There's nothing quite like cooking outdoors. Whether it's the sizzle of sausages, the smell of charcoal, or a perfectly flipped burger, BBQs just hit differently. But before you grab your tongs and dive headfirst into the flames (not literally), there's one thing that makes all the difference. Having the right tools.
Why Accessories Matter
Not Just For Show
Do you think BBQ tools are just fancy extras? Think again. The right kit helps you cook better, safer, and with way less stress. Plus, no one wants to be the one chasing runaway sausages around the grill with a teaspoon.
Good Gear Means Better Results
With a few key tools, you'll be serving up meals with fewer flare-ups and fewer trips back to the kitchen. Grilling should be fun, not fiddly. Let's make it so.
What Every BBQ Setup Should Include
Sam from the BBQ team at Bents Garden & Home walks you through her top recommended accessories, including the ones customers ask for most and the ones she wouldn't grill without.
Tongs, Spatulas & Forks
Start with a proper BBQ tool set. You want long-handled tongs that won't burn your knuckles, a solid spatula for flipping burgers, and a fork for those bigger cuts. Most kits come in a neat carry case, which helps keep everything together when you're not using it.
Look for a tool set that includes:
- Long-handled tongs (for turning without getting singed)
- A wide, flat spatula (ideal for burgers or fish)
- A sturdy fork (great for larger cuts or holding meat steady while slicing)
Bonus: Grill brush or skewers often come bundled, too.
Weber BBQ Grill Tongs
Get your Weber Grill Tongs and flip, grip, and grill like a pro.
Gloves That Keep Your Fingers Intact
BBQs get hot. Hot. A good pair of heat-proof gloves can save you from burns. Silicone is flexible and grippy. Aramid fibre types feel like the material firefighters might wear, but that's the point.
Two popular types:
- Silicone gloves – flexible, non-slip, and easy to clean
- Aramid fibre gloves – offer more heat resistance and feel like pro gear
Weber Silicone Grilling Glove
Protect your hands in style and grab your Weber Silicone Grilling Glove today.
The Meat Thermometer (AKA The Chicken Saver)
Nobody wants undercooked chicken or overcooked steak. Get yourself a digital thermometer. Instant-read or wireless both do the job.
According to the NHS, chicken should be cooked through until the juices run clear and the meat is piping hot. 75°C is the magic number.
What to look for in a good BBQ thermometer:
- Fast response time – no one wants to stand with the lid open for ages
- Digital display – easier to read than analogue dials
- Meat-specific settings – handy if you're cooking different cuts
- Wireless or app-connected – lets you monitor the temp without hovering over the grill
- Heat resistance – essential for models that stay in during cooking
Weber Instant-Read Thermometer
Visit Bents Garden & Home to pick up your Weber Instant-Read Thermometer and eliminate the guesswork from grilling.
Cleaning Brushes Without Bristles (Seriously)
Old-school wire brushes can leave bristles behind that end up in your food. That's a hard no. Go bristle-free. You'll still get your grill spotless—just without the stainless steel side.
Great BBQ brushes usually feature:
- Stainless steel bristles or woven wire for scrubbing power
- Long handles keep your hands away from hot grates
- Replaceable heads save money in the long run
- Scraper edge helps tackle stubborn char
- Silicone options are safer for coated or delicate grills
Ninja Woodfire Electric BBQ Grill Cleaning Brush
Top Tip: Scrub smart, not hard. The Ninja Woodfire BBQ Cleaning Brush is available at Bents Garden & Home.
Fire It Up: Heat Tools That Help
Before the meat hits the grill, you've got to get the fire going. These tools make light work of firing things up and keeping them under control:
- Charcoal chimney starter lights coal easily
- Long-handled gas lighters are perfect for gas BBQs
- Electric starters will have you fired up in seconds
- Spray bottle keeps flames from getting out of hand
- Propane gauge keeps tabs on your gas levels
Keep Your Gas BBQ in Check
A propane gauge prevents you from running out mid-sizzle, and it's always a good idea to check for leaks. The Food Standards Agency says it best: look after your equipment, and it'll look after you.
Cooking Surfaces That Go Beyond Burgers
These accessories keep the food on the grill and off the coals:
- Griddle pans are perfect for eggs, bacon, and pancakes.
- Grill baskets prevent slippery vegetables from falling through the grates.
- Non-stick grill mats are great for sticky, no-scrape clean-up.
- Basting brushes don't shed, and they survive the dishwasher.
Weber Original Gourmet BBQ System Griddle
Fire up breakfast on the BBQ. Grab the Weber Gourmet BBQ Griddle and crack on with eggs, bacon, or pancakes.
BBQ Gadgets That Make You Look Like You Know What You're Doing
These clever accessories make grilling smoother and make you look like a pro in the process:
- Chicken Roasters
- Pizza Stones & Grill Plates
- Meat Claws for shredding
- Rib Racks to free up grill space
Weber Poultry Roaster
Top Tip: Place your raw chicken in the Weber Poultry Roaster and add some vegetables; they'll all roast together on the BBQ.
Staying Safe and Tidy
Keep your setup safe, your patio clean, and your tools in top shape:
- Bristle-free brushes are safer for your grill and your guests.
- Drip trays & ash buckets tame the mess before it takes over.
- BBQ mats will shield your decking from grease, sparks, and heat.
Weber Floor Protection Mat
Protect your patio with a Weber BBQ mat and reduce cleanup.
Top Tip: Use a proper BBQ cleaner and pack away the tools to prevent rust and clutter.
Keep Things Within Reach
Avoid the back-and-forth and keep your BBQ zone running like clockwork:
- Aprons, belts & tool caddies: Keep your BBQ gadgets within arm's reach.
- BBQ tables & trays: Extra prep space and fewer dropped sausages.
- Coolers & resting boxes: Chill the drinks, rest the meat, serve like a pro.
Bits That Make It a Party
Keep the vibe going well into the evening with these outdoor extras:
- Clip-on LED lights: So you can see what you're cooking after sunset.
- Ice buckets & bottle openers: No one wants to run inside for a cold drink or a corkscrew.
- Music & speakers: Set the mood with a playlist that sizzles as much as the food.
Weber Ice Cooler Table
Chill your drinks in style with the Keter Cool Bar. It's a table, a cooler, and the BBQ party sidekick you didn't know you needed.
Need lighting ideas? Our Outdoor Lighting Inspiration post has tips on setting the perfect after-dark BBQ scene.
Getting the Right Gear
The must-have BBQ tools every setup should start with:
What to Look For
- Solid stainless steel
- Long handles
- Easy to clean
- Brands that back their products
Starter vs Serious
A basic kit will suffice if you grill only a couple of times a year. But if you grill every weekend, it's worth spending a bit more. Good First Picks
Here's what we recommend to get going:
- 3-piece BBQ set
- Instant-read thermometer
- Bristle-free grill brush
- Heat-proof gloves
All are available at Bents and on display, so you can see them before making a purchase.
Before You Fire It Up
BBQs should be laid-back, not a logistical headache. With the right tools, everything runs smoother and tastes better.
Come by Bents Garden & Home to check out our BBQ department. We've got the gear and the setups, and Sam is on hand to answer your questions.
Author Bio
Written by the team at Bents Garden & Home, a family-run garden centre that's helped UK customers grow and build since 1937. Whether you're potting plants or planning your next BBQ, we know what it takes to make outdoor spaces feel good.