Every grilling master needs these 5 essential grill tools! Find the perfect Father’s Day gift with this grill tool gift guide.
My dear husband is particularly difficult to buy for. He’s a minimalist like me – neither of us like collecting “trinkets” or products we’ll only use once.
On the occasion I find something he really needs and didn’t even know he wanted, I feel pretty accomplished!
Enter: grilling season.
If the grill master dad in your life (or mom or brother or cousin) is also hard to buy for, this grill tool guide will help you out. My husband can’t live without these five grilling tools. If you give them a try, I’m convinced you’ll agree!
Check out this list for the perfect Father’s Day gift to make sure your favorite dad’s house is equipped with the essentials.
Note: this post includes affiliate links. I earn a commission for purchases you make using these. To be honest, I’d rather you go to your local kitchen store and find these items, but if you’re in a pinch or short on time these links are here to help you out.
Essential Grill Tool #1: Grill Basket
A grill basket is the easiest way to cook vegetables on the grill, which gives them fantastic flavor.
This grill basket is large enough to hold vegetables for 6-8 people. It’s made of stainless steel so is heat-resistant and easy to clean.
Here are some of my favorite veggies grill combos:
Asparagus + Mushrooms
Onions + Bell Peppers + Zucchini + Mushrooms (or any combination)
Cauliflower
Butternut Squash (microwave 5-10 minutes to soften before grilling)
Toss veggies with oil & your favorite seasoning blend (I usually use the same herbs and spices we’re using for our protein) and grill for 20-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until softened to your liking and starting to char.
Essential Grill Tool #2: Digital Probe Thermometer (Digital Meat Thermometer)
To perfectly cook meat, every cook and grill master needs a digital thermometer.
This digital thermometer features two separate heat-resistant probes. It might sound excessive, but having two probes allows you to monitor different parts of the meat at the same time. For example, I find it challenging to get the probe in the right place in a turkey at Thanksgiving. Having two probes increases my odds of choosing correctly!
The long heat-resistant cord attached to the thermometer allows you to leave the probe in the meat while still in the oven or on the grill. You can keep an eye on the temperature from the digital readout as it sits on the counter.
I love that this thermometer has a temperature alarm you can set. It’s far better to cook meat based on temperature rather than time (read why in this post)!
Download this printable Meat Temperature Chart to reference when you use your thermometer. Now you can enjoy perfectly cooked meat every time!
Digital Probe Food Thermometer (Meat Thermometer)
*Top Pick* To perfectly cook meat, every cook and grill master needs a digital thermometer! This digital thermometer features two separate heat-resistant probes. Leave the probe in the meat inside the grill or oven and watch the temperature rise on the digital readout outside on the counter. This thermometer also has a temperature alarm to set to the perfect temperature so you can enjoy perfectly cooked meat every time.
Essential Grill Tool #3: An Oven Glove
Prevent burns using these heat-resistant gloves that withstand temperatures up to 540 degrees Fahrenheit.
These gloves allow much more dexterity than traditional oven mitts. This makes them perfect for handling the very hot grill basket so you can retrieve your delicious grilled vegetables!
These gloves aren’t limited to use on the grill. Use them when handling baking dishes in the kitchen, too. The grippy rubber on the gloves is helpful to prevent glass dishes from sliding out of your hands.
Essential Grill Tool #4: Grill Utensil Set
Every grill master needs a set of quality grill utensils.
This grilling utensil set is made of stainless steel. Always avoid using plastic utensils on the grill!
The set contains only what you need and nothing you don’t.
This grill utensil set includes:
- Tongs to easily flip your steak
- Grill spatula to stir the veggies in the grill basket and flip your burgers
- Fork to spear and flip pork chops (if you prefer this method instead of tongs)
Essential Grill Tool #5: Grill Mat
This grill mat is perfect to cook delicate or small food on the grill, such as fish or shrimp.
As opposed to a wire basket, it’s very easy to clean. It’s also heat-resistant up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit and has a 7-year warranty.
The only downside to this grill mat is that it doesn’t transfer grill marks. However, it does allow the grill flavors to infuse into the meat. And that’s the most important thing, right?
Enjoy Grilling Season!
Before you go, make sure to grab this Meat Temperature Chart. Especially when you’re cooking at high heat on the grill, it’s easy to accidentally overcook (or undercook!) your meat.
Cooking meat to the correct temperature ensures it will be safe AND it will taste delicious. No food poisoning or dry, overcooked chicken breast for you!
Do you have any other must-have grilling utensils that I haven’t included? Drop a comment and let me know what I should add!
Happy grilling,
Dietitian Ann from Peas & Hoppiness
Grill Meat to Perfection
For a quick, at-a-glance guide to save time when cooking and enjoy perfectly cooked meat every time, download this free Meat Temperature Chart.
Recipes Designed for You
The Peas & Hoppy Meal Guides feature recipes using real ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Meals are balanced nutritionally and tested in Dietitian Ann’s home kitchen to make sure they taste as good as they look.
“I love the balanced meals and variety of food choices the guides provide. The meals are filling, taste good, and are nutritious.”
-Rhonda, member of the Peas & Hoppy Meal Guides