10 Must-Have BBQ Grill Accessories: Tools Every Griller Needs
A great grill is just the beginning—what truly elevates your BBQ game is the gear you pair with it. Whether you’re flipping burgers for a quick weeknight meal or smoking ribs for a backyard feast, the right accessories can make grilling faster, safer, and far more flavorful.
Grill accessories aren’t just about convenience; they’re about precision and protection. From tools that help you monitor doneness to gear that keeps your hands out of harm’s way, each item plays a vital role in creating a seamless cooking experience. And let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about having the perfect tool at just the right moment.
In this guide, we’re spotlighting 10 essential BBQ accessories every griller should own. These aren’t just fancy add-ons—they’re practical, time-tested tools that help you grill smarter, cleaner, and better. Ready to upgrade your setup? Let’s dive in.
1. Wireless Meat Thermometer
Nothing ruins a grilling session faster than overcooked or undercooked meat. A wireless meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling, allowing you to monitor internal temperatures in real time—without lifting the lid.
Why It’s Essential
- Ensures meats reach safe, USDA-recommended internal temperatures
- Prevents overcooking by allowing you to pull food at the perfect moment
- Lets you multitask or entertain without constantly checking the grill
Features to Look For
- Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring
- Multiple probes to track different meats or grill zones
- Mobile app alerts for target temperatures and rest timers
Best Uses
- Smoking brisket or pork shoulder over hours
- Cooking thick cuts like prime rib or tomahawk steak
- Perfecting medium-rare steaks or juicy chicken without guesswork
A good wireless thermometer transforms even novice grillers into confident pitmasters.
2. Bristle-Free Grill Brush
Cleaning your grill is just as important as cooking on it—and a bristle-free grill brush keeps your grates in top shape without the risks that come with traditional wire bristles.
Why It’s Essential
- Removes burnt-on residue that can affect flavor and airflow
- Prevents dangerous wire bristle ingestion, a growing safety concern
- Prolongs the life of your grill grates
What to Look For
- Coiled stainless steel or scraper design (no bristles!)
- Long handle for safe cleaning while the grill is hot
- Durable construction that won’t bend or shed
Best Practices
- Clean the grill while it’s still warm after cooking
- Use gentle pressure to avoid damaging ceramic or porcelain-coated grates
- Replace annually or as soon as it shows signs of wear
With a good brush, you can clean efficiently and safely—setting yourself up for better grilling each time.
3. Heat-Resistant Grill Gloves
Regular oven mitts won’t cut it at the grill. Heat-resistant gloves are a must for safely moving hot grates, flipping skewers, or adding fuel. They provide full hand and wrist protection from high temperatures, sparks, and flare-ups.
Why It’s Essential
- Protects you when lifting grill grates, opening lids, or adjusting logs/coal
- More dexterous and heat-tolerant than standard mitts
- Allows you to handle hot pans or cast iron tools with confidence
Features to Look For
- Heat tolerance up to 900°F
- Silicone grip or textured palms for handling slippery tools
- Extended cuffs to protect forearms
Best Uses
- Moving charcoal or wood pieces mid-cook
- Lifting hot grill baskets, pizza stones, or smoker boxes
- Safely touching metal surfaces without burning your hands
These gloves are your armor in front of a flaming hot grill—don’t fire up without them.
4. Long-Handled Tongs & Turner Set
A good pair of long-handled tongs and a sturdy turner is fundamental to grilling. They give you the reach and control needed to safely handle food over high heat—without getting too close to the flames.
Why It’s Essential
- Keeps hands safely away from flare-ups and heat
- Provides secure grip for flipping burgers, turning sausages, or moving large cuts
- Reduces risk of dropping or tearing delicate foods
What to Look For
- Stainless steel construction for durability and strength
- Non-slip grip handles for safe handling, even when greasy
- Tongs with locking mechanism for compact storage
Best Uses
- Flipping steaks and burgers with precision
- Lifting chicken quarters or ribs
- Turning delicate vegetables or fish without shredding
Look for a matched set to maintain consistency in build quality and handling—they’ll become your most-used tools at the grill.
5. Chimney Starter
For charcoal grillers, a chimney starter is a game-changer. It allows you to light coals quickly, evenly, and without the unpleasant chemical taste of lighter fluid.
Why It’s Essential
- Gets your coals white-hot in 15–20 minutes—no fluid required
- Lights charcoal evenly for consistent heat zones
- Eliminates chemical flavors and flare-ups caused by accelerants
How to Use It
- Fill the top with charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal.
- Place a crumpled newspaper or starter cube under the chimney.
- Light from below and let the fire rise through the coals.
- When the top layer turns ashy white, pour the coals into the grill.
Best Uses
- Lighting lump charcoal or briquettes efficiently
- Creating two-zone setups with ease
- Reigniting coals for longer cooks
A chimney starter not only saves time—it improves flavor by giving you clean, even-burning coals every time.
6. Smoker Box or Smoke Tube
If you’re using a gas grill or pellet smoker and crave that classic BBQ aroma, a smoker box or smoke tube is your flavor-enhancing secret weapon.
Why It’s Essential
- Adds real wood smoke flavor to any grill
- Lets you experiment with different wood types like hickory, apple, mesquite
- Ideal for turning gas grills into hybrid smokers
How It Works
- Fill with wood chips or pellets
- Place directly on burner (for smoker box) or next to coals (for smoke tube)
- Smoke infuses the meat over time as heat activates the wood
Best Uses
- Infusing ribs, pork shoulder, or brisket with smoky complexity
- Enhancing burgers, chicken, or vegetables with custom wood blends
- Cold-smoking cheeses or nuts on a pellet grill with indirect heat
These tools bring serious BBQ flavor to grills that normally run clean—they’re small upgrades with big flavor impact.
7. PigTail Food Flipper
Sometimes the best tool is the simplest. The PigTail Food Flipper is a slim, curved hook that lets you flip, turn, and move meat with minimal contact and maximum precision.
Why It’s Essential
- Flips meat cleanly without squeezing out juices like tongs can
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to clean
- Great control over small or awkwardly shaped foods
Ideal Uses
- Flipping ribs, steaks, sausages, or kebabs
- Turning bacon, hot dogs, or delicate fish fillets
- Moving food without tearing or marking grill lines
Pro Tips
- Comes in various lengths—opt for at least 12 inches for safe distance
- Avoid use on delicate cuts with bones that could catch on the hook
- Ideal companion tool alongside your regular tongs
A PigTail adds finesse to your grill skills and is surprisingly addictive once you start using it.
8. Basting Brush & Sauce Pot Set
BBQ and sauces go hand in hand. A dedicated basting brush and sauce pot set helps you apply glazes evenly while keeping your sauce warm and ready on the grill.
Why It’s Essential
- Ensures even sauce distribution for flavor-packed food
- Keeps sauces warm and prevents sugary glazes from clumping
- Reduces mess and cross-contamination
What to Look For
- Silicone bristles for easy cleaning and heat resistance
- A stainless steel or cast iron pot that retains heat well
- Long handle or pot hanger for safe use near flames
Best Uses
- Applying BBQ sauce to ribs or wings
- Basting butter or marinades onto grilled vegetables or seafood
- Creating sweet glazes on pork, chicken, or grilled fruit
This set ensures your sauces hit just right, at just the right time—no more running back to the kitchen for brush refills.
9. Grill Basket or Vegetable Tray
A grill basket or perforated tray makes it easy to cook small or delicate foods without losing them to the grates.
Why It’s Essential
- Prevents food from falling through or sticking to grates
- Allows even cooking of bite-sized or delicate items
- Ideal for multi-ingredient grilling without mixing flavors
Best Uses
- Sautéing sliced peppers, mushrooms, onions, or asparagus
- Grilling shrimp, scallops, or fish filets
- Cooking cubed meats or stir-fry-style dishes
Types to Consider
- Flat trays for larger surface area
- Bowl-style baskets for flipping and tossing
- Nonstick or stainless steel options based on preference
A grill basket transforms your grill into an outdoor skillet—perfect for side dishes and mixed meals.
10. BBQ Apron & Accessory Gear
The final touch in your grill kit isn’t just about tools—it’s about protecting the griller. A high-quality BBQ apron, often paired with gloves, keeps you clean, organized, and safe.
Why It’s Essential
- Shields clothing from splatter, grease, and sauce
- Keeps tools and seasonings at arm’s reach
- Adds an extra layer of heat resistance
Key Features
- Multiple pockets for thermometers, tongs, towels
- Grease-resistant fabric like canvas or leather
- Optional loops for hanging tools or gloves
Best Uses
- Outdoor events where you’re cooking and hosting
- Extended smoking sessions that require multitasking
- Camping or mobile grilling setups
A rugged apron isn’t just for looks—it’s a utility upgrade that helps you grill smarter and cleaner.
Conclusion
Grilling is as much about preparation and precision as it is about fire and flavor. While your grill may be the star, these 10 accessories are the supporting cast that help you cook safer, cleaner, and more delicious meals.
From wireless thermometers to basting brushes, chimney starters to grill baskets, each tool adds value—whether you’re a beginner lighting your first charcoal chimney or a seasoned pitmaster perfecting your pork shoulder.
Start with the basics, build as you go, and before long, your backyard will be the go-to BBQ spot in the neighborhood.
