To ensure a great BBQ experience, you’ll need a few essential tools. Tongs are crucial for flipping and handling food without piercing it, which helps retain juices. A spatula is perfect for burgers and delicate items like fish. Grill brushes are necessary for keeping the grates clean and maintaining the flavour of your food. A meat thermometer ensures your food is cooked to perfection and safe to eat. Other handy essentials include basting brushes, grill gloves, and grill baskets for vegetables or seafood.

A meat thermometer is essential for achieving perfectly cooked meat and ensuring food safety. Overcooking can result in dry, tough meat, while undercooking poses health risks. A meat thermometer eliminates guesswork by giving you an accurate internal temperature reading. For example, chicken should reach 75°C (165°F) to be safe to eat, while steak can vary based on your preference, typically between 50°C (rare) and 70°C (well-done). Using a thermometer helps you consistently deliver juicy and tender meat.

To maintain the quality and lifespan of your BBQ tools, clean them after each use. Grill brushes are ideal for cleaning the grates while the BBQ is still warm to remove stuck-on food and grease. Tongs, spatulas, and other metal tools can be washed with warm soapy water and a sponge. Avoid soaking wooden handles for long periods, as this may cause cracking. Basting brushes with silicone heads are easy to clean and can often be placed in the dishwasher. For stainless steel surfaces, use a non-abrasive cleaner to maintain their shine.

A basting brush is used to apply marinades, sauces, or melted butter to food while it cooks on the grill. Basting keeps the food moist, adds layers of flavour, and helps achieve a caramelised crust on items like ribs, chicken, and seafood. Silicone basting brushes are heat-resistant and easy to clean, making them a popular choice. Regularly basting your food can help prevent it from drying out and enhance the overall taste.

Grill baskets and mats are excellent for cooking smaller or delicate items that could fall through the grates, such as vegetables, shrimp, or fish. Grill baskets allow heat and smoke to circulate, enhancing the flavour while keeping everything contained. Grill mats provide a non-stick surface, making it easy to cook and flip delicate items without sticking or tearing. Both options make grilling more versatile and convenient, expanding what you can cook on your BBQ.

Grill gloves are highly recommended over regular kitchen gloves because they are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and open flames. BBQ gloves are typically made from heat-resistant materials like aramid or silicone, protecting your hands from heat, hot surfaces, and flare-ups. They also provide a good grip for handling hot tools, grill grates, and heavy items like cast-iron pans. Regular kitchen gloves may not offer the same level of heat protection, which can increase the risk of burns.