These Are Our 12 Favorite Grilling Tools, Accessories and Cookware Pieces You Didn’t Know You Needed
Summer is in full swing, and if there’s one thing we can’t get enough of, it’s grilling.
From classics like steaks and veggie kebabs to more creative dishes like skillet cookies and cheesy potatoes, there’s virtually no limit to what you can grill.
But, do you have the right tools to get the job done?
Below, we’re breaking down a list of our 12 favorite grilling tools, cookware and accessories to ensure you have everything you need for your next al fresco meal.
Hungry for more? From cast iron pans to BBQ sets and thermometers, we’ve got everything you need to grill up something delicious all summer long.
4-Piece BBQ Tool Set
Sure, this one might seem like a no-brainer, but a solid set of grilling tools is essential to any outdoor cooking setup.
And while you can always add pieces here and there, look for a set made of stainless steel that includes a turner, tongs, a large meat fork and a silicone brush for basting.
Oven Gloves
If you have yet to invest in a pair of heat-resistant gloves, this is your sign.
Whether you’re checking meat temps, turning veggies or just moving food around on your grill grates, these gloves will protect your hands from unwanted burns (they’re heat resistant up to 500°F!).
Leave-In Probe Thermometer
We’ve waxed poetic about meat thermometers before, so it should come as no surprise that this one tops our list.
We especially like probe thermometers for grilling—they’re perfect for finnicky cuts of meat like chicken breast and pork chops. Plus, because you can carry the receiver with you, you’ll be able to enjoy your company without having to worry about overcooking.
Kebab Baskets
Kebabs are one of favorite our dishes to throw on the grill—a simple combination of meat and veggies, all charred and cooked to perfection. The one thing we don’t love? Broken skewers and bits lost to the flames below.
That’s why we rave about these kebab baskets. Not only can you cook fully assembled skewers inside the basket, but you can also opt to cook veggies and meats separately, without losing any pieces in the process.
Cast Iron Burger Press
If you’ve ever made—and then grilled—burgers from scratch, you’ve probably dealt with the infamous bulging center that forms when the patties cook.
That’s where a burger press comes in! The weight of this cast iron burger press will help prevent your burgers from bulging in the center while also ensuring each patty is evenly cooked and uniform.
Chef’s Note: Are you a fan of smash burgers? Use this press to create thin, juicy, caramelized patties every time.
LED Grill Light
Summer might be prime grilling season, but we wholeheartedly believe that the flavor of chargrilled meats can be enjoyed year ‘round—yes, even in the dark, dreary winter months.
Which is where this LED grill light comes in. Simply clamp it to the handle of your grill for 360° of lighting. Plus, it’s heat resistant up to 518°F, so it will last through all of your grilling adventures.
Cast Iron Skillet
When we say, “grilling accessories,” a cast iron skillet is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. But trust us—there’s a reason this workhorse has been a staple in American kitchens since the mid-19th century.
Not only are they incomparably durable, but cast iron skillets also boast superior heat retention and a natural patina that prevents food from sticking. They’re ideal for everything from searing steaks to roasting potatoes to baking ooey gooey skillet cookies (yum!) and can be used on the stove, over an open flame and, you guessed it, on the grill.
Nonstick Grill Grids
The beauty of grilling is that almost everything you’d cook on the stove or in the oven can be cooked to perfection on the grill. And there’s nothing we love more than ripe, grilled, peak-season veggies.
So, if you’re like us, we recommend snagging a set of nonstick grill grids. Not only will they prevent smaller vegetables like cherry tomatoes, mushrooms or Brussels sprouts from falling through the grates, but their nonstick coating prevents food from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Beer Can Chicken Holder
Few dishes scream “summer” quite like a whole chicken slow cooked on a grill with a half-full can of beer shoved up its cavity. It’s easy, carefree and endlessly delicious.
But, if the idea of boiling an aluminum can is cause for hesitation, give this cast iron beer can chicken holder a try. Simply pour your favorite beer into the bottom of the roaster, add your favorite seasonings and situate the chicken right on top. The end result? A juicy, crispy, whole roasted chicken that’s as impressive as it is tasty.
Cast Iron Shrimp Pan
There’s something about shrimp in the summertime that gets our salivary glands flowing. Whether grilled, boiled or tossed in a sauté pan with pasta, we’d be hard-pressed to find a shrimp dish we didn’t like.
So, of course, we love this cast iron shrimp pan. Not only does it cook the shrimp evenly, but its 22 deep-well depressions retain marinades and seasonings, allowing you to enjoy shrimp on the barbie anyway you like.
Ceramic Pizza Stone
Don’t have room for a pizza oven? Say no more!
This ceramic pizza stone will transform your backyard grill into an artisan-quality pizza oven in no time. With a heat resistance rating up to 700°F and a natural nonstick surface, you’ll get perfectly crispy crust and gooey, melty cheese that’s better than takeout.
Oyster Pan
If you live along one of America’s coastlines, you’re probably very familiar with summertime oysters. They’re salty, briny and an impressive appetizer to share with guests.
This cast iron oyster pan will make for not only an impressive dish, but also a cleaner (re: less cleanup) one as well. With 12 depressions, you can cook oysters on the half-shell or fully shucked without losing any seasoning or juices.
Hungry for more? From cast iron pans to BBQ sets and thermometers, we’ve got everything you need to grill up something delicious all summer long.
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