Your one-stop BBQ tools shopping list!
- granzin
- Dec 18, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 27, 2025

We see posts, pretty much daily, asking which tools people recommend for this or that task... So, I decided that rather than keep repeating myself, I'd create a running list of things that I personally own, use almost daily, and recommend for getting the best results from your cooking efforts. Complete with clickable purchase links, and explanations of why I choose to use them.
Note: I am an Amazon affiliate, and do receive a small commission on purchases from any of the Amazon links below. Be assured, It's not a get-rich-quick scheme, just a way to justify to my wife that all the time I put into all of this is at least in some small way paying for itself ; )
#commissionsearned
Full-Wireless "spike-style" Wi-Fi
ThermoMaven G1
From the perspectives of quality, reliability, ease of use, and PRICE, I think this is truly the BEST option in it's category. You can pay more and get a little more. And you can pay less and get a LOT LESS. But if I were asked which ONE thermometer product I'd suggest, especially for a new user, it would probably be the Thermomaven G1.
Single-probe model: https://amzn.to/4oBmOVb
Dual-probe model: https://amzn.to/3MJeFAU
Full-Wireless Wi-Fi (with wired ambient probe)
Thermoworks RFX
Thermoworks is one of the most respected brands in temperature-dependent industries. If you're looking for the best of the best, and don't mind paying a bit more for it. Thermoworks is the brand you want. This, their "RFX" line, is their entry into the "full-wireless" category.
1-probe starter kit: https://amzn.to/491Q3KU
2-probe kit: https://amzn.to/49jRBRS
4-probe kit: https://amzn.to/44wcuqq
Wired probes (2-4) to dedicated RF wireless reciever
Thermoworks Smoke
This was my first serious remote thermometer, and still the one I use when a cook really matters. Why? Aside from being one of the easiest to use, accurate, and reliable thermometers, it does not use your phone or mobile device for alerts. It has its own, dedicated RF receiver with an alert sound so loud it will wake the soundest sleepers.
Smoke. Original, 2-channel model:
https://www.thermoworks.com/smoke/
Smoke X4. 4-channel, extra-long range model:
https://www.thermoworks.com/smoke-x/
If you have either of the "Smoke" models, you will eventually WANT this additional "needle" probe. It's for probing smaller or more delicate foods like fish or ribs. It's also WATERPROOF, making it great for the sous vide folks!
https://www.thermoworks.com/tx-1002x-np/
Wired probe to Wi-Fi to your mobile device
Inkbird IBBQ-4T, Wireless WiFi BBQ Thermometer
This was my first Wi-Fi thermometer, and still probably the one I use most often, primarily because of the app. It's the most straightforward and intuitive app on the market. And its graphing feature is super helpful for evaluating both food and cooker performance.
Their original (IBBQ-4T) model:
(NOTE: I have 3 of these, and they all work just fine on my hybrid 2.4/5GHz wireless network. But some people have reported connection issues on their hybrid networks)
https://amzn.to/4rJc1er
The updated model (IBT-26S), specifically to address hybrid or dedicated 5GHz networks.
(NOTE: I have not used this model. But am told that it performs more reliably than the IBBQ-4T on dedicated 5gHz, and hybrid 2.4/5GHz networks)
https://amzn.to/4ak5mkz
Instant Read
Typhur InstaProbe Core 0.5 Sec Instant Read Meat Thermometer
This is, in my opinion, the best instant-read thermometer available. What really sets it apart (aside from ultra-fast reading and accuracy) is the high-contrast screen. handy for folks who's eyeglasses fog up when they open an oven or hot grill!
https://amzn.to/48KNfTF
Infrared Handheld
INKBIRD Infrared Thermometer Digital Laser Temperature Gun A great tool to measure the temperature of your cooking surfaces. Super for seasoning or checking the integrity of griddles. https://amzn.to/4s6tnSm Gloves: Nitrile / Plastic (for prep, serving and presentation) Hardcore Carnivore Nitrile Gloves Extra thick (5mil) Black These are the hands-down (pun intended) BEST nitrile gloves I've found, PERIOD! Thicker and more durable than others I've used. ALSO GREAT FOR EATING CRAWFISH! https://amzn.to/3KF8InG Brandon-super Clear Plastic Food Safe (bakery-style) Gloves To be honest, these are the gloves I use most. Now, If i'm shooting a video, or serving at a private event, I'll be wearing the sexy, black nitrile gooves mentioned previously. But when I'm home, or when I'm at a public event pr pop-up where I'm in and out of gloves several times in a half-hour, these are what i'm using. As they are MUCH cheaper and easier to get on than the nitrile gloves. https://amzn.to/3Latyvo Cotton and Polyester String Knit Glove Liners Regardless of which of the two previously-mentioned gloves you're wearing, if you're handling fresh, hot food items, you want a layer of insulation under your gloves. These, reusable/washable cotton liners are the way to go! https://amzn.to/447a2X6 Leather / PVC (for on-grill and fire-handling) Lincoln Electric Leather Welding Gloves If you're a charcoal grill or stick-burner smoker user, you need something for (briefly) handling hot grates, coals and burning wood. These are a great choice. Effective, but not fancy or costly enough that you'll cry when they eventually get ruined. https://amzn.to/4j1kaXw Insulated BBQ Gloves For handling hot food on the cooker you want something WASHABLE thats easy to get in and out of. These are my favorites for that! https://amzn.to/3N9s1Gs 932°F Extreme Heat Resistant Gloves for Grill These are also nice. Have some texture, and not quite as quick to wash. But still a winner... https://amzn.to/496cyi0 Knives and utensils: BBQ prep and presentation knives My knife needs are pretty basic. I'm not trying to look like a Viking, Darth Vader, or a Samurai. And I'm not a sushi chef. But I do want to look, and perform like I know what I'm doing. These three Victorinox knives were my first pro-quality but not over-the-top knives, and were among the things that helped elevate my early BBQ outcomes! I've had these for about 5 years now, and with halfway-decent care and occasional use of a honing steel, they are just as functional today as they were on day one. Buy once, buy smart! Victorinox 6 Inch Curved Fibrox Pro Boning Knife with Semi-stiff Blade https://amzn.to/48xVdhI Victorinox Fibrox 12-Inch Slicing Knife with Granton Edge and Black Handle https://amzn.to/3XysmVu Victorinox Swiss Classic 8 Inch Chef's Knife, Straight Edge, Black https://amzn.to/4aqb2tq Cutting Boards No point in having a fancy watch but wearing a cheap suit! A solid, nice-looking, and durable cutting board is just as important as the food you've cooked. Here are some that I have and have enjoyed for quite some time. The "Monster" This has been a real wow factor at my events! When you bring this one out, people know you're not messing around. My wife got me this as a "stocking stuffer" several years ago, and I've been really happy with it. Legnoart LA-WB-XL Grand Gourmand Cutting Board, 29.5" by 20" by 1.5", Natural Walnut https://amzn.to/49k0Scz They also make a smaller sibling to that... Legnoart Arena Natural Oak Wood Butcher Block, XX-Large https://amzn.to/4j6uhdM Tables, Carts and Containers: Keter Unity XL Portable Outdoor Table with Stainless Steel Top This is pretty much the "gold standard" among the patio cooking community. I've had mine for several years. It gets used for something every single day! https://amzn.to/4jfv9wD Keter Outdoor Rolling Patio Cooler and Insulated Beverage Cart I didn't know how much I needed this until I got it. It really elevated our outdoor gathering game! No more bending down to a cooler on the ground to get or mix your drinks! https://amzn.to/4s5TAAI Suncast Heavy-Duty Resin Outdoor Storage Cabinet, 30" W x 20.25" D x 36" H I picked these up earlier this year to organize loose things in my shed. LOVE IT! i've considered mounting a wood top and caster base to it to make it into a cart for Ninja Woodfires... https://amzn.to/4j5vMZt Griddle Accessories:
The things listed below are what I consider the core tools for any new griddle owner. Mercer Culinary Hell's Handle Grill Scraper, 4 Inch x 4-1/2 Inch A professional-quality scraper. Great for cleaning as well as seasoning your griddle! https://amzn.to/48XgEsv Mercer Culinary Millennia Turner/Spatula, 8 Inch x 3 Inch Blade, Black Handle A professional-quality ROUND-EDGE turner/spatula. https://amzn.to/4qkwIM5 Mercer Culinary Millennia Turner/Spatula, 6 Inch x 3 Inch Blade, Black Handle A professional-quality SQUARE-EDGE turner/spatula. https://amzn.to/3MHrsnm Vollrath 4780940 Kool-Touch Red Handled 9-1/2 Utility Tong This is my go-to tongs for grill and griddle use! https://amzn.to/4aY55UB Winco 1/3 Size 2.5" Deep Metal Food Pan/Steam Table Pan, Anti-Jam, 22 Gauge Such a great multi-use pan. I keep my turners and scrapers in this. But also handy for serving and transporting tools and foods. https://amzn.to/44ztn3m WINCO 8" Basting Cover, Silver Is what it says it is. 8" round basting cover for melting cheeses or heating food items https://amzn.to/4apRq8C WINCO 10" Basting Cover, Silver Is what it says it is. 10" round basting cover for melting cheeses or heating food items https://amzn.to/4p1tImE Leonyo 8.2 Inch Square Basting Cover Is what it says it is. 8.2" square basting cover for melting cheeses or heating food items https://amzn.to/4qjyjBT SET of 2, 32 Oz. (Ounce) Large Clear Squeeze Bottle, Condiment Squeeze Bottle Is what it says it is. 2, 32oz translucent squeeze bottles for water, oil, whatever... https://amzn.to/4qkyP2t Ninja Woodfire Accessories: OFFICIAL - Ninja Woodfire Roast & Smoke RACK for the XL/XL Pro Connect https://amzn.to/4rEPpeN OFFICIAL - Ninja Woodfire COVER for the XL/XL Pro Connect https://amzn.to/4rG2HI5 OFFICIAL - Ninja Woodfire GRIDDLE PLATE for the XL/XL Pro Connect https://amzn.to/4rDc0ID
OFFICIAL - Ninja Woodfire CLEANING BRUSH (for ALL Woodfire Grill models) https://amzn.to/4rE111R Elevated Smoking/Roasting Rack (for OG7xx "original" or "smaller" Woodfire models) (but will work well in any of the Woodfire grills) https://amzn.to/3YFBDeA
Torches, Cleaning Brushes and Lights: ThermoMaven Propane Torch Great for lighting fires or charcoal. Even better for seasoning around the edges of a "Blackstone" or similar griddle! https://amzn.to/4p6BMT7 Thermomaven Bristle-Free "Flex-Fyber" Grill Brush (with 3 Brush Heads) Safe for stainless steel grates and nonstick surfaces! https://amzn.to/4s1brZH Thermomaven Bristle-Free "SteelStrike" Grill Brush (with 3 Brush Heads) Made for heavier cast iron and porcelain grates https://amzn.to/3MCH8IB Cankroo Rechargeable Headlamp, 2- pack If you can't find a place to mount a cooking light, maybe consider your HEAD! https://amzn.to/4apZFBA NEEWER Magnetic RGB/W Light For Blackstone (or similar) griddles with an integrated hood. It attaches magnetically and works like a dream! https://amzn.to/3KYY5w4




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