With the summer in full stride and lots of you have been grilling up a storm, I thought it would be helpful to publish the latest in BBQ accessories and gadgets. I have found a bunch of stuff to consider adding to your barbecuing arsenal. Along with a the many new items, there are also a couple of accessories/gadgets that are not so new in design, but are definitely worth adding to your collection.
The first item is the BBQ Safe Serve™ instant read thermometer by Polder. I picked this new gadget because it offers either a 5″ or 10″ probe for safer temperature reading. This thermometer also offers a large LCD screen with backlight button, preset alerts and has two locking positions for the easiest reading angle while you are cooking.
On the lower end of the spectrum as far as pricing goes, here is the Mr. Bar-B-Q 18-Piece Stainless-Steel Tool Set. If you are camping or traveling to a place where they do not have BBQ utensils, this set is for you!
The Mr. BBQ 18-piece stainless-steel barbecue tool set includes a plastic carrying case, textured rubber grips on wooden handles, includes 4-in-1 spatula, fork, knife, 4 steak-house quality knives, basting brush, grill brush, tongs, and 8 corn holders. Hey, all that plus a 5-year warranty. Not bad for around $30 bucks!
On the higher end of the grill set spectrum is the All-Clad BBQ Tool Set in Carrying Case. You know when you purchase All-Clad, you’re getting great quality.
The All-Clad BBQ Tool Set includes: two-pronged fork, marinade brush, locking tongs, and a turner, each tool designed with extra long handles, tools are crafted of 18/10 Stainless Steel, tools are Dishwasher Safe and the protective metal carrying case keeps tools safe, in place, and ready for next cookout.
If you ever grill at night and sometimes do not have adequate lighting, you may want to check out this Maverick GL-01 Fluorscent Stainless Steel Grill Light. This grill light is portable and clips right onto just about any surface around your grill.
The Maverick GL-01 offers a 18-inch bendable neck with 1-inch stainless metal mounting clip, 5-inch fluorescent bulb, it’s usable rain or shine–outdoor and salt-spray tested and is powered by 4 AA batteries provides 2 to 3 hours of continuous operation.
Here is one of those items I mentioned earlier that isn’t really new, is very simple, but is very important. I cannot tell you how many people I have talked to have complained about not knowing when their gas bottle is going to run out of propane. So, when I saw this GasWatch TVL212 Propane-Level Indicator and Safety Gauge, I had to add it to this accessories and gadget article. In addition, the TVL212 helps you stay safe in the event of a major leak.
Here is what the GasWatch TVL212 Propane-Level Indicator features: It has an easy-to-read colored dial, for use of propane tanks up to 40 pounds; easy to connect; no tools required, built-in leak detector; emergency flow limiter in the event of a major leak, for use with gas grills, patio heaters, and other outdoor appliances, it measures approximately 8-4/5 by 5-3/5 by 4-1/2 inches and they offer a 1-year limited warranty.
Here is an item I originally saw on the CBS Morning News earlier this summer. Great concept, but I have yet to try one. Seems like this product will work better than most conventional grill cleaning brushes.
The Grill Daddy GD12952S Grill Daddy Pro Grill Brush uses the power of steam to clean tough baked-on food and grease, it has Stainless-steel bristles; safe for cast-iron, steel, or porcelain grill grates, long, sturdy handle protects hands from heat; hanging storage hook, 2-sided head removes for easy cleaning and the brush measures approximately 22 by 4 by 6 inches.
Here is that second item that isn’t exactly new but is very helpful when smoking meats. Even the most experienced folks who smoke will use this 2 Inch Smoker Thermometer. I’ve been smoking meats for years and I still rely on my gauges.
This smoker thermometer has a 2 inch easy-to-read dial, stainless steel design, shows exact temperature (100-475 degrees Fahrenheit) and is easy to mount with supplied washer & nut.
What’s been really cool in barbecuing the past couple of years? Taking the temperature of what you are cooking — remotely! Enjoy carefree cooking with the Grill Alert Talking Remote Meat Thermometer anywhere, anytime.
Now you can have the freedom to mingle with our remote meat thermometer for BBQ. Just insert the stainless steel probes in the center of the meat. Select the type of meat and how you would like it done (Rare, Medium Rare, Medium or Well Done). That’s all you have to do. A voice prompt will alert you when your entree is “Almost Ready” and “Ready.” A remote meat thermometer for BBQ takes the guesswork out of grilling. With a belt clip for added freedom and a range of 300-ft., the Grill Alert even has a display backlight for nighttime grilling. Uses two AA batteries and two AAA batteries (not included).
This is a cool (or should I say HOT) new product I stumbled upon just recently. The Landmann Quad Que Smoker gives you dual functionality. It doubles as a smoker and a fireplace! When you aren’t smoking meat, you can kick back and enjoy the fireplace function of this unique item.
The Landman Quad Que Smoker is made of heavy-duty steel construction. Dual functionality: fireplace and grill. Multiple cooking surfaces up to 1,370 square inches, unique shape allows food to be grilled, smoked and steamed. A drip pan/ watering pan is included and allows food to be steamed adding moisture and flavor. This smoker/fireplace also has a stainless steel temperature gauge. Burns wood or charcoal. 6 porcelain cooking grates, ash drawer for easy cleanup. Includes meat hangers for cooking or smoking and a front spark guard when used as an outdoor fireplace. Stainless steel handles.
Ok, I said accessories and gadgets for this article. But I couldn’t resist this new type of electric grill which uses convection cooking. This baby is is safe to use indoors, heats to 500° in less than five minutes and has an exclusive HeatXchange system allows you to switch between searing and grilling, roasting, warming and baking.
Fire up this powerful electric grill and find out that it does what the big grills do but in places where no gas, no charcoal, no open flame are allowed. From balcony to campsite, boat dock, apartment, condo or RV, this compact, portable electric grill delivers all the heat you need to sear, grill, roast and bake to delicious perfection. It comes ready to cook. It is safe to use indoors (with venting) or out, and can be placed on any cooking surface! Just plug it into a standard 110-volt outlet. The Portable Electric Grill with Convection Cooking heats to 500 degrees in less than five minutes. Features 10 grill-by-number settings–the temperature probe tells you when food is cooked to desired doneness. Exclusive HeatXchange system allows you to switch between searing and grilling, roasting, warming and baking. Hood design circulates air around food for true convection cooking, eliminating the need for a rotisserie. Non-stick, easy-clean searing plate. Rustproof restaurant-grade 18-gauge 304 stainless steel. Compact 20 1/2″ w x 18″ d x 9 1/2″ high, yet cooks up to 6 burgers or 4 steaks at one time. Winner of the Gold Medal Vesta Award for alternative fuel barbecues.
There you have it, ten new barbecue accessories & gadgets — with the exception of a couple new old things and a powerful convection cooking portable grill. Even if you don’t go out and purchase any of these cool gadgets, I hope that it inspires you to get out there and grill, barbecue and smoke your favorite foods.
Looking to spice things up on the grilling front? You may want to tap into your inner Italian and grill yourself a rustic homemade pizza. Besides tasting great, there is no need to crank up your oven and heat up your house!
With the big day fast approaching, it leaves an even bigger question for many of us; What am I going to make for Super Bowl Sunday? Don’t fret. I have a few quick and easy ideas that I hope will inspire you. Plus I’ll add a few recipes to make it even easier.
Many of us like our chicken wings deep-fried and doused with lots of hot sauce, however there are other methods of cooking our feathered friend’s appendages. I have in the past barbecued wings on the grill but I don’t recall marinating them first. Here is an tasty and a healthier alternative to deep-frying chicken wings.
