Taking care of your grill is the most important thing you can do to ensure your meat cooks properly. You want to ensure even, controllable heat across your entire grill top. The most important things for grill prep include:
- Charcoal/Propane: Choose fuel depending on your grill type
- Lighter/Starter: Getting the flames started quickly and easily
- Grill Brush: Clean your grill before, during, and after cooking
- Cooking Spray: Evenly coat your grill to prevent food from sticking
You need multiple tools while working the grill, as each piece is designed to facilitate a different type of meat or cooking style. Check out the top tools below:
- Tongs: Flip meat safely without getting too close to the flames
- Basting Brush: Ideal for applying sauces and marinades
- Spatula: The perfect choice for delicate meats, like fish
- Grill Basket: Use these to cook up veggies and smaller items so they don’t fall through
- Drip Pans: Aluminum trays are a lightweight solution, catching drippings to prevent flares
Whether you’re trying to prevent fires or check meat safety, this equipment will see you through in nearly every circumstance:
- Meat Thermometer: Ensures your meat is all cooked to safe temperatures
- Fire Extinguisher: Keep it close so you can grab it quickly to eliminate fires
- Grill Gloves: Protect your hands as you flip and season meat
- Apron: Prevent sparks from burning through your clothing
- Fire Blanket: Can quickly smother flames
You don’t want to spend your grocery time shopping for seasonings in addition to choosing meat. When you already have spices and sauces in your pantry, you save time. Iconic favorites that should be in your pantry at all times include:
- Salt & Pepper: A classic choice that shouldn’t be underestimated
- Garlic & Onion Powder: Used to give other seasonings a boost in flavor
- Dry Rub: Whether it’s homemade or store-bought, these are perfect for ribs and chicken
- BBQ Sauce: Some meats are just better with sauce, like pulled pork, brisket, and ribs
Whether it’s for cleanup or during your meal, the final BBQ essentials you need are small items that can make a big difference. These items will save you from having to run back inside to throw away trash, wash your hands, or refrigerate your food and drink:
- Trash Bags: Keep a large bag by the grill and one by the eating area for easier cleanup
- Wet Wipes: Wipe down your hands between handling meat to prevent contamination
- Ice Maker: Make ice on demand to keep soda, fruit, and meat cool while outside
- Storage Containers: Send guests away with leftovers or use these to prep your meats
With this pre-grilling checklist, you should feel confident in hosting a cookout. Prepare yourself before any guests arrive by checking the fuel levels, cleaning the grates, and laying out all your tools in advance. If you’re missing anything, this is the time to grab those last-minute items!
Once you get started, don’t try to cook everything at once. Take your time and enjoy the process with just one or two meats on the grill, along with some veggies.