12 Top BBQ gadgets for outdoor parties

The MEATER Plus meat thermometer is designed for precision and convenience, it has Bluetooth connectivity with a 165-foot range and a guided cooking system through its app.  

We like this device over other meat thermometers out there due to its ease of use, reliability and accuracy. Its dual sensors monitor both internal meat temperature and ambient grill conditions for consistently accurate results. It’s built with a durable stainless steel probe and a battery-powered, magnetic base, and it’s engineered for reliability during intense grilling sessions.  

It’s great for both beginners and experienced cooks because it’s easy to use and it takes the guesswork out of monitoring internal meat temperatures, ensuring you serve the best cooked dishes every time without having to constantly check the grill.  

It allows easy hands-free monitoring from your phone so great for multitasking, especially if you want to focus on entertaining guests. But do keep in mind connectivity may drop if there are walls or obstacles between the grill and your phone. This costs more than traditional thermometers too, though we do think it’s still a solid investment. 

What stands out?
• Wireless monitoring upto 165ft range and dual sensors for better accuracy.
• Durable, rechargeable and convenient stainless steel probe.
• Smart cooking guidance via the MEATER app.

What cons did we manage to find?
• Pricey compared to analog models.
• Bluetooth range can be spotty.

You’re not wrong if you’re thinking you can just flip the veg and small foods around the grill yourself, but this clever little basket allows you to get an even all-round cook creating the perfect taste. It’s also built to last with a durable, rust-resistant design. This model has a locking lid and rolling handle to make it easy to rotate food without spills, and the compact 12″ x 6″ size fits most grills.  

The rolling grill basket is perfect for veggies and small items because it ensures an even cook with no flare-ups, and it’s dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. This has to make our list as one of the more usefull gadgets just because you can now effortlessly grill an assortment of small foods without losing them through the grates of your grill. This basket is perfect for those who love variety on the grill and want to elevate their outdoor cooking experience.

What stands out?
• Good value – Affordable and useful gift option.
• Even cooking – Great for veggies and shrimp.
• Easy to clean

What cons did we manage to find?
• BBQ Grill Basket may occupy some grill space, limiting the room for other accessories.
• Flimsy lid – Can pop open during grilling.

The Alpha Grillers BBQ Tool Set is a versatile and heavy-duty grilling starter kit that’s perfect for all chefs. These are great for both backyard cookouts and making a quick dinner in the kitchen, the tools offer reliable performance on any surface. 

If you already have a set, you can skip this one but if you not, or if you’re on the lookout for a high-quality grill set. We’ve picked the Alpha Grillers tool set for their simplicity, practicality and good value.  

Crafted from extra-thick, rust-resistant stainless steel, the set includes four essential tools for grilling: a spatula with a built-in bottle opener and serrated edge, a sharp meat fork, an 18″ silicone basting brush, and lockable tongs with scalloped grips. Each piece is built for comfort, strength, and durability, making it equally practical for beginners and seasoned grillers. 

Not only is this kit great for anyone into barbecuing but they’re perfect as a gift, this set is a go-to choice for birthdays, Father’s Day, or any occasion. From flipping burgers to basting ribs, it’s a stylish, functional addition to any grill master’s collection. 

Every grill pro needs a tool set, and you’ll want something well-made and durable. We think these are the perfect bundle; perfect weight and the tools don’t overcomplicate things. Perfect for all cook levels. 

What are our favorite features?
• Perfect length – Long handles keep hands safely away from heat.
• Gift-ready – Great packaging and quality make it a popular gift.
• Heavy-duty build – Tools are solid, sturdy, and feel premium.

What could be better?
• Can be limited for some – May not offer enough variety for adventerous grillers.
• Tongs issue – Rubber grip on tongs can come loose or fall off.

Sticking with the same quality brand as the tool set, the Alpha Grillers Meat Shredder Claws are also a powerful and practical addition to any BBQ toolkit. These are designed for efficiency, as the claws make quick work of pulled meat, brisket, chicken, and even large roasts. Built from durable, heat-resistant nylon, they handle hot meat straight off the grill without bending or warping, and their sharp teeth tear through meat effortlessly.

One of the best things about these claws is the way they feel, not only do you get to rip through the meat like you’re a bear, but the ergonomic design fits comfortably in the hand, offering excellent control without strain. They also lock together for compact storage, so they won’t get lost in your kitchen drawer or grilling gear.  

Beyond shredding, they’re surprisingly versatile, you can also use them to lift whole turkeys, toss salads, or steady large cuts while carving. Cleanup is simple too, just pop them in the dishwasher or give them a rinse over, the claws are large enouh to scrub with a sponge. Great for both casual grillers and seasoned smoker enthusiast, plus, they make a great gift for any BBQ lover who wants to ditch the forks and have a ton of fun prepping. 

We think the Alpha Grillers Meat Shredder Claws are a great addition to a grillers toolkit because they make shredding meat fast, easy, and mess-free. Like the Alpha Grillers Tool Set, they’re durable, comfortable to use, and built for serious grilling, making them a perfect piece for anyone who wants to upgrade their BBQ setup.

What stands out?
• Shreds meat fast – Makes pulled pork, brisket, and chicken easy to tear apart.
• Comfortable grip – Fits well in both small and large hands.
• Easy to clean & store – Dishwasher-safe and features a locking mechanism for compact storage.

What cons did we manage to find?
• May be overkill for small meals – Not always needed for light or casual cooking.
• Plastic may wear over time – Though sturdy, heavy use could dull the claws eventually.

In order to get an awesome grill, gadgets like the steel rolling basket and similar grilling baskets really help to let the flames from the grill cook through to the meat. 

We’ve found the Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket to be one of the most useful tools for grilling vegetables and other small items due to its great quality and simplicity. It’s made from solid stainless steel and has these perfectly sized slots that let heat and smoke through for a nice char, without letting food fall through the grill grates. It’s also a good size and not too bulky if you have a larger grill, you can get this in both small and large so make sure to check your own grill size if you want to cook other foods at the same time. 

What really impressed us is how durable this thing is. I’ve heard people say they’ve used the same basket for over a decade, and I can believe that. It doesn’t warp under high heat, and it feels tough without being heavy or awkward to handle. We think this is a huge step up from mesh baskets or non-stick pans that can become hard to clean over time or just don’t hold up. 

Cleaning is fairly easy too. It’s dishwasher safe, simple enough to scrub down with soapy water.  

It can discolor over time though, but if you don’t mind the seasoned look, you’ll be fine with that. One thing that might put some people off that this is a very simple one tray design, other similar trays on the market can have dividers which is useful for separating your foods while grilling. 

Overall, very simple tool that all grillers will benefit from. We like this model from Weber for its simplicity, durability and design but if you require one with more dividers I’d go for something like Ordora grill basket, which has 3 separate compartments for grilling. 

Why did it make our list?
• Excellent for veggies – Ideal size and slot design for charring vegetables evenly.
• Durable stainless steel – Long-lasting, warp-resistant, and holds up to high heat.
• Easy to clean – Dishwasher-safe and simpler to scrub than mesh or non-stick alternatives.

What is not ideal about it?
• No handle – Lacks a detachable or long handle, which could be inconvenient for some users.
• Discolors over time – Loses its shine with regular use, even if it still functions well.

Anyone who wants to grill kebabs, meat, or veggies and wants an easier, safer way to cook and serve them should use these BBQ skewers we’ve picked next. 

The Flafster Kitchen Stainless Steel Skewers are a high-quality set made from premium 304 stainless steel. They’re far more durable and rust-resistant than cheaper alternatives. These skewers are quality-tested, so you know you’re getting something built to last.

They’re super easy to use. One of the best things about these skewers is the push bar that lets you easily slide the meet and veg off them with ease. It definitely beats having meat stick to the blade and not coming off easily. No more burned fingers or wrestling with stuck-on food.  

At 16 inches long, they’re a great size for just about any grill and keep your hands a safe distance from the heat. Cleanup is convenient too, they’re dishwasher safe and reusable, making them a smart alternative to disposable wooden or bamboo skewers. 

The set comes with eight skewers, a handy storage pouch, and a gift-ready box. So, perfect if you’re buying for yourself or gifting to a fellow BBQ griller. 

Anyone who is a fan of kebabs will love these skewers, we’ve picked these for their smart push bar feature, set of six and great quality. Especially the push bar design, whoever thought of that is a superstar as they are a game-changer when it comes to grilling on skewers.  

Why did it make our list?
• Push slider is a game-changer – Easily removes food without forks or burned fingers.
• Flat, sturdy design – Prevents food from spinning while grilling.
• Safe & practical storage – Comes with protective tips and a pouch for safe keeping.

What is not ideal about it?
• Gets very hot – Requires tongs or gloves to handle safely after grilling.
• Slider may wear over time – Some users report food doesn’t slide off as smoothly after multiple uses.

GrillArt have found a way to create an awesome grill cleaning brush out any bristles, so you no longer have to worry about the dangers that come from bristles. Those tiny metal wires can loosen and end up in your food, risking serious health issues. This brush uses a heat‑resistant, coil‑style cleaning pad that works with steam. And it’s simple to use, just wet the sponge, scrub, and let the heat remove the grime. It’s a great way to get a deep clean on the grills. 

We’ve also picked this cleaning brush for its build quality, it feels reliable and safe. The stainless steel handle resists bending and keeps your hands safely away from hot surfaces. And it integrates a sturdy scraper blade for tackling tough residue, while the head encircles the grill bars for full‑surface cleaning on loads of different surfaces like cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain grates. 

When you need to clean the cleaner itself, it’s also pretty very straight forward, you just remove the sponge head and toss it in the dishwasher. The pad locks securely in place but can be swapped out when worn.  

However, it’s worth noting that bristle‑free options may require more effort than metal brushes initially, and some report the pad adhesion degrading after repeated use. Still, after using this you may not want to go back to wire brushes, especially if you want peace of mind. 

There’re plenty of cleaning brushes on the market and we’re not against the bristle cleaning brushes, we think they are very effective and great at getting the job done. But if you’re concerned about metal bristles breaking off while cleaning, or concerned about damaging your grill with metal bristles, this cleaning brush from Grillart provides an excellent, smart alternative. 

What stands out?
• Safe alternative to wire brushes – No bristles means no risk of metal getting into food.
• Cleans effectively with steam – Works well on hot grills using just water, no chemicals.
• Removable, dishwasher-safe sponge – Easy to clean and more hygienic than traditional options.

What cons did we manage to find?
• Sponge wears down over time – Can get bulky or degrade with frequent use.
• Handle could be sturdier – Some users feel it’s too short or lacks grip for tough jobs.

Become the master of your grill with a quality pair of heat-resistant BBQ gloves. As any experienced griller knows, burns from hot grates or trays are a common hazard in backyard cooking. The Heatproof BBQ Gloves are designed to protect your hands from high-heat injuries, giving you the confidence to handle grills, adjust coals, and flip food with ease.  

If you don’t use grill gloves already, you’d be surprised how useful they are at giving you loads more control over your grill. If you need to pick the coal you can easily do so, touching hot surfaces is no stress at all.  

As you probably know already, there are a ton of BBQ gloves on the market. We think the Geekhom BBQ gloves are a great pick for their quality, price, and durability. They protect your hands from scorching heat up to 446°F, while the extended length shields your wrists from flare-ups and oven edges. The textured, non-slip palms give you a firm grip on greasy trays or cast iron pans, and the breathable cotton lining keeps your hands cool and comfortable, even during long summer BBQ sessions.  

A set of grill gloves and give you a ton of confidence on the grill, just for that reason we think these should be on the list. But the ones from Geekhom are perfect for charcoal grillers or high-temperature cooks, these gloves are a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy a safe and stress-free grilling experience. 

What stands out?
• Excellent heat protection – Safely handles hot items straight from the smoker, grill, or oven.
• Flexible & grippy – Individual fingers and textured silicone make it easy to grab slippery or awkward items.
• Easy to clean & waterproof – Just wash like hands or toss in the dishwasher.

What cons did we manage to find?
• Sizing can be inconsistent – Fingers may feel short or fit too loose depending on hand size.
• Can retain heat – Gloves get very hot after use and take time to cool down.

You’d be surprised how many people struggle to get their BBQ’s going, it can be especially tricky for beginners. But having a BBQ fan can be a huge help in getting a grill heated up quickly and properly.  

If you’ve ever struggled to get your charcoal going, the BBQ Dragon Fan is a game-changer. This powerful little device blasts a strong, focused stream of air to rapidly ignite coals, turning a slow smolder into a blazing fire in minutes. It’s perfect for backyard grill, a fireplace, or a campsite, because of its easy clip-on design and firm tripod like mount.

You’ll appreciate how versatile and user-friendly it is. The stainless steel body is built tough but stays cool to the touch, and the clamp and flexible neck let you lock it in place and aim the airflow exactly where you need it. It weighs around just 3 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to toss into your camping gear or use around the house. You can power it with 4 AA batteries or a USB cable, though be warned, the USB option requires your own adapter or cable. 

It really is a neat little gadget, especially when paired with a charcoal chimney or used to stoke an already burning fire. Just don’t walk away while it’s running, it can overheat your gear if left unattended. Still, it’s one of those gadgets you don’t realize you need until you use it—and once you do, you won’t want to grill without it. 

If you have a tighter budget, the simple hand crank fans are plenty good enough. They’re cheap, easy to work and get the job done. But if you want to invest in a quality fan for your BBQ, we think the BBQ dragon charcoal fan is like no other, for its design, quality and usability. 

What makes it special?
• Drastically speeds up coal ignition – Gets your charcoal raging hot in minutes, saving major time.
• Flexible and sturdy design – Strong clamp and adjustable neck make it easy to aim precisely.
• Excellent customer service – Responsive team that honors replacements with no hassle.

What cons did we find?
• Awkward charging setup – Uses a USB port without including a cable or adapter, making charging less convenient.
• Battery drain & heat risk – Chews through batteries quickly and can melt if left too close to hot coals unattended.
• Pricy – hand crank fans are much cheaper

Don’t be the chef that forgets the seasoning ever again with this next cheap but indispensable gadget.  

A simple oil sprayer is a BBQ must-have especially for outdoor use. It’s clean, easy to use and as simple as they come. This 16oz oil sprayer from TrendPlain is a perfect example of an oil sprayer that’s great price and great quality. It gives you total control with two dispensing options, mist or pour, so you can choose exactly how much oil you want to use.

The spray nozzle is precise and consistent, so you won’t get those annoying random splats or clogged sprayers like with cheaper models. It’s perfect for anyone trying to control their oil intake, delivering just 0.15g of oil per spray to help cut down on excess without sacrificing flavor. 

The design is solid, stylish, and functional. Made from BPA-free glass, it feels premium in your hand and looks great on the counter. It’s surprisingly satisfying to use too, you may feel like you’re on a cooking show. This model is not known to leak or clog even with regular use and the wide mouth makes refilling easy, and its dishwasher safe for simple cleanup. 

We think this is one of those simple products that make seasoning oil much easier. It’s portable, durable and great for outdoor use. It’s also super cheap and can be used in all areas of cooking not just for BBQs. 

What stands out?
• 2-in-1 spray & pour design offers versatility for cooking
• Non-drip spout keeps counters clean and mess-free
• Wide-mouth opening makes refilling quick and easy

What cons did we manage to find?
• Spray mode isn't ultra-fine, better for oil control than misting
• Glass bottle may be fragile if dropped

If you’re tired of last-minute microwave defrosting or soaking meat in water, getting yourself a defrosting tray can be a lifesaver. This one from Cuisinart is excellent, it thaws frozen foods quickly and evenly without heat, so your meat stays juicy and flavourful. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and perfect for BBQs when you forget to take the steaks out in time. 

You’ll want this if you’re the type of person who loves spontaneous BBQs but always forgets to defrost the meat in time. If you hate using the microwave or running water to thaw food and care about preserving flavor and texture, a tray like this is perfect. It’s especially great if you like hosting but want things to stay low-effort, eco-friendly, and mess-free. 

We think this defrosting tray from Cuisinart is perfect for BBQ parties because it helps you thaw meat quickly and evenly without using a microwave or running water. Its high-conductivity aluminium surface speeds up thawing time while preserving the flavour and texture of your meats, which means you can get to grilling faster. Plus, it’s mess-free, non-stick, and compact, making prep and cleanup easier when you’re hosting a crowd. 

Why did it make our list?
• Speeds up thawing – Defrosts meat faster than leaving it on a regular plate or countertop.
• No electricity or water needed – Safe, natural thawing without microwaves or submerging in water.
• Slim and easy to store – Lightweight, compact, and simple to clean.

What is not ideal about it?
• Not instant – Works faster than nothing, but won’t dramatically cut thawing time for all foods.
• Some discoloration reported – A few cases of surface staining or wear after repeated use.

The final product we want to wrap up our list with for now has to be a good chef apron. You’d need an apron if you cook, grill, or smoke food regularly and want to stay clean, organized, and protected. They shield your clothes from grease, splatters, and spills while giving you quick access to tools.  

The Hudson Durable Goods Chef Apron is a great choice if you want something that’s both tough and stylish. This apron in particular, is built from heavy-duty 10 oz cotton that feels sturdy but still breathable, it’s perfect for long grilling sessions or all-day kitchen work. Thanks to the cross-back design and adjustable straps that fit a range of body types without digging into the neck, it’s much more comfortable than standard chef aprons. 

Perhaps what we appreciate the most is the design. With a chest pocket for pens or a phone, a kangaroo-style pouch for utensils, and a hip loop for your clough, everything you need is right where you want it ready for the perfect BBQ. 

You’ll need an apron especially if you’re grilling often, we picked this one because it’s comfortable, stylish and practical. The Hudson Durable Goods Chef Apron is ideal for anyone who takes their grilling, cooking, or hands-on work seriously. With its heavy-duty yet breathable cotton fabric, smart pocket design, and comfortable fit, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to stay clean, organized, and look sharp while doing what they love.  

What stands out?
• High-quality & durable – Thick, well-stitched fabric holds up to daily use, even in pro kitchens.
• Tons of functional pockets – Includes spots for knives, pens, phones, and more—perfect for BBQ or kitchen multitasking.
• Comfortable & adjustable fit – Cross-back design and long straps make it suitable for a range of body types and all-day wear.

What cons did we manage to find?
• Straps not removable – Washing could be easier if straps detached.
• May be a little time consuming to put on.