proof Grilling Mitts
Don’t struggle or fool around with something like a hot pad, instead get yourself a pair of some heat-proof grilling mitts. Handle your other crucial pitmaster tools without having to worry about burning yourself by accidentally exposing yourself to high temperatures. These can be especially handy for carefully removing your grilled versions of our best bbq secret recipes.
Kabob Grilling Baskets or Skewers
Another favorite food staple of ours at any bbq bash is a tasty kebab. Not only is it a quick, simple, and light entree, but it’s one that the entire family will enjoy – even the pickiest of eaters! We have a recipe unlike one that you will see anywhere else for some flavorful Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp & Veggie Kebabs from when we partnered with Chef Teri. Try out that recipe in some kabob grilling baskets or on some metal or wooden skewers.
Racks
There are many types of racks to choose from and that one can add on and use to customize their grilling experience. EVO makes an excellent circular roasting and baking rack that is made from stainless steel. This comes as a set of two where one rack measures 10 inches and the other is a bit larger at 15 inches. Better yet, this set is also dishwasher safe which makes cleaning them after use all the easier. We also highly recommend checking out the 24-inch American Outdoor Grilling Rack and the 36-inch American Outdoor Grilling Rack. Both are designed specifically to fit perfectly in American Outdoor Grills. All racks are great for the versatility they allow you in grilling and keeping food warm with simultaneous cooking.
Rotisserie Grill Kit
A rotisserie grill kit is an important purchase for a pitmaster tool for those with a bbq set up where they may be smoking meat. While some of the premium brands of grills we offer at BBQ Outlets – like Napoleon Gas Grills – come with rotisserie kits included, there are also other top-notch brands like Blaze Grills where you can purchase a kit separately. One of the Blaze Rotisserie Kits is made specifically for their 40-inch, 5-burner gas grills but can provide an abundant amount of space for up to 15 pounds of food to be roasted.
Thermometer
It may seem like a no-brainer for many grill masters, but a good thermometer is one of the best grill tools one can have. Some come with them mounted on the hood of the grill, like in the case of the Blaze Professional Marine Grade Portable Gas Grill. While others may come with Wi-Fi-controlled capabilities that can be accessed via an app on any smart device as in the case of some of the Twin Eagles Pellet Grills and Smokers. Keep track of your food from overcooking and achieve an excellent sear and grill a perfect steak each time.
Tongs
We know, we know – this seems like another obvious pitmaster tool that all grill enthusiasts would certainly have, but we are serious when we say it is critical to have a high-caliber set of tongs. Don’t invest in some that aren’t made from a top-quality material like stainless steel. There is no need to keep replacing them every few years because they keep rusting when you could have a pair that is sturdy for longer.
Wood Planks and/or Wood Chips
Last but not least on our grilling checklist of the best grill tools you can have for your bbq set up, is our recommendation for you to get some wood planks and/or wood chips if you haven’t already. Wood planks are useful for when you are looking to smoke some fish filets or maybe even some vegetables. Wood chips or wood pellets are great for adding different smoky notes to your barbecue when using your state-of-the-art pellet grill.
You can get all 14 of the best grill tools from our grilling checklist or you may want to start with just a few. Regardless of which pitmaster tools you choose you’ll feel like a kid again on the morning of your favorite holiday.
From our backyard to yours – we wish you Merry Grillin’ for the rest of 2021 and a Happy New Year of BBQ for 2022!
