The Grilling Accessories That EVERYONE Needs In Their Kit

When it comes to grilling, it’s not just about the flames and the food—it's also about the gear. Sure, you've got your grill. Maybe you even have a spatula that you've lovingly named. But to truly elevate your BBQ game to legendary status, there are some tools so powerful, they might just make your grill look smart. These are the unsung heroes of the barbecue world, the gadgets and gizmos that, while often overlooked, can dramatically enhance your grilling experience.

In this article, we're going to take a look at 10 accessories that will make both your food, and your grilling experience, WAY better.

Top 10 Grilling Accessories

1. Digital Meat Thermometer

Forget the poke-and-hope method. A digital meat thermometer is the secret sauce to ensuring your meats are perfectly cooked, every time. This little wizard tells you the exact internal temperature of your meat, taking the guesswork out of grilling. Say goodbye to overly charred chicken or, heaven forbid, dry steak.

• Why It’s a Must: It’s all about precision. Cooking meats to the perfect temperature means maximum flavor and safety.
• Price Range: $15 - $100. You can get a basic one that does the job well or splurge on a model with Bluetooth connectivity to monitor your steak from the comfort of your lounge chair.

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2. Grill Basket

Vegetables and smaller pieces of meat have a notorious reputation for staging escape attempts through the grill grates. Enter the grill basket—your way to keep those pesky little food items in check while achieving an even char.

• Why It’s a Must: It opens up a whole new world of grilling possibilities, from shrimp and fish to asparagus and diced potatoes. Plus, it makes flipping small items a breeze.
• Price Range: $20 - $50. Durable construction and size options can vary, so choose one that suits your grilling habits.

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3. Smoker Box

Smoking isn’t just for the big, bulky smokers—it’s for the grill, too! A smoker box lets you infuse your meats and veggies with that irresistible smoky flavor, no extra equipment required.

• Why It’s a Must: It’s the easiest way to level up your flavor game and impress your guests with minimal effort.
• Price Range: $15 - $40. Just add wood chips of your choice, and you’re on your way to flavor town.

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4. High-Quality Grill Brush

Keeping your grill clean is not just about aesthetics; it's about safety and flavor. A high-quality grill brush does the job effectively, preventing buildup and ensuring that yesterday’s salmon doesn’t visit today’s peaches.

• Why It’s a Must: Clean grates mean better grill marks and a pure taste. Plus, it helps extend the life of your grill.
• Price Range: $10 - $30. Look for one with a long handle to keep your hands away from the heat and durable bristles that won’t quit on you.

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5. BBQ Gloves

Not the kind of gloves you’d wear to a ball, unless that ball involves handling hot potatoes. High-temperature BBQ gloves protect your hands from the heat, giving you the confidence to flip, rotate, and move items around the grill without flinching.

• Why It’s a Must: Safety first, but also convenience. These gloves allow you to handle hot tools and foods directly, with dexterity you just can’t get with standard kitchen mitts.
• Price Range: $15 - $50. Material and heat resistance levels vary, so pick a pair that matches the heat of your grill game.

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6. Basting Brush & Marinade Injector

Why stop at external flavor when you can infuse your meats with deliciousness from the inside out? A marinade injector allows you to inject juicy flavors directly into the meat, while a high-quality basting brush lets you slather on sauces with the finesse of a BBQ maestro.

• Why It’s a Must: Together, they ensure your food is bursting with flavor both inside and out.
• Price Range: Injector: $10 - $30, Basting Brush: $5 - $20. Silicone brushes are preferred for their durability and ease of cleaning.

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7. Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil

This might seem like a kitchen staple, but heavy-duty aluminum foil is a grill’s best friend. Whether you’re wrapping potatoes, making veggie packets, or just lining the grill to catch drips, this versatile tool has got you covered—literally.

• Why It’s a Must: It’s the Swiss Army knife of the grilling world, useful for everything from cooking to cleanup.
• Price Range: $5 - $15. Go for the heavy-duty variety; it’s more resistant to rips and tears when handling tough grill jobs.

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8. Meat Claws

Shredding meat with forks is so last season. Meat claws not only make you look like a BBQ superhero, but they also make quick work of pulling pork, shredding chicken, or lifting large cuts of meat from grill to plate.

• Why It’s a Must: They save time and effort, plus they’re just incredibly fun to use.
• Price Range: $10 - $25. Look for claws made from durable materials that are easy to clean.

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9. Grill Light

Don’t let the sunset dictate your grilling time. A grill light can be clipped onto your grill, providing ample lighting to keep the BBQ going well into the evening.

• Why It’s a Must: It ensures your grilling precision doesn’t go down with the sun. Plus, nighttime grilling has a special charm of its own.
• Price Range: $15 - $50. Features vary from basic models to lights with adjustable brightness and motion sensors.

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10. Rotisserie Kit

For those who love a good spin on their grill, a rotisserie kit allows for slow-roasting chickens, roasts, and even vegetables, providing that perfect even cook and juicy flavor all around.

• Why It’s a Must: It opens up a whole new world of grilling possibilities and gives you that slow-roasted perfection.
• Price Range: $50 - $200. Prices vary depending on your grill model and the features of the rotisserie kit.

Wrappin' up

So, there you have it folks! If you're trying to up your grill game this year, you've got all the tools you need to make it happen - now, all you need to do is make sure you have the right grill, the desire to make it happen, and some cold beers by your side!

Oh, and probably some meat as well.