A charcoal, gas or electric barbecue is more than just a drum and a grate. The right BBQ accessories make cooking easier, stop food from falling into the embers, and make cleaning far less of a chore. The trick is knowing which equipment is genuinely useful and which kits are just packed with gimmicky tools.
A 10- or 20-piece BBQ kit might look appealing, but some items can be redundant or ill-suited to how you actually cook. For occasional use, a pair of tongs, a spatula and a fork can be perfectly adequate. If you regularly cook vegetables, prawns or kebabs, a dedicated basket or rack becomes very handy indeed.
So, check the exact contents of the BBQ utensil set, the length of the tools and how easy they are to store, rather than relying solely on the number of pieces advertised.
A comfortable handle is no substitute for a long enough shaft to keep your hands a safe distance from the flames. Utensils need to be long enough to handle food without you having to get dangerously close to the grate. Metal parts can stay scorching hot long after cooking, so handle them with care.
Skewers and racks sometimes have sharp ends. Keep them out of reach of children and place them on a stable surface when using them on the barbecue.
A brush that hasn't been rinsed properly, a basket stored while still damp, or utensils caked in grease will deteriorate faster and can transfer residue from one cookout to the next. After each use, let your accessories cool down, clean them with warm water and a mild detergent, then dry them thoroughly.
With wire-bristle brushes, always inspect the bristles before use. If any are loose, missing or bent, replace the brush to stop them from coming off on the grate or in your food.
Stainless steel is very common for tongs, spatulas, forks and skewers. It's easy to clean and stands up to repeated use. However, it's not completely immune to damage: prolonged exposure to moisture can leave marks or cause surface corrosion. Drying after washing is therefore essential.
For baskets and grates, check the rigidity of the structure, the quality of the welds and that there's no warping. A perforated BBQ basket should let heat circulate while keeping small items secure.
A length of around 35 to 46 cm is generally enough to keep a comfortable distance from the heat source, depending on your barbecue's design. Non-slip TPR handles are a real bonus when your hands are damp or a little greasy. Wooden handles offer a different feel but need hand-washing and careful drying.
Hanging rings, locking tongs and carry bags can also make a real difference when storing your accessories in a small space or taking them on a picnic.
Before ordering a grate, a skewer rack or a BBQ basket, measure your cooking surface. The stated dimensions aren't always enough: also check that the accessory sits stably on the bars of your grate.
The items shown below are listed as compatible with standard charcoal or gas barbecues. Some may also suit an electric model. Still, check your appliance's dimensions and the manufacturer's instructions before use.
Why this suits this profile: This trio includes a spatula, tongs and a fork in stainless steel: the essentials for getting started without any fuss.
The contents are clearly defined: you're not paying for a collection of tools you'll rarely use.
Three essential tools, compact dimensions of 39 × 7 × 10 cm and a stated weight of 147 g.
Why this suits this profile: Its carry bag is ideal for households that want to keep a matching set together and move it around easily.
The bag stops accessories from getting scattered and lets you quickly check everything is there before you head out.
Stainless steel, four pieces, black finish and a stated length of 38.5 cm.
Why this suits this profile: This basket is designed for those who regularly cook vegetables, pieces of meat or small ingredients.
The perforations hold small items that would otherwise fall through the grate bars.
Stated surface of 35 × 30.5 cm, metal construction and heat circulation thanks to the perforations.
Why this suits this profile: This rack is ideal for those who cook several skewers of meat, vegetables or fruit at the same time.
The notches hold the six skewers at a good distance from each other, so you don't have to handle them one by one.
Set comprising six skewers and a metal rack for more organised cooking.
Wait until the grate has cooled down enough, but clean it while it's still slightly warm if residue is stubborn. Use a BBQ brush suited to its surface and avoid pressing too hard, which could damage the coating. Wire brushes should be checked before and after each use.
Wash grates, baskets and other accessories with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse them, then dry them completely. Don't leave your tools on the grass, out in the rain or in a closed bag while they're still damp. This routine limits grease build-up and makes your next grilling session much easier.
We've put together a comprehensive, real-time updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.
Start with a pair of tongs, a spatula and a cleaning brush. You can then add a basket or skewers if you often cook vegetables, seafood or small items.
It can be used on some metal grates, but always check your barbecue manufacturer's recommendations. Inspect the bristles before each use and replace the brush as soon as they become loose or damaged.
Wash them after each use, dry them immediately and store them in a dry place. Wooden handles should be hand-washed and can be maintained with a food-safe mineral oil.