This episode is about a few basic tools that can make your grilling experience a bit more streamlined.

It’s important to note that proficiency behind the grill just takes practice. You don't need any fancy barbecue gadgets to cook good food on a grill.

5 essential tools for your grill or barbecue:

1. A good grill cleaner.

   • I use the Charcoal Companion Safe Scrape.

   • You have to maintain a clean grill, as leftover food could attract bugs, and also grow bacteria as well as mold.

   • You should never use a wire brush to clean your grill as he bristles have been found to break off and end up in your food.

     • You can read more about it in this article from Consumer Reports.

2. An instant-read meat thermometer.

   • I use the ThermoPro Digital Instant Read Meat Thermometer.

     • It’s a good product at a great value—around $20 on Amazon.

3. Charcoal Chimney for lighting charcoal without using harmful, chemical lighter fluids.

   • You can go as basic as the Outset Q110 Chimney Grill Starter

   • Or use something with a bit more design to it, like the BBQ Dragon Chimney of Insanity Charcoal Starter.

4. “Tumbleweeds” fire starters.

   • They light well, burn well, and do the job.

   • Don’t spend a lot of money on these (because you’ll literally be burning it).

     • I look for the best value in chemical-free tumbleweeds, like this pack of 60.

5. A good spatula and long tongs.

   • You want good, long tongs that close straight and are easy to move and grip.

   • You also want a good, strong and long spatula.

   • The other tools in those “BBQ TOOLS” gift sets aren’t necessary.

   • OXO makes a great set with just the long tongs and spatula.

     • I use the OXO long tongs and my spatula is a Cuisinart that came in one of those gift sets (the rest of the tools in that set haven’t left their neat, little carrying case, which is at the back of one of my kitchen cabinets).

Those are my recommendations for 5 essentials barbecue tools. I would love to hear what you think about my list. Do you think there should be some other essential grilling tool? Leave a comment below, or let me know on Twitter - @GEatsEverywhere.

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