Warmer weather and sunny days have everyone stocking up on charcoal and T-bone steaks, because it’s prime time to start grilling. Whether you’re a newbie or you consider yourself king/queen of the grill, these highly recommended grilling essentials should help you make the most out of the season.

Stainless Skewers

This is one of the least expensive and more rewarding purchases you’ll make. From hefty meat kebabs to delicate scallops, a good set of skewers will be your grill’s best friend. Plus, when you’re not grilling, use them to toast marshmallows.  

Locking tongs

There’s no better grill tool than a pair of quality locking tongs. This pair was awarded high marks for comfort, weight, and sturdiness. You’ll use your tongs during pretty much every grill session, so finding the right pair is important.

Thermometer

A good thermometer might be one of your larger investments (other than the grill itself), but this one will be worth the money. Thanks to its splash-proof design, this Thermapen won’t turn off, even if it gets wet. That means you can accurately check the temperature of anything from chicken and steak to ice water without a problem.

Grill pan

Sturdy and designed to keep even the smallest vegetable bits together, this professional-grade grill pan will prove to be twenty dollars well spent.

Grilling gloves

Grill pros protect the hands! Invest in a good pair of grilling gloves to comfortably protect your paws from the heat. These gloves are flexible for maximum control, and their long cuffs protect forearms from splatter and sparks working over the hot grill.

Grill light

Char your meat to perfection even after the sun goes down with a quality grill light. This sturdy LED grill light has a flexible neck and solidly connects to your grill so it won’t go flying when you accidentally run into it.

Flexible neck lighter

A utility lighter will save you a lot of frustration on windier afternoons. This lighter features a flexible neck, so you can spark a flame without singing your fingers.

Basting brush

A good marinade deserves a great basting brush. Reach flavor nirvana by coating your grilling morsels using this silicone brush basting bottle. There’s no need to dip and drip, because the bottle is attached – plus the gentle silicone bristles won’t mess with delicate skins.