Grilling tools

n Chimney starter: A chimney starter aids in getting charcoal started without using lighter fluid. If using on wood deck, make sure to have large concrete or ceramic tile nearby for starter to rest as it gets red-hot. Best handled with heat-resistant gloves.

n Disposable foil pans: Perfect for soaking wood chunks and/or used to keep food warm on the cooking grate. Also convenient when transferring food to and from the grill.

n Tongs: The most often used grill tool for rearranging coals, transferring meat onto grill and transferring off of grill. Ideally, three sets of tongs should be on hand, one for loading raw food, one for removing cooked food and one for shuffling charcoal.

n Rib rack: Very important for those with limited grilling space, as the wire rack holds multiple slabs of ribs, freeing up space for other foods. Racks also help ribs cook more evenly.

n Grilling mitts: Short mitts are fine when arranging foods on the grill, but mitts that cover the forearm should be used for shoveling ash or other long reaching jobs.

n Fish basket: Fish is expensive and the last thing a griller wants is for a portion of it to fall through the grates. The fish basket offers a degree of protection from that and makes flipping a whole lot easier.

n Basting brush: If you're barbecuing a whole pig, then maybe a mop head is required, but for the average job a silicone brush is recommended. Those with small beads at the tip of the brush transfer sauce and marinades well, and can go directly into the dishwasher for quick clean up.

n Thermometer: An instant read thermometer is essential for grilling and is relatively inexpensive. A wireless meat thermometer is a luxury item that notifies the griller when the food is ready through a remote beeper.

n Grilling spatula: Long-handled spatulas are recommended, with a blade that's at least 4 inches wide. Fish spatulas that typically have longer blades are also nice to have on hand.

n Skewers: If using bamboo skewers, make sure to soak in water for half an hour before using. Or, for convenience, soak bamboo skewers and place in freezer for later use. Flat metal skewers are good for preventing food from spinning when turned.

n Grill brush: A clean grill is essential for a pleasant grilling experience. A a long-handled brush, preferably with stainless steel bristles, will do the job well.

n Shovel and bucket: A small shovel is convenient for pushing charcoal around, but almost essential when removing ash from a smoke box. Many barbecue retailers have shovels and buckets made just for this task. If buying from a hardware store, make sure the items are free of plastic parts. Always place ash filled bucket on fire-proof surface.

n Fire retardant: Hopefully never needed, but absolutely essential is a fire retardant that should be kept within reach of the grill at all times. Pictured above is the Tundra, a small canister with a point and spray design that makes it simple to use and easy to store. Cost is $20, but comparable products are also available.

Source: "Weber's Way to Grill" by Jamie Purviance

- Mary Constantine

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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