Grilling accessories can get confusing fast. Walk into any store, and you see walls of tools, gadgets, and kits that look cool but don’t really help you cook better food.
This page is here to save you from that mistake
Robert’s Take: I have been grilling for years, and I have bought plenty of stuff that ended up collecting dust.
Below, I will walk you through the grilling accessories that actually matter, what each one is used for, and what to look for when buying.
This guide is about everyday grilling on gas, charcoal, pellet, and kamado grills for grilling burgers, steaks, chicken, and veggies.
If you are looking for tools that make grilling easier and more consistent, start here.
Must-Have Essential Grill Accessories.
These are the tools I reach for almost every time I fire up the grill. If you are missing any of these, start here before buying anything fancy.
Grill Tongs
A good pair of tongs is hands-down the most used grilling tool.
I use tongs for flipping burgers, moving chicken, turning sausages, and even rearranging charcoal. Look for:
- Long handles to keep your hands away from the heat
- A solid grip that doesn’t flex
- Locking tongs for easy storage
Robert’s Take: Buy quality. Cheap tongs bend and slip. That is frustrating when food is hot and greasy.
Grill Spatula
A sturdy spatula is a must for burgers and delicate foods.
What I look for:
- A thin edge that slides under food easily
- A wide surface for burgers and fish
- A solid handle that doesn’t wobble
Robert’s Take: Avoid tiny spatulas that feel like toys. You want something that feels solid in your hand.
Grill Brush (or Grill Scraper)
Keeping your grates clean makes a big difference in how food cooks.
You can use:
- A traditional grill brush
- A bristle-free grill scraper
If you use a brush, replace it when it starts shedding. Worn-out brushes cause more problems than they solve.
Find my recommended grill brushes
Robert’s Take: I clean my grates while they’re still warm. It takes less effort and works better.
Grill Thermometer
Guessing doneness is how food gets overcooked.
A grill thermometer helps you:
- Avoid undercooked chicken
- Stop overcooking steaks
- Get consistent results every time
I don’t rely on lid thermometers. I use instant-read or probe thermometers for real accuracy. If you want to dig deeper, I have put together a full guide with reviews here:
Pocket Thermometer Reviews
Grilling Accessories That Make Life Easier
These tools aren’t required, but once you use them, you’ll wonder how you grilled without them.
Heat-Resistant Grill Gloves
Grill gloves are great for:
- Moving hot grates
- Handling cast iron
- Adjusting vents or lids
I prefer gloves with a good grip and real heat resistance. Thin gloves don’t help much when things get hot.
read more about my heat resistant gloves here)
Grill Light
If you grill in the evening, a grill light is a simple upgrade.
A good light will:
- Clips to the handle
- Points directly at the grates
- Doesn’t blind you
I did grill light reviews, and I think this is one of those small tools that makes night grilling a lot less annoying.
Grill Prep Trays
Prep trays keep raw and cooked food separate.
I use them to:
- Carry food to the grill
- Bring finished food back inside
- Keep things organized
They’re simple, but they help avoid cross-contamination and mess.
You don’t need much extra gear to grill well on gas.
Grilling Accessories You Probably Don’t Need
This might save you some money.
I have found that most people don’t need:
- Huge grill tool kits with 20+ pieces
- Gimmicky multi-tools
- Accessories designed for one very specific task
Robert’s Take: If a tool doesn’t make cooking easier, safer, or more consistent, it usually ends up in a drawer.
Grill Accessories – My Experience
If you cook low and slow often, the tools you need are a bit different. I break that down separately here: Best Smoker Accessories.
Over the years, I have learned that better grilling doesn’t come from owning more gear. It comes from owning the right gear.
If you are just getting started, focus on the basics:
- Good tongs
- A solid spatula
- A reliable thermometer
- A way to keep your grates clean
Once you have those covered, everything else is optional.
Start simple. Upgrade when you feel a real need. That approach has saved me money and made my food better.
Robert Chill
Robert Chill is the technical voice behind Better Grills. He focuses on testing BBQ grills, smokers, and outdoor cooking equipment, breaking down features, performance, and real-world usability. His goal is to help readers choose the right grill without marketing hype or guesswork