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Forbes
05-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Forbes
The 11 Most Essential Grilling Tools, According To A BBQ Expert
Whether you consider yourself a barbecue expert or a total novice, there's always something to learn when it comes to honing your arsenal of essential grilling tools. After all, from heavy-duty tongs to reliable meat thermometers, the right gear makes all the difference—even if you only fire up the grill a few times each summer. To better understand what's truly worth investing in, we turned to a seasoned expert for his take on the tools that deliver real results. The best grilling essentials to have on hand include ultra-sturdy utensils, like this Mannkitchen ... More spatula and a pair of OXO tongs, says Sidoriak. Grilling expert Paul Sidoriak, cookbook author and founder of Grilling Montana, has spent years testing tools and refining his setup to make outdoor cooking more efficient and more enjoyable. Ranked high on his list are the OXO Good Grips Grilling Tongs, which he praises as 'the best by a long shot,' thanks to their durable build and ergonomic feel. Sidoriak also emphasizes the importance of smart extras and even well-chosen outdoor furniture, both of which he believes can elevate the entire grilling experience.'Whether you are an absolute beginner or someone who loves to entertain and has people over frequently, it's important to set up a space for the grilling,' he says. 'Think of it a little bit like setting up a micro kitchen.' Ahead, Sidoriak breaks down the must-haves that can turn a good barbecue into a great one. Amazon 'Not all tongs are created equal,' says Sidoriak. When shopping for a set, he advises looking for a durable material, such as stainless steel, that won't bend while in use. A built-in lock and and tab for easy hanging are also essential. It's important to look for tongs have a solid spring to them that will effortlessly open and shut as needed, too—this way, you won't fatigue your hands. OXO's Good Grips set has all of the above, plus a built-in bottle opener for even more hosting convenience, and it can be tossed in the dishwasher after use. Amazon Sidoriak has used his fair share of grilling spatulas over the years, but this Mannkitchen model stands out for a few reasons. It has a spacious, stainless steel surface that's big enough to use for burgers or pizzas alike, and the hardwood handle is heat resistant for comfortable usage. Its sturdiness can even be used to press homemade smash burgers. What really sets this spatula apart, though, is the design of the beveled edges, which Sidoriak says helps delicate foods like fish and veggies get successfully released from the grill without struggle. ThermoWorks As Sidoriak reminds us, there's no reliable way to accurately measure a meat's doneness without a thermometer. 'Any amount of poking, prodding, scratching, sniffing—it's all just hogwash,' he says. Even if you can estimate the amount of time you typically leave a steak on the grill, its cooking time will actually vary widely depending on factors like its size, as well as the temperature it starts out at. In this case, it's best to opt for a reliable meat thermometer, like the Thermapen One. This instant-read thermometer delivers accurate readings in just one second (or less). It also features an easy-to-read backlit display that automatically flips when rotated. It also comes with a five-year warranty and a variety of colors to choose from. Ace Hardware The dangers of grill brushes with bristles are relatively well-known at this point. Those thin metal wires can break off during cleaning, cling to the grill grate, and end up in food—posing a serious risk if accidentally ingested. Since his family had their own brush with the dangers of wire bristles, Sidoriak has been committed to this GrillGrate grill brush, which has a double-helix stainless steel head that's free from bristles and designed to clean two grates at once for optimal efficiency. It's also built to last: Sidoriak has personally owned his for 15 years and has no plans to replace it. 'I have abused it so much, and a normal person would have thrown it away,' he says with a laugh, but 'it's still rocking and rolling.' Williams Sonoma Marinating your chicken and steaks with a basting brush is expert-recommended for efficiency, but some brushes rise above the rest in terms of quality and usability. Sidoriak recommends silicone varieties for their superior brushing and cleaning properties. 'It's going to hold up longer, and it's going to clean better,' he says. This Cuisinart sauce pot and basting brush is one such option—a clever tool that combines storage with a built-in silicone brush for efficient, mess-free marinating. Its stainless steel build also means your sauce can be warmed right on the griddle (as long as it's not over a direct flame) in the same container. Home Depot Whether you're a fan of kebabs, satay or just any food on a stick, a set of reusable skewers is a must-have. But single-pronged skewers can make for a frustrating experience, as the food can spin around on its own when it comes time to flip. 'Once food on a stick has cooked a bit, the size of the holes change," Sidoriak explains. 'As it becomes done, the food will actually release from the stick,' causing it to spin. For that reason, a dual-pronged skewer so much more effective in keeping food in place as it's flipped, allowing you to cook both sides and serve skewers without frustration. GrillGrate Small, delicate foods like scallops and asparagus taste delicious when cooked over an open flame, but they often come with the risk of potentially sacrificing some to the fire through open grates. Enter the GrillGrate Flavor Zone, which is designed to universally fit on any grill top—be it gas grill or charcoal—to protect foods from falling through the cracks, preventing food waste. 'They [also] make beautiful, flavorful grill marks,' Sidoriak adds. These grates are made from hard anodized aluminum that promotes even heating and rust prevention, and the raised rail structure is designed to trap moisture and prevent food from drying out as it cooks. It's also double-sided, so you can switch between flat-top grilling and grates. Home Depot Regardless of how many people you're hosting for a backyard barbecue, you should always take time to prepare your area for both cooking and entertaining. 'I'm a huge proponent of setting up your outdoor space with, at the minimum, a table that's at an ergonomic height, so you're not putting stuff on the ground,' Sidoriak says. He advises against relying on the small side tables attached to the grill, as they rarely offer adequate space for both raw and cooked food, as well as things like beverages to keep you hydrated while you're grilling. Investing in a foldable table with an adjustable height option means you can switch between counter height and seated height with ease, transforming from a prep space to a serving space as needed. Amazon If you're working with a flat-top grill—or any grill without a non-stick coating—you need to make sure you keep up with seasoning the surface for optimal food release. According to Sidoriak, the best method for this is using a microfiber cloth and flaxseed or vegetable oil. 'The seasoning process is basically building layers of patina by putting on an oil and then burning it off,' he says. He recommends pouring oil directly on a microfiber cloth and then spreading it on the grill surface, as it's the most even way to do it without accidentally dripping or pooling oil. Then, burn it off completely before you start cooking. Made In Cookware If you're a fan of crispy-thin 'smash burgers,' no tool gets the job done quite as well as a grill press. This stainless steel model from Made In, recommended by Sidoriak, is high-quality, built to withstand up to 800 degrees and equipped with a genuine leather handle cover for comfortable holding. It's not a necessity (you can always use a durable spatula to smash your burgers down), but once you have it, it can become a multipurpose gadget. 'It's great on top of bacon to keep it flat or help it cook,' Sidoriak says. He adds that it can also help uneven foods like chicken breasts cook more evenly, as well as browning vegetables more effectively with the added weight. Amazon For Sidoriak, the most treacherous part of hosting a barbecue isn't necessarily cooking over an open flame; it's trying to haul all the food through three separate doors to successfully get them to the grill. 'Being able to transport foods, both raw and cooked, on these cafeteria-style trays is kind of a game changer,' he says. Each tray is spacious enough to fit six burgers at once, and the two-color pack makes it easy to designate one to raw foods and one to cooked. They're also dishwasher-safe, which makes for care-free clean-up and sanitizing after use. The home team at Forbes Vetted has researched and tested hundreds of products to help make the most of our outdoor space, from charcoal grills to smokers and everything in between. To curate this list, we combined in-house expertise with insights from grilling expert Paul Sidoriak, a seasoned cookbook author and barbecue expert. We prioritized tools that strike the right balance between performance, durability, and thoughtful design—whether you're cooking for a crowd or just firing up the grill on a weeknight. Our team also reviewed feedback from real users, analyzed top-rated picks across major retailers, and looked for products that hold up over time, not just out of the box.
Forbes
14-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
The 6 Best Flat-Top Grills To Upgrade Your Outdoor Cooking Game
If you're intimidated by open-flame cooking but want to host barbecues this summer, a flat-top grill could be the way to go. From pancakes and fried eggs to smash burgers and charred veggies, outdoor griddles can churn out delicious, flavorful meals—and you don't have to worry about your food falling through grates. Out of the best flat-top grills on the market, our top pick overall is the Blackstone 2-Burner 28-Inch Propane Griddle. This top-rated grilling powerhouse is an intuitive, sturdy model that supplies over 500 square inches of cooking space. The best flat-top grills are intuitive for all users and feature high-quality materials. What sets flat-top grilling apart from open-fire cooking is that it doesn't come with much of a learning curve, so it's one of the most beginner-friendly ways to cook outside. 'Anyone who has ever cooked on a stove is 100% qualified to cook on a griddle,' says Paul Sidoriak of Grilling Montana. 'It really levels the playing field and allows people to have fun with cooking outdoors.' If you're thinking of adding one to your outdoor grilling setup, you'll want to keep a few things in mind—namely, how much space you're willing to spare and how many people you typically cook for. (But your budget matters, too.) Here are our picks for the best flat-top grills on the market to bring more mealtimes outside. Blackstone Dimensions: 59 x 26 x 37 inches | Weight: 86 pounds | Total cooking area: 524 square inches | Cooking power: 24,000 BTUs Best for: Skip if: In the flat-top grill space, one highly regarded brand stands out from the rest. 'Blackstone is the king of flat-top grills," say barbecue experts Maddie and Kiki Longo. 'Many brands have followed suit and developed copycats to add to their fleet of products.' And one of the most popular models—which is our top recommendation—is the Original Omnivore 28-Inch Griddle. Featuring two separately controlled cook zones and the brand's signature Omnivore Plate, this model is designed to preheat quickly and distribute heat evenly. It also comes with a built-in hinged lid, which Sidoriak emphasizes as a must-have feature. 'It lets moisture and rain run off, and it keeps leaf pollen and other things from hitting the griddle surface,' he says. 'It makes such a difference.' There a few other helpful features, including wind guards to retain hot air, two side shelves with built-in hooks for convenient storage and two caster wheels for easy portability. Just make sure to season the surface regularly—especially before the first use—since it doesn't come pre-seasoned. The Home Depot Dimensions: 45.2 x 24.5 x 37.3 inches | Weight: 73.2 pounds | Total cooking area: 532 square inches | Cooking power: 34,000 BTUsBest for: Skip if: A reliable flat-top grill doesn't have to be a major investment. This Nexgrill model offers two burners and over 500 square inches of cooking space to whip up hearty servings of breakfast, lunch or dinner. It features an oversized shelf with built-in hooks on one side and a handy towel rack on the other, plus a shelf underneath for extra storage. Despite its low price, this grill is made from high-quality materials. The griddle is crafted from hot rolled steel—a material Sidoriak recommends for longevity. The hinged lid is also made of heavy-duty steel to protect the grill from outdoor elements. Still, some owners report wobbliness with this model, so it may not be the best choice for someone who expects to use it heavily. Blackstone Products Dimensions: 42.1 x 34.7 x 27.2 inches | Weight: 249 pounds | Total cooking area: 768 square inches | Cooking power: 60,000 BTUsBest for: Skip if: If your backyard is the go-to spot in your neighborhood for big gatherings and barbecues, you probably need something versatile enough to suit any occasion. This Blackstone with built-in air fryers is 'just a blast to use," according to Sidoriak, who praises it as his favorite flat-top grill. It features two 4-quart air fryer drawers and a warming drawer to stretch its functionality and make it suitable for long days spent outdoors. 'Whether it's hot dogs or burgers, [the warming drawers] hold at temperature in the drawer,' Sidoriak says. 'And with the air fryer, you can make tots, you can make fries, you can roast vegetables—it's really great.' This grill is designed for entertaining, with four independently controlled heat zones and enough griddle space to cook 30 burgers at once. There's also plenty of built-in storage, including two side shelves, a magnetic toolbar for grilling utensils, two drawers and an enclosed cabinet. Everything sits on a base with four locking caster wheels, making this mammoth appliance easy to move around if needed. This model also features an electric push-button ignition to make the experience even more user-friendly (and non-intimidating). Weber Dimensions: 39.5 x 77 x 26.4 inches | Weight: 198 pounds | Total cooking area: 756 square inches | Cooking power: 48,000 BTUs Best for: Skip if: This sleek Weber grill is designed with easy entertaining in mind. The spacious griddle is large enough to cook 30 burgers or 29 steaks at one time, and there are two roomy side tables, including one extendable one for extra counter space. There are also four independent heat sources that are easy to control with the knobs and a digital temperature display (the griddle can reach up to 500 degrees). The cooktop on this grill is made from rust-resistant carbon steel that the brand claims has been altered with extreme heat and pressure—not coatings—to naturally resist rust forming. The material is also pre-seasoned with food-safe oils, so you can get grilling as soon as the Weber is set up in your yard. There are a few other handy features, including wind guards and closed cabinet storage. Just keep in mind that although this model does include a hinged lid, the brand advises against closing it while the grill is hot—it's designed for storage only. Walmart Dimensions: 24.7 x 47 x 37.7 inches | Weight: 86.6 pounds | Total cooking area: 520 square inches | Cooking power: 36,000 BTUs Best for: Skip if: This compact griddle is smaller than our other top picks, but it's also mighty. It features three separate burners to fuel its 520 square-inch steel cooktop, which is surrounded by wind guards to maintain high temperatures. Each cooking zone is suited to either low, medium or high cooking, so you can whip up anything from delicate white fish to seared steaks. This grill also has an electric ignition button and intuitive burner controls to make for a user-friendly experience. There are a few handy extra features, like a removable grease tray, built-in lid and a side and bottom shelf for storage. The 520 square inches of cooking space may seem small, but it is still big enough to cook around 20 burgers at once, making it well suited to most backyard gatherings. Blackstone Dimensions: 27 x 13 x 24.5 inches | Weight: 37.5 pounds | Total cooking area: 361 square inches | Cooking power: 21,000 BTUsBest for: Skip if: You don't need a huge backyard to take advantage of outdoor cooking. This compact, portable griddle is a great match for small outdoor spaces and apartment balconies, since it brings the same lauded Blackstone features in a small package. It features the brand's signature omnivore griddle with two independent heat zones and corresponding control knobs, so you can cook foods at two different temperatures at once. Although the cooking area is petite, it's still large enough to cook up to 14 burgers at once. Since this griddle is portable, it's great for bringing to tailgates and camping trips. But just because it's portable doesn't mean it's lightweight and easy to carry around. This model weighs over 37 pounds, thanks to its heavy-duty stainless steel makeup—so you'd have to plan ahead if packing it for a trip. The home team at Forbes Vetted is committed to offering the best recommendations for products both inside and outside of the home—including the best grills—to suit your specific needs. We dug into hours of research for this article, consulting experts and firsthand reviews in order to provide the most helpful information for shoppers. There are plenty of reliable flat-top grill brands out there, but experts often rally behind one popular name when prompted. 'It's really hard to be objective and and not just get behind Blackstone wholeheartedly,' Sidoriak says. 'They continue to innovate with their products.' Blackstone offers a wide variety of different flat-top grills to choose from—from small portable models to basic and affordable grills to splurge-worthy models with a dizzying array of special features. As long as you have the outdoor space for it, there's a strong argument to be made for the flat-top grill—especially if you like spending time outdoors. 'The flat-top is arguably more versatile than an open-fire grill,' Sidoriak says. 'You just can't cook pancakes on an open-fire grill—unless you have a pan or a griddle on there. But you can still cook steaks and burgers and chicken, and all kinds of classic grill-ables, on a flat-top.' That means if you're willing to put in the effort, you'll definitely get your money's worth out of this appliance. Plus, flat-top grills come in a variety of sizes and price points to suit virtually any outdoor space. There are a lot of similarities between open-fire grilling and flat-top grilling, but there are also a couple of notable differences. For example, the Longos highlight the unique resulting flavor that comes solely from charcoal grilling. 'That legendary nostalgic smoky flavor is the hallmark of that style of grill,' they say. 'Since flat-tops are just big outdoor frying pans, the unit itself does not impart any unique flavor.'
