Gas grilling may be known for its simplicity and convenience, but charcoal shines when it comes to flavor, offering a unique smoky taste that gas grills can’t always replicate.
While gas grills use burners to ensure easy temperature control and even heat distribution, charcoal grills require careful management of coals to maintain the right temperature and create direct and indirect cooking zones. This hands-on approach calls for a different set of tools to ignite, manage, and maintain your cooking process effectively. But the right charcoal grill accessories will not only simplify your work—they’ll also elevate the taste and texture of your food.
If you’re wondering what things are needed for charcoal grilling, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the must-have tools and accessories that will transform you into a charcoal grilling expert.
Let’s get grilling.
1. Chimney starter
What it does: Uses airflow and paper to efficiently and evenly ignite the coals without using lighter fluid.
Why you need it: Using a chimney starter ensures an even burn and avoids the chemical taste that can come from using lighter fluid to start your coals. It’s an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to fire up your charcoal grill.
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2. Electric starter
What it does: Uses an electric coil to heat up the coals without the need for paper or lighter fluid.
Why you need it: To quickly light charcoal without making a mess or using chemical starters. If you’re grilling in a hurry, an electric starter is a faster alternative to a chimney starter.
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3. Charcoal rake
What it does: Helps you move and position hot coals to adjust air flow, manage heat, or create direct and indirect heat zones.
Why you need it: Ensures precise heat control, which is crucial for managing heat zones, grilling different types of food at once, or maintaining the coal bed during long grilling or smoking sessions.
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4. Coal basket
What it does: Keeps your charcoal organized and in place during grilling, making it easier to manage your heat zones. Containing your coals properly can also improve airflow for consistent heat.
Why you need it: Allows for better heat management and reduces wasted charcoal, especially if you’re smoking or cooking over indirect heat.
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5. Grill tongs and spatulas
What they do: Allow you to safely handle and flip food on the grill without burning yourself or damaging the food.
Why you need them: Long-handled, heat-resistant tools protect you from the heat while offering precise control over food placement and flipping.
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6. Grill brush
What it does: Removes food residue and grease from the grill grates after a grilling session, maintaining cleanliness and preventing stick and flavor transfer.
Why you need it: Several reasons—a clean grill reduces the risk of flare-ups, prevents things from sticking to the grates, ensures even heat distribution, and prolongs the life of your grill.
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7. Scraper
What it does: Scrapes stubborn debris and burnt residue from your grill grates. Wood scrapers will conform to the size and shape of your grill grates over time, so they are often more effective than brushes for clearing away super stuck-on gunk.
Why you need it: It provides a deeper clean and is an excellent complement to your grill brush.
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8. Heat-resistant gloves
What they do: Protect your hands from high heat when handling hot grates, flipping your food, or adjusting the coals.
Why you need them: Heat-resistant gloves are essential for safety when dealing with open flames or hot surfaces. Their grippy palms also allow more confidence and control during grilling.
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9. Instant-read thermometer
What it does: Quickly measures the internal temperature of your food to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
Why you need it: An instant-read thermometer helps prevent overcooking or undercooking, ensuring food safety and ideal taste without losing a ton of heat. They are perfect for beginners and experts alike and can be used indoors as well.
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10. Grilling basket
What it does: Holds smaller or delicate foods like vegetables, shrimp, or fish, preventing them from falling through the grates.
Why you need it: Grill baskets make grilling small or fragile items easier and more efficient while also ensuring they cook evenly.
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11. Wood chunks
What they do: Add delicious smoky flavor to your food by burning gently alongside charcoal during cooking.
Why you need them: To smoke food. Wood chunks will enhance the flavor profile of whatever you’re grilling, and you can also experiment with different types of wood for unique tastes.
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12. Basting brush
What it does: Applies marinades, sauces, and glazes to your food while it’s on the grill.
Why you need it: Ensures the even application of sauces, keeps food moist, and adds layers of flavor throughout the cooking process.
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Elevate Your Grilling with Essential Charcoal Grill Accessories
The right tools can make all the difference in your charcoal grilling experience. From lighting the coals to cleaning up after the feast, these essential accessories ensure you’re well-equipped to grill like a pro. Invest in high-quality tools and elevate your grilling game—your taste buds will thank you!
