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Tools of the Trade
To truly master your barbecue, you’ll need the right tools for the job. That means a fish turner for turning fish, a burger flipper for flipping burgers and a grillslinger....to hold them in.
There are many different tools available - some are very useful, while others are not. When buying any tool, check the metal parts are stainless steel and the handle is long and made of either thermoplastic or wood.
When you've got the right tools, it's important you learn how to use them properly. Should you use the fork for serving, or the tongs? Can you turn burgers with the fork, or should you use a spatula? Old barbecue conundrums that should, by the time you've finished reading, be a little less of a mystery...
Tongs
Doubtless these are the most important tool you will use- perfect for turning and serving, so it’s important to get a good pair. In fact, it's not a bad idea to have a couple of pairs around the house - they are as ideal for serving up salad and vegetables as they are for serving from the barbecue.
Check the springiness of the tongs, make sure they do not have sharp teeth, and be wary of the cheap scissors type, as they have a tendency to backfire, sending whatever you’re holding flying into a bush.
Best used for... turning sausages - as anybody who has tried doing it with a spatula can testify!
Burger flipper
Standard spatulas are great for turning food on your grill, but a proper burger flipper makes the job even easier.
An extra long, extra wide spatula allows you to scoop and flip two or three burgers at a time - essential if your cooking a feast for your extended family.
Best used for... turning burgers when you're short on time and high in number.
Fork
A jack of all trades, the fork has been used for everything from turning to lifting to carving. However, as a general rule you should NOT turn or serve any meat with a fork, unless you particularly want all the flavoursome juices to escape. Turning should only be done with tongs or a spatula.
Best used for... carving - or checking whether meat juices are running clear (indicating it is properly cooked).
Fish turner/ fish basket
Similar to a burger flipper, but wider - allowing you to slide it underneath a grilling fish and turn without it falling apart.
Baskets work on the same principle, but the wiring allows you to trap other ingredients in with the fish and turn all in one go - plus they allow you to turn slower rather than having to master that flick of the wrist.
Best used for... turning flaky or fragile fish that would otherwise fall apart all over your grill.
Grillslinger
The grillslinger can lay claim to being one of the most original barbecue innovations in years. A twist on the classic builder's belt design, the grillslinger features washable lock and load inserts that hold your barbecue tools while you work. It even comes loaded with knife, tongs and spatula.
Best used for... impressing guests at your next barbecue party.
Toolset
If you are starting from a blank canvas and you don't have any of the tools featured on this page, you may want to dive in at the deep end and get them all at once. The simplest way, not to mention the most economical, is to get yourself a barbecue toolset. Some sets even come complete with maintenance and cleaning products, like wire brushes for scrubbing the grill.
Best used for... barbecuing a range of food for a range of people!
Also Recommended:
Meat thermometer
Essential if you will be cooking large meat joints. The best ones have a reading in degrees as well as "rare, medium, well done".
Barbecue brush
Especially useful for keeping meat moist, by brushing with oil etc.
Related Links:
Barbecue Tools and Toolsets - Find the right equipment for your BBQ.
The BBQ Shop - Keep your toolkit full of the latest and best tools.
