BBQ Accessories Buying Guide: Covers, Gloves, Tool Sets and Thermometers

Putting together a great BBQ setup goes beyond the grill itself. The right accessories make cooking safer, easier, and more consistent, whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your tools. This bbq accessories buying guide walks through the key items—covers, gloves, tool sets, and thermometers—explaining what to look for in each category so you can make informed choices. For a broader look at choosing your main equipment, see our BBQ Grill Buying Guide.

Grill Covers: Protecting Your Investment

A good grill cover is your first line of defense against rain, sun, dust, and debris. It’s an essential accessory for prolonging the life of your grill, especially if it lives outdoors year-round. The two most critical factors are fit and material.

For portable grills that travel to campsites or tailgates, a fitted cover is equally important. Check our Portable Grill Buying Guide for more on features for mobile cooking.

BBQ Gloves: Handling Heat Safely

Moving hot grates, adjusting charcoal, or handling large cuts of meat requires more protection than standard oven mitts. Dedicated BBQ gloves are designed for high heat and dexterity.

The most important specification is the heat rating, which should be clearly stated by the manufacturer. Manufacturers state a maximum temperature and often a maximum contact time. Never assume a glove can handle more heat than its rated limit. For tasks like moving burning logs or coals, ensure the gloves are rated for the extreme temperatures involved.

Grill Tool Sets: The Right Tools for the Job

A complete tool set keeps your cooking organized and efficient. While you can buy pieces individually, a matched set often offers better value and storage solutions. The core tools are a spatula, tongs, and a fork, with many sets adding a basting brush, skewers, or a grill brush.

Sturdy construction is key. Tools should feel solid in your hand, with no wobbly connections between the handle and the working end. Longer handles keep your hands a safe distance from the heat. Look for tools with helpful features like a spatula with a serrated edge for cutting or tongs with a secure locking mechanism for storage.

Meat Thermometers: Cooking to Perfection and Safety

This might be the most important accessory in your kit. A reliable meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring perfect results and, crucially, food safety by verifying that meat has reached a safe minimum internal temperature.

There are two main types: instant-read thermometers and leave-in probe thermometers. Instant-read models are handheld and give a temperature in a few seconds when inserted; they are versatile for quick checks. Leave-in probes stay in the meat throughout the cook and connect to a base unit or wireless device, allowing you to monitor temperature without opening the grill—ideal for long smokes.

For safe cooking, always refer to the USDA Safe Temperature Chart for recommended minimum internal temperatures for different meats.

Your BBQ Accessories Priority List

If you’re building your collection from scratch or on a budget, consider this practical order of priority:

1. Grill Cover & Thermometer: Start here. The cover protects your significant grill investment from the elements. The thermometer is non-negotiable for food safety and achieving consistent results.
2. Heat-Resistant Gloves: Once you start handling hot components or large cuts, proper gloves become essential for safe, confident cooking.
3. Basic Tool Set: A sturdy spatula, tongs, and fork make the mechanics of grilling much easier. You can expand to a full set over time.
4. Specialized Tools: Items like a grill brush, smoker tube, or injector can be added as your techniques and interests grow.

For more guides on selecting equipment, browse our full library of Equipment Buying Guides.

FAQ: BBQ Accessories Buying Guide

What is the most important BBQ accessory to buy first?

We recommend starting with a well-fitted grill cover and a reliable meat thermometer. The cover protects your grill from weather damage, and the thermometer is critical for cooking meat safely and to your desired doneness. These two items safeguard your investment and your results.

How do I know what size grill cover to get?

The best fit comes from a cover made specifically for your grill’s make and model. If that’s not available, measure your grill’s dimensions (width, depth, height including any side shelves or handles) and compare them to the cover’s listed dimensions. A universal cover will list a size range (e.g., “fits grills 40-48 inches wide”). Choose one where your grill is in the middle of that range for the best fit.

Are all BBQ gloves heatproof?

No. BBQ gloves have specific maximum temperature ratings provided by the manufacturer. They are designed to be heat-resistant up to that limit, not heatproof. It is vital to check this rating and not use gloves for tasks that exceed it, such as directly handling burning coals unless they are rated for extreme temperatures. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

What’s the difference between an instant-read and a leave-in probe thermometer?

An instant-read thermometer is for quick, spot-checking temperatures. You insert it, get a reading in seconds, and remove it. A leave-in probe thermometer has a probe that stays inserted in the meat throughout the cooking process, connected to a display outside the grill. This allows for continuous monitoring without letting heat escape, which is especially valuable for long, slow cooks like smoking.

Where can I find recall information for grills or accessories?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) maintains an official database of recalls. You can search for grill or accessory recalls at CPSC Recalls. Always register new products with the manufacturer when possible to receive direct safety notifications.