Our Favorite BBQ & Grilling Tools (The Gear We Actually Use)
I get emails all the time asking what tools I use in my kitchen and at the grill. So I finally decided to put it all in one place. These are not sponsored recommendations — this is the actual gear that lives in my kitchen and on my back porch. The stuff I reach for every single time I cook. If you are looking for gift ideas for the grill master in your life (or just want to treat yourself), this list is a great place to start.
The Thermapen by ThermoWorks
If there is one tool that has changed the way I cook more than anything else, it is the Thermapen. This instant-read thermometer gives you an accurate temperature reading in about two seconds flat. No more guessing if your steak is medium-rare or if your turkey is done. I use it for everything — steaks, roasts, smoked meats, even candy making. It is not cheap, but it is worth every single penny. Once you own one, you will wonder how you ever cooked without it.
The ThermoWorks Smoke
If the Thermapen is my everyday driver, the Smoke is my pit crew. This wireless two-probe thermometer lets me monitor both the pit temperature AND the food temperature at the same time — from across the yard. I did a full review of the Smoke when I used it for my Smoked Honey Garlic Chicken and I have been hooked ever since. For anyone who does long cooks on a smoker or grill, this is an absolute must-have. Set it, walk away, and let it tell you when dinner is ready.
The receiver range on this thing is incredible. We walked 900 feet from the smoker before we finally lost the signal. That means you can monitor your cook from anywhere in your house — even from the couch. That is what I am talking about.
The Blackstone Griddle
Santa brought me a Blackstone Griddle a few years back and it has been the most-used gift I have ever received. I cook on this thing constantly — smash burgers, Japanese steakhouse fried rice, Mexican fried rice, breakfast, you name it. The flat top surface gets screaming hot and gives you an incredible crust on everything. If you do not own one of these yet, stop what you are doing and go get one. DE-LISH.
The Traeger Grill
I am a huge Traeger fan. Wood pellet grilling is a total game changer. You get the convenience of a gas grill with the flavor of a wood smoker. I have used my Traeger for everything from pulled pork to pesto pull bread. The set-it-and-forget-it temperature control makes long cooks incredibly easy. If you are serious about BBQ and do not own a pellet grill yet, the Traeger is the one I would point you to first.
The Spoonula
Ok, this one is a little random, but hear me out. I was gifted a spoonula — half spoon, half spatula — and it has legitimately changed the way I cook. I use it for mac and cheese, stir fries, sauces, you name it. It gets into the edges of pans better than a regular spoon and scoops better than a regular spatula. If you need a new kitchen tool and you have never tried a spoonula, just get one. You can thank me later.
The Pizzeria Pronto Pizza Oven
We make pizza a few times a week in our house and the Pizzeria Pronto has been our go-to oven for getting that perfect pizzeria-style crust at home. It sits right on top of your gas grill burners and gets hot enough to cook a pizza in just a few minutes. I did a full review of the Pizzeria Pronto here on the blog — check it out if you are serious about homemade pizza. Game changer.
These are the tools that make the biggest difference in my cooking day in and day out. I will keep updating this list as I find new gear worth recommending. Got a question about any of these? Drop it in the comments below. — Rex
