20 Best Grill Accessories

You’ve got the perfect grill. You’ve mastered the heat. But you’re still using that flimsy spatula that came in a kit from a big box store, and you’re guessing when your chicken is done. Let’s fix that.

The right bbq accessories don’t just make grilling easier; they make it better. I’ve spent the entire 2026 grilling season testing, burning, and flipping with dozens of tools. I’ve sorted the stuff that actually works from the junk that ends up in the back of a drawer.

This isn’t a list of gimmicks. These are the tools I reach for every single time I fire up the charcoal or gas. Here are the best grill accessories to get your hands on this year.

 

 

The Absolute Must-Haves

If you buy nothing else, get these. They make the biggest difference in quality, safety, and consistency for every single thing you cook.

 

 

1. ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE

Stop guessing. Seriously. An instant-read thermometer is the single most important tool for not overcooking expensive meat. The Thermapen ONE gives a reading in one second, it’s ridiculously accurate, and the backlight is a lifesaver for late-night cooks.

Yes, it’s expensive. But after using it for a full season, I can tell you it’s worth it. It’s waterproof, so you can rinse it clean, and it feels solid enough to last a decade. Skip the cheap knockoffs; this is the one to get.

 

 

2. Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

If you use charcoal, this is non-negotiable. It gets a full load of briquettes screaming hot and ready to dump in about 15 minutes, with no lighter fluid taste. Just stuff some newspaper or a fire starter in the bottom, fill it with charcoal, and light it.

The cone-shaped grate inside creates a vortex of heat that works way faster than a standard cylinder. The second handle helps you pour the hot coals with way more control and safety. Don’t grill on charcoal without one.

 

 

3. GrillGrate Anodized Aluminum Grates

These are aftermarket grates that sit on top of your existing ones. They completely changed how I grill steaks and burgers. The raised rails give you perfect, dark sear marks, while the flat valley vaporizes drippings for extra flavor and prevents flare-ups.

I was skeptical, but they really do work. They heat up fast and create an incredibly even surface temperature. They even have a special tool for cleaning between the rails and lifting the grates. It’s a fantastic upgrade for any gas or charcoal grill.

 

 

4. A Serious Grill Brush

Ditch the cheap brushes with bristles that fall out. A good, heavy-duty brush with a scraper is your first line of defense against old, burnt-on gunk. I like the ones with tightly wound stainless steel coils instead of straight bristles, as they feel safer and do a great job.

My rule is to clean the grates while they’re still hot, right after I pull the food off. It takes 30 seconds and saves you a world of hurt later. A long handle is also a must to keep your hands away from the heat.

 

 

Tools for Better Grilling

Once you have the basics, these tools give you more control and let you handle food like a pro. Precision makes all the difference.

 

 

5. OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Locking Tongs

You need a good pair of tongs. Not 12-inch kitchen tongs that get your knuckles singed, but long, sturdy grill tongs. The OXO 16-inch model has the perfect spring tension, a comfortable grip, and a simple locking mechanism that doesn’t get stuck.

I use these for everything from flipping individual shrimp to rearranging hot logs in my smoker. The scalloped heads grip food securely without piercing it. After a hundred runs through the dishwasher, they still look and work like new.

 

 

6. Mercer Hell’s Handle Fish Turner

Don’t let the name fool you; this is the best spatula for everything, not just fish. It’s thin and flexible, so it can slide under delicate salmon skin or a smashed burger patty without destroying it. The offset handle gives you great leverage.

The high-heat resistant handle is also a huge plus. I’ve accidentally left mine sitting on the edge of the grill for a minute, and it didn’t melt or get dangerously hot. It’s my go-to spatula, period.

 

 

7. Long-Suede Grill Gloves

A good pair of heat-resistant gloves gives you confidence. These aren’t for handling food directly, but for moving hot grates, adjusting vents, or lifting a chimney starter full of glowing coals. The long cuffs protect your forearms, too.

I prefer suede over silicone for this kind of task. It offers a better grip on heavy items like cast iron pans and just feels more protective when you’re dealing with intense heat.

 

 

8. OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush

Throw away that old brush with the bristles that fall out into your food. A silicone basting brush is the only way to go. It holds sauce well, spreads it evenly, and is incredibly easy to clean—just pop it in the dishwasher.

The angled head on the OXO model is a nice touch, as it keeps the saucy bristles off your side table. I have two: one for sweet BBQ sauces and one for savory marinades.

 

 

9. Flat Metal Skewers

If you make kebabs, you need flat skewers. Round skewers let your food spin around like a pinwheel every time you try to turn them. Flat skewers hold everything—meat, veggies, you name it—firmly in place so it all cooks evenly.

Look for stainless steel ones with a loop or handle at the end. It makes them much easier to grab and turn with tongs or gloved hands. These are a simple piece of grill cookware that makes a huge difference.

 

 

Grill Cookware & Surfaces

Expand your menu beyond burgers and hot dogs. With the right grill cookware, you can cook just about anything outside.

 

 

10. Lodge 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet

A cast iron skillet is the most versatile piece of cookware you can own, and it’s fantastic on the grill. It’s perfect for searing scallops, sautéing onions and peppers, or even baking a cornbread right over the coals. The radiant heat from the iron gives you an unbeatable crust.

The 12-inch size is big enough for most jobs without being too heavy to handle. I’ve used mine for everything from breakfast hash to a deep-dish pizza on the grill. Just keep it seasoned and it will last forever.

 

 

11. Weber Style Stainless Steel Grill Basket

Chopped veggies, shrimp, or anything small that might fall through the grates belongs in a grill basket. The perforated design lets the heat and smoke in while keeping your food contained. It’s so much easier than trying to flip a dozen tiny asparagus spears.

I like the stainless steel models with raised sides. Just toss your veggies with a little olive oil and seasoning, dump them in, and shake the basket every few minutes. It’s the best way to grill vegetables.

 

 

12. Cuisinart Alfrescamore Pizza Stone

Making pizza on the grill is awesome, and a good stone is key. The Cuisinart stone is made of cordierite, which handles the extreme, uneven heat of a grill without cracking. It pulls moisture from the dough to give you a crispy, browned crust that’s impossible to get in a home oven.

Just preheat it with the grill for at least 30 minutes, build your pizza on a peel with plenty of cornmeal, and slide it on. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pizza.

 

 

13. A Simple Smoker Box

Want to add smoke flavor to your gas grill? A smoker box is the easiest way. This simple stainless steel box holds wood chips and sits directly on your grates or flavorizer bars. As it heats up, the chips smolder and produce smoke.

It won’t turn your gas grill into a true offset smoker, but it adds a fantastic layer of flavor to chicken, ribs, and fish. It’s a cheap and effective way to dip your toes into smoking.

 

 

Flavor & Prep Upgrades

These are the little extras that can take your food from good to great before it even hits the heat.

 

 

14. Ofargo Stainless Steel Meat Injector

For thick cuts like pork shoulder or brisket, a marinade only flavors the surface. A meat injector gets brine, broth, or melted butter deep into the muscle for incredible flavor and moisture from the inside out. This Ofargo model is all stainless steel and comes with multiple needles for different liquids.

It’s easy to take apart and clean, which is a huge deal with these things. It’s a must-have for anyone serious about smoking large cuts of meat.

 

 

15. Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press

If you love those crispy, lacy-edged smashed burgers from your favorite diner, you need a burger press. This cast iron press from Cuisinart has a good weight to it and a flat, smooth surface that gives you a perfect smash every time. It’s also great for pressing bacon flat or making grilled sandwiches.

I just get a ripping hot cast iron skillet or griddle on the grill, place a ball of ground beef on it, and press down for about 10 seconds. The results are spectacular.

 

 

16. Cedar Planks

Grilling salmon on a cedar plank is a classic for a reason. As the plank heats up, it releases a fragrant, woodsy smoke that gently infuses the fish. It also protects the delicate fish from the direct heat of the grill, so it steams and smokes at the same time.

Just remember to soak the plank in water for at least an hour before you use it. You can get multiple uses out of each one if you don’t let it completely char.

 

 

Clean-Up and Maintenance

Take care of your grill, and it’ll take care of you. These items make the less glamorous parts of grilling a lot less painful.

 

 

17. A Heavy-Duty Grill Cover

Don’t let your investment rust away. A good grill cover protects your grill from rain, sun, snow, and bird droppings. Look for one made from heavy-duty polyester fabric with a waterproof backing and vents to prevent moisture buildup.

Straps or buckles at the bottom are also important to keep it from turning into a kite in a windstorm. Measure your grill before you buy to ensure a snug fit.

 

 

18. A Safer Grill Scraper

For people worried about wire bristles, a wood or nylon scraper is a good alternative. A wood scraper slowly conforms to the shape of your specific grill grates over time, creating a custom cleaning tool. It’s best used on a hot grill to scrape away gunk.

It may not be as aggressive as a wire brush, but it provides peace of mind and does a decent job on routine cleaning.

 

 

19. LED Grill Light

The sun doesn’t always cooperate with your grilling schedule. A good LED grill light that clamps onto your grill’s handle is a fantastic accessory for cooking after dark. It lets you see the true color of your food so you’re not serving up gray, overcooked steaks.

Look for one with a flexible neck and a strong clamp. I’ve found the models with multiple brightness settings are really useful.

 

 

20. Disposable Drip Pan Liners

Cleaning the grease trap is the worst job in grilling. Disposable foil liners make it ridiculously easy. When the pan gets full, you just pull the liner out, toss it in the trash, and pop a new one in. No scrubbing, no mess.

Just make sure you buy the right size and shape for your specific grill model. This is one of the best bbq accessories for pure convenience.

 

 

How to Choose the Right BBQ Accessories

You don’t need to run out and buy all 20 of these things at once. The best grill accessories for you depend entirely on what you like to cook. If you’re a burgers-and-dogs purist, a great spatula, tongs, and a grill brush are probably all you need.

But if you want to start smoking ribs or grilling whole fish, then a smoker box and a fish turner become much more important. Start with the absolute must-haves: a top-tier instant-read thermometer and a chimney starter if you use charcoal. Those two items will improve your results more than anything else.

Pay attention to materials. Look for 18/8 or 304 stainless steel for tools, cast iron for cookware, and high-heat silicone for brushes. They cost a little more, but they won’t rust or melt, and they’ll last for years. Build your collection over time and buy quality stuff that makes grilling more fun.