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Barbecue Tools Buying Guide
Barbecuing


Necessities
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A perfect way to pick anything up off the grill. There are some tongs with a spatula on one side and a fork on the other. |
These are especially good for turning over larger items to ensure even cooking. Look for extra-wide spatulas |
Some basting brushes have a hollow handle so you can squirt on more sauce and brush it out with one motion. |
Avoid forks with built-in thermometers, since they tend to not be accurate. Instead, buy a separate meat thermometer |
A must-have for keeping your grill nice and clean. It's always a good idea to give it a cleaning after each use to make sure that grit doesn't pile up. |
More Options
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These work in case you need to cut anything on the grill. They are also good for carving when you're done cooking. |
Keep charcoal exactly where you want it to be without making a mess. |
Make sure your grill has reached the right temperature before you start cooking. |
For the person who cooks no matter the season or time of day. |
If you want to add smokey flavor to your food, try some wood chips in the smoker basket |
Specialized Accessories
Many accessories are meant for grilling very specific foods; as with any kitchen gadget, they're really only necessary if you make a certain dish on a regular basis. A standard grill basket
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Flat skewers are more expensive, but they will make it easier to turn the kabobs |
Keep your corn |
Flipping fish |
These are useful for items you want to keep together and flip over to make dishes such as veggie stir fry |
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This can be placed directly on the grill to prevent small food items from falling through the grates and leaving space to sprinkle seasonings |
Ensures even cooking (and flat burgers). Also good for a grilled panini! |
A variation on the grill grid, for cooks who like to do all their cooking outdoors. |
Prevent burnt and buttered fingers. You can also find butter holders |
Grilling Tips
- There are two ways to grill which require using direct heat or indirect heat--keep in mind that for each method of grilling your technique will vary depending on whether you use a charcoal
or gas grill
. 
- Heat your grill up before using it to cook.
- Grease your grill grates before using them to avoid lots of messy clean-up.
- Marinating
meat before cooking can help to tenderize and prepare it for cooking.
- Always use tongs when turning your meat so you are not poking holes in the food, thereby allowing natural juices to escape.
Outdoor Cooking Alternatives
These cookers are designed to be used outside, but are slightly different from a grill. If you are looking to try a different type of outdoor cooking, then consider some of the models below.
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This cooker is designed specifically for use outdoors and comes with a fry pot and lid for preparing the fish of your choice. |
This is a stockpot that is designed for outdoor use and comes with a poultry rack |
This system is easy to set up outdoors and can be used to fry your fish quickly and easily. |
This pot is mounted on a tripod stand and is designed specifically for making jambalaya |
Related Guides
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External Links
- GrillingTips.com: Grilling methods and best practices.

























