The Grill
You can’t grill without a … grill. It is easily the most essential piece of grilling equipment. Generally, you’ll have to choose between a charcoal grill and one fueled with propane. Both have their pros and cons, and their fans. Whichever you choose, there are certain features you should look for in a grill.
Make sure your grill has a functioning lid. This may sound silly to mention, but it really is important. There are grills on the market that are cheaper simply because they do not have a lid, but these do not have the quality that you’ll want in a grill. A lid is essential for many reasons. It allows for indirect cooking, smoking, and even the use of woodchips. In addition, a closed lid allows the air to circulate better, allowing for faster and more even cooking.
You’ll probably want a grill with wheels for mobility. If your grill is charcoal, make sure it has a removable ash catcher that can be easily cleaned. Propane grills should have an ignition switch. If you’re going to be grilling frequently, look for a grill with a second tier for vegetables or simply to keep food warm. A side burner may also be handy.
Wire Brush
Once you have your grill, you’ll have to keep it clean. This is where the wire brush comes in handy. It will prolong the life of your grill and increase the taste and quality of the food you grill. Purchase a brush with brass bristles instead of steel. They are softer and won’t scratch the grates, saving you money in the long run.
Make sure you clean the grill before and after each use. Before grilling, heat the grill to burn off any leftover food then use the brush to loosen any remaining residue. While some people believe that cleaning the grill diminishes the flavor of the food, this is just a myth. Cleaning the grill ensures that your food is fresh, without any ‘leftovers’ attached.
Tongs
Almost all grilling is done with tongs. For this reason you’ll want to ensure that you have a really great set. Look for tongs that are at least 12 inches in length and constructed of stainless steel. Longer is better, as it will protect your hands from the intense heat of the grill. You might also look for tongs with wooden, nylon, or rubber handle grips for easier usage and oval or scalloped tips to allow a better grip on foods.
If you know you’ll be grilling many different foods at once, such as beef and vegetables, for example, you might want to invest in two or three pairs of tongs. It is advisable to have one for meat, one for poultry, one for fish, and one for vegetables to avoid any cross-contamination. You can easily label these tongs with colored tape so you don’t get them mixed up.
Spatula
Tongs can’t be used for everything. Some delicate foods such as fish or vegetables must be flipped gently. This is where a good spatula comes in handy. Spatulas for grilling are generally available in either stainless steel or silicone and have a long, angled handle designed to keep your hands away from the flames. Make sure you purchase a spatula large enough to fit entirely under the food. Fish and other delicate foods might fall apart otherwise.
Basting Brush
A good basting brush is almost as important as a decent pair of tongs. Basting your food locks in moisture, adds and preserves flavor, and improves the appearance of your meat. You shouldn’t use a regular kitchen basting brush, however, and pastry brushes are useless. You’ll want to purchase a grill basting brush, one with a long, angled handle that will help keep your hands away from the heat.
There are three basic types of brushes: synthetic, silicone, and mop. In general, silicone brushes are the best choice for most grillers. They are heat resistant, easy to clean (even in the dishwasher), and don’t shed their little fibers the way synthetic brushes do. However, for grillers who cook large quantities at once, a mop brush might be the better choice. These brushes are better at spreading barbeque and other sauces over large quantities of food.
Wooden Grill Planks
The use of wood planks for grilling is increasing in popularity to the point where any decent grill chef will have several of these on hand at any given time. Though typically used to cook fish, most foods will benefit from the use of a wood plank. The benefit of these planks is that they can infuse the food with flavors that are usually only found in smoked food. When purchasing planks, consider the flavor you’d like your foods to have. Planks are available in ash, cedar, maple, hickory, birch, pecan, mesquite, apple, peach, grape, and many other woods.
Meat Thermometer
Too many people poke or cut into the meat to determine when it’s cooked. This lets out the juices, resulting in lower quality meat. Instead of constantly poking the meat, purchase a good quality meat thermometer. You’ll want a thermometer that is instant-read and has a large face that is easy to read. Also, analog thermometers are more accurate than their digital counterparts, and they tend to last longer.
Skewers
If you and your family like to cook kebabs, you’ll want to invest in a set of metal skewers. These can be used to grill anything from pork, chicken, and beef to vegetables and fruit. When purchasing your skewers, look for the flat ones as opposed to the round. Food tends to spin and cook unevenly on round skewers, but stays in position on the flat ones.
Grill Basket
Is skewering foods too much work, try a grill basket. You can throw all manner of smaller foods into this basket that would otherwise fall through the grills and into the fire. These baskets should be sturdy enough to support a great deal of weight. They are perfect for stir-fries or simply a plate full of grilled vegetables.
If you wish to grill frequently, the above tools are the bare necessities. Other popular items include pizza pans, egg poachers, frying pans, and dozens of other accessories. Decide on how much you’d like to use your grill, and what foods you’re likely to cook, then purchase the items you’ll need. Before long, you’ll be grilling your way to perfection and hosting cookouts and barbeques that will be long remembered.
