11 Grilling Gifts for the Most Discerning of Grill Masters or Aspiring Enthusiasts!

Tongs
Spatula
Basting Brush
Thermometer
Chimney Starter
Mitts & Gloves
Skewers
Grilling Shovel
Cast Iron Skillet
Grill Pans

Whether it’s for Christmas, a birthday, an anniversary, a random second tier holiday or just because, grilling tools make great gifts. Here are some of my favorites with a few options ranging from ridiculously practical to borderline crazy. As an awful recipient of gifts – I just can’t feign it – I’ve culled the list to only things that:

1. I would be genuinely excited to get
2. I have used or currently do own
3. I recommend

Browse below, and please let me know your questions, thoughts, and/or opinions!

(Note that many of these links go to Amazon. This isn’t by design. I used Google Product Search to find the best prices for most of these products… and Amazon just happened to have them. If you find a better deal, please let me know in the comments section!)

Grilling Essentials

Oxo Tongs are great for grilling.

Tongs
Possibly the most used of the grilling essentials, tongs provide digit-like manipulation without the danger of getting burned. Anyone serious about grilling will need more than one set of tongs.

What to look for:

• Solid, thick-gauge construction
• Wide opening with a smooth locking mechanism
• 12+ inches for use on the grill

Recommended: Lodge ($10), Oxo ($17)

My favorite Weber spatula.

Spatula
Many grilled dishes are made or broken on the spatula. Whether it’s a failed flip or a pierced and split burger, the right choice here pays off.

What to look for:

• Solid, thick-gauge construction (a trend?)
• Smooth edges
• A spatula. No multi-tools here
• Offset neck and a wide blade

Recommended: Weber ($12), Oxo ($10)

Kingsford Basting Brush

Basting Brush
The basting brush won’t make an appearance every time the coals are lit, but it plays a major role in many dishes. A good basting brush will last forever.

What to look for:

• Silicon bristles
• Stainless steel handle
• Variety of brush widths

Recommended: Weber ($9), Kingsford ($18)

Overkill but awesome.

Thermometer
Using a good instant read digital thermometer takes the guesswork out of done-ness. This is also a good hint gift if the recipient cooks dry chicken, or cold burgers.

What to look for:

• Instant read
• Digital display

Recommended: Weber ($18), Taylor ($110, probe and infrared!)

Weber 7416 Chimney Starter

Chimney Starter
I went nearly 20 years without seeing a chimney starter in use. Anytime the family brought out a charcoal grill, copious amounts of lighter fluid were used to get things kicked off. This is not the way of the master.

What to look for:

• Solid construction from a light material
• Second handle for additional control
• Shielded handle

Recommended: Weber ($19)

Grill mitt by Charcoal Champion

Mitts & Gloves
It’s easy to ignore mitts or gloves… until you have to reach something on the back of a grill or move a hot cast iron pan.

What to look for:

• Insulated cloth with silicone inserts
• Cuffs that extend a bit to protect the forearm

Recommended: Charcoal Champion ($12)

The Expanded Tool Chest

Bamboo Skewers

Skewers
Aside from the obvious – like kebabs! – skewers are very useful for things like shrimp, scallops, or even wings. Both bamboo and metal skewers are acceptable in the grilling world. My personal preference depends on the fare, a heavier skewer for a heavier dish.

What to look for:

• Metal: flat or double pronged
• Bamboo: thick, splinter-free skewers

Recommended: Bradshaw ($3), ThinkBamboo ($15)

Grilling Shovel

Grilling Shovel
A small shovel is the most efficient tool for flipping giant burgers. Not really, but shovels are great for masterful coal arrangement, which allows you to control direct and indirect heat.

What to look for:

• All steel or mostly-steel construction
• Rubberized grip or handle

Recommended: Michigan ($10), Black & Decker ($20)

Lodge Cast Iron Skillet

Cast-Iron Skillet
A good skillet helps move stove favorites out to the grill. This isn’t the place for a bunch of cast iron recipes but a quick view into my favorites: grilled breakfast, bacon, sauteed mushrooms, seared filet mignon…

What to look for:

• Pre-seasoned
• Dual handle design

Recommended: Lodge ($28)

Calphalon Rib Rack

Rib Rack
A basic rib rack makes efficient use of grill space and provides better results than just laying ribs directly on the grates by enhancing air flow. This is the best way to achieve indirect heat on a charcoal grill, in my opinion.

What to look for:

• Thick gauge wires
• 4+ slots spaced for ribs or poultry

Recommended: Charcoal Companion ($15), Calphalon ($19), Weber ($16)

Weber Grill Pan

Grill Pans
Grill pans and sheet pans offer expanded prep area and a solution for grilling delicate or small foods. It would be crazy for instance to grill a delicate fish filet directly on the grates. Grill pans expand the utility of a grill, and thus make the list.

What to look for:

• High grade stainless steel
• 14-16″ length

Recommended: Weber ($23), Norpro ($20)

If you have a suggestion for this list, I’d love to hear about it.

[Header image source.]

Incredibly accurate... and it talks.

In a previous post, I mentioned the importance of consistency in grilling. One of the best ways to achieve consistency is by using a grill thermometer, and this is one of my favorites. Wireless grill thermometers add a bit of convenience. Talking ones are possibly creepy, probably nerdy, and definitely overboard. So, we like them.

Features include:

• Water resistant construction to support easy cleaning
• Backlit display, which I fully endorse
• Belt clip. Improves mobility!
• Supports multiple meats / doneness alerts
• 300ft Range

It can’t all be good, though. The Grill Alert Talking Remote Thermometer has a notorious lack of durability. Based on my experience and many reviews from around the net, expect a shelf life of 1-2 years; less if you are rough on your equipment. (Joke about being rough on your equipment.) There is also a problem with replacement parts; Brookstone limits the selection to solely replacement probes. Go for the replacement plan.

While this product is a strong performer, the high cost and questionable durability translate into mediocre value. This is a great gift but not the grill thermometer you buy for yourself.