There’s nothing better than firing up the grill and showing off your grill master skills. Whether you’re a classic Weber grill fan or you want something oversized and propane powered, there are plenty of tools out there that can up the ante when you’re manning the grill. And we’re not just talking about a pair of tongs that can last more than one season.
You’ll want everything from getting grill marks every time to prep tools like chef knives, grilling baskets, and even cleaning supplies so that your grill stays pristine between cookouts. No matter where you sit on the grill pro spectrum, we’ve rounded up some of the best tools that can easily transition from the kitchen to the backyard or balcony. When you’re ready to upgrade your grilling routine with solid tools that show you’re no novice, these are the 37 kitchen tools you’ll need in your arsenal.
Dazzle ’em with a Pizza Stone
You can do more than simply lay the meat on a grill and cook it. Show them that you’ve got refined tastes with this pizza stone from Heritage. It’s 15 inches in diameter and thanks to the ceramic material, can be safely used on a grill. We like that it also comes with a pizza wheel. Choose between a round or square shape. Note that you can also use it for baking bread.
Master Food Prep Like a Pro
Any cook will tell you that meal prep is a critical moment in the cooking process. This is when you make sure that your food is properly seasoned, separated, or cut to the right size so that it cooks evenly — and with plenty of flavor. This six-piece set of nested stainless steel mixing bowls from FineDine is essential whether you’re whipping up a homemade barbecue sauce or prepping ground beef for the world’s best hamburgers.
The Ultimate Tool for Perfectly Cooked Foods
If you want the ultimate in grilling and cooking, you can’t beat the perfection that a well-seasoned cast iron skillet can offer. Much like other kitchen tools, this can be used over an open flame as well — making this pick from Fresh O2 a great transitional piece that can go between your stovetop and your grill. This 12.5-inch skillet can create the perfect sear and comes pre-seasoned. Note though that it doesn’t come with a cover for the handle.
A Compact Smoker to Infuse Flavor
Serious grillers often invest in freestanding smokers to create custom flavors for their foods. But if you don’t have that kind of space available, this stovetop smoker from Camerons is a great alternative. While it works on a stovetop, you can also use it on the grill. And you’ll love that this pick comes with three pints of wood chips in three different flavors. Better still, this smoker comes with handles that can be easily folded away, and a stick-free rack. Plus, there’s an included recipe guide so you can perfect your smoking for better-grilled flavors.
The Right Knives for Perfect Cuts of Meat
Nothing screams amateur like a piece of meat that looks like it’s been hacked at with a dull knife. Stop the insanity and upgrade your food prep experience with this 11-piece set of kitchen knives from Master Maison. These stainless steel knives come with a butcher block as well as a dual knife sharpener so that you never have to battle with tough cuts of meat because of a dull blade.
The Ultimate Food Prep Accessory Set
Some people are very serious about marinading foods and creating homemade sauces for them. If this is you, you’ll want to keep it fresh with air-tight storage solutions. This 24-piece glass food storage set from FineDine is a great solution. Available in multiple sizes, you can store large and small sets of food — as well as leftovers. You’ll like that the containers can be nested when not in use, for easy storage. All items are BPA-free. And the glass containers are freezer to oven safe.
Keep That Homemade Rub Fresh
While some grillers love to use sauces, others have mastered the art of the rub with slow cooking. If this sounds familiar, and you’re a fan of creating homemade rub blends, you’ll want to keep those spices fresh. While this Coffee Gator stainless steel container is specifically designed with coffee beans and grounds in mind, it can also pull double duty as a simple storage solution that will keep virtually anything fresh. With a CO2 release valve and an accompanying scoop, you’ll have everything you need to prep that meat like a pro.
Contain the Mess with These Baking Sheets
Anyone who’s ever grilled knows that fat, sauce, and even bits of food dripping down into your grill can be a pain to clean after the meal is finished. While this might not work for everything you cook, this two-pack set of baking sheets from Checkered Chef is a great way to contain the mess so that your cleanup process is less of a headache. Each sheet comes with a wire rack. And each sheet measures 19 by 13 inches.
A Durable Cutting Board for Any Surface
Food prep can be tedious, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not cutting on a stable surface. Flexible cutting mats might make sense in the kitchen, but if you’re managing the food prep step outside, you’ll want something that’s sturdy. This large cutting board from Thirteen Chefs is designed to be durable. Along with a non-slip surface, you’ll like that this dishwasher-safe item is large — measuring 30 by 18 inches. However, keep in mind that serrated knives, meat cleavers, and hot items aren’t rated safe to use on this board.
Let Your Meat Rest in Style
Show your guests that you have some style with a grown-up serving tray made from acacia wood. This four-piece set of serving trays from Thirteen Chefs is a massive upgrade from tacky disposable aluminum trays. Note though, that each of the trays is a different size. Use them to let freshly grilled meat rest before cutting and serving. Keep in mind that these must be hand washed.
Create Custom Meat Blends
Whether you’re making sausages from scratch or want to create a custom ground meat blend, having a good meat grinder like this one from CucinaPro is a great way to upgrade your cooking style. It’s designed with a c-clamp, meaning that it can be easily affixed to any stable surface including tabletops. It’s made from heavy-duty cast iron and weighs just one pound. You’ll like that it also comes with two cutting disks.
Impress Them With A Molcajete
Also known in English as a mortar and pestle, this is a tool that sets the pros apart from the amateurs. For those who like to make custom sauces and spice blends, this classic item from Laevo is a must-have. It has a 2.1-cup capacity and measures just 5.5 inches. Better still, it has two grinding sides — all you have to do is flip it. This molcajete is made from 100% granite and comes with a spoon and a silicone placement.
Look Like A Pro With This Bamboo Knife Block
Possibly the worst thing I could misplace in my home is a kitchen knife. Not only is it dangerous, but it totally throws me off my cooking groove. This wooden knife block holds up to 19 knives and 1 pair of scissors. The horizontal slots are angled with a wide opening for easier handling. It saves up space in my drawers for other utensils and it makes me look like a professional cook, so I love it! If you have bigger knives, I suggest getting the XL block.
Wow Them with Your Presentation Skills
Sofia from the Golden Girls told Dorothy that “presentation is very important” and we couldn’t agree more. If you’re as serious about plating as a contestant on a cooking show, then this eight-piece set of culinary plating tools from Nuvantee is going to help you up your presentation game. The stainless steel construction ensures that these tools will be incredibly durable.
Keep Homemade Condiments Fresh
No matter how great a cook or grill master you think you are, old ingredients will undermine your meal every time. So, freshness matters, and that’s why many of our picks focus on keeping foods fresh. If you also make your condiments and dipping sauces from scratch, then investing in good mason jars is a must — especially for fermented foods. This six-pack of mason jars from Paksh is the perfect solution for pickling and canning. They’re made with wide mouths and come with the lid and seal band for an airtight fit.
Marinate in Advance
A good marinade can make even the most mediocre cut of meat or batch of veggies taste amazing. So, for serious cooks, planning in advance and vacuum sealing foods in a marinade can give them plenty of time to get fully infused with rich flavors. This 200-piece set of one-gallon bags from Nutri-Lock can be used with any vacuum sealer as well as with sous vide machines. Each bag measures 11 by 16 inches and is made from commercial-grade material.
Imbibe with Some Class
Cooking on the grill and enjoying an adult beverage go hand in hand. But no one likes an alcoholic drink that gets warm. Put an end to this first-world problem with this wine chiller set from FineDine. It features a vacuum insulated wine bottle that can hold up to 750 milliliters and two insulated wine tumblers with lids that each can hold up to 16 ounces. They’re made from stainless steel and are shatterproof. Of course, you can swap beer or any other beverage for wine if you prefer.
Avoid Broken Glass
Continuing on the beverage kick, this 50-pack of 12-ounce plastic margarita glasses from Prestee is a great way to keep the party going and the drinks flowing without the headache of cleanup or the risk of breaking glasses. The clear cups are perfect for a wide range of tasty beverages and are incredibly durable thanks to the polystyrene construction.
Tongs for Any Food
Anyone who cooks regularly will tell you that not all tongs are created equal. And sometimes the issue is the length of the handle rather than the type of tip a tong has. This three-pack of tongs from Popco is the perfect variety set for anyone. You’ll get a seven, nine, and 12-inch variety pack — each with different colors. They feature a stainless steel body with silicone on the handle and tips that are heat resistant up to 480 degrees Fahrenheit. Note that these are dishwasher safe as well as BPA- and PVC-free.
A Serious Grill Accessory Set
If you’re the type who likes to keep your kitchen and grilling utensils separate, you’ll appreciate this 24-piece grill tools set from GrillJoy. Along with a carrying case, it comes with a wide range of stainless steel tools to flip, cut, pick up, and prep your grilled foods. And it comes with a thermometer and a meat injector.
A Smarter Way to Grill Smaller Foods
There’s nothing more frustrating than having yummy food slide through your grill and directly onto your charcoal or heat source. Thankfully, this stainless steel grilling basket from Aizoam is designed to make that headache-inducing issue a thing of the past. This basket measures 12.6 by 8.6 inches and can make enough food to serve two to three people. The lockable grate ensures that what you put inside it doesn’t fall out when you flip the basket.
The Ultimate Easy Cleanup Trick
Make scouring your grill a thing of the past with this five-piece set of non-stick grill mats from Dailyart. You can use them for all types of food. And more importantly, the surface ensures that your actual grill stays pristine and that your cleanup experience is painless. Each mat measures 15.75 by 13 inches and can be used on gas, charcoal, and electric grills. It’s safe to use at temperatures of up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. And when grilling is over, simply wipe them clean.
Keep Your Sauces Close at Hand
No one wants to eat your dry grilled meat. And that’s why sauces are so critical for grilling and barbecuing. This Cuisinart sauce pot and basting brush set ensure that you have an all-in-one solution to keep your grilled foods juicy and the envy of everyone at the serving table. You’ll like that the basting brush is integrated into the lid to keep bugs out of your sauces.
Burned Hands Be Gone
Burning your hands on hot items isn’t just a kitchen mishap. Considering that many grills can achieve temperatures upwards of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, a good pair of heat-resistant gloves like these silicone options from Kitchen Perfection is essential. They’re designed to be used with smokers and are waterproof for added durability. Choose from 11 fun colors.
Get Perfectly Grilled Foods Every Time
Are you worried that you’re not turning your food enough when you grill? This rolling grill basket from Dragon BBQ is designed to take the guesswork out of rotating your foods. It’s perfect for everything from meats to kabobs to veggies. It’s made from stainless steel for added durability and is even dishwasher safe for quick and easy clean-up!
Get the Right Burger Thickness
Burgers are a staple for almost any barbecue. But you don’t want to serve wimpy, thin burgers that look like you got them from the store. This stuffed burger press from Grillaholics is designed to give you the perfect burger every time — and with a tasty surprise inside. This gadget is easy to use and can be a great solution for stovetop burgers too. Best of all, this press is dishwasher safe for easy cleanup so you can focus on eating those burgers.
Make Cleanup a Snap
Let’s face it, cleaning a grill is less than an enjoyable way to spend your time. But it needs to be done! This two-pack of Goo Gone Grill and Grate Cleaner will make the process much faster. It’s specially designed to cut through caked-on food, carbons, grease, and burn deposits. Use it on your metals, cooking grates or racks, and drip pans.
Baste Mop Like the Real Grill Masters
Even if you have no intention of ever entering a grill competition, that doesn’t mean you can’t channel your inner grill master by using the same types of tools that the pros do. This cast iron pot and mini barbecue mops from Alpha Grillers will make you feel like a competition champion as you make sure that your grilled foods are properly seasoned. You’ll get two extra mop heads and a sturdy cast iron sauce pot that holds up to 24 ounces.
Get Perfect Grill Marks Every Time
If you’re cooking on a grill, people are going to expect to see grill marks on their food. Give the people what they want with this cast iron grill press from Cuisinart. It weighs just 2.8 pounds and comes with a wooden handle for added comfort. It measures 9.3 by 4.7 inches and along with creating gorgeous grill marks can also remove excess oils and fats from your foods when you press them. Note this can also double in the kitchen as a panini press.
Perfect Stir Fry from a Grill
Everyone knows you can cook veggies on a grill. But have you ever thought of stir frying them on an open flame? This non-stick wok from Cuisinart features plenty of pre-drilled holes to help drain excess oils. Meanwhile. it measures 11 inches square. The non-stick material makes cooking a breeze and it can withstand up to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Note you can also use it to grill smaller cuts of meat or seafood.
Gorgeous Plating for Your Wings
The flavor of your food doesn’t have to be the only reason that people are oohing and aahing when you touch a grill. This stylish chicken leg rack from G.a Homefavor is designed to display up to 14 legs of chicken and even has a pan that can work as a serving tray. You’ll love that this stainless steel pick is dishwasher safe and can be used in a smoker, grill, or your kitchen oven.
No More Broken Salmon
Grilled salmon is one of many popular options for at-home grilling chefs who want to make healthier dishes. But salmon and traditional grill plates usually aren’t compatible. Thankfully, this BBQ grill pan from Extreme Salmon is the perfect solution. with raised sides and smaller venting, you’ll never have to worry about salmon falling apart and into the grill. This tray measures 15 by 11.8 inches and is made from stainless steel for added durability.
Pulled Pork Made Easy
If you’ve ever shredded meats with forks or tongs, you know that it’s a time-consuming process. But these meat claws from Grillaholics make creating shredded meats like pulled pork significantly easier. Each claw is large and perfect for all hand sizes. Sharp blades make quick work of even the largest cuts of meat. And this dishwasher-safe pick means that you can spend your time enjoying your delicious creation rather than cleaning your grilling tools.
Never Undercook Your Meat
Even though meat cooked rare or medium rare is a thing, that doesn’t apply to poultry like chicken. Never worry that you’re serving undercooked and dangerous meat thanks to this instant-read meat thermometer from Alpha Grillers. This pick comes with a lifetime guarantee and offers fast readouts that are easy to see thanks to the backlight. And you can easily calibrate it to your needs. It’s perfect for the grill or in the kitchen.
Upgrade Your Grill with This Rack
If you grill often, creating a system so that essential tools are always close at hand makes sense. This multi-use hook rack from Cave Tools is a smart way to create more storage and ensure that you’re never left searching for a pair of tongs or spatula again. It can easily be installed and comes with a dual-ended screwdriver. Note that it’s also sturdy enough to hold pots and pans.
Keep Your Fire Wood Close at Hand
If you’re the type who prefers to use real wood rather than grill briquettes, then this canvas firewood carrier from Dogwood is a great option. It’s designed to be travel-friendly — meaning that it and your grill can go wherever your heart desires. It features a sturdy waxed canvas to prevent snags and damage with use. And it’s perfect for camping as well as for grilling on the go.
A Smart Grill Tool for Compact Homes
Not everyone has the space in their home to store a full assortment of grilling accessories or tools. Thankfully, this five-in-one BBQ spatula from Steven-Bull is designed to serve as a multifunctional solution to make cooking on a grill significantly easier. With this durable tool, you can turn, cut, skewer, and move meat. And as if that’s not enough, it can also double as a bottle opener so that you can enjoy a cold one while you cook.
Durable Trays for Prepping and Serving
Cuisinart rounds out our top picks for grilling fans with this two-piece set of melamine serving and prep trays. These trays can be nested, but are also designed to support weighty cuts of meat. Whether you use these to let your meats rest or to prep them before you toss them on the grill, there’s plenty of space for what you need. Each tray measures 17 by 10.5 inches. Better still, they’re dishwasher safe so clean-up is a snap.