In order to do any job well, you need to use the right tools. In fact, you not only need the right tools for the job, you need good tools that perform well, time after time.
While a backyard barbecue isn't a job, every outdoor cook should be trying to prepare the best tasting food they can. Any experienced barbecue chef will tell you that you will never prepare tasty food without a quality set of grilling tools. No matter the recipe or the quality of the ingredients, bad grilling tools will always equal bad food. So, what kinds of grilling tools does the aspiring cook-out superstar need? Read on.
The spatula, tongs and fork are the holy trinity of grilling tools. If you own a grill and you don't have one of each, stop reading right now and go out and purchase a set.
Why are these three tools so important to barbecue cooking? It's simple. When you barbecue you want to limit the number of times you turn the food. Usually, you want to turn your food only once. On the other hand, when you do turn your food, you want to do it gracefully and easily.
A spatula, pair of tongs and a cooking fork are the grilling tools that will allow you to do this and do it well. Each one is adapted to work best with a specific type of food.
A spatula works best on lighter items, tongs are great either for heavier items, like steak, or smaller items, like hot dogs or vegetables, and a fork is the only way to go with larger cuts of meat or poultry. You can purchase a spatula, tongs and fork separately or in a set.
Either way, look for grilling tools made of heavy grade stainless steel that have riveted handles. Pick the tools up and feel them. Do they fit your hand? Do they feel solid? If it feels like they could be used as weapon, then you've probably got yourself a good set of grilling tools.
While a spatula, tongs and fork are absolutely necessary for any barbecue, there are a couple other pieces of hardware that no good outdoor cook should be without.
If you want to run with the big boys, you're going to have to cook up some old fashioned barbecue, namely ribs. If you're cooking ribs, nine time out of ten, you're talking about some kind of sauce.
The only way to properly sauce your 'cue is with a good quality brush. There are those who favor a hardware store paintbrush. The problem there is that most paint brushes aren't heat resistant and, let's face it, your guests probably have enough toxins in their systems.
Go with a real barbecue brush, made to take the heat of your pit. Look for sturdy, yet flexible bristles that are angled. A good brush will let you finish your ribs like the pro you are.
What else do you need? A set of barbecue skewers is essential for grilling vegetables or for shish-kabobs. (Gratuitous joke time. Q: How do you tell kabob to be quiet?
A: Shish-kabob. Grilling humor. Catch it.) Once again look for heavier grade stainless steel and always choose a set that's been torqued. The turn along the line of the skewer really helps to keep your food properly skewed.
While you're at it, pick up a grill brush too. You want to keep your grill surface clean and free of gunk and you can only do that with with a good grill brush. As always look for rugged durability. After all, you're going to be using it to scrub burnt grease.
So that's about it. Get your hands on a couple good grilling tools and get out there and get grilling!
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