It’s easy to get carried away when shopping for grilling gear—the market is flooded with tools that feature unnecessary bells and whistles and trendy single-use items that end up as drawer clutter. (We’re looking at you, extra-long spatula that’s also a bottle opener.) So we rounded up a list of essential grilling tools that actually do what they promise—affordable, reliable, no-frills basics that’ll have you fully equipped for the start of outdoor cooking season. Whether it’s your first time playing with fire or you’re a seasoned pro looking to optimize your grilling kit, this list will get you sorted.

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  • 1/11

    Weber Jumbo Joe Charcoal Grill

    We love a classic waist-height kettle grill, but the Weber Jumbo Joe is ideal if your space is limited or you don’t have a yard to call your own. It’s compact, lightweight, and can easily fit in the trunk of a car (or on a tiny balcony). With a convenient carry handle, it’s portable enough for the beach, a tailgate, or camping.

  • 2/11

    Weber 7429 Rapidfire Chimney Starter

    A charcoal chimney is the best way to get coals started quickly and efficiently without the need for lighter fluid, which can give food a nasty, chemical smell.

    $30
  • 3/11

    BBQ-AID All Angles Grill Brush

    A must have: a quality grill brush to keep those grates clean, your grill working optimally, and your food tasting the best it can. (Nobody wants bits of last week’s cheeseburgers on this week’s lamb skewers.) Always scrub your grates when they’re first heated, and then again after the last pieces of food have come off the grill.

    $15
  • 4/11

    G&F 8115 Heat Resistant Leather Gloves

    Gloves—not mittens—provide optimal dexterity and safety when you inevitably need to move a still-hot grill from one place to another, or remove grates to reup hot coals. You can grasp, move, and maneuver with ease, making burns and accidents one less thing to sweat over.

    $22
  • 5/11

    Winco Coiled Spring Heavyweight Stainless Steel Utility Tong

    Sturdy, all-metal dishwasher-safe tongs that are easy to wield are non-negotiable. From flipping meat to adjusting coals to grabbing hot trays or wire racks, durable tongs are a griller’s best friend. Pro tip: Keep at least two on hand to prevent cross-contamination between cooked and uncooked meat.

    $6
  • 6/11

    Thermoworks ThermoPop

    This is the year you stop cutting into still-cooking chicken to see if it’s done. An easy-to-read digital thermometer saves you from any nervous food safety guesswork, and from the scourge of undercooked (or overcooked) meat. The Thermoworks ThermoPop is durable and exact, and gives you an accurate reading in just a few seconds.

    $35
  • 7/11

    Mercer Culinary Hell's Handle Fish Spatula

    Heavy duty spatulas have their place, but a lightweight fish spatula is our grilling go-to. It boasts a sharp, thin edge that makes it easier to get under food without leaving any tasty charred bits behind.

    $22
  • 8/11

    Goson Kitchen Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack

    These sturdy multipurpose racks are great for resting large cuts of meat, but can also be placed on the grill and heated to create a safe cooking surface for smaller items (sliced veggies, rings of squid) that otherwise might slip through the grates. They’re lightweight enough to be easily moved around with tongs and are dishwasher-safe, which makes cleanup a breeze.

    $13
  • 9/11

    AIZOAM Stainless Steel BBQ Barbecue Grilling Basket

    Whether you’re working with delicate pieces of fish or ungainly things like a whole spatchcocked chicken, a fish basket makes it easier and way more efficient to flip everything over in one go and ensure even cooking.

    $22
  • 10/11

    YFWOOD Grill Basting Mop

    A mini mop with cotton fiber sops up way more liquid than a silicone brush, making basting easier and more effective. Reusable and dishwasher safe, a long, 18-inch handle keeps your hands safe from the heat.

    $9
  • 11/11

    Jomverl Stainless Steel Kabob Skewers

    For kabobs and grilled vegetables, flat, stainless steel skewers are worlds better than the bamboo alternative. They’re reusable, keep individual pieces of food stable, and conduct heat more efficiently. Bonus: There’s no need to soak them ahead of time. (Be honest, you always forget, anyway.)

    $7