Without an outdoor grill or BBQ, no Australian garden or backyard is complete. They are the ideal final touch to any landscaping work you may have already done. So, once you decide if you want to make such an upgrade it is up to you whether choose a basic model or spend money on something more durable that can stand alone as a garden feature.
The advantages, in either case, speak for themselves – a good barbeque grill is a focal point to gather around for socialising and entertaining events with your friends and family. But to have the most successful party yet, there are a few accessories you can’t go without. So let’s get right into it.
Essential Outdoor BBQ Accessories
Depending on how serious you are about your grilling, you might need just the basics or go all out with an arsenal of gear. Stocking up on the essentials is a good place to start for any griller. This includes:
Outdoor Barbeque
Perhaps the central piece to any backyard BBQ is the grill itself. This is where you’ll be doing most of the cooking, which is why you should go for one that is big enough, easy to use and clean, and durable. Having a sturdy outdoor barbeque is key to being able to use it for many years to come.
In terms of the kind of grill, you have a few options. If you want to save some money, then a basic charcoal grill will do the job just fine. These models are great for cooking up a quick meal and will give your food that classic smoky BBQ flavour.
If you’re looking for something a little more high-tech, then consider an electric or gas grill. The former offers more control over the cooking temperature, while the latter is more convenient since you don’t have to worry about lighting the charcoal. Either way, these models tend to be more expensive than charcoal grills due to the additional features.
Regardless of which type of outdoor BBQ grill you choose, make sure to get one that is the right size for your needs. If you have a large family or entertain often, then a bigger model will be necessary. Otherwise, a small or portable grill should suffice and will be easier to store.
Chef Grilling Apron
With this chef-standard apron, you can keep all of your tools around your waist in your apron pocket while protecting your clothes from the sizzling oil. Look for one with a heavyweight material that includes multiple pockets and a towel loop. Bonus points if it’s machine washable.
Grilling Tool Set
This should include all of the basic utensils you’ll need to flip, move, and tend to your food while cooking. At a minimum, you’ll want tongs, a spatula, and a long-handled fork. These tools should be made of durable materials like stainless steel so they don’t rust and can withstand high temperatures.
If you want to get fancy, there are all sorts of other grilling tools available on the market, such as basting brushes, grill brushes, skewers, and more. While not strictly necessary, these can make your grilling experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Protective Gloves
You can’t possibly grill without some good heat-resistant gloves. Not only will they protect your hands from the heat of the grill, but they’ll also prevent you from getting burned by hot oil or grease. Look for gloves that are comfortable to wear and offer a good grip.
Some models even come with handy features like an extra layer of protection on the fingers or additional padding in the palm. These can come in handy if you’re handling particularly hot food or grilling for long periods of time.
Grill Cover
When you’re not using your grill, you should make sure to protect it from the elements with a cover. This will keep it clean and dry, and prevent rusting or other damage. Make sure to get a cover that is specifically designed for your grill model and that fits well.
Maintaining a clean BBQ smoker is important for several reasons. First, it helps the machine to function properly. You won’t have to worry about your food becoming contaminated with soot, ash, or other debris. Second, it makes the smoker look nicer and can extend its lifespan.
Cleaning the grill regularly is also important for food safety. Bacteria can build up on dirty grills and contaminate food. This is especially true if you’re cooking for large groups of people, such as at a picnic or potluck.
Meat Thermometer
When you want to check the temperature of your food without cutting into it, a meat thermometer is a necessity. This device goes into the meat and gives you an accurate reading of the internal temperature. This is important for cooking food to the proper doneness and preventing foodborne illness.
Most meat thermometers are made of metal and have a long probe that can be inserted into thick cuts of meat. Some models also come with a digital display that makes it easy to read the temperature.
