The Must Have Grilling Gear For Summer BBQ Season (And 3 Fool Proof Grill Recipes)
When summer rolls around, I try to spend as much time as I can outside. And that means firing up the grill and making some delicious meals for Dewey and me. While I’ve mastered most of the basics of grilling, there are LOTS of new products out there that can take your cookout to the next level. So I asked Zach to share some of his favorites for flavorful grilling.
If you like to grill, then you probably already have all of the essential items: some tongs, a spatula, maybe an apron, and, of course, the actual grill. So I put together a list of some extra items that can help you take your grilling gear up a notch. Keep scrolling to see all my picks and get enjoy to enjoy some tasty meals all summer long.
Don’t miss some of our favorite summer recipes: 3 Easy Summer Salads (That You Can Make In Minutes) and Summer Sangria: A Light & Refreshing Recipe To Enjoy All Season.
Photo: Williams Sonoma
Lodge Grill Press
If you struggle to get that perfect sear on your steak then this is for you! The grill press keeps your meat, chicken, or whatever else you’re cooking flat so that you can get an even sear on it.
Burger Mold
If you always end up with inconsistently shaped burgers then this will fix that. It’s a simple tool that allows you to not only shape your burger perfectly every time but to pack it tight so that it doesn’t fall apart on the grill. It also makes it easy to make a stuffed burger filled with cheese, or whatever else you can think of.
Photo: Food 52
Grilling Wraps
If you want to get a wood-fired flavor without actually burning a bunch of wood then give these a shot! They’re super thin wood squares that you can wrap around whatever food you’re grilling. It imparts that wood-fired flavor no matter what grill you’re using. I suggest wrapping them around a whole fish or a lobster tail!
Grilling Glove
When using a grill safety is key! This glove will protect your hands from the heat so you can get close without burning yourself. Just slip it on and get to flipping those burgers!
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Photo: Amazon
Rapidfire Charcoal Starter
Charcoal grills are great for flavor but can take a lot of time to start. If you want to use charcoal this will speed up the process. You place the briquettes in the chimney, light them up, and the geometry of it will bring them up to heat a lot faster than pouring them straight into the grill. Then you just press the button to release them and you’re ready to grill!
Pizza Stone
Who doesn’t love pizza?! I know I do, and I especially love it when made on the grill. This round pizza stone is made to conduct the heat and give you a crispy, crunchy crust every time. Just throw it on the grill, let it heat up, and then transfer your pizza over once it’s hot.
Photo: Williams Sonoma
Himalayan Salt Plank
This is one you may have never heard of. It’s a big block of pink Himalayan salt. It adds a unique, amazing flavor to whatever you’re cooking. You place it on the grill to heat up and then sear your food on it. It’s great for cooking thin pieces of fish or beef. I really love it for making seared scallops with some grilled veggies!
Grill Baskets
Have you ever been grilling veggies just to have a bunch of them fall through and be lost forever? I’ve lost more than my fair share of asparagus! Grill baskets will solve that. They’re perforated and perfect for making some delicious grilled veggies without losing any!
Photo: Craving California
So now you’ve got all you need to get grilling! Here are some recipes to inspire you and help you make the most of your new gear.
Grilled Lamb Chops with Herb Salad
Lamb chops can be intimidating to cook, but they shouldn’t be! This simple recipe helps you cook them perfectly every time. They’re paired with this simple herb salad that highlights the flavor of the grill and balances everything out.
Himalayan Salt Block Scallops with Honey Peppercorn Glaze
I already told you how much I love searing scallops on the salt block. This glaze makes them even better! You can make a big batch of the glaze and save some, that way next time you’re ready to get grilling.
Homemade Pizza Dough
Making your own pizza dough is easier than you think. You’ve bought the pizza stone, so go ahead and make some! It’ll turn out much better than any store-bought dough will. Then top it with whatever you want and throw it on the grill! My suggestion; pesto, prosciutto, and arugula.
