17 Best Grilling Accessories You Need at Your Station
Updated: Nov. 24, 2020It's time to get outside and fire up the grill with the best grill accessories and gadgets for your buck.
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Chimney Starter
If you’re a passionate charcoal griller, you’ll want to invest in a chimney starter. This affordable gadget lets you start your grill without any lighter fluid—just some paper and your favorite charcoal. Give it a light, let it go to work and dispense the coals right into your grill.
Why it made our list: Lighter fluid can leave your food tasting chemical. This gadget lets the flavors of your favorite grilled dishes shine!
Basting Pot with Brush
You can set this stainless steel pot on your grill to keep your barbecue sauce warm. And a basting brush (beloved by pitmasters for its generous sauce distribution) easily rests in the handle.
Why it made our list: The basting brush has a silicone handle and will stay cool as you cook.
Grilling Towels
Be prepared for an inevitable spill with a stack of basic dish towels. They’re well-equipped to wipe up barbecue sauce, catch grease splatters and more. These genius uses for a kitchen towel will surprise you! Plus, find five ways to make your outdoor space feel like home, straight from our stylists.
Why it made our list: The gingham check pattern is perfect for summer.
BBQ Tools for Grilling
Every griller—whether a beginner or a pro—needs a set of quality tools. This 3-piece collection has everything you’ll need to whip up one of our best-ever BBQ recipes.
Why it made our list: Long handles make it easy to keep your distance from the heat.
MEATER+ Thermometer
A thermometer is a must in the kitchen, but it’s also a must at your grill station. The MEATER+ is fancier than most—it connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone. With the corresponding app, you can get alerts when your grilled chicken is done without constantly opening the grill.
Why it made our list: Not only does this fancy thermometer monitor your meat’s temp, it calculates for carryover cooking too so you don’t ever end up with an overcooked steak.
Flexible Skewers
These flexible skewers for easy grilling are perfect for maximizing your grill space. Plus, they make marinating in a bag or bowl a breeze! Not sure what to make first? Get our best kabob recipes.
Why it made our list: No need to pre-soak ’em!
Grill Grates
Designed by professional pitmasters, these interlocking grate panels retrofit to any grill. Diehard fans swear that they cook more evenly and prevent flareups. P.S. You need to stop making these common grilling mistakes.
Why it made our list: Your food will get those picture-perfect sear marks.
DiamondKing Smoker
You can turn any grill into a smoker with this deceptively simple smoke box. It sits on the grill grates and produces all the heat and smoke you need to make delicious barbecue without using charcoal or propane. Get step-by-step instructions for turning your grill into a smoker here.
Why it made our list: The large design holds a lot of wood—so your food turns out extra flavorful.
Canvas Grilling Apron
Protect your outfit (and keep grilling tools close at hand!) with this smart canvas apron. Who knew simple could look so good?
Why it made our list: The front pocket can hold tools or a cold one.
Pit Mitt
Sometimes an oven mitt or hot pad is too cumbersome for grilling tasks, like turning kabob skewers. That’s where the Pit Mitt comes in handy. This glove withstands high heat so you can handle hot pans, tools and foods from the grill.
Why it made our list: This glove is a must by the grill but is handy inside, too.
Cedar Grilling Planks
Infuse your grilled goods with a hint of cedar. These sturdy planks are perfect for holding salmon, vegetables and more. If you’re new to working with grilling planks, check out our Test Kitchen’s guide to using them.
Why it made our list: Rainy day? These planks work in the oven, too.
Beer Can Chicken Roaster Rack
Catch all the drips in this stainless steel roasting rack, then toss it in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. (And check out our Beer Can Chicken recipe while you’re waiting for the roaster to arrive!)
Why it made our list: Included spikes let you roast veggies along with your chicken.
Wooden Cutting Board
Bring your prep station outside with this durable wooden cutting board. It’s sturdy enough to hold a steak filet or chop up some vegetables, but is portable enough for camping trips or tailgating. Take care of your new cutting board with these expert tips.
Why it made our list: A rope handle makes this board easy to store.
Grill Basket
This heavy-duty grill basket from Grillaholics fits any grill and is sized just right so food doesn’t fall through it. You just might have the best grilled veggies on the block. Learn how to grill veggies like a pro.
Why it made our list: It’s dishwasher-safe so cleanup is a breeze!
LED Grill Light
Made with 10 ultra-bright LED lights, this clamp-style, weather-resistant grill light will help you power through the elements and the darkest of nights to deliver grilled perfection to the dinner table. Here’s how to choose the right type of grill for your cooking style.
Why it made our list: It’s perfect for stainless steel grills!
Copper Grill Mat
Ever wish you could grill without the hassle of scrubbing an oversized grill grate? You can with copper grill mats. Think of these as parchment paper for your grill. Place them right on the grates and grill away! These sheets keep the grill clean and prevent some of your smaller cuts from falling through.
Why they made our list: These mats make for easy cleanup.
Wooden Grill Scraper
Ditch the wire scrapers that get gunked up and try a wooden paddle scraper to clean your barbecue. As you use these hardwood scrapers from Great Scrape, they conform perfectly to your grill’s specific grates. Wire grill brushes can actually be dangerous. Here’s why.
Why it made our list: This scraper is made from all-natural materials.
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