Tools for the Grill
Posted by on October 11, 2010 under Accessories | 
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When planning your outdoor grill there are some essential tools that will make your grilling much easier and fun to handle. There is a wide variety of tools from which to choose and depending on your preference you can easily find just the right accessories to meet your needs. The following are is list of tools from which to choose:
Tongs: Tongs are the number one must have accessory. They are used for turning the cooking food, for picking up and moving on and off the grill and also for moving charcoal around when using the charcoal grill. It is important to note that the tongs be long enough to keep your hands safely away from the fire. Grilling tongs are longer and larger than those used in the home over the normal cooking stove; Also, to avoid cross contamination of bacteria, separate tongs should be used for cooked food, raw food and those used for charcoal arrangement.
Basting Brush: Basting Brushes are used to add marinades to the food while on the grill. They come in plastic, wooden or stainless steel handles with synthetic, natural boar bristles and now with silicone bristles tipped with beads. The latter are great as they can be tossed into the dishwasher for easier cleaning.
Grill Brush: Grill brushes are available with wooden, synthetic or stainless steel handles and with wire bristles. They are used to clean the grill before and after grilling. They keep the grill grates clean so that your food flavors don’t mix and also reduces the cross contamination of bacteria left on the grill. Grill brushes should be replaced as they wear down to about half their size.
Grill Pan: Grill pans are perforated pans used directly on the grill. They are used to hold smaller foods such as vegetables. It allows the smoky flavor of the grill to come up through the holes in the pan and yet keeps the food from falling through the grates. It is a great way to cook smaller and more tender types of foods on the grill.
Sheet Pan: Sheet pans are used from transporting the food to and from the grill and for basting and marinating the food prior to placing on the grill. Their advantage is that they are made from steel and thus are sturdy and they do not absorb the marinades or juices from the food.
Instant-Read Thermometer: Instant Read Thermometers are small, study, and inexpensive thermometers that are easy to use. They read the internal temperature of the meat, which is important to determine the doneness of the food. You simply make a small cut in the thickest part of the meat and insert the thermometer.
Barbecue Mitts: Barbecue Mitts are an absolute necessity when grilling. They keep your hands save, not only from the grill it self but also from any juice or marinade spatter that can quickly burn the skin. They come in both silicone material and insulated cloth.
Spatulas: Spatulas for grilling are made from stainless steel and should have an offset neck which prevents your fingers from touching the grill. They should also have long handles and at least a 4 inch blade. They are normally a heavier weight and the handles are longer than those used in the normal kitchen.
Timers: Timers are important to help you keep track of proper cooking times. There are many models available some of which allow for tracking multiple cooking times and are portable and non electric.
When assembling your grill arsenal shop around both online and in your local retail stores and check out the items listed above. With this group you will have a safe, durable and fully functional set of grilling tools.