If you grill every summer weekend, roast ribs for family reunions, or just like to chill by the fire with friends, you already know how much fun a great BBQ can be. However, running a grill isn’t always so simple. Missing tools, flimsy gadgets, or poor prep can mess with your plans and leave you flipping burgers with a fork or chasing flames in the wind.
If you’ve ever struggled with uneven steaks, sticky grill grates, or a thermometer that takes forever to read, you’re definitely not alone. The right equipment can make grilling smoother, more fun, and help you pull off meals you’re proud of, every single time.
Below, I’m breaking down 10 must-have BBQ tools every grill fan should have in their kit. Whether you’re just starting out or have char marks from years of experience, there are tools here that can help you step up your BBQ game without much effort.
1. A Reliable Meat Thermometer
Guesswork has no place at the grill, especially if you care about juicy results. A digital meat thermometer gives you quick readings, so you know exactly when to take that steak or chicken off the heat. The days of slicing open your meat to check if it’s done are over.
Instant-read models are a fan favorite, mostly because they’re super fast and accurate, so you won’t be left standing in the smoke. For bigger jobs like briskets or roasts, a leave-in probe thermometer with a remote display can be a total game-changer. That way, you keep the lid closed and the heat steady.
What to Look For:
- Fast response time (so you don’t lose too much heat)
- Wide temperature range for everything from rare beef to smoked pork
- Backlit display for night BBQs
Budget models get the job done, but if you grill a lot, it’s worth checking out brands like ThermoWorks or ThermoPro for serious accuracy and speed. Serious Eats shares reviews on several solid picks for any budget.
2. Grilling Tongs Worthy of the Job
You don’t want to be chasing hot dogs across the grates with tiny kitchen tongs. Longer heavy duty grilling tongs are pretty much nonnegotiable for flipping, moving, and even rearranging coals if you need to. Look for tongs that have a firm grip, a springy hinge, and are long enough to keep your hands cool.
Silicone tips are gentle on nonstick grill grates, while metal tips give you a little more power for heavy steaks or bigger cuts. Testing these out in the store (when you can) helps, especially since bendy or wobbly tongs can be tough to wrestle with over a hot fire.
What to Look For:
- 16-inch length or longer for safe distance
- Non slip grips for control
- Locking mechanism for easy storage
Brands like OXO, Weber, and Rosle all make tongs that have a cult following among BBQ fans.
3. Sturdy Grill Brush or Cleaning Tool
Keeping the grill clean makes a big difference in flavor and safety. A sturdy grill brush helps you scrape off leftover bits fast. I always clean as soon as the grill is still warm (but not blazing hot), so that stubborn crumbs brush off more easily.
There’s some debate about bristle brushes, because loose wires can cause headaches if they break off. Wire coil or bristlefree models like the GrillArt or Kona brush are pretty popular as safer alternatives. If your grill brush is looking tired or down a few bristles, it’s time to swap it out.
Cool Extras:
- Scraper edges for built up gunk
- Replaceable heads for longer life
Want more on safe grill cleaning? The USDA offers solid tips here.
4. Chimney Starter for Charcoal Grilling
Lighter fluid can leave a weird chemical taste and create extra smoke no one wants. Instead, a chimney starter makes it easy, fast, and clean to light up a batch of charcoal using just newspaper or natural firestarters. Drop the coals in the top, newspaper in the bottom, and light. You’ll have glowing coals in about 15 to 20 minutes, no mess or smells.
Tall models can handle a lot of charcoal, so you get even heat over the whole grill. This is a big step up from the days of constantly fanning the fire or squirting more lighter fluid.
Why This Is Handy:
- No chemical flavor
- More control over fire spread
- Safer and easier than piling coals straight in the grill
The Weber Rapidfire is a classic for a reason, but several other brands make great chimney starters too.
5. Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves
I can’t count how many grill burns I’ve avoided just by pulling on a good pair of BBQ gloves. Heat resistant gloves let you move hot grates, poke logs or rearrange coals, and even handle hot tools without burning your hands.
Go for gloves made with materials like aramid fiber or silicone, because those actually stand up to the heat and are easy to clean. Some folks like mitts, others prefer fingers for better control. Either way, BBQ gloves have saved me more than a few times, especially when dealing with big roasts or moving trays on and off the grill.
Why You’ll Like These:
- Grip hot grates without burning yourself
- Move pans or skewers easily
- No more dropped hot dogs (at least, not as many!)
Look for gloves rated at least 500°F or higher if you tend to grill with real fire or high temps. Check Food Fire Friends for top glove reviews.
6. Cast Iron Grill Pan or Griddle
Sometimes you want to toss veggies, shrimp, or even bacon on the grill, and you don’t want everything falling through the grates. A cast iron grill pan or flattop griddle lets you do fajitas, breakfast foods, or charred sides on your grill. I’ve even used mine for grilled cheese and smash burgers outside, which is always a hit.
The best part? They hold heat extremely well and add a nice sear or crisp to anything you cook, and clean up is easy if you keep them seasoned.
Popular Uses:
- Cooking chopped veggies or seafood
- Smash burgers, quesadillas, or even pancakes
- Melted cheese toppings (think nachos or grilled bread)
Lodge and Camp Chef make pans that are on the heavier side, but that extra weight keeps everything evenly heated.
Having a grill pan is like adding another burner outdoors. You can whip up sides or even breakfast while your meats finish over the flames, making it a flexible way to stretch your grill’s capabilities. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it, especially when you start experimenting with seared scallops or caramelized onions out in the backyard.
7. Instant Read Grill Light
Sunset BBQs are the best, but seeing your food after dark isn’t easy. A grill light that clips directly onto your grill lid or handles is one of those things you might not think about, but it’s really useful for checking doneness, flipping burgers, or avoiding overcooking after dark. Some come with built in magnets or hooks for easy use anywhere you need extra light.
Best Features:
- Water resistant housing
- Adjustable necks or heads
- LED bulbs for bright, true light
Many brands, like Kizen or Weber, offer lights with batteries included. Handy for yearround grilling, these lights help whether you’re cooking a late meal during the fall, or hosting friends long after sunset. If your backyard isn’t well lit, consider adding a portable lamp as backup, but grill lights specifically are built to withstand smoky conditions and can handle the extra heat and grease without trouble.
8. Basting Brush and Spray Bottle
Locking in moisture and building flavor is easier with a good basting brush. Silicone brushes are a solid choice because they don’t melt, hold sauces well, and clean up in the dishwasher. If you’re smoking or slow cooking, a simple spray bottle filled with water, apple juice, or broth can help keep meats moist and flavorful, especially over long cooks.
Natural fiber brushes can be good for thick barbecue sauces, but I avoid using them for high heat jobs since they can singe or get greasy fast.
Uses:
- Mopping ribs or chicken with sauce during the last 10 to 15 minutes
- Spritzing brisket or pork butt to avoid drying out the outside
- Coating veggies with oil before grilling
Combining both tools means you’re always ready for big flavor, no matter what you grill. There’s nothing like a steady hand with a brush for that sticky, caramelized BBQ glaze or for gently layering flavors during a long, slow smoke session. Plus, spray bottles pull double duty to control flare ups or cool down hotter spots on the grill in a pinch.
9. Meat Claws or Shredders
For pulled pork, chicken, brisket, or any job where you want shredded meat quickly, meat claws are way faster and easier than using forks. They’re usually dishwasher safe and make quick work of large cuts after smoking or roasting.
I use mine for holding big roasts in place while slicing, too. Just make sure to get claws with wide, easy to grip handles and sturdy, heat proof construction. Some even have fun extras like bottle openers built into the handles.
How They Help:
- Speed up shredding large meats
- Hold roast steady while carving
- Better leverage (and less hand fatigue)
Check out products from Bear Paws or Cave Tools for tried and true options. If you entertain often, having a pair or two means guests can pitch in on pulling pork or prepping platters, turning BBQ into a group event. The right claws will help your hands, keep everything steady, and cut prep time dramatically.
10. Aluminum Foil, Trays, and Grill Specific Accessories
Simple but often overlooked: always keep heavyduty aluminum foil on hand. It’s great for wrapping veggies, making grill packets, protecting delicate fish, or keeping cooked food warm on the side. Grill baskets and trays also come in handy for smaller foods, skewers, or anything that might stick or fall through the grates.
Other Handy Accessories:
- Grill mats for easy cleanup and mess reduction
- Disposable drip pans to catch grease and prevent flare ups
- Metal skewers for kabobs
Foil can act as an impromptu drip catcher, help with smoking chips, or seal in moisture and flavor in a flash. Grill mats are a go to for tailgaters and apartment dwellers, letting you grill everything from fish to eggs without sticking or making a mess of your grates. Whenever the action heats up, these simple add-ons make it easy to handle big batches, keep grill zones organized, and ensure cleanup is painless.
Final Thoughts
The right BBQ tools make backyard cooking way easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Even adding a couple of these items to your kit can save time, prevent mistakes, and help you turn out tastier results. No matter what you’re grilling, investing just a little in your gear makes a big difference. Got a favorite tool that saves your BBQ every time? I’d love to hear about it below!