Whether you’re new to BBQ or you’re a seasoned griller, there’s always something new to learn about barbecuing. And even if you’ve got a family ribs recipe down pat, you can always branch out and try new things, from grilling seafood to learning how to get good flavor from beefless burgers. An important part of becoming a grilling master is having the right tools.
Just like every chef depends on his or her favorite knife, every griller needs a trusty spatula, a pair of tongs and a grill fork. If you’re a griller who likes to kick back with a beer and check on the steaks every once in a while, a basic set with just three or four utensils will do the job. But maybe you treat every burger patty with a level of surgical precision rivaling an actual surgeon. In that case, you’re going to need a set with a lot of pieces. Either way, we’ve found the best sets for you. Plus, if you need a gift for someone who loves to grill but is still making do with the spatula they use in the kitchen, many of these sets come in giftable cases.
1. Alpha Grillers Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Tools Set
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty set of nothing but the most essential pieces, then this is the way to go. There are four pieces in this set: a spatula, fork, basting brush, and tongs. Each piece has a large loop on the ends, so you can hang the tools while not in use. The spatula has a built-in bottle opener and a sharp, serrated edge for cutting meat. That means that a single tool can operate as several tools. Incredibly, the brand also offers a lifetime money-back guarantee.
Pros: High-quality tools made from thick stainless steel, spatula includes a bottle opener and a serrated edge. Lifetime guarantee from the brand.
Cons: No carrying case included.
2. Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set, 20-Piece, Stainless Steel
It’s Cuisinart, so there’s a standard of quality that you can reliably expect from this grill set. It comes with 20 pieces, so it’s a good set for anyone who takes their grilling very seriously. It also comes in a metal case, making it a great thing to gift. Included with the kit are a variety of corn holders, in addition to a basting brush, tongs, and spatula. Plus, there’s a cleaning brush and extra brush head, meaning you can spend less time cleaning the grill and more time grilling.
Pros: Good option to gift because it comes with a metal carrying case. In addition, the spatula has a built-in bottle opener. After all, no BBQ is complete without beer.
Cons: Tongs could be more grippy.
3. ROMANTICIST 21pc Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Tool Set
This set includes 21 pieces that come in a metal briefcase. The pieces included are a spatula, tongs, grill fork, cleaning brush, extra grill brush head, a knife, a basting brush, eight corn holders, four kabob skewers, and the aluminum case. They even throw in a cooler bag for good measure. The tools have metal loops for easy hanging when not in use, and the spatula has serrated edges and a built-in bottle opener.
Pros: Comes with an impressive amount of pieces, including an aluminum carrying case and a cooler bag. Pieces are made from stainless steel and are dishwasher safe.
Cons: Tongs are very stiff, making it hard to grip smaller foods.
4. Simplistex 4 Piece Stainless Steel Barbecue Grill Tool Set
Another basic but durable option is this set from Simplistex. There are three essential pieces included: a spatula, grill fork, and tongs. In addition, there’s a cleaning brush with three-built in cleaning tools. There’s a bristle side, a scrubbing pad, and a metal scraper on the tip. Each piece except the brush has a hanging loop on the end, and the handles are coated for comfortable holding. The spatula has a serrated knife edge as well.
Pros: Basic set that includes a cleaning tool with a scrub pad, bristle brush, and metal scraper. Coated handles for comfortable gripping and large metal loops for convenient hanging.
Cons: Tools are very large, which may make them unwieldy for some.
5. Grillaholics BBQ Grill Tools Set
If you’re looking for just the essentials, this four-piece set from Grillaholics is a great option. It consists of a grilling spatula, tongs, a basting brush and a grill fork. The spatula has slots on the face, a convenient serrated edge and bottle opener built into the head. The tools are made out of durable stainless steel and they have comfortable covered handles. The handles all have holes for hanging the tools from kitchen hooks.
Pros: Thoughtfully designed utensils that are dishwasher safe and made form stainless steel. Multi-purpose spatula has a serrated edge and bottle opener.
Cons: Utensils are somewhat large.
6. grilljoy 24PCS BBQ Grill Tools Set
If you want to make sure you have every tool you could possibly need, then it’s hard to beat this option form Grilljoy. In addition to the essentials such as a spatula, grill fork, tongs and basting brush, there are also plenty of tools to take your grilling game to the next level. There are four skewers, four pairs of corn holders, a meat injector, a thermometer and even salt and pepper shakers. And if that sounds like a lot to keep track of, all of the tools come in a carrying case with designated slots for each piece.
Pros: Includes unique tools like a meat injector, thermometer, and salt and pepper shaker. Stylish carrying case makes it a good gift.
Cons: Tongs are awkward to use.