Nothing says warm weather quite like the sizzle of food on the grill. But even the most
seasoned BBQ enthusiast can benefit from a few tricks (and tools) to make things smoother, tastier, and more enjoyable.
Here are 7 grilling tips to help you feel confident at the grill—with one handy helper for each.
1. Start with a clean grill. Leftover gunk from past cookouts doesn’t just look bad—it can lead to uneven heating, sticky grates, and off flavors. A smart trick is to clean your grill right after preheating—the heat loosens old residue, making it easier to scrub off before you start cooking.
Then, once you’re finished grilling and the grill is still warm (but not piping hot), give it another quick clean to keep it in great shape for next time.
And skip the wire-bristle brushes—those stray bristles can break off and end up in your food..
Helpful tool: Kona 360 Clean Grill Brush – This bristle-free brush uses a triple coil design for deep cleaning without the danger. 2. Stop guessing. Use a thermometer. Cutting into meat to check for doneness? That’s a great way to lose all the juices. Instead, use a digital thermometer for instant, accurate readings. You'll get perfectly cooked chicken, burgers, and steaks—no more dry or underdone surprises.
3. Set up like a pro before you light the flame. Grilling is smoother when you treat your grill station like a kitchen counter—organized and ready. That means your tools (tongs, spatula, thermometer), marinades, seasonings, and food should all be laid
out and within reach before anything hits the heat. You’ll avoid running inside for forgotten items and stay focused on the grill.
4. Give your veggies and shrimp some love. Small food on
the grill is notorious for falling through the grates. A grill basket keeps everything contained and evenly cooked while still getting that grilled flavor. It's especially handy for peppers, onions, asparagus, or seafood.
Helpful tool: Grillaholics Grill Basket – Made of durable stainless steel with plenty of space for veggies or delicate proteins. 5. Don’t skip the sauce—or the right tool to apply it. That final brush of sauce or glaze can elevate your food from good to great. But using the wrong brush—one with bristles that clump or fall apart—can leave you with a mess. Silicone brushes hold sauces well, spread smoothly, and clean up easily.
6. Keep flare-ups in check and cleanup easy. Grease dripping into flames can turn a peaceful grill session into a fire hazard. Using disposable drip pans helps manage fat runoff and makes cleanup a breeze, especially if you’re cooking something like ribs or rotisserie chicken.
Helpful tool: Weber Drip Pans – These fit most grills and are perfect for catching drips or acting as a water pan for smoking. 7. Your phone’s got this. You don’t have to hover with a spatula in hand the whole time. A smart meat thermometer lets you monitor cooking temps from your phone while you chat with guests. It’s
great for slow-cooked meats that need careful attention without constant checking.
Helpful tool: MEATER Plus Wireless Thermometer – Tracks your food from up to 165 feet away and gives alerts so nothing is overdone. Get ready to impress at your next backyard BBQ. Grilling doesn’t have to be chaotic or complicated. A few
smart tips—and the right tools—can turn your BBQ into a flavorful, stress-free event. So go ahead, throw on your apron and fire up the grill!
On another note, I recommend...
My carefully curated list of clever kitchen tools cuts down on food prep—so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meals. Each item is practical, efficient, and a real helper for busy days!
