12 Essential Grilling Tools Every Backyard Cook Needs

You do not need a drawer full of gadgets to cook well outdoors. A small set of dependable grilling tools covers almost everything from steaks and burgers to vegetables, chicken and low-and-slow barbecue.

Start with the basics below, then add specialty tools only when your cooking style actually demands them.

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1. Long locking tongs. Your most-used grill tool. Look for enough length to keep your hands away from the heat without feeling clumsy.

2. Sturdy spatula. Essential for burgers, fish, smash-style patties and delicate foods that need support underneath.

3. Instant-read meat thermometer. The fastest way to stop guessing whether food is done. It is more useful than almost any specialty gadget.

4. Heat-resistant gloves. Useful when moving hot grates, pans, chimney starters and smoker parts. Choose the type that matches your work: silicone for wet handling, insulated fabric/leather for dry high heat.

5. Grill brush or scraper. A clean cooking grate gives better contact and fewer burned-on flavors. Inspect wire-bristle brushes regularly and replace damaged ones.

6. Basting brush. Silicone brushes are easy to clean and work well for sauces, glazes and oil.

7. Grill basket. Keeps vegetables, shrimp and small pieces from disappearing through the grate.

8. Chimney starter. For charcoal cooks, this is one of the simplest ways to light coals evenly without relying on lighter fluid.

9. Long-handled grill cleaning scraper. A solid scraper complements brushing and is useful for stubborn buildup.

10. Sheet pan or tray. Keep one tray for raw food and a separate clean one for cooked food to avoid cross-contamination.

11. Small flashlight or grill light. Evening cooks become much easier when you can actually see surface browning and thermometer placement.

12. Fire-safe instant-read or leave-in thermometer setup. For smokers and indirect cooks, a leave-in probe helps you follow both meat and pit temperature over time.

If you are starting from scratch, buy good tongs, a spatula and a thermometer first. Those three tools cover the majority of everyday grilling. Add gloves, a cleaning tool and a basket next.

Do not overspend on giant tool sets filled with pieces you will rarely touch. Individual tools with comfortable handles, solid hinges and easy-to-clean materials usually make more sense.

For detailed tool recommendations, see our grill tongs, grill brushes, chimney starters, grill baskets, grill mitts and BBQ aprons. For thermometer recommendations, see our Best Meat Thermometers for Grilling & Smoking.