There's nothing that reminds us more that warmer weather has arrived, than the smell of food cooking on a BBQ. Aren't BBQs magic? We think so. Those longer evenings give us plenty of time to grab some BBQ fuel and fire it up, become an absolute master on the grill all while using the best BBQ tools in our arsenal.
But perhaps your utensils have seen better days, or you left them to rust after last summer (guilty), and you need to invest in some new BBQ tools to really show off your culinary prowess. Then we've got you covered.
The Best BBQ tools at a glance:
• Editor's Pick: Weber Original BBQ Tool Set, 3 Piece
• Premium BBQ tool set: grilljoy BBQ Grill Tool Set, 25pcs
• Editor's favourite: Gentlemen's Hardware Multi-Tool
• Premium BBQ gloves: Weber Premium Gloves
• Premium meat thermometer: Meater Plus Wireless Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth Repeater
Investing in long-lasting, durable utensils and BBQ tools like a cleaning kit and BBQ cover, is crucial if you frequently cook on a barbeque. If you're new to the world of outdoor cooking it can be bewildering to know what kinds of accessories and fuels are right for your barbeque. You may have friends insisting that you must use restaurant-quality charcoal - but which brand to choose? If you're looking for some guidance on how to light a BBQ scroll to the FAQs at the end of this article.
So whether you enjoy a BBQ when camping and are looking for compact essentials or are looking to take your grilled feast to the next level with handy accessories such as grilling mats and meat claws - then here are our picks of the best BBQ tools and sets.
Best BBQ tools
Editor's Pick
www.johnlewis.com
Description
This three-piece Weber Original BBQ Tool Set includes your basic BBQ essentials for beginners, or
Pros
- Varied, sturdy set
- Worthy investment
- Hanging loops for storage
Cons
- No bottle opener on the flipper
Premium BBQ tool set
Description
Cover all bases with this epic grilljoy BBQ Grill Tool Set, crammed full of every essential tool
Pros
- Great value and selection
- Rust-proof, durable stainless steel
- Comes with a storage case
Cons
- Fiddly to get back into case
Editor's favourite
www.johnlewis.com
Description
This Swiss-army knife-inspired BBQ multi-tool is a great accessory to take camping as it requires
Pros
- Useful, solid gadget
- Multi-tool for camping
Cons
- A little heavy for some
Premium BBQ gloves
Description
Weber Premium Gloves are protective gloves that can handle up to 250 degrees - an aramid
Pros
- Washable cooking mits
- Flexible silicone grip
- Heat protection for BBQ
Cons
- Only available in one size at the moment
Premium meat thermometer
Description
A thermometer is essential for BBQing to check the consistency of the heat when you're cooking
Pros
- Kitted out with great features
- Has WiFi, Bluetooth capabilities
- Helps you plan your meal
Cons
- Takes time to master the thermometer
Best portable grill basket
Description
This ACMETOP Portable BBQ Grill Basket provides space for meat for two or three people. The
Pros
- Non-stick grill basket
- Safe, heat-resistant handle
- Carrying pouch for portability
Cons
- Fidgety handle
Budget-friendly BBQ gloves
Description
If you have a tendency to burn yourself while cooking, grab yourself a pair of Dualeco Silicone
Pros
- Heatproof and waterproof
- Ultra-protective and flexible
- Great value and quality
Cons
- Can be a little slippy
Best BBQ skewers
Description
These reusable KitchenCraft Flat Kebab Skewers can be used as a barbecue skewer, kebab and kofta
Pros
- Handy size for BBQs
- Great value pack of six
Cons
- Sometimes spins
Best for holding Corn on the Cob
Recommended
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Who doesn't love an ear of buttery, chargrilled corn on the cob straight from the BBQ? Make it
Pros
- Stylish design
- Great value and quality
- Take up little space
Cons
- None
Best easy-clean drip pans
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Serve up all the juicy meat goodness in these disposable Weber Small Aluminium BBQ Drip Trays.
Pros
- Durable and reusable
- Retain heat
- Quick and easy clean-up
Cons
- None
Eco-friendly grill scraper
Description
Get rid of any leftover char with this The Great Scrape, Wood Grill Scraper. The great thing about
Pros
- All-natural materials
- Safe and sturdy use
Cons
- None
Essential BBQ cleaning brush
www.johnlewis.com
Description
Take care of your BBQ grill with this Weber BBQ Cleaning T-Brush. Thoroughly cleans your cooking
Pros
- Good value, perfect for gifting
- Innovative and effective
Cons
- Use away from food
Tools To Start The BBQ
Where would you be without the actual fire? Here are some tools to get you started when it comes to lighting your BBQ. If you need a step-by-step breakdown on lighting your grill and where to get the right gas, check out our in-depth guide to the best BBQ fuel for hybrid, charcoal, electric and gas grills.
Best chimney starter
Description
This Weber Chimney Starter features two handles behind a heat shield to help you aim and pour the
Pros
- Quick, easy BBQ starter
- Good value and quality
Cons
- No fuel or lighter cubes included
Efficient charcoal-free lighter
Description
Make starting your charcoal BBQ even easier by piling in these Weber 17670 Lighter Cube
Pros
- Nonn-toxic and odourless
- Lights when wet, too
- Environmentally-friendly
Cons
- Only for charcoal BBQs and smokers
Eco firelighter alternative
Description
If you're looking for something a little more eco, we recommend these odourless Natural Eco Wood
Pros
- Eco-friendly firelighters
- Very easy to use
Cons
- None
FSC-wood briquettes
www.diy.com
Description
If you want consistent results briquettes are hard to beat. They light evenly and burn at the same
Pros
- Good quality and value bag
- Eco-concious briquettes
- Easy to light for three hours of heat
Cons
- Mixed results from customers
Best gas cylinder for BBQs
www.ebay.co.uk
Description
Ideal for patio heaters and large BBQs with four burners or more, this Flogas Butane Gas Cylinder
Pros
- Good value and quality
Cons
- Take care when handling gas cylinders
Added Extras: BBQ Tools For The Expert Grillmaster
Best BBQ lights
Description
If you need some better lighting in your back garden when dusk draws in, don't fret about getting
Pros
- Comes with a storage box
- Ultimate adjustability
Cons
- May not handle very high heats
Best smart grilling hub
Description
Take your grilling game to the next level with this Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub. No more
Pros
- Easy to follow use
- Highly accurate
- Smartphone connectivity
Cons
- Don't set the unit on the BBQ lid
Best apron for BBQs
www.procook.co.uk
Description
Grilling on the barbecue can get very messy and extremely hot. So stay protected with a hardier
Pros
- Good quality leather
- Hard-wearing and adjustable
- Pockets to hold tools and utensils
Cons
- None
Best BBQ grill cover
Description
Don't forget to protect your BBQ with a heavy-duty cover. With over 10,000 ratings on Amazon, this
Pros
- Heavy-duty material
- Easy folding and cleaning
Cons
- Not as thick as expected
Best BBQ pizza oven topper
www.argos.co.uk
Description
Cater to the masses at your barbie with this pizza oven from Argos, which sits directly on top of
Pros
- Thermometer to monitor cooking
- Easy to use and good value
Cons
- Charcoal and gas only
Best tools for shredding meat
Description
This nifty piece of kit helps you to lift up meat and shred it. Ideal for making pulled pork or
Pros
- Comfortable and practical
- Perfect for lovers of pulled pork
- Saves your cutlery and hands
Cons
- There are no grips on the handle
Best meat injector for BBQs
Description
Help the meat to really take centre stage and take the flavour to the next level by injecting it
Pros
- Food safe and tenderising
- Reduces waste
- Gift-boxed for gifting
Cons
- E-book - not paper guide
Common BBQ FAQs
How do I start a BBQ?
There are a couple of options when starting a BBQ and which option you choose depends on which BBQ you have, if you have a hybrid BBQ then the choice is all yours.
How to start a gas BBQ: For beginners selecting the right gas like butane gas or methane gas is the best starting point, advises Robert Dyas. After following the manufacturer's instructions to connect it correctly, keep the lid open and light it. Gas canisters can last for up to four hours on low heat but it’s wise to have a backup just in case. Never leave your gas BBQ unattended and set it up away from flammable products.
How to start a charcoal BBQ: To make things easier when lighting a charcoal BBQ, you’ll also need firelighters. This can be liquid lighter fluid, natural eco-friendly firelighters, or firelighter blocks. Pack them in between your charcoal and light them to get your fire going using lump charcoal or briquettes. Robert Dyas recommends using the 1:1 ratio for your coal – for every kilogram of meat, add a kilogram of charcoal.
How long does it take for charcoal to get hot enough?
It takes roughly 15-20 minutes for the charcoal to get hot enough to cook with, and you should keep the lid of your charcoal BBQ closed for maximum heat efficiency.
Is a gas BBQ better than charcoal?
Of course, everything depends on preference; however, if you compare the two, then the best part about gas BBQs is that there is very little wait time as they reach a cooking temperature almost immediately. If you like to grill outdoors frequently, then a gas BBQ is a great trade-off. However, if you are after something portable to take to the beach, campground or park, then a charcoal BBQ may be cheaper for short-term use.
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Natalie Corner is the Commercial Content Editor across the Specialist Portfolio for Bauer Media and is slowly learning how to care for her plant babies. When she's not soaking up the three days of sunshine in the great British outdoors, she's testing out the latest BBQ products.