Grilling accessories differ from grilling tools in that they tend to handle specific tasks. Whereas grilling tools are generalists for flipping, grabbing, turning, or sliding. Now there are some grill tool packages that include accessories like corn on the cob holders, and meat thermometer probes.
You might be interested in different grill accessories based on how you grill, or even the type of grill you have. The following list takes a closer look at some of the best and most commonly used grilling accessories.
Charcoal Chimneys & Starters
Charcoal chimneys are increasingly popular. They let you fire up charcoal briquettes without having to fiddle around with the nearly catastrophic flare-ups and lingering flavors of lighter fluid. Even when smoking for the classic barbecue they let you start wood chunks for more consistent heat control. Though wood chips and small pieces of lump charcoal can sometimes fall through the bottom before they ignite.
Kingsford Grilling BB0466 Deluxe Charcoal BBQ Chimney Starter
Kingsford is the original pioneer in the charcoal briquette industry. So, it’s no surprise that they would offer a heavy-duty, stainless steel charcoal chimney at a reasonable price. This one has a long handle with a cool touch grip to protect your knuckles from the flames when you dump out the burning coals.
Char-Griller 12-Inch Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger
Char-Griller is another major grill manufacturer that offers a wide array of charcoal grills. This 12-inch diameter chimney has the capacity you need to fire up enough charcoal for a large grill. There’s also a trigger system that lets you deposit the coals safely without having to tip it over.
Weber 7429 Rapidfire Chimney Starter
This 7.5-inch diameter charcoal chimney starter from Weber is arguably tailored for modest-size grills like their popular 22 and 26-inch diameter kettle grills. Though you could just as easily use it to fire up chunks of smoking woods for your barbecue pit. It has an accessory handle that makes it easier for you to safely dump out the burning briquettes.
Meat Thermometers
Meat probe thermometers let you quickly read the internal temperature of the food you’re grilling. They’re especially handy for determining if things like bone-in chicken and stiffed pork chops have reached a safe internal temperature. If you’re working with a limited budget, there are some inexpensive options that won’t let you down.
Bluetooth Meat Thermometers
On the face of it, this small, hand-held probe thermometer has a low price point. The metal probe folds into the contoured grip of the handle, which lets you put it safely in your pocket or grill apron. It has a quick-read digital display when backlit. Which is very handy for times when you need to grill at sunset or check your smoker in the dark of night. Wireless probe thermometer was designed to appeal to backyard chefs who embrace innovation. It comes with six probes, which lets you monitor multiple pieces of meat or different locations on something like a large turkey or a whole hog in the smoker. It’s set up to run on a wireless Bluetooth signal, which links to an app on your smartphone. This is a great way to stay dialed in on your meat, even if your entertaining duties pull you away from the grill or smoker.
Cast Iron Griddle
Outdoor griddles are increasingly popular for their ability to sear off meats and vegetables. They’re especially convenient for campers and RV travelers who want to use their grill for making breakfast. If you still want a traditional grill, yet you want a flat top, then chances are a cast iron griddle accessory is on your radar.
Lodge LPGI3PLT Pro-Grid Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle Pan with Easy-Grip Handles
Lodge is a long-standing grill and kitchen product manufacturer who specializes in cast iron. So, it’s no small miracle that they would also offer some high-quality cast iron griddles. Their LPGI3PLT Pro-Grid has two sides. One is smooth the other has grids. This means you can use it to sear off vegetables and make bacon or pancakes on the smooth side. Later you can mark off pieces of meat on the gridded side. It’s also a great option for searing steaks and chops with attractive grill marks in a wood pellet grill.
Viking Culinary Viking Cast Iron 20-inch Reversible Grill/Griddle Pan
Viking Culinary is a high-end cast iron cookware manufacturer who infuses thoughtful engineering principles into every aspect of their products. Take for example this 20-inch by 9-inch cast iron griddle. The handles are just the right size to grab with grilling gloves and there’s a handy deep channel running along edges to capture grease, yet doesn’t let it run off into the grill flames, which could cause a severe flareup. The reversible side has grids as well as another run-off grease channel.
Backcountry Cast Iron Skillet 20×9″ (Large Reversible Grill/Griddle)
Backcountry is another strong manufacturing name in the cast iron industry. This 9-inch X 20-inch cast-iron griddle comes pre-seasoned with a protective coating. It has a large front reservoir to prevent rendered grease from dripping into the flames. On the other side there are raised perforations for making sear marks on pieces of meat. Yet they are high enough to let any excess grease pool under them.
Grill Gloves
If you have a grill with manually adjustable grill grate heights or you want to work with cast iron griddles, Dutch ovens, and frying pans, then you need a safe way to touch them. Unfortunately, the heat energy that can buildup inside cast iron can quickly exceed what an average oven mitt can handle. Most pairs of tongs simply don’t have the robust materials to handle moving heavy pieces of metal and tend to be clumsy. Grill gloves and food-capable welding gloves are specifically made from materials that can stand up to these high levels of heat.
Grill Armor Extreme Heat Resistant Oven Gloves
Grill Armor offers the EN407 “Extreme Heat Resistant Oven Gloves” for people who like to grill, but also want gloves that can pull double duty in the kitchen. They are made from a special blend of M-ARAMID & P-ARAMID fabrics which are essentially a slightly updated version of Nomex and Kevlar. These grill gloves are even safe to launder in the washing machine yet rated to handle up to 500-degrees centigrade.
RAPICCA 14GrillGloves BBQ Gloves Heat Resistant-Smoker
This is an increasingly popular grill glove manufacturer, who addresses the fact that when you are manipulating meat and metal your wrists are also in danger. They are especially handy if you do things like host an outdoor crawfish boil and you don’t want to steam poach your wrists. The exterior is heat-resistant neoprene and the interior is lined with soft cotton.
Jolly Green Products Ekogrips Premium BBQ Oven Gloves
These are essentially overly large oven mitts with fingers that you can easily articulate. This is thanks to the superior heat resistance and flexibility of the silicone they are made from. These grill gloves are also textured to help you firmly grip things like a greasy cast iron frying pan handle. The wrist protection doesn’t offer as much coverage as you might find with some competitors, but there’s enough there to keep your wrists from getting singed when you reach to the back of a grill grate.
BBQ Sets
Other Popular Grilling Accessories
Fun Aprons & Hats
Grill Baskets
