Choosing a set of barbeque tools should be an easy exercise, and in some ways it is. Look for solidly built, stainless steel tools with handles of sufficient length to keep your hands from getting scorched and you should be good to go, right? The thing is, not all barbeque tools are the same, particularly if you’re looking to buy a set that will last more than a single season in the backyard. Materials and handle length all come into play as well when deciding which tools you really need and which ones might just be nice to haves. If you’re looking to invest in a quality set of barbeque tools for the iron chef in your family, here are three keys things to consider.
Think About Your Use
This one is molded with 1.5mm thick solid stainless steel. Each piece measures almost 18 inches long to keep your hands well away from the heat. Uncle Jeff’s BBQ Pit
If you’re grilling adventures go no farther than the backyard, a few quality tools may be all you need. When you head out camping, however, it’s nice to have a small kit that fits in its own bag or carrying base for easy stowing. When you look at kits, however, think about what you really will use. Do you really need corn holders or a meat thermometer when you’re cooking over an open fire? When it comes to grilling sets, less can be more, which is why we recommend spending as much as you can afford to purchase a few quality tools that will last for years.
Essential Tools
The appliances in this one make flipping anything easy. Big hanging loops are perfect for easy access. Alpha Grillers
Here are the four essential tools most iron chefs will find useful. Many would argue that a long-handled fork should also make the list, but most pit pros recommend that you not pierce meats while barbecuing as this lets out essential juices that can leave your meats dry and tasteless.
Tongs: Of all the tools you’ll need for great barbecuing, a good pair of tongs is essential. Look for tongs made of thick, quality stainless steel. Handles wrapped in rubber or silicone are something to consider as they will provide a better grip if you’re hands are greasy or wet with sauce. Scalloped tips are better for handling delicate foods like fish. Just make sure the tips don’t curve too much or they may be awkward to turn foods with. Solid, two-piece construction is better than a single piece of steel that’s been folded over. Look for models with a beefy hinge that locks so you can fold them up for easy placement in the dishwasher.
Spatula: Here you’ll want a nice long surface that will slide under a whole fish fillet longways for perfect flipping. A wide spatula will make turning bigger things like burgers and steaks easier. Some models have a serrated edge along one side that can be handy if you want to separate butterflied chicken breasts or peek inside a thick steak to see how well it’s cooked.
Basting brush: You have a choice here. Mops made with natural fibers work well for slathering on thick sauces, especially if you’re working with large cuts of meat. However, natural brushes tend to get greasy feeling over time. Silicone brushes work great for basting with lighter sauces (mops are still better for heavy-duty slathering), but they can go right into the dishwasher after using, so clean-ups are easy and you won’t have to worry about greasy brushes down the road.
Cleaning brush: What you want here are well-made brushes with stainless steel bristles. The worst thing is to have bristles flaking off onto your grill. And accidentally swallowing a bristle is bad news. Make sure your brush has a scraper on one end. Many come with a notch cut into the end, which makes it easy to run down the individual rungs on the grate to clean all the gunk off.
Handles Matter
Go all out with this deluxe set. Top flight tools come in a beautiful wooden gift box.
Anything less than 12 inches long and you’ll risk barbecuing your fingers. Look for utensils that are least 16 inches in length. Tools that run 18 inches or more will provide even more distance from the flames, but some people find them heavier and more cumbersome to work with. Stainless steel handles can easily go in the dishwasher (tools with wooden handles can’t), but they can get slippery when covered with sauce or grease. Steel will also heat up if left near the flames. This is why some folks prefer rubber or silicone handles.