Best Grilling Tools: Five Essentials for Charcoal and Gas Grills

Introduction

A gorgeous day and a hot grill are all most of us need to want to cook outdoors. But regardless of what you are grilling or whether you cook over gas or charcoal, a handful of well-chosen tools makes every session smoother. Here are five favorites worth having on hand before you light the coals.

Light Charcoal Without Lighter Fluid

A gas grill is undeniably convenient, but many cooks still prefer the flavor and aroma of food cooked over charcoal. That means lighting the coals, and lighter fluid is best avoided because it can give food an off flavor. A chimney starter solves the problem cleanly.

The Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter is simple to use. A small chamber at the bottom holds two or three sheets of crumpled paper, the top chamber gets loaded with charcoal, and you light the paper through the slits in the base. About 20 minutes later you have glowing coals ready to pour into the grill.

Part of what makes it a favorite is the big, sturdy main handle paired with a helper handle, which makes it easy to lift and to pour the coals out precisely where you want them.

Start With a Hot, Clean Grate

Starting with a hot, clean grill grate is one of the best hedges against sticking. Put the grate in place, let it heat up, then scrape it clean with a grill brush.

The Weber 12-Inch Grill Brush is a favorite for this job. Its triangular head covers a lot of territory on the grate with the wide end, while the narrow edge of the triangle fits neatly between the tines. It uses wire bristles, which some people prefer to avoid.

A Bristle-Free Alternative

If wire bristles are a concern, the Kona Safe Clean Grill Brush takes a different approach. Instead of wires, its brushing surface is made of stainless steel coils, giving you a bristle-free way to scrub the grate clean.

Oil the Grate With Locking Tongs

No matter what you are cooking, oiling the grate is a good idea. The technique is simple: wad up paper towels, dip them in a little neutral oil, grab them with tongs, and rub the oiled towel across the hot grate.

The OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Locking Tongs are well suited to this and to grilling in general. They have a satisfying degree of tension, and the pincers at the business end are precise enough to pick up a toothpick yet hefty enough to lift a big slab of ribs. The locking mechanism keeps them compact when stored.

A Simple Pan That Earns Its Keep

Rimmed baking sheets are quietly one of the most useful grilling accessories. Use one to carry raw food out to the grill, and a clean one to bring the cooked food back inside.

The Nordic Ware Baker’s Half Sheet is made of aluminum and holds up to constant use; keeping five or six on hand is not unusual for cooks who grill often. It is inexpensive, versatile, and just as handy in the kitchen as it is at the grill.

Buying Advice

If you cook over charcoal, the chimney starter is the first purchase to make, since it replaces lighter fluid entirely. A grill brush is essential either way, so pick the Weber if wire bristles work for you, or the Kona if you prefer a bristle-free design. The tongs and half sheet pan round out a kit that covers lighting, cleaning, oiling, and hauling food with minimal fuss.

Conclusion

None of these tools are flashy, but together they cover the whole arc of a grilling session: lighting coals cleanly, scraping the grate hot, oiling it properly, and moving food safely in and out. Add them one at a time and every cookout gets a little easier.