Best Grill Accessories to Elevate Your BBQ Experience

By Barbara Bellesi Zito

Taste of Home's Editorial Process

Updated on Nov. 01, 2024

No backyard BBQ is complete without these grilling accessories Amazon customers adore.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.Learn more.

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Backyard barbecues are all about having fun and eating delicious food. The head griller is usually sizzling behind the scenes, but with assistance from the right grilling tools, they can spend more time with their family and friends. No matter whether you prefer gas or charcoal, these grilling accessories are excellent time-savers, add tons of flavor and—of course—make thoughtful gifts for grillers.

We’ve selected the most popular grilling accessories on the internet—we’re talking thousands of five-star reviews here—that make everything from food prep to cleanup easier. Our picks span trusted brands like Traeger to bespoke items that you won’t find in grocery stores. Many of the options on this list have been tested and reviewed by grilling experts on the Taste of Home team, so you know they’re good!

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Ordering a meat delivery service means better quality meat—and it arrives right to your door! Rastelli’s best sellers box arrives with over 11 pounds of meat, including grill-ready options like Faroe Island salmon filets, grass-red ribeye steaks, chicken breasts, hardwood smoked bacon, mild Italian pork sausage and black Angus ground beef.

“Since 1976, Rastelli’s meat delivery has been a reliable choice for buying responsibly raised, all-natural meat and wild-caught seafood,” says Allison Robicelli in her analysis of the best meat delivery services. “We tried the brand’s Italian sausage, chicken breasts, sirloin steaks, filet mignon, ribeye steaks, ground turkey and salmon. While we were impressed with many of the cuts on this list, the sausages are what reign supreme.”

$54.95 at Amazon

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Barbecue prep can be a lot of fun. Barbecue cleanup? Not so much. That is, unless you’ve got the right grilling accessories and this grill brush and scraper. The beauty of it is that it lacks unsafe wire bristles that get bent and ragged over time. Instead, this Grill Rescue brush offers a sturdy, spongey tip that uses steam and makes quick work of cleaning your grill.

Check out more of our favorite grill brushes, all tested by editors.

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This salt block sits on top of the grill grate to cook just about any protein or veggie imaginable, including fish, steak, asparagus and chicken. It imparts seasoning throughout the cooking process and cleans up easily with a damp cloth. Plus, it impresses guests with its elegant, gourmet look. Read more about the grilling process in our salt block review.

“If you haven’t grilled on a salt barbecue plank yet, you’re in for a real treat,” says Taste of Home‘s Prep Kitchen Manager, Catherine Ward, who names this product one of her Summer Essentials. “The Himalayan salt from the block gently seasons veggies, seafood and meats. I use it on my gas grill and place the plank directly on the grates. I set the temp low to slowly heat the salt plank (this is key for avoiding thermo shock). Then, I gradually increase the temperature until it’s right where I want it. Oh, and the plank makes a gorgeous sushi platter. I like to chill the plank for several hours before adding my faves: Sushi grade salmon and tuna.”

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Even the most seasoned grillers need a little backup to determine when meat is ready to be served. This quick-read thermometer gives readings in one second. It’s also shockproof, dustproof and waterproof, making it safe to take traveling or tailgating. Read more about the best meat thermometers, including the Thermapen One.

“Whether I’m grilling, cooking or baking, the Thermapen One is always in my back pocket,” shares Taste of Home‘s Prep Kitchen Manager, Catherine Ward. “Its speed and accuracy mean I don’t have to rely on the feel of the meat for doneness, which is something professionals and home cooks alike will certainly benefit from. The display is bright and easy to read, even without my cheater glasses.”

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Do you prefer spending summertime barbecues chatting and having fun with guests rather than waiting at the grill? This long-distance alarm thermometer has so many bells and whistles that it is perfect for the pro griller. It offers an alarm, two to four meat probes and a base unit with a portable piece that provides readings from afar.

“The shorter, fatter probe fits into a clip that attaches to the grate or rack of your smoker, grill or oven. It measures the internal temperature of the appliance,” says Catherine. “The second probe is longer and thinner and is inserted into the center of your meat. There is the option to buy a two-channel or four-channel model. The latter comes with multiple of these longer, thinner probes. This is ideal when you’re cooking more than one type of meat at once or looking to gauge the internal temperatures of both the dark and light meat on a single piece of poultry.”

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$42.24 at Amazon

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$42.24 at Amazon

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While some folks enjoy slathering their proteins in a good-quality barbecue sauce, a simple drizzle of oil compliments the flavor of more delicate dishes like veggies and fish. Graza olive oil is an extra virgin cooking oil made from mature, mid-season olives that yield a more mellow flavor. Both of the included gourmet olive oils offer different flavor profiles that fit with a number of homemade marinades and meats.

“I did manage to use the larger bottle of Sizzle on multiple homemade dishes, and I was pleased every time. It’s perfect for a quick pan squirt before adding diced onions and peppers for an omelet, and a dream-come-true for getting the perfect sear marks on grilled fish recipes,” says former editor Bryce Gruber in her review of the oil. “The last time I enjoyed olive oil this much was on a trip to Spain—a time I was swimming in a sea of bright green oils, salty cheeses and soul-affirming loaves of bread. I definitely welcomed the trip down taste bud memory lane.”

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Oven mitts are fine for indoors, but when the heat is on in your outdoor kitchen, only heat-resistant barbecue gloves will do. One of the must-have grilling accessories: These stand up to a whopping 500 degrees and have long, heat-resistant cuffs that protect wrists from licking flames.

“Grilling gloves are a must for protecting hands from the high temperatures while grilling,” says Catherine. Heat-resistant up to 500 degrees, these grilling gloves are thick enough to protect my hands without being overly bulky. I appreciate the silicone grip pattern on the gloves, which helps ensure the platter makes it into the kitchen without slipping. They keep hands safe while cooking inside, too.”

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This “grill kilt” is like a tool belt for grillers. No more worrying about running back into the house for the tongs or the basting brush—just load up the 10 pockets before heading out. And yes, there’s even a pocket for your phone in this fashionable ‘fit.

“I can almost hear the bagpipes when I put on this tartan grill kilt,” says Catherine.” And if Black Watch or Cunningham Tartan aren’t your thing, this grilling apron comes in camo, cayenne, olive and slate colorways. The generously sized pockets easily fit everything I need to bring out to the grill. Gone are the days of trying to balance a platter of meat, utensils, thermometer, sauce and a beverage when heading out to grill! Just tie on the apron and everything I need is in reach.”

$28.49 at Amazon

A good sauce is the secret to a successful barbeque. Thick and flavorful, this sauce set from Lillie’s Q offers just the right amount of sophistication without being fussy, according to Test Kitchen’s Josh Rink. Head of the Test Kitchen, Sarah Farmer, sums up this sauce perfectly in our piece on the best barbeque sauces: “This is exactly what I look for in a barbeque sauce. I’d use this on everything from my boneless ribs to appetizer meatballs to chicken wings.”

$9.97 at Amazon

An oil sprayer is key for adding a light coating of oil to my grilled items. This oil spray bottle sprays just enough delicious EVOO to keep meats and fish from sticking. Too much oil can cause the grill to flame up, covering everything it touches in a layer of gray smoke.

“To avoid a flare-up, I like to spray the food just before placing it on the grill,” says Catherine. “Pro tip: Fill the spray bottle with flavored olive oil for extra pizazz.”

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“If a nonstick grilling basket isn’t in your rotation yet, take this as your sign to snag one,” says Catherine. “This Cuisinart nonstick grilling basket checks all the boxes for me. The 12×9-inch surface area is large enough for layering veggies and potatoes, or several pieces of salmon. The long rosewood handle stays far enough from the heat to prevent charring. Grilled veggies and sides have truly never tasted better.”

$99.95 at Amazon

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$99.95 at Amazon

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Grilling experts deserve an expert-level thermometer. This wireless smart thermometer connects to your phone via Bluetooth so you can track those burgers via app throughout your cookout. You’ll get an accurate reading of the internal temperature in a matter of seconds. Don’t just take our word for it, there are 25,000+ five-star reviews.

“I’ve used the Meater Plus to cook chicken, pork and beef, and it’s been spot-on with accuracy every time,” shares five-star reviewer, Houston J. Bashus. “The app also provides helpful tips and cooking guides, which is awesome for someone like me who’s not exactly a grill master.”

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“To avoid the flavor that lighter fluid imparts on grilled food, I used to use a chimney starter,” says Catherine. “But the Looft lighter is so much faster. Just plug it in and point the end where you want to start the coals. In about one minute, the fire spreads to the other coals. The cord is over nine-feet long (yes, nine feet!), which means I don’t need an extension cord. Bonus: It starts the logs in my fireplace, too.”

$25.99 at Amazon

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$25.99 at Amazon

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Charcoal grills are the original when it comes to backyard barbecues, but they can’t get the party started as quickly as their propane counterparts. Enter the Weber Rapidfire chimney starter, which does indeed live up to its name. A little more than a foot high, this steel container heats up coals quickly. It’s one of the best Weber grill accessories.

“To use this chimney-style starter, you stuff the bottom of the cylinder with a sheet or two of newspaper and fill the rest with charcoal,” says former editor Lisa Kaminski in our piece on the best charcoal starters. “Light the paper in 20 minutes, our Test Kitchen found that the coals were ready for grilling. Just pour them out into your grill kettle and start cooking!”

$27.99 at Amazon

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$27.99 at Amazon

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OXO has long been a favorite brand for kitchen gadgets, including grilling accessories. So it’s no surprise that we’d want to utilize their handiness for outdoor cooking as well. Fill this stainless steel pot with up to 18 ounces of BBQ sauce or other tasty marinade and keep it out by the grill. A silicone lid covers up that saucy goodness until you’re ready to slather it on with the angled brush.

In a five-star Amazon review, Thoughtful Consumer, says: “This basting pot is heavy duty, and has some heft to it, so it’s unlikely going to be blown off the BBQ table, or tipped over by accident. It comes with a silicone lid which is great, and the brush works well.”

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Cedar planks add loads of flavor to more delicate proteins like fish, especially salmon. For healthy and delicious dinners, use these all-natural polished cedar planks to infuse fish with a smoky flavor. You can even use them (and re-use) them indoors. Need more direction? Read our guide to plank grilling for helpful insights!

$29.97 at Amazon

When you’re poking at glowing charcoal and flipping hamburgers and juicy steaks, you need utensils and grilling accessories that are up to the task. This stainless steel grill tool set can be used on all grill types—and yes, you can use them indoors, too. There’s a fork, brush, bottle opener, lockable tongs and a spatula with a serrated edge, all with silicone-coated grips for comfort. Talk about a great gift for grillers!

Among the thousands of five-star reviews, G Simmons writes: “These tools are very sturdy, heavy quality, but with a rubbery area at the grip, so easy to handle. The handles are long, to keep away from the heat. The spatula has a bottle opener and one side is serrated so it can be used to cut. Easy to clean, including dishwasher safe. Would be a great gift as well.”

$11.99 at Amazon

Smokiness is everything when it comes to barbecue fare, and now it’s easy to achieve with this compact stainless steel smoker box. Load it with up to 6.35 ounces of fragrant wood chips, and burgers, hot dogs and more will be packed with flavor. The vented lid keeps those chips smoking without flaming, so you can grill to your heart’s content. Speaking of flavor, have you tried grilling with a Himalayan salt block?

“This turns my regular grill into a smoker. Easy way to add flavor of smoke to food without investing in a smoker. Good for people with limited outdoor space,” writes Hunting Creek, a verified purchaser.

$19.99 at Amazon

You’ve mastered the beer can chicken recipe indoors. Now it’s time to take your tricks out to the grill. It’s a cinch with this beer can roasting pan that’s even got spikes on the side to add veggies.

Vsop’s five-star review says: “A beer canned chicken on the grill is moist as no one’s business if done right. I have two other rigs for accomplishing this but this product is by far the way to go in that the tray captures juices that can be separated from the fat and used to enhance the result. I thought the tray may be hard to clean but it is not. Came clean as a whistle in the dish machine.”

$36.97 at Amazon

Quality cutting boards are essential grilling accessories. This cutting board set offers plenty of sturdy surface area to rest those heavy cuts of meat. But a good board must also have deep grooves to capture all that juicy runoff. This bamboo trio has both—plus there are handles on either side for easy serving.

There are 20,000+ five-star reviews, including Gemma Hart, who says: “Three sizes are fabulous for all cutting needs. Groove near edge catches any liquid. So very easy to clean—still looks brand new. Love that they are extremely easy to hold and not too heavy. I love them.”

$41.02 at Amazon

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$41.02 at Amazon

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When the sun has set but people are still hungry, a grill master needs some illumination to keep on cooking. This handy LED grill light from Weber attaches to your gas grill handle, but you can also hold it and shine some light wherever you need it. The light has a motion sensor, which conserves battery power.

Cathy C’s five-star review says: “I’ve tried so many different lights on my grill and I think I finally found one that works perfectly. Sturdy and perfectly placed on the lid handle. It lights up my food when I open the lid. Come on it’s Weber so you know it’s good. I highly recommend this one. It’s legit!”

$9.89 at Amazon

Don’t you just love how parchment paper keeps your baking sheets neat indoors? Meet their outdoor equivalent. These copper grill mats are not only perfect for securing veggies and kabobs, but they also keep your grill neat and clean.

With 7,000+ five-star reviews, these grilling accessories are real crowd-pleasers. Billi Jo Munshower gives it a five-star shout-out: “We love these! Our grill still looks brand new. Highly recommend.”

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Love kabobs? You’ll adore these top-notch grilling accessories: Metal skewers. What sets them apart? Not only are these skewers flat, making it a breeze to slide food on and off, but they’re also impressively long, ensuring effortless turning on the grill. Say goodbye to those splintery wooden skewers and upgrade to these durable alternatives that will withstand the test of time, season after season! You can use these skewers on a Blackstone griddle, too. (Speaking of, you need to check out these handy Blackstone grill accessories and the new Blackstone Pizza Oven!)

Robert E. Hoffman’s five-star review boasts: “These are incredible! Food cooks evenly, easy to push the food off with a slide of the top handle! We are now barbequing more often…as it is so easy to load, unload, and cook the food! Don’t think about it just order them! Very very happy!”

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Keeping your prep tools and grilling accessories organized outside can be a bit of a challenge. These stainless steel hooks attach right to the grill and make it much more convenient to keep spatulas, basting brushes and more at the ready.

Bonni Harris writes this in her five-star Amazon review: “I mounted one on the front and the other on backside of grill deck plate. Quick and easy to install. They are of heavy quality, and look good. I love them, and highly recommend this product.”

$16.45 at Amazon

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$16.45 at Amazon

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Talk to any grill master and they’ll likely say that aside from flavor, it’s beautiful grill marks they’re after. This cast iron grill press gets rid of the excess fat and oil from meat while branding burgers, steaks and other cuts of meat to perfection. It’s even a helpful way to keep your hot dogs from rolling all around! Cleanup is easy—just wash by hand and dry it for next time.

Among the nearly 27,000 five-star reviews, Jim writes: “Finally found out this is what restaurants use to keep bacon flat. I’m grilling for a crowd and this large press is perfect. Had been using a round cast iron pan. This square unit does a much better job. I also keep several trivets close by for hot pans—as well as this press. Very useful addition to my outside kitchen.”

$34.99 at Amazon

It can be hard to keep track of all the condiments, napkins and silverware at an outdoor gathering. You might like having to run back and forth indoors to get everything you’ve forgotten, but we’d much rather fill up this handy grill caddy. It even holds a full roll of paper towels for easy cleanup.

Nicole is one of many fans, writing: “Love this! Perfect to to have for cookouts or any party to have all condiments, paper towels and silverware in one location.”

$18.08 at Amazon

Grilled veggies are delicious, but they can be challenging to flip on a grill, especially when you’re keeping an eye on a full meal’s worth of food. These barbecue grill bags make it easy to flip and turn piles of vegetables without having to worry about them slipping through the grates. The best part? Not only are the bags reusable, but they are dishwasher-safe!

“I enjoy grilling vegetables, but don’t always want to use skewers. I bought these as an easier accessory. The item works great,” writes Curtis Carn, a verified purchaser.

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