Summer grilling accessories guide: tools for cooking, cleanup, and greater control

A silicone basting brush that’s useful when you want a cleaner, low-maintenance alternative to traditional bristles. Great for glazing ribs, brushing marinades, or keeping a seam of sauce controlled without shedding. Pick this if you value easy cleaning and a tool that won’t hold onto odors.

A bristle-free grill scraper designed to clean between rounded grates and reach the underside without lifting the grate. It’s a good choice for people who worry about loose bristles or who want a more thorough scrape after each cook. Offers a different approach from traditional brushes by scraping and clearing debris rather than brushing it around.

Sturdy utility tongs built for frequent use and a firmer grip on larger cuts. Ideal for hosts who cook multiple items at once or for anyone who prefers a no-nonsense, heavy-duty tool over flimsy, lightweight alternatives. The spring construction keeps them responsive for quick flipping and maneuvering.

A fish turner with a thinner, flexible blade and a handle designed to stay cooler to the touch. Best for delicate proteins and cooks who often lift fillets or whole fish off a hot grate without breaking them apart. The handle technology separates it from generic spatulas by reducing hand heat transfer during extended flips.

An extra-large vegetable basket that keeps smaller pieces from falling through the grates while allowing good airflow for charring. Useful for families or gatherings when you want to batch-cook sides alongside meat. It’s more convenient than skewers when you have mixed veggies that cook at different rates.

A long-handled grill shovel intended for heavy-duty scraping of wood- and charcoal-fired grills. If you maintain a large smoker or a firebox, this tool helps remove caked-on residue without contorting under the grate. It’s for people who need leverage and reach rather than a quick handheld scrape.

A chimney starter that gets charcoal ready quickly and without lighter fluid, useful whenever you need consistent, even heat from the outset. Good for anyone who prefers charcoal grilling and wants a reliable, repeatable way to get coals hot. It’s a simple tool that replaces tricky lighting techniques and speeds up preheat time.

A replaceable-head scraper system for people who care about long-term maintenance and sustainability. The ability to swap heads means you can keep the handle while renewing the working surface as it wears, which suits frequent grillers who don’t want to replace an entire tool. It’s a practical alternative to single-use brushes.

A compact alarm thermometer designed for straightforward use: set an alarm, and it notifies you when food hits the target. Perfect for cooks who want consistent doneness without babysitting the grill. Its simplicity and reliable alerts differentiate it from multi-probe systems if you prefer a minimal setup.