Looking at buying a new smoker and wondering what else you need to buy? Well there are some must have smoker accessories you will need to consider before you fire up the BBQ.
I have gone through all my accessories and have create a list of the 15 BBQ accessories I couldnt live without.
Digital Thermometers
Accurately measuring the temperature is essential for ensuring your meat is cooked to perfection. When it comes to digital thermometers, there are two types you need in your BBQ kit:
Instant-Read Thermometers
An instant-read thermometer is great for quick spot checks. You just open the smoker, insert the thermometer into the meat, and get a fast, accurate read on the internal temperature.
This tool is ideal for those last-minute checks before serving.
Leave-In Digital Thermometers
A leave-in digital thermometer is designed to stay in the smoker throughout the cooking process.
It monitors both the internal temperature of the meat and the overall temperature inside the smoker, ensuring you maintain the perfect cooking environment without opening the lid.
Many of these models come with wireless capabilities, so you can check the temps from afar. I personally have used a few different leave in's and I must admit they have all been fantastic. An absolute game changer.
My favorite MEATER thermometers are popular because they’re wireless and very accurate. They have two sensors to check both internal and ambient temperatures.
The MEATER app also gives cooking tips and time estimates. It’s easy to use, with a stainless steel probe and a wooden charger that doubles as a storage box.
Whether you’re grilling outside or cooking indoors, MEATER is a great choice for easy temperature control.
Charcoal Varieties
When it comes to BBQ, picking the right charcoal can make a world of difference. Let me walk you through my go tos and a few things I’ve learned along the way.
Briquette Charcoal
This is my personal favorite! Briquette charcoal is popular for a reason, it's affordable, easy to find, and super simple to use.
Made from a mix of powdered coal, binders, and fillers, briquettes are great because they burn at a steady temperature and last a long time.
That’s why I always reach for them during those all-day BBQ sessions when I need a reliable, even burn.
Lump Charcoal
If you’re after something a bit more natural, lump charcoal is another solid option.
Made from hardwood, it burns hotter and faster than briquettes, and a lot of BBQ lovers swear by the extra smoky flavor it gives your food.
One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that lump charcoal can be a bit unpredictable. You might open a bag and find a bunch of small crumbs instead of usable chunks.
At times I have bought a bag home and 20% of the charcoal is so small it falls straight through the fire grate.
Flavored Charcoal and Other Additives
Now, you’ll see some brands offering flavored charcoal or briquettes with added aromatics or wood chips mixed in.
While that might sound tempting, I’d say to be cautious. In my experience, these flavored options can be hit or miss and might not suit every type of smoking or grilling.
If you ask me, I tend to steer clear and stick with adding my own wood chunks for flavor.
BBQ Chimney
Looking to get that fire roaring quickly? The chimney starter is your best friend.
This little metal cylinder is an absolute hero when it comes to lighting charcoal efficiently, so you can get to that smoky goodness without wasting time.
Just load it up with your favorite charcoal, light it from the bottom, and in about 20-40 minutes, you’ll have perfectly lit coals, ready to fire up your smoker or grill.
The best part? No lighter fluid needed, so your BBQ stays clean and pure—just the way it should be.
Personally, I love using the side burner on my grill to light my chimney. It saves me from needing any extra fire starters or chemicals.
But, hey, I know some folks still swear by those fire starters, so I’ve covered them below. If you want to dive deeper into lighting charcoal, I’ve got a full blog post on Charcoal Vertical Smokers that breaks it all down.
Heat Proof Gloves
BBQ and smoking aren’t just about cooking, they can get seriously hot.
That’s where heat-proof gloves come in. These bad boys are built to handle the extreme temps of grilling and smoking, so your hands stay safe from the fiery heat.
Whether you’re reaching into the grill to flip a steak, moving hot grates around, or pulling apart a perfectly smoked pork shoulder, these gloves have got your back.
They’re not just about protection either, they give you enough flexibility to manage all your BBQ tasks without feeling clumsy.
Out of all the accessories you can invest in, heat-proof gloves are non-negotiable. With these, you can focus on nailing that perfect sear or getting your smoke just right, no more worrying about painful burns!
Long BBQ Tongs
If there’s one tool every grill lover needs, it’s a pair of long BBQ tongs. These bad boys are like an extension of your hand, giving you the safety and precision you need while working over hot flames.
Whether you’re flipping burgers, rotating veggies, or even adjusting logs in the fire, these tongs have got your back.
The extra length keeps you at a comfortable distance from the heat, while still giving you total control over your food. No need to sacrifice finesse for safety here.
Whether you're handling a thick steak or a delicate fish fillet, long BBQ tongs make sure everything is cooked to perfection. They’re sturdy, reliable, and a must-have for mastering the grill!
Spatula
This essential BBQ tool is like your right-hand man for flipping, turning, and serving up all your grilled goodies.
A sturdy spatula gives you the leverage and control to handle anything from a tender pork shoulder that’s ready to fall apart, to a delicate piece of fish.
The wide, flat surface helps keep your food intact while you move it around the grill, and the long handle keeps your hands a safe distance from the heat.
Pick one with a good grip, and you’ve got a trusty companion for all your BBQ adventures. Because let’s face it—BBQ is always better when you’ve got the right tools by your side.
Large Cutting Board
The large cutting board is where all the magic happens, from trimming fat to slicing up those juicy, perfectly cooked meats.
It gives you plenty of room to work, whether you’re carving up a brisket or chopping veggies for the grill.
Whether you prefer wood or plastic, a good cutting board provides a stable, safe surface, so you can focus on your BBQ masterpiece without worrying about accidents.
And once the grilling’s done? It doubles as a serving platter, making it the star of both prep and presentation. It may seem like a simple tool, but trust me, it’s essential to your BBQ routine from start to finish.
Butcher Knives
Having a set of reliable butcher knives is an absolute must. These sharp, trusty tools are your go tos for everything slicing, dicing, trimming, and carving your way through the BBQ prep process.
Whether you’re trimming a brisket, slicing sausages, or carving up a smoked turkey, a good butcher knife makes it all so much easier.
Personally, I’m obsessed with my Kyoku Knives, they’ve never let me down. But if you’re looking for a solid, affordable option that’ll last forever, Victorinox knives are a no brainer.
They’re durable, won’t break the bank, and will be your BBQ companion for years. Just don’t forget to grab a whetstone to keep that blade sharp and ready for action.
Investing in a quality set of butcher knives speeds up your prep work and guarantees clean, beautiful cuts that keep your meat looking and tasting its best. A true must-have for anyone serious about BBQ!
Bear Claws
Who wouldn’t love feeling like a BBQ beast while tearing through a smoky, tender pork shoulder? That’s exactly the kind of primal satisfaction you get with Bear Claws.
These sharp, rugged tools are perfect for pulling, shredding, lifting, or carving all kinds of meats.
When it comes to pulled pork, they make quick work of the job, shredding it like butter into those delicious strands we all crave.
Bear Claws are proof that sometimes, the simplest tools bring the most joy. They’re an absolute must for any pitmaster looking to tackle their BBQ with a little more muscle.
Meat Injector
Ever wonder how BBQ pros get every bite of meat bursting with flavor? The secret is using a meat injector.
This handy gadget lets you infuse your meats with flavors that marinades just can’t reach. It’s all about delivering that juicy goodness deep into the meat, whether it’s a savory broth, spicy marinade, or even melted butter.
Using it is simple. Just load it up, plunge it in, and let the flavor work its magic.
It’s one of those smoker accessories that often gets overlooked, but trust me, it makes a world of difference when you want your BBQ to really stand out.
Basting Brush
Let’s talk about keeping things juicy. When you’re sweating it out by the grill, flipping and turning, a basting brush is your secret weapon to keep those meats moist and packed with flavor.
It’s all about that baste! Whether it’s garlicky butter, spicy mop sauce, or sweet BBQ glaze, a good brush spreads that liquid gold evenly, locking in moisture and adding layers of flavor.
It might seem like a simple tool, but trust me, it makes a world of difference.
The long handle keeps your hands safely away from the heat, and the soft bristles ensure your sauce sticks to every nook and cranny of your meat.
Food Handling Gloves
When you’re dealing with raw meat and BBQ sauces, things can get messy fast. That’s where food handling gloves come in. These gloves are a must-have for keeping things clean and safe, whether you’re prepping ribs, handling raw chicken, or rubbing down a brisket with your favorite seasoning.
They aren’t just about hygiene either. They make switching between tasks easy without having to constantly wash your hands. Plus, they help prevent cross contamination, which is super important when you’re working with different types of meats. Simply put, these gloves make your BBQ experience smoother and keep your kitchen (and you) a whole lot cleaner.
BBQ Spray Bottle
In the heat of the BBQ battle, a BBQ spray bottle is your trusty sidekick for keeping things juicy and full of flavor.
A quick spritz of apple cider vinegar or a flavorful mop sauce, and you’re not just grilling, you are making a delicious meal.
This handy bottle lets you keep your meats moist, preventing them from drying out while they cook over the flames.
Rib Rack
A rib rack is your ticket to making the most of your smoker space, especially when you're cooking for a crowd.
It holds the ribs upright, making sure they get even smoke and heat from all sides. The result? That perfect smoky flavor all around.
But it’s not just about fitting more ribs into the smoker, it’s about giving every rib the attention it needs to hit BBQ perfection.
A rib rack is one of those smoker accessories that’ll have you wondering how you ever grilled without it.
Aluminum Foil and Butchers Paper
In the BBQ world, the debate between aluminum foil and butcher’s paper is all about balancing moisture and that perfect bark.
Aluminum foil is your go-to when you want to lock in moisture, especially for pork ribs or shoulder. It’s a great time-saver too, helping push through that dreaded stall and speeding up the cooking process.
On the flip side, butcher’s paper lets your meat breathe a bit more, making it a popular choice for brisket or ribs when you’re aiming for a good bark and smoky flavor.
It helps maintain the bark while still letting in some of that delicious smoke. Both have their place in your BBQ toolkit, giving you the flexibility to pick the right one depending on your meat, time, and flavor preferences.
These 15 accessories are the key to taking your BBQ game to the next level.
Whether it’s prepping, cooking, or the all-important cleanup, each tool plays a crucial role in making sure your BBQ is as smooth and flavorful as possible.
Investing in the right gear not only makes your grilling sessions more fun but also guarantees you get the best flavors and textures from every cut of meat.
Faq.
For smoking, a leave-in digital thermometer is essential. It lets you monitor both the internal temperature of the meat and the smoker’s temperature without opening the lid.
Wireless thermometers are even better, allowing you to check the temp from afar.
Instant-read thermometers are great for quick spot checks, but they won’t monitor temperature throughout the cooking process.
A rib rack is super helpful if you’re smoking multiple racks of ribs at once.
It holds the ribs upright, which maximizes space in your smoker and allows for even heat and smoke distribution.
If you regularly cook for a crowd or just want to smoke more ribs at a time, a rib rack is a great accessory to have.
A BBQ spray bottle is used to spritz your meat with moisture during long smokes, helping to keep it from drying out.
Common liquids include apple juice, vinegar, or water. Regular spritzing also helps develop a beautiful bark on the meat.
Butcher’s paper is preferred by many for smoking meats like brisket because it allows the meat to breathe while maintaining the bark.
Aluminum foil, on the other hand, locks in moisture but can soften the bark.
The choice depends on whether you prioritize moisture retention or a crispy, flavorful bark.
Bear claws are essential for shredding large cuts of meat like pork shoulder.
They’re also useful for lifting and moving heavy meats, allowing you to handle the meat without burning your hands or losing the juices.
A meat injector is a great accessory for adding flavor deep into the meat.
It’s especially useful for large cuts like turkey, brisket, or pork shoulder, where a marinade might not penetrate deeply enough.
Injecting the meat ensures even distribution of flavor and moisture throughout.
A chimney starter helps you light charcoal quickly and evenly without needing lighter fluid.
Simply load it with charcoal, light the bottom, and within 20-30 minutes, you’ll have fully lit coals ready for your smoker.
Heat-proof gloves are a must-have accessory for safely handling hot grates, coals, and meats.
They protect your hands from burns while giving you the flexibility to move or adjust things in and around your smoker.
A basting brush allows you to evenly apply sauces, marinades, or melted butter to your meats, keeping them moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
The long handle ensures you stay safe from the heat while basting.
Drip pans catch the fat and juices that fall from the meat, preventing flare-ups and keeping your smoker clean.
They can also be used to collect flavorful drippings for making sauces
