20 Grilling Accessories That Seriously Make Outdoor Cooking So Much Easier (and Tastier)

Best Instant-Read Thermometer

A thermometer is essential for nailing the temperature and doneness of medium-rare steaks, juicy burgers and everything in between. The Thermoworks Thermapen is a chef-approved favorite and will give an accurate reading in two to three seconds. The Mk4 version has an automatic backlight so you can grill late into the night, too.

Pros

• Reads temperatures in seconds
• High accuracy (±0.7°F)
• Versatile for grilling, cooking and baking

Cons

• More expensive than other thermometers
• Handheld design requires frequent temp-checking

Buy it ($99; $69)

Best Probe Thermometer

A simple handheld thermometer is a must in the kitchen, but a probe thermometer with an alarm is a nice upgrade for grilling. A 47-inch heat-resistant cable means you can insert the probe, close the grill lid and still monitor the temperature of your brisket while it smokes. You can even set a target temperature alarm to alert you when your pièce de résistance is done.

Pros

• Cable probe for hands-off temperature reads
• Temperature alarm
• Simple interface is easy to use
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons

• Doesn’t have the high-tech features of more expensive designs

Buy it ($45)

Best Grill Scraper

While steel grill brushes are traditional for cleaning gunk from grates, these cedar scrapers have a flat edge that’s more efficient and won’t leave behind shards of metal for your next steak sesh. The scraper will eventually form grooves and conform to your unique grate shape.

Pros

• Doesn’t leave metal behind
• Cleans efficiently

Cons

• Will wear down over time
• Some reviewers note cracking

Best Grilling Tongs

If you’re grilling, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll reach for tongs over any other utensil. A pair that’s spring-loaded and locking is ideal; a pull-tab locking mechanism is even better. (It’s easier to open and close when you’re juggling other items and will stay securely locked.) This stainless-steel pair has all that, plus soft, non-slip grips on the handles, and a hanging loop for easy storage.

Pros

• Sturdy stainless-steel material
• Pull-style locking mechanism stays locked
• Dishwasher safe

Cons

• Some reviewers find the length too long

Best Spatula

We know, we know: It’s called “a fish turner,” so why would it be good for anything else? Hear us out: This type of spatula (usually known as a fish spatula) has a wide width and flexible blade, with an ultrathin edge that can get under any food with ease. It’s our favorite type of spatula for all tasks, and this OXO version is sturdy enough for grilling.

Pros

• Flexible but sturdy
• Versatile

Cons

Best Sizzle Platter

Sizzle platters are a restaurant’s best-kept secret for broiling, mise-en-place-ing and corralling utensils into one place. They’re basically just small, lightweight aluminum pans, but they conduct heat extremely well and can really take a beating. Stock up on a few and use them to catch basting brushes, roast zucchini coins and hold resting cuts of meat.

Pros

• Small size is good for grilling vegetables or single portions
• Versatile
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Will eventually dent and discolor

Best Sheet Pans

Aside from roasting vegetables and baking cookies, sheet pans are a cook’s best friend for carrying foods and condiments to and from the kitchen, and resting big cuts of meat before slicing and serving. The rimmed design of these Nordic Ware pans both prevents warping over time and catches errant juices.

Pros

• Versatile
• Rimmed design catches drips and prevents warping

Cons

• Can be a nuisance to clean

Buy it ($37)

Best Grill Pan for Seafood and Vegetables

Smaller vegetables and delicate filets of fish can stick or fall through the grill grates, but a grill pan solves that. This 12-by-16-inch pan is nonstick and can be moved to and from your grill, plus it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Pros

• Makes grilling fish and vegetables easier
• Dishwasher safe
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Some reviewers say food can stick

Best Smoker Box

Unless you have a full-fledged smoker (we don’t), this cast-iron gadget and a bag of wood chips is your next best way to infuse with rich, smoky flavor. You simply fill it with the wood of your choice, light the chips and rest it on the grates next to your food. When you close the grill lid, it traps the smoke and turns the grill into a makeshift smoker.

Pros

• Will last forever
• Cheaper than a smoker

Cons

• Heavy

Best Headlamp

A headlamp is an essential for grilling? If you plan on cooking outdoors past sunset or in off seasons, then absolutely. This one is rechargeable, water-resistant and size-adjustable, so you basically never have an excuse to not grill.

Pros

• Hands-free illumination
• Rechargeable and water resistant

Cons

• Some reviewers say the battery doesn’t last long enough

Best Charcoal Starter

Sure, you could use lighter fluid to light your charcoal grill (or alternatively, wait an hour for the coals to catch), but a chimney will get the same job done in 20 minutes and without any funky chemicals. To use it, pour your charcoal of choice into the aluminum drum, top with an oil-soaked paper towel and give it a light. Voilà, white-hot charcoal.

Pros

• Lights charcoal without lighter fluid
• Fast

Cons

• Can be smoky when first lighting

Best Pizza Stone

Sure, you can use a baking stone in your oven, but did you know it works on the grill just as well? Take pizza night outside with this 12-by-15-inch ceramic slab, which yields crispy crusts just like your favorite restaurant. We like this design because it has one rimmed edge and one free edge, so you can slide your masterpiece on the stone with ease (and without fear of it falling off).

Pros

• Grill-safe up to 480°F
• Also works in the oven
• Makes brick oven style pizza at home

Cons

• Hand-wash only

Buy it ($35)

Best Skewers

Just us, or do kebabs have more fun? Skip the flammable bamboo skewers in favor of reusable steel ones, which don’t any require soaking. These have a flat design, so foods won’t spin around when skewered.

Pros

• Flat design
• Reusable
• No soaking required

Cons

• Metal gets hot

Buy it ($13)

Best Basting Brush

For baking, we prefer a boar-bristle brush, but for basting on marinades and barbecue sauces, silicone is easier to clean and won’t hold onto funky smells. (Oh, and it won’t catch on fire either.) We love that this brush has an angled head, so you can rest it on a surface without making a total mess.

Pros

• Easy to clean
• Impervious to smells and stains
• Heat resistant

Cons

• Large bristles aren’t good for precision basting

Best Salt Cellar

There’s no point in grilling if you’re not going to season your food, so it’s best to keep some salt at the ready. Since a shaker won’t cut it, we prefer a salt cellar for generous pinches and sprinklings. This olivewood design has a lid for portability and won’t shatter if it drops.

Pros

• Durable
• Lidded

Cons

• Some reviewers say it tips easily

Buy it ($30)

Best Pepper Mill

Almost as important as salt is spice, and freshly ground black pepper is always the way to go. This is one of our favorite pepper mills because it’s incredibly fast and cranking it is as smooth as butter. The grind-size is also adjustable, and refilling is a breeze.

Pros

• Fast, adjustable grinding
• Easy to refill

Cons

• Expensive

Best Wood Grill Planks

For smoky meats and seafood (and even vegetables) sans smoker or smoker box, these wood planks get the job done. We like this set—which comes with one plank each of Western red cedar, alder, maple, cherry and hickory—for experimenting and first-time plank grilling.

Pros

• Infuses foods with smoky flavor
• Easy to use

Cons

• Will wear out over time
• Requires advance preparation

Buy it ($26)

Best Oven Mitts

Burns are not invited to this barbecue, so keep your digits cozy and safe with these handy oven mitts. They’re topped with silicone (which is heat safe up to 650°F) and contain secret magnets which allow hanging from any metal surface.
Pros

• Silicone is heat safe and flexible
• Easy to store

Cons

• Cotton accents are not heat safe

Best Grilling Apron

Grilling without an apron is like driving without car insurance, and accidents always happen. This one has a crossback design to keep tension off your neck (and will fit all sizes), and the heavy-duty canvas resists stains and abrasions. It also features multiple pockets and a smart side-tab for hanging a hand towel.

Pros

• Fits all sizes comfortably
• Pockets
• Durable

Cons

• Expensive

Best Cutting Board

If you’re dining alfresco, placing a cutting board grill-side eliminates the need for trips in and out of the kitchen. This handsome end-grain maple board is an investment for sure, but it’s both durable and gentle on your kitchen knives. (Just don’t store it outside.)

Pros

• Beautiful and durable
• Versatile
• Gentle on knives

Cons

• Expensive
• Requires regular oiling

Buy it ($206)