Are you planning on hosting a summer BBQ? No matter whether you are looking to entertain your friends or spend some valuable time with your family, getting together to eat a meal in the sunshine is always a winner.
If you are looking to grill at home all summer long, then making sure that you have the right tools is essential. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know exactly which cooking equipment you need to transform your next BBQ.
Not sure what tools are right for you? We have taken a closer look at the ten must-have accessories for grilling.
Top Ten Essential Tools
1) Sturdy Tongs
One of the most important tools for any summer BBQ is a set of sturdy tongs. Making sure that you have a durable set of tongs will transform your cooking, allowing you to easily flip and move meat and vegetables, no matter the temperature of the grill.
Many BBQ fans have found that their tongs have rusted or become stiff after several uses, so make sure that you are investing in the very best tongs that you can find. This will ensure that you can cook all summer long without having to worry about your tongs failing.
2) Spatula
Another essential cooking tool that can help you to create the most delicious meals possible is a high-quality spatula. Burgers are an integral part of any summer cookout, and a spatula will ensure that you can quickly and easily flip your burgers to ensure that they are perfectly cooked throughout.
When choosing the perfect spatula for your summer BBQ, you will want a lightweight option that fits comfortably in your hands. A wide-angled solution can also ensure that you will be able to easily flip any foods that you need.
3) Metal Skewers
When it comes to grilling, kebabs are a perfect addition to any BBQ. However, when it comes to creating the most delicious meals for your friends and family, metal skewers are a fantastic addition to your armory.
While wooden skewers can be effective, they do require soaking before use and are not reusable. The metal alternatives, on the other hand, will be able to last all summer long. When choosing the right metal skewers, you should opt for options that are around 12 inches in length, as this will ensure you can add all of your meat and vegetables with ease.
4) Rimmed Baking Sheets
Another essential tool for anyone serious about their grilling is a rimmed baking sheet. These are fantastic solutions for helping you to organize all of your ingredients with ease, with the rims helping to keep everything in place. They are also very easy to clean and sanitize, ensuring that they can be reused frequently.
When choosing a rimmed baking sheet, you want to ensure that you are opting for the very best products that you can. This will prevent them from warping or rusting with regular use.
5) Cast Iron Skillet
If you are looking to ensure that your burgers or steaks have that unrivaled taste, then a cast iron skillet is an essential addition to your summer BBQ. These unique pans can be placed directly on your grill, helping to create an incredible sear on your meat.
Not only does a cast iron skillet help to create a perfect crust on your meat, but it can also enhance the flavor of your food. By cooking in a skillet, all of the juices from your meats will remain in the pan, creating a delicious meal that will transform your BBQ.
6) Cooling Rack
Think a cooling rack is just used for baking? Think again! These products are just as useful for your summer grilling, allowing you to let your meat rest before being served. Of course, the use of a cooling rack is not just about your meat. Turning your rack upside down and placing it on your grill can be the perfect way to cook your vegetables, giving you that attractive cross-hatch pattern.
When choosing the right cooling rack, make sure that you are choosing a solution made from the highest quality material possible. This will ensure that it will not warp or bend from the heat while also ensuring that it can last all summer long.
7) Chimney
Are you tired of waiting for the coals in your BBQ to reach optimal temperature? If so, then a chimney can be a fantastic addition to your backyard. This unique product is one of the most effective methods of quickly lighting your coals, ensuring you do not need to use lighter fluid and keeping your food free from that chemical taste.
One of the most effective methods of using a chimney is to pack the bottom full of newspaper before placing your coals on top. This will not only help to ignite the coals, but it will also draw in oxygen, which creates a unique environment that helps to quickly increase temperatures.
8) Grill Brush
When it comes to grilling, keeping your BBQ clean is vital; otherwise, your food will become contaminated from previous meals. A clean grill will ensure that you can enjoy the full flavor of your meats and vegetables while also guaranteeing that attractive grill marking.
The right grill brush is a crucial addition and can help you to quickly and easily remove any food remnants and stains, keeping your grill looking its best.
9) Carving Board
Planning on hosting a big summer BBQ with your friends and family? If so, then a carving board is an essential addition to your grilling routine. Not only will the carving board be the perfect place to let your meat rest, but it can also give you the space to carve your meat into the right positions.
When choosing a carving board, you should opt for a solution that has a well around the edge, as this will catch any juices that may runoff. You also want a solution that is sturdy but not too heavy, ensuring you can carry it around as needed.
10) Meat Thermometer
Finally, no summer BBQ will be complete without a meat thermometer. Serving undercooked meat can ruin any event, so a meat thermometer will help you understand the exact temperatures of your food. This is particularly useful when cooking large cuts of meat or steaks, ensuring your food is always served to the perfect temperature.
There are many different options on the market to choose from, but you want to ensure that you opt for a durable and long-lasting option that will be able to last all summer long.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to cooking up the most delicious BBQs possible for your friends and family, then having the right tools is essential. These ten items should form part of any backyard BBQ, allowing you to create the tastiest foods in the most efficient manner possible.
Of course, these are not the only cooking tools to choose from, and there are many options on the market that can help you transform your BBQ. So take your time to understand each option and how it can benefit you.
Come by Jacksons Home & Garden today to speak with one of our grill experts to help get you started on your dream grill setup, we’ve got everything you need and more!