Texans are famous for their amazing BBQ and grilling talents. When you fire up your grill in the backyard, make sure you’re prepared this summer, with some great BBQ essentials that even the most amateur griller needs!
*Grill – The size and type of grill you need, depends on a lot, including your own preference. Do you want Sears.com offers the best deals on grills that we see every year, so we recommend checking them out before going anywhere else. What’s your budget? Do you want gas or propane? Cast Iron or Stainless Steel? How big should it be – what will you grill and for how many people? Do you want a side burner, rotisserie, a smoker box? Ask yourself all of these things before making this big purchase. And remember – extra features come with extra costs.
*Charcoal – This essential really depends on the type of grilling you’re doing, and what you want to accomplish while you grill. Watch for deals from Walmart.com or in-store at Walmart, and places like Home Depot and Lowe’s for the best deals on charcoal briquettes. You’ll want to pay 25-35¢ per pound to score an awesome deal.
TYPES OF CHARCOAL:
Lump charcoal: This charcoal is pure wood, free of binders or petroleum-based accelerants. That means it burns, clean, hot and pure. But, this charcoal burns unevenly (hotter at the start, cooler at the end) and burns out more quickly than briquettes. You’ll also need to use more lump charcoal when grilling.
Charcoal briquettes: Designed to burn evenly and maintain at least 600 degree temperatures for an hour, these are the most common (and affordable) choice. However, you’ll get more smoke when using them. Instant-light charcoal is saturated in lighter fluid, so the smoke disappears after they reach a certain heat, but you’re still grilling over borax, coal dust and petroleum binders. and they can leave a faint taste in your food. Opt for “Natural” briquettes (wood scraps and starch binders) to avoid these issues.
Binchotan: This is Japan’s superpremium lump charcoal. It’s made from ubamegashi oak and burns very clean and hot for a long time – with no charcoal flavor. The downside is that it’s very expensive – 1 piece can cost several dollars.
Coconut shell charcoal: Asian street vendors opt for coconut shell charcoal. It’s quick-lighting, burns hold and sold in small pieces. On the downside, it’s hard to find in the US, and you’l need a lot of it for your American-sized grill.
*BBQ Tool Set – Having a great tool set that you can depend on will make your grilling experience a lot more fun and easier, too. Opt for something like this Kacebela 19-piece BBQ Tools Set that is stainless steel and includes a storage case. It’s very highly rated and about $45. You can also go for something a little less expensive, but with all of the frills, like this Estillo 18 piece Stainless Steel BBQ Tools Set for just under $20. Just want the basics? This set is just $17 and includes the essentials you’ll need!
*Grill Cleaners – After you grill up those amazing meals for your family, you’re left with the icky part – cleaning. Blah! Make it easy on yourself with a good quality stainless steel grill brush. This Qually United 18″ 3-in-1 Brush is highly rated, rust-proof, dishwasher safe, has a strong handle AND a 100% money back guarantee (we love those, right!?). A grill cleaner spray from a trusted brand like Weber is always a good idea, too. These sprays help break down the crud on the grates. You can also opt to make your own grill cleaner spray by using white vinegar. Spray it on the grill, let it sit for a few minutes, then use crumpled aluminum foil or your grill brush to rub off grime and grease.
*Meat Thermometer – The temperature of your meat will let you know when it’s ready, and safe to eat. Don’t risk guessing, and get yourself a good meat thermometer. On the low end, you can spend just 10 bucks, or go for a digital thermometer that works with an app on your phone for more options.
*Compostable Plates – Forget dirty dishes and flimsy picnic plates! Serve that well prepared meal that you’re so proud of, on something a little more eco-friendly AND more sturdy. For only around a buck a plate or less, you can score some bamboo, palm leaf or birch plates that are not only better looking, but are compostable, too!
*Food Covers – Outdoors in Texas means heat, humidity and BUGS! Don’t let them enjoy the food you prepare. Get some Outdoor Net Food Covers for super cheap, and keep them away from your meals. These are great for covering the food hot off the grill, and you can get individual net covers for each person’s plate, to protect them, as well.
*Drink Dispenser – In Texas, we LOVE our sweet tea. Serve it up with a nice drink dispenser that has a closed top and spigot – which will not only look great, it will keep your beverages cool and protected from bugs and debris, plus provide an easy way for family and guests to cool off with a drink while they eat. This Southern Strawberry Sweet Iced Tea recipe is easy and one of my favorites to serve when I cook out.
Whether you’re grilling for a family or having guests over to celebrate summer, you’ll want to be prepared this summer! Use these BBQ essentials to make your grilling experience easier and more fun!
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