Whether you just bought your first grill or you’re a master, the right tools can take your grilling to the next level. This list of outdoor grilling tools and accessories goes over the essentials as well as a few additions you may have overlooked. 

1. Grill Brush

We’re going to start off with the obvious. If you’re the type of person that uses your grill often or if you’re the type of person that leaves the clean up for tomorrow, consider spending a little extra coin on a decent grill brush. 

Also, consider the type of grates your grill has. Brushes with metal bristles can scratch porcelain and chrome grates. Cheap grill brushes can lose their bristles that may melt in the fame or end up in your food.  

Check out the Char-Broil Nylon Bristle Grill Brush from Amazon. It features thick bright red nylon bristles that are not only safe for you, if they do fall out they will be easy to spot, but also safe for cleaning most grates. 

Your grill brush is a basic but important tool. So, spend a little more money to get one that will make the job easier and will last.

2. Grill Cleaner

A perhaps less obvious tool, but just as important as a grill brush, is grill cleaner. There are a variety of grill cleaner options on the market but not all are safe for all types of grills. Consider the makeup of your grill and find one that is approved for that surface. 

You shouldn’t clean grill grates with bleach or other abrasive solutions. Be sure to take a look at your owner’s manual or check your brand’s website to avoid damaging your grill. 

Also, consider how you use the cleaner. There are all-purpose cleaners that are food safe and can clean grates, interiors, and exterior surfaces. But not every cleaner is that versatile. For my eco-friendly fam, you can find effective biodegradable and all natural cleaners. 

A great candidate is Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner. Its “super-strength” gel is safe on food-prep and is safe to clean most major grill brands. 

We reviewed 12 of the best grill cleaners on the market. Check them out here.

3. Grilling Apron

We all want to look cool but stay clean with a grilling apron like the Asaya Chef Work Apron so you can get to eating and hanging out quicker.

There are plenty of great apron options: durable, heavy, light, the list goes on. You can find one that suits your grilling needs and stay looking as good as your food does. There are a bunch of other options here too.

4. Chimney Starter

Get grilling faster with a chimney starter like this Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter. Chimney starters reduce the time and effort needed to get charcoal hot. It’s a simple three-step process.

1. Fill the chimney starter with your favorite charcoal brand.
2. Light a couple of lighter cubes and place the starter over them. 
3. Pour your coals into the grill once the top coals start to ash slightly.

The process usually takes 20-25 minutes. To anyone that has lit charcoal traditionally, that’ll feel instantaneous. Make sure you buy one that is durable and can stand up to the heat. Some even come with heat-protected handles but you should still grab the next thing on our list. 

5. BBQ Gloves

Save yourself some time at the kitchen sink and at the first aid box with a nice pair of grilling gloves. Keep your hands clean and protected while you flame kiss that steak.

Find a pair that can stand up to at least 900 degrees fahrenheit of punishment. Also make sure to find a pair that are still comfortable enough to allow you to bend your fingers and work with your hands when you need to. 

Check out these Grill Armor Oven Gloves.

6. Smart Grill Thermometers

It’s time to add some tech in your grilling tool box. Consider a bluetooth grilling thermometer. Most have an app that will allow you to monitor cooking temperatures and set timers. Thermometers like this ThermoPro Wireless Thermometer even allows you to choose preset USDA-recommended temperatures for a range of meat. Be sure to find one that has enough bluetooth range to keep you connected in the kitchen or in the lawn chair. 

7. Grill Rotisserie

Add a bit of range to your menu with a rotisserie grill topper. This is another item that’s best not to cheap out on. Find one with a powerful motor that won’t get bogged down with larger cuts of meat. This OneGrill Heavy Duty Rotisserie Kit from amazon is a good option. 

8. Cast Iron Griddle 

Have an excuse to get to the grill early in the morning with a BBQ griddle like this AmazonBasics Pre-Seasoned Reversible Cast Iron Griddle. Get an early start on that smoked ham and cook up a great breakfast in the meantime. There are generally two types of cast iron, pre-seasoned and unseasoned.

Seasoning refers to an oil that is used to protect the iron from rust and corrosion as well as give it non-stick properties. Whichever you choose it’s best to season it yourself before use. It’s best to clean cast iron with water or with cast iron solution. You can use soap, but should cook with the pan for a few weeks first to let the layer of seasoning polymerize.

9. Pizza Oven For Gas Grill

For those that have a grill but don’t eat meat or have friends or family that don’t eat meat, break out a pizza oven topper like this  Cuisinart Pizza Oven Grill Topper before you put out the grill. You use your grill in the traditional way, the flame heats the baking stone allowing for a delicious pizza crust.

 You won’t even need a specialized or very large grill, as the topper works with all grills and smaller ones can fit on two to six-burner gas grills. 

10. Grill Tiles 

Get evenly cooked food every time with a set of grill tiles like the Ceramic Grill Tiles by BBQ King. Grilling tiles can enhance that smoky flavor and reduce flare ups. Your food will absorb that delicious smoky flavor without getting burnt by the flames.

The tiles can help reduce fuel consumption by cooking food evenly the first time. There are a variety of gilling tiles, ceramic lava rock, etc. Consider the cost and longevity. Ceramic is cleanable and reusable but costs significantly more than lava rock.

11. Stainless steel spatula

No griller, beginner or expert, should be without a spatula. Make flipping burgers and steaks like this stainless steel spatula from Amazon. Let’s not go crazy here, find one that is easy to use and can be thrown in the dishwasher (see also ‘How To Install A Dishwasher‘). 

This grill accessory is a must. It makes babysitting your food easy and you can ensure everything cooks evenly – as long as you flip it at the right time! 

12. Cooler

While we wait, we hydrate. If you don’t have a built-in grilling station with an outdoor fridge or are simply using a grill in the park, bring a long cooler that can withstand the direct summer sun.

We like the Yeti Tundra Haul but there are plenty of great coolers that cost far less. Just don’t try to be a hero, get one with wheels.

13. Meat Marinade Injector 

The last but perhaps most important grill accessory is a meat marinade injector. Develop your own secret family marinade or try this marinade from Tony Chachere’s. Either way, a simple marinade injector like this one on Amazon will ensure your meats come out moist, tender, and full of flavor every time.   

There you go: 13 Best Outdoor Grilling Tools and Accessories

Do you feel like a grill master yet? Whether you’re a grilling pro looking to upgrade or someone who has just bought their first grill, these 13 best outdoor grilling tools and accessories are must-haves this summer. 

For more grilling tips, outdoor kitchen ideas, and design inspiration, check out our Pinterest. Happy eating!

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