10 Products That Will Turn You Into a Grill Master
You can get by with a kitchen spatula and seasoning salt. Or you can run a better barbecue.
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Wildwood Grill Master Collection Planks and Smoking Chips ($25)
Different woods—like the hickory, cherry, maple, cedar, and alder in this set—bring out different flavors.
Field Company #10 Field Skillet ($135)
A cast-iron skillet is a great way to diversify your grilling game, from cheesy corn bakes to pizzas. Field Company’s model is a preseasoned 11.5-inch pan that’ll last a lifetime and develop a nonstick patina the more you use it. Thanks to thinner construction, it’s smoother (so more delicate meals don’t break apart) and 25 percent lighter than comparable pieces.
Weber iGrill2 Smart Thermometer ($110)
The iGrill2 lets you monitor your meal with your phone while grabbing more beers and guac. You’ll get a ping when you’ve hit that perfect medium rare.
The UCO Flatpack Grill ($50)
Folding up to just 1.5 inches thick, this simple, stowable grill slips into even the most overstuffed packs. It deploys in a single motion (think camp chair) and cooks with charcoal or wood. The grilling surface fits a couple of steaks, and while they’ll take longer to cook than with gas, the end result has a smoky goodness that only flames can provide. —A.C. Shilton
Moore and Giles Capps Leather Work Apron ($375)
Grilling is a messy job if you’re doing it right. The Work apron has two front pockets big enough to fit at least four utensils. Plus, the full-grain aniline leather looks better with use.
Growlerwerks uKeg 64 Pressurized Growler ($159)
Think of the uKeg as a portable kegerator. Instead of a screw cap that lets all the carbonation escape, there’s a tap handle for pulling frothy pints. The pressurized unit keeps half a gallon (four pints) of beer cold for up to two weeks.
'Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto' ($30)
Elevate your ’cue with lessons from a true master. This book, written by the founder of the titular Austin, Texas, BBQ joint, details recipes, smoker construction, and wood selection.
Grill Armor Gloves ($30)
Toss your clumsy old oven mitts. These gloves are made with a blend of extremely strong, fire-resistant fibers, so they won’t ignite or melt when exposed to an open flame—they’re rated to withstand temperatures up to 932 degrees.
Cuisinart 14-Piece Deluxe Grill Set ($40)
Barbecue chefs are only as good as their tools. This set includes a spatula (with a built-in bottle opener), tongs, basting brush, grill–cleaning brush, and eight corn holders. All 14 pieces are made with stainless steel, so you know they’ll last.
Treehouse Brewing Company Haze Double IPA ($4.30)
This Massachusetts brewery is a household name among beer geeks, and Haze is our pick for summer cookouts. Tropical and citrusy without too much bitterness, it pairs well with bold, savory flavors from the grill.