9 Useful Accessories to Go With Your Barbecue Grill

When you buy a barbecue, then you also need accessories to make grilling easier. You can get a wide range of accessories to fit every type of cooking. However, there are some accessories you shouldn't be without, no matter what you grill. If you don't have them, you may be limited on what you can do with your grill. Here are nine barbecue accessories you should consider before you start to use your grill.

1. Tongs
Everyone who grills needs barbecue tongs. Tongs help you place and arrange your food on the grill without being burned. Make sure you get tongs designed for high-heat situations like when you use the grill. These types of tongs are more heat-resistant and have protective handles.

2. Heat-Resistant Gloves
Heat-resistant gloves allow you to handle hot pans and utensils with less risk of a burn. They are more secure than a pot holder, and you are less likely to drop them. Be aware that these gloves aren't all protective. For example, they may not withstand direct flames.

3. Skewers
Skewers are awesome for vegetables and some cuts of meat that would normally fall through the grill. You can make shish-kabobs or simply use them to handle regular cuts of meat. Metal skewers work best with barbecues and include a metal loop to make them easy to store and handle. You won't have to soak a metal skewer before you use it, unlike other types of skewers.

4. Meat Thermometers
Meat thermometers are a must any time you cook meat, especially thick cuts. You can choose from a variety of digital and analog thermometers. You can even get one that reads the temperature instantly and folds to fit right into your hand. You can also add an air thermometer to determine the actual cooking temperature.

5. Spatulas
Spatulas and tongs go hand and hand. Spatulas allow you to flip over burgers and other items that may tear open when handled by tongs. Like tongs, make sure you get one designed for a barbecue because those do better with higher heat and usually have a longer handle.

6. Basting Brush
A barbecue basting brush allows for easy application of sauces while the food is on the grill. Try to use a heat-resistant silicone brush when you grill.

7. Seafood and Vegetable Basket
With a seafood and vegetable basket, you can cook your entire dinner on the grill. No more need to separate the way you cook your food. You won't have to cook one thing on the grill and the rest on the stove or oven.

These baskets let you cook food that would have been impossible to cook on the grill otherwise.

8. Grill Brush
After you finish with your barbecue, you need a tool that cleans the unit quickly and efficiently. At the very minimum, you should have a stiff grill brush. These brushes are very effective with food removal. For the best results, and the cleanest of all grills, you may want to add other accessories and cleaners in addition to the brush.

9. Apron
When you barbecue, sauces and grease sometimes spray up and could ruin your clothing. Aprons protect you from that. Plus, you can get them in a variety of patterns and styles. You can choose one based on what food you grill or on your mood. Have more than one on hand and make sure they are machine washable.

In addition to these items, you may want to expand your tools to allow you to grill more foods. You can buy accessories for pizza, for example. You can also get a cast iron skillet and cooling racks. Whatever accessories you decide on, Koontz Hardware can help. We have many different barbecue accessories available. You can buy your grill from us, too. Call us to see what we can do for you.