Nothing says summertime like firing up the grill and cooking some delicious food for my family in our backyard. Today, I’m sharing all the grilling accessories I use to make our summer nights a success.
In our old house, we had a full outdoor kitchen for me to work with, it was epic and I loved it. But since we downsized our backyard now contains the pool my kids had been begging for, and a much smaller area for backyard grilling.
But that’s okay! The grilling tools and essentials I’m sharing with you today will work for any backyard and make you look like the grilling pro you’ve always wanted to be.
Let’s do this.
Whether it’s for entertaining or just a simple family meal, grilling is one of our favorite ways to enjoy some of our favorite foods, while kicking back and enjoying outdoor time together.
I mean, who doesn’t love some good barbecue chicken and kabobs sizzling away at the grill?
Best Grill Tools
Since I like to grill a variety of meat AND veggies, I’ve provided all the grilling accessories you’ll need for both.
I love using the grilling wok. It’s perfect for cooking vegetables of any kind via grill without having to worry about them falling through the grates and burning to a crisp! Sometimes, I even throw frozen broccoli directly on there and the heat steams it perfectly!
3-in-1 Grill Brush
A good brush will help make sure your grill stays in great shape for cooking recipes all summer long.
Grill Scraper
Another great way to keep your grill in tip-top-shape. This scraper can help clean your grill, without leaving anything behind!
Wireless Remote Meat Thermometer
Keep an eye on your meat – even from inside the house with this wireless thermometer set. It also comes with two probes so you can get readings on two types of meat at once.
Classic Meat Thermometer
A more budget friendly option to measure the temp of your meat. This thermometer is the one I use in my kitchen, but it works like a charm for grilled meats too!
Grill Basket for Veggies
From broccoli to zucchini, chop up your veggies and put them in this basket so they don’t slip through the grill slats. Trust me, there’s nothing like grilled broccoli florrets!
Marinade Tray
A marinating tray evenly distributes your bbq marinade to all parts of meat so every bite is full of delicious flavor.
Stainless Steel Grill Topper
Since discovering the grill topper, our DIY Pizzas are a new Friday favorite because who can resist a grilled pizza? Not my family.
Tongs & Turner Set
Arguably one of the most important investments you can make for your grill days. Make sure you have a solid pair of tongs (long enough to reach the back of the grill) and a good turner so your meat can be flipped to perfection.
Grill Accessories for Kabob
If you are wondering, I’ll show you how to grill kabobs perfectly right here. In that post, I cover the best ways to do meat and every veggie I can think of and give you the recipe for my favorite BBQ rub too! But first, here’s what you need for grilled kabobs.
- Metal skewers or wooden skewers
- Marinating tray
- Basting brush & cup set
- Baking Pan for transport
- Extra-long grilling tongs
I love grilling over the weekend because I can plan my weekly meal plan for the week around grilled chicken, steaks, and burgers, vegetables, and more. Burgers are always a winner with the kids, no matter the meal –I swear, they’d eat burgers for breakfast if I let them.
Grilled chicken or steak can be used in salads, tacos, or paired with an easy side like Corn & Tomato Salad or Spiralized Zucchini Tomatoes for a healthy meal. This means I knocked out dinners for the rest of the week all at once while having a good time with my family, I call that a win-win!
Grilling not only makes cleanup a breeze, but it doesn’t heat up my kitchen like the oven does –and I live in the south where our AC unit works constantly eight months out of the year.
Marinades & Rubs for the Grill
Okay, got all your grilling gear? Perfect, now grab. oneof these grill marinades or rubs to make sure your grilled meats and vegetables turn out absolutely amazing.
- Grilled Vegetable Marinade
- Spicy Chicken Marinade
- Quick Lime Marinade
- Taco Seasoning
- Pork Dry Rub
- Balsamic Marinade
For nights when you aren’t firing up the grill, (or while you’re waiting for your new grill accessories to arrive) be sure to try one of these easy summer dinner ideas.
Melissa
Our BBQ today for father’s day was GREAT thanks to you, Laura! I bought that marinading box and I can already see myself using it for so many things! I used it not for skewers but for chicken breasts and they were perfect and it saves plastic bags. Thanks!
Mary
I’m pretty sure my husband belongs to the Academy secret club. He is there a few times a week. Between hunting supplies, our kids baseball things, bbq supplies… we are there all.the.time. They basically know him by name. I got him a gift card for Father’s day because… what else should I get him? I”m pretty sure that if they served coffee he would never leave.
Lori
We bbq all the time. I Just bought a bunch of these at Academy yesterday for Father’s day. Thanks!
Jennifer
I just ordered that marinade box for Father’s day. Terrific idea!
Sue
I love skewers. We make them with every protein imaginable and even veggies. And fruit! We grill everything. I jjust bought the marinade box. what a great idea!
Matt
We grill everything over the summer. My wife gives me a $100 gift card to Academy every year for father’s day. BEST GIFT EVER!!
Julia
You’re the cutest grilling. I just bought one of those grill pans for the pizzas online!! what a great idea.
Sandra
My husband is at Academy very week. I’m pretty sure our whole house is outfitted there.