Grilling Tools

The right grilling tools help you handle everything from burgers for the family to a backyard cookout with the neighbors. As you plan your grill accessories, think about the foods you cook most and the tasks that go with them. Grill tongs make it easier to turn vegetables, move sausages and shift food between hotter and cooler spots, while a grilling spatula gives burgers and fish the support they need for flipping. Look for handles that feel comfortable in your grip and offer enough reach to keep your hands farther from the heat without making food hard to control. A basting brush helps spread sauces and marinades, and skewers keep smaller pieces together for easier turning. For anyone cooking chicken, pork or thick cuts of beef, a food thermometer is an important part of a grilling tool set: Check the internal temperature rather than judging doneness by color alone. A little planning with your BBQ tools can make outdoor cooking run smoother from prep through cleanup. Set out your grilling utensils, serving platters and heat-resistant grilling gloves before lighting the grill so you’re not heading back to the kitchen while supper cooks. Keep separate utensils and plates for raw meat and cooked food, and wash anything that touches raw juices before it handles ready-to-eat food. Choose grill cleaning tools that match your cooking grate and follow the grill manufacturer’s care directions; before cooking, check the surface for any loose cleaning debris. After the cookout, clean and dry your barbecue utensils according to their care instructions, then store them out of the weather. Whether you’re cooking over charcoal or gas, choosing grilling accessories around your usual meals helps you build a practical setup without crowding your workspace with tools you rarely reach for.