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When you’re firing up the grill for a BBQ, there are certain accessories you just won’t want to do without. Starting with the basics, you’ll want a sturdy set of tongs to flip and turn the food. A reliable spatula is also crucial for flipping burgers and delicate items like fish. Don’t forget heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands from the heat.
You can grill without loads of equipment, but having good equipment makes it so much easier, and therefore more enjoyable. Even a small set will enhance your BBQ game.
So, What’s Important?
Tongs
Essential for flipping, turning, and moving food on the grill without piercing it. Look for sturdy, long-handled tongs with a good grip.
Spatula
Vital for flipping burgers or fish. Choose a spatula with a thin, flexible blade.
Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
Crucial for checking the internal temperature of meats to ensure they reach safe cooking temperatures without overcooking.
Heat-Resistant Gloves
Protect your hands and forearms from the intense heat of the grill. Choose gloves specifically designed for grilling with heat-resistant materials that allow you to move freely.
Grill Brush
Used for cleaning the grill grates, removing food residue, and preventing flavour transfer between different foods. Choose a brush with sturdy bristles and a long handle that won’t damage your barbecue grills.
The Little Extras
Basting Brush
Ideal for applying marinades, sauces, or oils onto food while grilling.
Grill Basket or Skewers
Great for grilling smaller or delicate foods like vegetables, prawns or small pieces of meat. Grill baskets provide a contained space for even cooking, while skewers allow for the easy grilling of kebabs.
Marinade Injector
Enhance the flavour and moisture of your meat by injecting marinades, brines or seasonings directly into the meat.
Meat Carving Set
A sharp carving knife and fork set is essential for slicing and serving the larger cuts of grilled meats.
Extras for a Charcoal Grill
Some important accessories are perfect for the needs of charcoal grilling:
Charcoal Chimney Starter
This tool is a game-changer for charcoal grilling. A charcoal chimney starter allows you to start your charcoal in a smaller controlled environment. You won’t have to battle with the element and it creates a more natural and even heat source. Simply fill the chimney with charcoal, place newspaper or lighter cubes at the bottom and light them. As the flames rise, they ignite the charcoal, readying it for cooking within 15-20 minutes. It can’t be overstated how easy getting your charcoal burning is with a chimney starter.
Chimney Starter Lighter Cubes
These odourless, non-toxic cubes are an alternative to lighter fluid. Placing them underneath the chimney starter and lighting them helps ignite the charcoal. They burn cleanly and efficiently, facilitating the quick start of your charcoal grill.
Long-handled Grill Tools
Charcoal grills generate high heat, so it’s essential to have long-handled tools (tongs, spatula, fork) for safely moving food over the hot coals. These tools provide the necessary reach to flip, turn, and handle food without getting too close to the heat.
Ash Tool or Ash Pan
During and after grilling, ash buildup can obstruct airflow and affect heat distribution. An ash tool or pan helps in efficiently removing ash from the charcoal grill, maintaining consistent heat and improving overall performance. It also makes cleaning up after the big event much easier.
Long Grill Gloves
When working with charcoal, there’s a higher chance of sudden flare-ups from dripping fat or hotter spots. Long-cuffed grill gloves will give you better protection for your hands and forearms, preventing burns and allowing better control when arranging coals or adjusting the grill grates.
Final Thoughts
While you can grill without accessories, having the right tools at your disposal significantly enhances your ability to cook, maintain the grill, and create delicious dishes while ensuring safety and precision in your cooking process.
Things like tongs, spatulas and grill brushes make cooking and cleaning much more manageable. They help you handle food properly on the grill, flip items without damaging them and keep your cooking surface clean.
Heat-resistant gloves will protect your hands from burns, while long-handled tools enable you to work with the grill without getting too close to the heat.
