Barbecue Cooking Tools and Accessories

There are a host of barbeque tools and accessories that are available to the outdoor chef; some, such as turners and tongs are essential, whilst others, like fish grill baskets may only appeal to some.

Basting Brushes

A basting brush is used to spread fat, juices or marinade on meat, fish or vegetables cooking on the barbecue. They may be made using nylon, silicone or natural bristles.

Charcoal Baskets

A charcoal basket will prevent your charcoal from separating and falling through the grate. As a result, you will get longer, hotter fires with less fuel.

Corn Grill Baskets

Corn on the cob grilling baskets can typically hold up to 4 pieces of corn at a time. The best ones will come with an extra long handle to make it easy to flip the corn whilst barbecuing, and remove when finished.

Fish Grill Baskets

Simply place your fish between the plates of a fish grill basket to ensure that the fish won't stick on the barbecue grill whilst cooking. The basket also makes it easy to turn the fish over when required, for even cooking.

Grill Baskets

Grill baskets are designed to barbecue large portions of cut vegetables, small meats and seafood without allowing it to fall through the cracks of the grill.

Grill Brushes

Grill brushes, which are used to scrub away any debris left on the barbecue after cooking, typically feature metal (e.g. brass) bristles that won't rust or scratch the grill.

Grill Skillets

One of the most popular BBQ items, the grill skillet (frying pan) is great for cooking smaller items on the grill that might otherwise fall down into the flames. Choosing a non-stick frying pan will make it easy to clean up after cooking.

Skewers

A skewer is a thin wood or metal stick used to hold small pieces of food together, and is perfect for cooking things like kebabs. They may be made from metal (which may be re-used) or wood (which may not). Wooden skewers should be soaked in water prior to assembling and cooking to avoid burning. Metal skewers are typically stainless steel and will have a pointed tip on one end and a grip of some kind on the other end for ease of removing the food. Skewers with a square or rectangular cross section (as opposed to circular) will ensures the food always sits securely on the skewer, even during turning.

Thermometers

There are two major types of thermometer used in barbecue cooking; the first measures the temperature of the grill, to ensure that the surface is the right temperature for grilling, searing or anything in-between. Preheating the grill to the proper temperature will help retain the flavour of the food and sear in the juices without burning the food.

The second type is used to measure the internal temperature of the food; usually meat. This information is used to achieve the right level of cooking, especially in steaks. It also helps to ensure that the meat has reached a temperature sufficient to kill the germs that may otherwise cause food posoining.

Tongs

Stainless steel grill tongs are used for moving, turning and picking up food on the barbecue with delicate precision. Use them for sausages, steaks and kebabs - you can even pick up peppercorns!

Turners

A turner (known as a spatula in the US) has a long handle and a broad flat edge, and is used for lifting and turning foods on the barbecue. The shape of the blade varies, with square and rectangular shapes being most common. Most have long slots on the blades to allow liquids to flow through, though some have holes or no perforations at all.

Turners are usually made of metal, with a wooden or plastic handle to insulate them from the heat. They should have a handle that is long enough to keep the user's hand away from what is being lifted or flipped.