The Best Grilling Accessories, According to Pitmasters
Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.
When the sun comes out, so do the grills. Summer days simply feel complete with the char-scented sizzle and hiss of a barbecue in the background.
Today's Top Deals
While a basic grill setup gets the job done, there exists a vast selection of tools that elevate and simplify the grilling process. It can be difficult to distinguish overpriced gimmicks from truly useful items, though so we’ve researched and some of the most reliable options below.
For the juiciest, easiest barbecue yet, here are the best grilling accessories.
What the Experts Say
For this article, SPY spoke with two members of the Barbecue Hall of Fame, Steven Raichlen and Meathead. Raichlen has authored more than 30 books, including The Barbecue Bible cookbook series, and also hosts the television shows Steven Raichlen’s Planet Barbecue, Project Fire, and Project Smoke. Meathead — who prefers using a mononym like, in his words, “Cher and Madonna” — is the publisher of the website AmazingRibs.com and author of Meathead, The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling. His next book, The Meathead Method, is scheduled to be published in 2025.
Both pitmasters discussed their favorite grilling accessories, from timeless essentials to handy add-ons. “My big four that I always say you need are tongs, a grill brush, insulated grill gloves, and an instant-read meat thermometer,” Raichlen tells us. “Those are sort of the four indispensables.”
Meathead recommends similar must-have accessories, adding a knife set and a cutting board to his list. For him, though, it starts with a reliable thermometer. “Thermometers are the single most important tool,” he says. “Cooking is all about temperature control, and you can’t tell when a steak is done by poking it with your finger.”
We cover all of these categories and more below, breaking down the top picks from two Barbecue Hall-of-Famers.
BEST OVERALL
Weber Precision Grill Tons and Spatula Set
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now
Buy Now
There’s no use throwing beef or chicken on the grill if you can’t take the food off once it’s cooked, and standard kitchen utensils can’t withstand the heat or provide the reach needed when grilling. That’s where this two-in-one set from Weber, which Raichlen calls a “reliable brand,” comes in.
For a reasonable price, you get a stainless steel spatula and a set of tongs, both of which are dishwasher-safe and have a heat-resistant, non-slip grip. The utensils are each 18 inches long, allowing home grillers to maneuver food without being exposed to any leaping flames.
While you could get away with owning one or the other, it’s better to have the versatility of two different grilling accessories. The Weber Precision Set is perhaps the first item worth purchasing after the grill itself.
BEST THERMOMETER
FireBoard Spark Instant-Read Thermometer
Buy Now
Many backyard barbecuers insist on eyeballing food to decide when it’s ready, but it only takes one undercooked chicken breast to regret that decision. Using a thermometer is a surefire way to know that food is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, and no thermometer is better than the FireBoard Spark.
This pick skews toward serious grillers because it’s so expensive, but its performance is hard to beat. Meathead uses the thermometer firsthand and says it’s “really fast and accurate.”
What further sets the Spark apart is that it can deliver live updates throughout the grilling process via Bluetooth. “You can plug in a probe with a cable that can stay in a turkey breast or roast for an entire cook and it can talk to your phone and computer,” Meathead adds.
BEST GRILL GLOVES
Steven Raichlen Signature Series Extra Long Grilling Gloves
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now
There are a few key features to look for when buying grill gloves, and this pair from the Steven Raichlen Signature Series checks all the boxes and then some. They are heat-resistant and cut-resistant, so they can protect your hands from the two main dangers of grilling. Made of suede, they offer more flexibility and dexterity than stiff, leather gloves.
“They’re extra heavy and extra padded,” Raichlen says. “And I designed them so that the sleeve is really long.”
At 18 inches long, the gloves cut off around most people’s elbows, offering far more protection than a standard glove that goes up to the wrist. The price is right in line with that of other quality grill gloves.
BEST GRILL BRUSH
Grill Rescue Grill Brush
Buy Now On Amazon
Though it’s rare, grill brushes with metal wires can be dangerous, as the wires can break off and end up in food. Grill Rescue eliminates that concern with this wireless grill brush. In place of wires is a sponge-like pad of aramid fiber that cleans grease and food char with ease.
“I have every grill brush ever invented,” Meathead tells us. “Grill Rescue is the grate cleaner I grab first.” Meathead also notes one small downside, which is that the cleaning pad blackens quickly; however, it’s easy to wash and reuse. (It can even be tossed in the dishwasher.)
Price-wise, it’s a tad more expensive than an average grill brush, but the added safety and reusability is worth it. The Grill Rescue Grill Brush can also be purchased with or without a steel scraper, depending on preference.
BEST KNIFE SET
Shun Cutlery Classic 3-Piece Starter Set
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now
This three-piece knife set provides a terrific foundation for all types of cooking, not just grilling. It comes with a paring knife for precise cutting of aromatics; a utility knife that you can use on everything from meat to vegetables; and a classic 8-inch chef’s knife — the backbone of any kitchen.
Raichlen uses Shun Cutlery knives and calls them “very well-designed.” As he puts it, “No good knife is affordable.”
The knives are expensive, but, to make up for the cost, Shun Cutlery offers a limited lifetime warranty as well as free sharpening for life.
BEST GRILL TOPPER
GrillGrate Set of 2
Buy Now On Amazon
Grill toppers come in various shapes and sizes, but their basic functions are to cook food more evenly and prevent things from falling between your grill grates. If you’re looking for a grill topper, the aptly named GrillGrate is the brand to beat.
“They offer many benefits, among them they tamp down flareups, they disperse hotspots, and they allow smoke to get through the holes to the food,” says Meathead, who also calls GrillGrates “The best thing to happen to gas grills since the propane tank.”
You can find GrillGrates to perfectly match the size of your grill, but we selected these 13.75-inch panels because they accommodate small and large grills. Simply place them atop your grill and start cooking. The purchase also includes the brand’s GrateTool, which fits inside the grooves of the GrillGrate for smooth flipping and food removal.
BEST SCALE
OXO 11-Pound Food Scale With Pull-Out Display
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now
Buy Now
While a lot of grilling can be done without kitchen scales, one can become integral when you’re following a recipe. This digital scale from OXO calculates up to 11 pounds with speed and accuracy. That’s enough to weigh rubs, marinades, and sides, not to mention the main course.
“I wondered how often I would use a scale when I bought this, but I find it indispensable now,” says Meathead. “If you want the perfect six-ounce burger you need a digital kitchen scale.”
It’s slightly more expensive than a standard kitchen scale but won’t break the bank. Naturally, it can be used when cooking in the kitchen too, not just for backyard barbecues. One handy feature is that the digital display can be pulled out farther from the scale, just in case the food you’re weighing takes up too much room.
BEST SHREDDERS
Cave Tools Metal Meat Claws
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now
Fans of pulled pork and shredded chicken will get a lot of use out of the Cave Tools Metal Meat Claws.
“These allow you to take an eight-pound pork butt that has been smoking low and slow for hours and shred and serve it while it’s still hot,” Meathead says. “It’s much faster than using forks.” (The claws themselves have a few hidden uses too, like tossing a salad or sticking into a hunk of meat for stability while slicing it.)
Overall, this is a budget-priced accessory that makes it drastically easier to tear apart savory meats.
BEST CUTTING BOARD
JK Adams Reversible Cutting Board
Buy Now On Amazon
Buy Now
Buy Now
It might seem like any slab of wood or plastic works as a cutting board, but when chopping away over a low-quality board, you’ll notice the incessant sliding and the juices going everywhere. A bad cutting board can even damage knives, so it’s worth paying a little extra for a better one, like this reversible option from JK Adams.
Raichlen says JK Adams’ cutting boards are, on the whole, “very well-crafted and come in a variety of woods and finishes.” This one, in particular, is versatile, sturdy, and convenient. One side is a typical flat cutting board; the other side has a recess in the center that stabilizes any food, from whole turkeys to fruits and vegetables. Both sides have a well around the edges to collect juices and keep your countertop clean.
A small downside is that it’s hand-wash only, but that’s common for high-end cutting boards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Accessories
How Do You Store Grill Tools?
If the weather is nice, some grilling tools can be left beside the grill (after they’ve been cleaned, of course). Many grills have hooks and side caddies for utensils and cleaning products. For the most part, however, grilling tools should be stored in a covered space. That might be in drawers and cupboards inside the house or, if there’s not enough room, an outdoor storage box or utility tote.
How Do You Clean Grill Tools?
Some grill utensils, including spatulas, tongs, and brushes, are safe to throw in the dishwasher. Not everyone wants to fill their dishwasher with that much grease, though. Instead, hand-wash the utensils with water and dish soap. Pro tip: Soaking them in hot water beforehand will make any grease and food remains come off more easily. For extremely tough messes, a combination of vinegar and baking soda helps.
How Do I Know When Food Is Done Grillling?
The best way to know your food is ready is by checking the temperature with a thermometer. While the color and consistency of certain foods can tell you a lot, that’s an inexact science. Luckily, kitchen thermometers are readily available and start at budget prices. For reference, the USDA considers 145 degrees to be a safe internal temperature minimum for beef, pork, lamb, and fish and 165 degrees for poultry.
Proceed to Checkout
More Top Deals from SPY
