17 Best Grilling Tools and Essentials You Need for Summer

Take the guesswork out of grilling with a wireless smart meat thermometer that monitors internal temperature in real time and sends updates directly to your phone while you cook. With in-app alerts and guided cook times to help you nail everything from steak to chicken, this is a must-have grilling tool for achieving more consistent results with less hands-on monitoring. For the most accurate reading, try to keep your heat as steady as possible—MEATER’s technology works best when the grill temperature remains even.

Skewers are one of those grilling accessories that get used again and again. Whether you’re cooking up kebabs or roasting s’mores, they help keep food securely in place for consistent results every time. This version is made from stainless steel with a wide, flat design that further promotes even cooking, plus an extra-long length that keeps hands safely away from the heat. There’s even a built-in slider that lets you slide food right off for mess-free serving! To make cleanup even easier, lightly oil the skewers before loading to help food come off cleanly once cooked.

Ensure your grilling success with high-quality grill mats. These non-stick options are perfect for cooking delicate foods like fish or veggies that might otherwise fall through the grates. Made from premium heat-resistant PTFE-fiberglass, they’re free from harmful chemicals, safe up to 500°F, and reusable up to 1,000 times. They really make grilling a breeze and save time on cleanup, too! Place the mat directly on the grill grates before preheating to prevent sticking and make cleanup even easier.

This heavy-duty stainless steel BBQ tool set works with any type of grill—gas, charcoal, electric, or infrared—so you’re covered no matter how or where you cook. It comes with all the essentials, including a spatula with a built-in bottle opener, sharp fork, silicone basting brush, and lockable tongs for easy storage. Bonus: You can use the serrated edge on the spatula to slice meat right on the grill without having to reach for a separate knife.

Turn the grill into a restaurant-style flat top with this carbon steel griddle that covers two burners to give you plenty of room for cooking burgers, veggies, breakfast favorites, and more all at once. Its naturally seasoned surface, excellent heat retention, and easy control make it a must-have for getting crisp, evenly cooked food on the grill. For the best results, preheat one side hotter than the other to create separate heat zones for searing and finishing.

Take your grilling game to the next level with this popular set of rubs and seasonings. Packed in travel-friendly mini bottles and featuring fun flavors like Lime Chipotle and Black Cajun along with classics like Memphis and Garlic Salt, it adds bold, complex flavor to meats and veggies. Tip: Rub directly onto meat before grilling, or mix with olive oil and a splash of citrus for a quick marinade.

Never lose a cherry tomato to the flames again! This sturdy stainless steel grill basket makes it easy to cook veggies, wings, fish, and more without worrying about anything slipping through the grates. It’s built to handle high heat without warping, and the wide base keeps it stable while you flip and toss. Let it preheat on the grill for a couple minutes before adding food to help prevent sticking and boost flavor.

These heat-resistant BBQ gloves are made from food-grade neoprene and can handle up to 932°F, so you can grill, smoke, or deep-fry without worrying about burns or splatters. The 14-inch sleeve will keep your arms protected, while the textured palm gives you a good grip on slippery foods. Wear them to pull meat straight off the smoker or from hot oil, then wash them with soap and hang to dry for an easy cleanup.

Keep the grill in top shape with a high-quality grill brush. This bristle-free option from Mr. Bar-B-Q and Scrub Daddy has a water-activated design that cleans with steam for ultimate scrubbing. Best of all, the stainless steel mesh tackles stuck-on grease without shedding, for a safer, more effective way to clean your grates. Always clean the grates while they’re still warm to loosen stuck-on residue more easily.

Smash burgers, paninis, and steaks will all come out perfectly seared with this beautifully crafted stainless steel grill press. It works on grills, griddles, and skillets, and features a removable hand-stitched leather handle cover for safe, steady pressure. To get the very best char, preheat the press on your grill or skillet before pressing it onto your meat.

Take your grilling game to new heights with a pizza stone. This gadget transforms the grill into a pizza oven, thanks to its heat-resistant cordierite stone that distributes heat evenly for that crispy, golden finish. Whether you prefer classic Margherita or creative topping combinations, this tool makes the finished product taste way better than delivery! Preheat the stone on the grill for 30 minutes to get that perfectly crispy crust, just like a wood-fired oven.

For those times when outdoor grilling isn’t an option, an indoor grill is a fantastic alternative. This one features a large nonstick surface, adjustable temperature control up to 450°F, and dishwasher-safe parts—making it easy to cook steaks, veggies, or salmon without the hassle. For best results, press down lightly while cooking sandwiches or paninis to get those crisp, golden grill marks.

No more guessing if the propane tank is running low! This easy-to-install propane tank monitor works with most grills, using a color-coded dial to give you a quick fuel-level check at a glance. Made from heavy-duty solid brass, it’s weather-resistant and fits standard 5 to 40-lb propane tanks, and all appliances featuring a QCC1/type 1 connection. Attach it before your next cookout and do a quick check before lighting up to avoid any mid-grill surprises.

Take the hassle out of BBQ prep with these top-rated meat shredder claws. They’re perfect for pulling pork, lifting large cuts of meat, or even tossing salads—plus, they’re heat-resistant, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Use the locking mechanism to keep the claws together when not in use.

A great gift idea for a loved one (or yourself!) is a personalized apron. Made from a comfy cotton-poly blend with adjustable straps and roomy front pockets, this apron features a custom name and year design for that extra personal touch. Choose a dark color or stain-resistant fabric if you’re a messy griller so it’ll stay looking sharp longer.

Ensure grilling perfection with a digital thermometer. This ultra-fast model delivers accurate readings in 1 to 2 seconds, and features a motion-activated, auto-rotating backlit display that’s easy to read from any angle. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat for the most accurate temperature.