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Posted: 2022-05-07T09:45:01Z | Updated: 2022-05-07T09:45:01Z Grilling Accessories That Make Cookouts And Barbecues Way Easier | HuffPost Life

Grilling Accessories That Make Cookouts And Barbecues Way Easier

From grill baskets to items that cut down on cleanup, this list has everything you need.

The second temps start rising, you can count on the smell of backyard grilling to waft through the air. It’s the scent spring and summer are made of. Steaks, burgers (and Beyond Burgers), chicken, fish, veggies, fruit…everything tastes better when it’s fresh off the grill and paired with a cool drink.

Whether you plan on having some epic grilling sessions just for your fam or you plan on inviting friends over to join in on the fun, now is the time to get ready. You may have your grill (kinda need that), but your set-up shouldn’t end there. Just like how in the kitchen there are tools that make the cooking process easier and more efficient, there are grilling accessories that will seriously step up your game.

Rounded up here is everything you need to be the ultimate griller, and you can get it all at Walmart. Not only do they make grilling easier, but they help cut down on clean-up time too. That way, you’ll spend more time doing what’s really important: eating and having fun.  

HuffPost receives a share from retailers on this page. Every item is independently selected by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.

1
A disposable grill topper to save time on cleanup
Nothing is a barbecue buzzkill quite like having to clean up. Grills can require a heck of a lot of scrubbing, too. Its worth shelling out $5 for disposable grill toppers, which will cut your cleaning time way down. These ones are fully recyclable and can come in handy for tailgating and camping, too.
2
A barbecue tool set to make grilling easier
There are a lot of barbecue tool sets out there, but this one is a cut above the rest. The slotted spatula has a serrated edge which comes in handy for separating and cutting, therea a set of four skewers for kebabs, a fork for testing the tenderness of meat, and a basting brush which is helpful when seasoning your food. Oh, it comes with a case so everything can be stored properly, too.
3
A pocket thermometer to check the done-ness of your meat
Having a thermometer at your grilling station is key because if your meat isnt cooked thoroughly all the way through, it can lead to foodborne illnessesdefinitely not something you want to be responsible for. This one is small enough to fit in your pocket and bring with you to others cookouts. Safety first!
4
A grill mat to ensure no food is lost through the grates
Grilling something to perfection only to have it slide through the grates when you are transferring it to a plate is a travesty. Fortunately it will never happen if you use a grill mat like this one. Consider it an insurance policy for your food.
5
A pair of grilling gloves to protect your forearms
If you plan on doing some serious grilling, its worth investing in a pair of grilling gloves. Wearing a pair of these will protect your forearms as you reach across the grill to flip and remove your food. This pair is non-slip and waterproof, so it's no big deal if you start sweating over that fire.
6
A pack of grill-cleaning bricks to remove grease
Made of pumice stone, these grill bricks are great at getting up grease buildup that would otherwise live on your grill for who knows how long. Youre left with a sparkling clean rack with no scratches made in the process.
7
A grilling basket rack to hold your food
You can smoke or grill pretty much anything in this basket. It fits up to six racks of ribs or 12 drumsticks. As for that detachable can holder in the middle, its perfect for beer can chicken.
8
A charcoal barbecue kettle to get the fire going faster
If you have a charcoal grill, chimney starters are the quickest way to get the fire goingand you dont have to use any lighter fluid in the process. This kettle also comes in handy when camping, too.
9
A cast iron grill press to make your burgers cook faster
Once you have your grill going, its only a matter of time before your mouth starts watering, ready for your meal. Using an iron cast grill press can make grill patties cook quicker making the time between you and your burger that much shorter.
10
A grilling apron to keep you looking fresh
Manning the grill is an important job, but you dont want to spend the entire rest of the night smelling like smoke. Protect your clothes with a grilling apron like this one, which comes with pockets to stash your grilling tools.
11
A grill basket to hold your smaller food items
If youre grilling shrimp or veggies, having a grill basket like this can be super helpful. It will ensure every part of the food gets cooked to perfection and protects it from falling through the grates.
12
A seasoning set to make sure your food has flavor
You werent planning on serving up something bland, right? This set of spices will ensure your food has maximum flavor. The blends include a whiskey maple smoke rub, IPA chili seasoning, ale house chicken seasoning, and a bourbon barrel steak seasoning.
13
A grilling cookbook for recipes and tips
If youre a budding griller, a good cookbook is a must. This one has more than 85 recipes for everything from meat, fish, and produce. Warning: You will drool just looking at the photos.

Before You Go

Chefs Reveal Their Favorite Cheap Kitchen Tool Under $25
A Microplane rasp grater(01 of09)
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Justin Ottervanger, executive chef at The Parlour Room in New York City, said his favorite tool is a Microplane. "It's a simple but very effective for a variety of uses. Aside from grating zest or cheese, I'll use it to straighten the edge of a tart shell that didn't bake perfectly or grate a piece of garlic on the fly," he said.

This one is rasp-style (long and narrow) and comes in black, white, bloodstone and lilac. It has razor-sharp stainless steel teeth that prove useful for grating in both directions and on a variety of foods like citrus, hard cheeses, ginger and garlic.
(credit:Williams-Sonoma)
OXO Good Grips silicone garlic peeler(02 of09)
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The unique shape of this handheld tool keeps garlic cloves inside while peeling so your hands stay free of that strong garlicky smell and your counter tops stay free of mess. Cloves come out out peeled while peels stay inside. It's dishwasher-safe and easily stored in the included vented case.

Sicily Sierra , professional chef and founder of The Sandwich Ministry , uses it regularly. "Anything that saves you time and cleaning will always be a must-have in my kitchen and this OXO Garlic Peeler is my jam," she said. "Everyone in the house uses it to give us the perfect cloves without the mess of the peel everywhere."
(credit:Amazon)
A fish spatula(03 of09)
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With a fish spatula, recommended by celebrity chef Lamar Moore , you can lift, turn and transfer various fish and filets with ease. "I can press without breaking the skin and or meat of the fish," Moore said.

OXO's fish spatula is oversized to accommodate all types of fish and has a stainless steel head. Its beveled edges help it slide under food without breaking it.
(credit:Amazon)
Aubin melamine measuring cups(04 of09)
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For a splash of color in your kitchen tools, try Joseph "JJ" Johnson's favorite measuring cups.

"I love these colorful measuring cups from Crate and Barrel when I am cooking at home with my kids," said Johnson, the award-winning chef and owner of New York City's Fieldtrip . "Whether the kids want gumbo, pancakes or cookies, these cups are perfect for measuring rice or any dry ingredients. The best part is they are dishwasher-safe, which makes the cleanup easy."

The set comes with four different measurement sized cups: 1/4, 1/3 1/2 and 1 cup. Each cup is made of bamboo fiber and melamine.
(credit:Crate & Barrel)
Veggetti(05 of09)
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If zoodles are on the menu for dinner this week, the Veggetti is a tool you'll definitely find handy. "You can pretty much spiralize any solid vegetable for a different shape or texture for a dish," said Philadelphia-based chef and activist Kurt Evans .

You can use it on zucchini, squash, carrots, cucumber or almost any other vegetable to create noodles. All you have to do is insert your veggie of choice and twist.
(credit:Walmart)
A set of Cuisinart mini spatulas(06 of09)
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Sure, you have a couple spatulas in your kitchen, but do you have mini spatulas? Liz Solomon Dwyer, founder of New York City-based King David Tacos, said Cuisinart's mini spatulas are must-have in any kitchen for hard-to-reach pastes and sauces in small containers.

"A mini spatula (or spoonula, yes, it's a thing) is every kitchen's best friend, but especially at home. There are all sorts of small containers and cans that you just can't get inside with a full size spatula," she said. "Food waste is the worst, and think of all the peanut butter, mayo and tomato paste (always tomato paste!) you could have saved from waste if you just had the right size spatula for the job! A small investment with huge returns, right here."

This set comes with three roughly 8-inch long spatulas in pink, green and blue. There's one that's ideal for frosting cupcakes, one scooping out of jars and one that's perfect for icing cookies.
(credit:Amazon)
A gnocchi board(07 of09)
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Making your own gnocchi at home is easier than you think, and especially so if you have a gnocchi board, according to Silvia Barban , chef and co-owner of LaRina Pastificio & Vino in Brooklyn, New York.

"It's easy to travel with. By using this tool you create these lines that will make your pasta sauce stick to your pasta more," Barban said.

This gnocchi board from Fante's easily turns pasta dough into gnocchi thanks to its ridged texture. It's made in Italy from natural beechwood and is easy to clean; all you have to do is wipe it with a dry cloth or brush.
(credit:Amazon)
Joie mini mandoline slicer(08 of09)
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A mandoline slicer is an essential multifunctional tool to have in your kitchen and Rasheeda Purdie, a New York-based chef and founder of Ramen by Ra , uses hers often. She suggested this mini mandoline slicer as it's easy to travel with.

"It gives you consistent slices and cuts. It works well with so many vegetables and fruit. Theres also the option to julienne items, too. I cook ramen a lot and a mandoline slicer always gives me the best size for my toppings and garnish. As great as this kitchen tool is, its also dangerous so please cause carefully. Once youre attached to this item, it will become your go-to tool in your chef kit," she said.
(credit:Amazon)
A mortar and pestle(09 of09)
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The favorite tool of Priyanka Naik, a self-taught vegan chef and author of "The Modern Tiffin, " is a classic mortar and pestle , which can be used to crush spices, herbs and other things to make powders and seasonings. She recommends getting one made of marble, steel or stone, which can be found at Asian and Indian grocery stores.

"It is extremely versatile, underrated and, not to mention, looks super cute on your countertop. I use it to grind whole spices for savory dishes and desserts, make chutneys, pound ginger and garlic into a paste, make pestos and much more. The key is getting a heavy-weight mortar and pestle, specifically with a pestle that is heavy in weight so it does the work for you when your grinding food down."

Over 60 Amazon reviews mention how sturdy and heavy this is, making it a durable kitchen tool for your next pesto recipe.
(credit:Amazon)

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