Want a definite helper for grill habits?
While the quality of your grill can make or break your next backyard barbecue, it’s not the only thing you should consider putting in your outdoor kitchen toolbox. A handy set of grilling tools can also help ensure the versatility and success of your next cookout. These tool sets can include a wide variety of essentials such as flat skewers, spatulas, tongs, forks, basting brushes, corn holders, and burger flags. Now, you’re already probably thinking that you’ve got a lot of tools in your kitchen anyway, so why not use those instead? Well, kitchen tools are designed specifically to be used in your home kitchen. Kitchen tongs, for example, are much shorter compared to grill tongs. Unless you don’t mind singed hair on your arms, you’ll need grill tongs in your toolbox. In short, kitchen tools are great and all, but they won’t enhance your grilling experience while keeping you safe. Convinced? Good! So, let’s get down to which tool set you should get. Check out the best of the best below:
- Want a definite helper for grill habits?
- Cuisinart CGS-8036 Backyard BBQ Tool Set
- Taimasi 32PCS BBQ Grill Accessories Tools Set
- GrimGrill Heavy Duty 18″ Bbq Grilling Tools Set
- Alpha Grillers Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Tools Set
- Broil King 64004 Imperial Premium Grill Tools Set
- Kacebela 19-Piece BBQ Grill Tool Set
- Grill Tool Set Buying Guide:
- What pieces do you need?
- What are the essentials?
- What are the non-essentials?
- Do you need (or want) a case?
- How durable are the tools?
- How long are the tools?
- 5 Extra Choices to Have a Look at
Cuisinart CGS-8036 Backyard BBQ Tool Set
Review: Not sure which tools you’ll need for your next cookout? Then, you should definitely consider the Cuisinart CGS-8036 Backyard BBQ Tool Set. This set has almost everything you’ll ever need to enjoy a backyard barbecue. It has 36 pieces which include silicon heat and water resistant gloves, stainless steel skewers, a spatula, tongs, stainless steel burger flags, and stainless steel corn holders. There’s also a stainless steel grill scraper to help you clean your grill after use and a bottle opener to keep your beers coming. Plus, you get a basting brush with 2 silicone heads and a mop brush attachment. All the tools can be stored in a durable case with dedicated slots; no need to worry about the various tools banging into each other. This not only helps you store the set when it’s not needed, it also makes it convenient for travel when you want to grill on the go. Because the tools are all made of stainless steel, you won’t have to worry about rust. As an added bonus, you get a book of recipes you can try out on your grill as well as a meat temperature card. The only thing we wish was included in this set is a meat probe that will help you ensure you’ve got your meat cooking right.
Taimasi 32PCS BBQ Grill Accessories Tools Set
Review: If you’re looking for a truly complete set of grilling accessories, then there’s only one that pops up in our mind – the Taimasi 32PCS Grill Tools Set. Compared to the Cuisinart tool set, this one only has 32 pieces. But it includes a lot of tools that you won’t see in the other set. The tool set includes a lot of the traditional accessories such as grill tongs, a spatula, a basting brush, grill cleaning brushes, skewers, and a grill glove. In addition to that, you also get a long-handled meat knife, a small knife, kitchen shears, salt & pepper shakers. More importantly, you also get a meat injector to help intensify the flavors of your food as well as a meat thermometer – the one thing we were looking for with the Cuisinart model. That’s not all. This tool set also includes two premium grill mats which are made of heat resistant PTFE-Fiberglass coating. With these grill mats, you can easily cook delicate foods without worrying about small pieces falling between the grates. You can even use these grill mats as griddles for cooking your pancakes, quesadillas, and crepes. One last thing to note about these tools is that they are made of premium food grade stainless steel. They are durable, rust-proof, and BPA-free. On top of all of that, they are dishwasher safe.
GrimGrill Heavy Duty 18″ Bbq Grilling Tools Set
Review: While grilling tool sets are generally not expensive, not everyone has enough left over in their budget to invest in 32 or 36 tools for their outdoor kitchen. If you want the most basic set with the most affordable price, then you should look at the GRIMMGRILL Heavy Duty 18-Inch BBQ Grilling Tools Set. In this set, you get four solid stainless steel tools – a slotted spatula, a fork, a pair of tongs, and a basting brush. The spatula is quite wide enough to make flipping burgers a breeze. It also features a serrated edge on the side to help you cut into foods you’re cooking such as a sausage or hotdog. The spatula also features a bottle opener. You won’t need to look for one as you cool yourself in front of your grill with a fresh, cold beer. The tongs feature scalloped grips to make it easier to use whether you’re handling large pieces of meat or delicate ones. It also comes with a smart locking clip near the hook for easy storage as well as a handle with a comfortable grip. All of the tools are dishwasher-safe which makes them super easy to clean. They are very durable and come with a hanging loop that allows you to keep them within easy reach while you’re cooking on your grill. As an added bonus, you get a 1-year warranty. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, you can get your money back. You even get an ebook filled with recipes for you to try out on your next cookout.
Alpha Grillers Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Tools Set
Review: Like our most budget-friendly option, the Alpha Grillers tool set only includes four pieces – the most essential ones to ensure an enhanced grilling experience. In this tool set, you get a pair of tongs, a spatula, a basting brush, and a fork. All of these tools are made of extra thick, solid stainless steel for extra durability. They are rust-resistant and won’t be prone to bending or breaking, even when you’re using it to flip or lift an extra large cut of meat. All the tools also feature long handles for safety as well as ergonomic rubberized grips. Not only do these enable you to hold onto the tool while you’re using it, they also prevent your hand and fingers from getting tired while you cook. Scalloped edges enable you to use the tongs when gripping large pieces of meat or delicate foods. The spatula features a serrated side as well as a built-in bottle opener. The bristles of the basting brush are perfectly sized, enabling you to apply your sauce faster. They’re also very strong; you’ll find that these bristles won’t be falling off any time soon. After a long cooking session, cleaning them won’t take up too much of your time. Just pop them in your dishwasher and enjoy your meal with your family and friends.
Broil King 64004 Imperial Premium Grill Tools Set
Review: Like the other two tool sets we’ve already reviewed, the Broil King 64004 4-Piece Imperial Premium Grill Tools Set also features the most basic of grilling tools. But that’s where the similarities end. And the differences are what sets this, er, set apart. The Broil King set includes a spatula, a basting brush, and locking tongs. It also includes a stainless steel bristle grill brush which makes cleaning your grill after a long cooking session easy as pie. All the tools are made of 1.8mm stainless steel (which is almost two times as thick as other similar tools) and feature a one-piece design for durability. High density resin handles ensure that the tolls have a comfortable grip. The spatula features a tapered edge which makes it easy to slide underneath your food. It also features a built-in bottle opener. The pair of tongs in this set is also different. It features two different blade ends. One end is scalloped to make it easy to grip food while the other end is flat to help scoop the food from the grill. There’s also a locking mechanism to make the tongs easy to store. The basting brush is also great. It features V-shaped silicone bristles while the grill brush is made of stainless steel bristles. The latter also comes with a patented mud flap that keeps debris and grease from messing your clothes while you’re cleaning. All in all, it’s easy to see why this is the best basic grilling tool set you’ll ever get.
Kacebela 19-Piece BBQ Grill Tool Set
Review: If you’re serious about getting the most out of your grill tool set, then you need to check out this 19-piece set by Kacebela BBQ Tools. Before we begin, let’s just take a look at the case. It looks like a mini-suitcase and is made of aluminum. The interior of the case is lined with black velvet with each tool having it’s own place. Not only does this make your tools easily transportable, the case won’t be breaking down on you for a long time. Obviously, we love how cool the case looks too. Now, let’s move on to the tools themselves. Naturally, you get the essentials which include a pair of tongs, a knife, a grill brush, a basting rush, and a spatula. Like most spatulas used for grilling, this one also features a serrated edge and a built-in bottle opener. However, it’s cutting edge has bigger teeth in comparison to other similar tools which should make it easier to cut meat with. Aside from the usual, you also get 4 skewers, 8 corn holder, and a replaceable head for your grill brush. All the tools are made of food grade stainless steel which is excellent at resisting heat and rust. They all feature elongated handles as well as handle rings to enable you to hook them on your grill during a cooking session. Of course, all of them are dishwasher-safe. Not only do these tools enhance your grilling experience, they also make cleanup and storage so much easier.
Grill Tool Set Buying Guide:
Any pitmaster will tell you that their cooks are largely dependent on two main things – skill and equipment. Of course, grill equipment usually means the actual grill – charcoal, gas, pellet, etc. But that’s not the only thing it means. We’re referring to grill tools. These accessories can help increase your cooking versatility, enhance your cooking experience, and improve your cooking results. Obviously, you’re going to need a set of these essential grill tools. Maybe even more than just the basic ones. The good news is, you can get the tools in sets instead of individually. The question is, which set should you get? Answer the following questions in our guide to help you make that decision:
What pieces do you need?
There are a lot of different grill tool sets available. Some are just made up of 4 essential tools, others can include up to 36 pieces. Even the basic 4-piece sets feature some variety. Not all grill tool sets are the same. Because of this, you need to think carefully about what tools you do need and what you don’t. Most grill tool sets will include a spatula, a pair of tongs, and a basting brush. Some include a fork and/or a grill brush. In general, these would be the tools that you’ll probably use the most and you’d be fine with just a 4-piece set.
What are the essentials?
Before we get into the non-essentials, let’s just quickly discuss why these tools are considered a must-have. First, the tongs. Tongs are perfect for flipping different types of meat and veggies on your grill. You can also use it to bank coals. Second, the spatula. Your spatula is perfect for handling any meats that your tongs can’t such as fish and burgers. Third, the basting brush. The secret’s in the sauce, right? Well, how else will you ensure that your food will carry your flavors without regularly applying your secret sauce on it? In addition to intensifying the flavor, basting your food will help prevent it from drying out. Fourth, the grill brush. This is a tool that enables you to prolong the life of your grill. It also ensures that you never eat bits and pieces from your past cooking sessions. With some sets, you don’t get the grill brush. You get the fork instead. Now, the fork is great for moving your meat around. It can also help you check the “doneness” of your meat. However, puncturing your meat can cause it to lose its precious juice and leave your meal dry.
What are the non-essentials?
So, what are the additional tools that can be included in a set? Well, some sets include skewers which are perfect if you want to do kebabs or something similar. Some sets include burger flags that allow you to label the level of doneness each piece of meat has. Using these can help you avoid making a mistake and serving a guest with a piece of burger or steak that he or she won’t like. Other grill tools that can be included in a set are meat probes, grill mats, and knives.
You can opt to get these non-essentials in your tool set or not. They certainly provide convenience and increase your cooking versatility. Just take note that the more there are, the harder they’ll be to store. Unless they come with a case.
Do you need (or want) a case?
Not all grill tool sets come with a case. Most basic sets don’t. But if you like things to have their proper place or just don’t want to be bothered with hunting for your tools the next time you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, then a set with a carry case is a good idea. First, it allows you to put everything in one place. Second, it makes it easier to store whenever the tools are not needed. And third, it prolongs the lifespan of your tools. Of course, not just any case will do. Some cases are made of plastic, others are made of aluminum.Whichever type of material you choose, you need to make sure that the case is both sturdy and weatherproof. Some of your tools may have sharp edges which can cut through a cheaply made case. In addition, look for a case that can easily be opened and locked.
How durable are the tools?
Speaking of durability, you need to make sure that you choose tools that are made of good quality materials. Because your tools will be exposed to high heat, you need to look for those that don’t bend or break under those conditions.One material often used by manufacturers is stainless steel. Of course, just because a pair of tongs is made of stainless steel, it doesn’t mean that it’s already a good one. You also need to look at thickness and quality. We recommend heavy-duty, heat-resistant 430-grade stainless steel that’s around an inch thick, so you have some heft to it. This way, it won’t bend or break when you’re lifting a huge rack of ribs.
In addition, make sure to look for tools that feature handles that are made of heat-resistant materials such as wood or silicone. Your hands will thank you for keeping it from getting burned. Moreover, check how the tools feel in your hand. Does it feel comfortable? Does it provide you with adequate control? You don’t want a tool that may cause you to drop a juicy steak or delicious burger.
How long are the tools?
When it comes to tools for your grill, length always matters. Remember, you’re going to be cooking food over very high heat. With a short tool, there’s a high chance that you’ll be cooking the hair on your arms while you’re flipping your burger or steak. Avoid tools that are 12 inches long or less.
However, too much length is also not good for you. If your tools are too long, they become more difficult to control. Not only will your arm start to ache from handling it, there’s a higher chance that the tool will bend or break. Worse, your lack of control can mean food on the floor instead of your table.
So, what’s the right length? Experts recommend 16 inches because it lets you reach up to the back of your grill without exposing your arms to high heat. This length can be higher if you’re working on a large grill or cooking big joints of meat. For small grills or small hands, you might want to consider something less than 16 inches. But no less than 12 inches!