{"id":5608,"date":"2025-08-07T17:04:00","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T23:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/bbq\/?p=5608"},"modified":"2025-04-17T09:06:21","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T15:06:21","slug":"what-are-the-16-best-grilling-gadgets-bbq-grill-accessories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mickeylieberman.com\/bbq\/what-are-the-16-best-grilling-gadgets-bbq-grill-accessories\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the 16 Best Grilling Gadgets & BBQ Grill Accessories?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Best Grilling Gadgets & BBQ Grill Accessories<\/span><\/p>\n

The temperature is rising, the birds are chirping, and the snow has melted\u2014at least, it\u2019s melted enough to make you dream of that delicious smoky scent wafting from your grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spring has returned, and with it comes grilling season.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a long winter, it can be tempting to uncover your barbecue and fire it up as soon as you can\u2014an impulse the grill experts completely understand.<\/span><\/p>\n

But before you dig out your best grilling gadgets and light up a flame, it\u2019s important to take a moment to inspect your grill after its chilly hibernation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Proper cleaning and preventive maintenance are the key to extending the life of your grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even if you gave your grill a thorough clean before storing it, it\u2019s always a good idea to give it another once-over before firing it up in the new season, just in case parts rusted over the winter or a pest took up residence in your grill body or the fuel lines.<\/span><\/p>\n

GRILL SPOT TIP: If you didn\u2019t properly clean and winterize your grill before storing it, or it\u2019s still not firing up after performing some basic spring maintenance, chances are it\u2019ll need a little extra TLC after its long rest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most preventive maintenance focuses on your grill itself, but what about your BBQ grill accessories?<\/span><\/p>\n

The right outdoor grilling accessories can improve your grilling experience, the quality of your food, and even help to extend the life of your grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

8 Essential BBQ Grill Accessories<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

These BBQ grill accessories are key to easy grilling and will help keep your grill functioning at its best all year long.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Grill cover<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A high-quality grill cover is your first line of defense against winter rust, as well as summertime hazards like rain, UV rays, bird bombs, and other potentially damaging debris.<\/span><\/p>\n

Winter weather can be hard on a grill cover, so if you leave your grill outdoors and covered all winter, it may be worth investing in a new cover at the start of the season to protect your grill from rain and other elements throughout the grilling season.<\/span><\/p>\n

It may be harder to find the right size when the grilling season is reaching its end.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Tongs (or a turner-and-tong combo)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grill tongs are specifically designed to have a longer handle than kitchen tongs to help grillers keep their hands away from the flame.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to making outdoor cooking safer, proper grill tongs will also make it easier to flip and turn food without the risk of dropping it.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you find yourself dropping things when using a standard set of tongs, you should consider a 2-in-1 turner-and-tong set.<\/span><\/p>\n

A turner-and-tong combo features one tong and one turner (a flat, spatula-like metal paddle) to make flipping heavily sauced, larger, or oddly-shaped items even easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Spatula<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Also known as a turner or flipper, a spatula is a classic cooking tool indoors or out.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most kitchens have a spatula or five at the ready at any given moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reserving a dedicated spatula for grilling can prevent the need to make a last-minute dash into the house to grab the flipper you need to turn or remove something from the grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Grilling gloves<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

You might think your usual oven mittens will get the job done just fine outdoors, but proper grilling gloves can make a huge difference to your grilling experience (and you can use them indoors, too).<\/span><\/p>\n

Grill gloves will keep your hands safe by protecting you from burns, and they also offer a better grip so you can maximize your dexterity while you flip and turn items.<\/span><\/p>\n

Plus, your oven mittens won\u2019t get covered in ash and grease from your grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Basting brush (or sauce mop)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A new grilling season is the best time to replace an old basting brush or sauce mop, especially if your old one is all gummed up or stained from previous use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basting brushes or sauce mops make it as easy as possible to coat your food in tasty sauces or marinades during food prep and as you grill, and they\u2019re key to a flavorful grilling experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basting brushes are ideal for smaller cuts of meat, such as chicken cutlets, or thicker sauces and glazes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sauce mops, on the other hand, are ideal for large cuts of meat, such as pork butts, thin sauces, or marinades.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Grill cleaning brushes or scrapers<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Springtime is the best time to replace your old grill cleaning brush as well, especially if it\u2019s been sitting inside your grill all winter, resting in its grime.<\/span><\/p>\n

A fresh grill cleaning brush or scraper sets you up for success throughout the grilling season.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a brush doesn\u2019t always get the job done, complement it with a scrubber or wood scraper.<\/span><\/p>\n

A scrubber will give you more leverage to clean off stuck-on messes, while a wood scraper will gradually conform to the shape of your grill grates so you can get right into the crevices between grates.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Grilling tool set<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re ready to replace all of your grilling tools\u2014or you don\u2019t have any to begin with\u2014a grilling tool set is a great place to start.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tool sets typically contain everything you need to get started\u2014tongs, an offset spatula, and a silicone basting brush.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Drip pan<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A drip pan will catch grease and other drippings and keep your grill cleaner longer. You can even use them to make a DIY smoker box or to hold prepped food that has yet to be grilled.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. A smoker box<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

That classic smoky barbecue flavor isn\u2019t just for charcoal grillers and folks with dedicated smokers.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can easily achieve a smoky flavor on a gas grill by using a smoker box\u2014all you have to do is add wood chips to the box and place it on your grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Upright chicken roaster<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Popularized in the 90s, upright roasters are a great tool for slow-cooking a whole chicken on the grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

And because they stand upright, they\u2019ll take up less space on your grill surface, making them ideal for small barbecues or grilling sides at the same time (or a second chicken).<\/span><\/p>\n

11. Smart grilling thermometer<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Smart grilling thermometers work in conjunction with a smartphone app to help you keep tabs on the temperature of your food, as well as the internal temperature of your barbecue.<\/span><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll receive alerts right to your phone when you\u2019ve reached the correct level of doneness, so you won\u2019t have to open your grill lid as frequently.<\/span><\/p>\n

12. Rotisserie kits<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

We all know the irresistible allure of a juicy, crispy chicken rotating slowly on a spit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Say goodbye to store-bought rotisserie chickens! <\/span><\/p>\n

Invest in your very own grill rotisserie kit and say hello to juicy, slow-basted meat right from your barbecue instead.<\/span><\/p>\n

Rotisserie kits are available at several price points to suit your needs and budget, and they\u2019ll contain all the important parts you\u2019ll need to set up a gas grill rotisserie.<\/span><\/p>\n

Different kits are suited to different grilling styles, with options designed for cooking meat around 10 lbs to 55 lbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you only plan to rotisserie smaller cuts like a whole chicken or smaller roasts, a rotisserie designed to handle about 10-20 lbs should work just fine.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you plan to rotisserie larger cuts or whole animals over an open fire or BBQ pit, look for something rated for up to 55 lbs or more.<\/span><\/p>\n

13. Grill toppers<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Grill toppers, baskets, and griddles can transform your grilling experience\u2014literally\u2014by creating a new surface upon which you can cook.<\/span><\/p>\n

Grill baskets prevent food from falling apart or falling between the cooking grates. They are ideal for cooking delicate items like fish, or small food items like asparagus or shrimp.<\/span><\/p>\n

Griddles are typically made of metal or cast iron and are placed directly on your grill grates to create a flat surface on which you can cook everything from burgers and hot dogs to bacon, pancakes, eggs, and even grilled cheese.<\/span><\/p>\n

14. Charcoal rake<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a charcoal griller, this gadget can help you safely arrange and maintain your coals throughout your cookout.<\/span><\/p>\n

15. Lid prop<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This handy grilling gadget is designed to hold your grill lid open to help modulate airflow and improve temperature control, especially when you\u2019re searing meat at high temperatures.<\/span><\/p>\n

16. Metal skewers<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Say goodbye to disposable wooden skewers.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s time to upgrade to reusable metal skewers\u2014with no risk of splitting and no need to soak them before you cook, metal skewers are a more practical and sustainable choice if you love anything on a stick.<\/span><\/p>\n

Wrapping Up<\/span><\/p>\n

Using the right bbq grill accessories can simplify your grilling experience, improve the quality of your food, and even help to extend the life of your grill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re replacing a worn-out model or you\u2019re investing in new outdoor grilling accessories or some of the best grilling gadgets for the first time, the start of a new season is the perfect time to take stock of your BBQ grill accessories.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Best Grilling Gadgets & BBQ Grill Accessories The temperature is rising, the birds are chirping, and the snow has melted\u2014at least, it\u2019s melted enough to…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-bbq","wpcat-1-id"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t