Accessorizing Your Grill For Maximum Usefulness & Versatility

4 minute read | Grills

Some sage philosopher once noted that an appreciation of the simple things in life was the key to happiness, and surely one of the things he was thinking about was his outdoor barbecue grill. This simple device has brought joy and contentment to untold millions of people, fostering camaraderie and good cheer among family and friends. It’s one of the best investments one can make. But to truly enjoy all the usefulness and versatility the modern outdoor barbeque grill can provide, you need to add the right accessories. There are residential and commercial grill accessories available today that your grandfather could only dream of, greatly expanding the range of your culinary possibilities. 

Widening Your Grilling Horizons

A backyard summertime get-together centered around the BBQ with hamburgers, hot dogs, and brats sizzling away is the classic image that comes to mind when one thinks about outdoor barbecue grills. But your grill can do so much more! Most people don’t use their grills to their full potential. All kinds of veggies can be cooked to perfection on a grill, including asparagus, squash, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and more. You can prepare veggie burgers, turkey burgers, fish, lamb, and venison. Roast some shishkabobs or create an authentic stir fry in a wok. Almost anything can be cooked on your residential grill, the possibilities are endless. And the wide range of grill accessories available today makes it easier than ever. 

Useful Grilling Tools & Accessories

Adding accessories and equipment to your grill is at least half the fun of owning one. Kinda like a fisherman that puts more time and effort into the tackle than the fish. Grilling accessories fall into a few categories, making the cooking easier, providing more space, and aiding in the cleanup. There are some accessories that, although not necessarily essential, you’ll find to be very helpful on your grilling adventures.

  • Automatic fuel shut-off timer - If you or someone else turns on the gas and forgets to turn it off it can cost a lot before you finally notice it. Buying a grill with an automatic 60-minute fuel shut-off timer will prevent this from happening.
  • Lift-Assist grill lid handle - Our lift-assist handle is an extension that easily attaches to our grill lids and allows for effortless opening and closing of the grill lid. This is a great way to make your grill more accessible because you won't have to reach over the grill while opening or closing the lid.
  • Stainless steel side shelves - You’ll inevitably find yourself needing more space to hold your plates and tools, and stainless steel side shelves are the solution. Most of our grill products are equipped with at least one shelf with the capability of adding another.
  • Stainless steel grill storage drawers - Did we mention you’ll certainly be needing more space to hold all your grilling stuff? Think of those huge fishing tackle boxes anglers tote around. Stainless steel propane grill storage drawers and cupboards are almost essential for the serious grill chef. Make sure you choose a grill base that has plenty of room to stash your equipment. Another accessory you should consider is an outdoor grill island. You can never have too much room.
  • Rotisserie burner and spit - A must-have accessory. Expand your cooking potential exponentially with an infrared rotisserie burner. You can cook whole chickens, large cuts of meat, shish kabobs, and more to juicy perfection on a grill with rotisserie.
  • Side burners - Instead of running back and forth to the kitchen to check your side dishes, add a handy side burner to your grill. Use it for anything you can’t cook well on a grill. You can even get that wok going.
  • Ceramic “Moon Rok” grill briquettes - The latest in modern grilling, ceramic “Moon Rok” grill briquettes ensure even and constant heat distribution and superior smoke control. Because they absorb and retain heat, you can use a lower flame and save on gas. They’re easy to clean and pretty much last forever.
  • High-quality grill tools - Resist the urge to skimp when it comes to the quality of your wire brushes, tongs, and grill spatulas. Especially the brush. Cheap or old wire brushes can have bristles break off and possibly end up in your food, which is not good. Buy nice tools and they’ll last you a lifetime.
  • Piezo match-free ignition - Avoid finding and fiddling with matches to light your grill. All our grill products feature piezo match-free starters as standard equipment.
  • Use a proper grill cover - Make sure you protect your investment from the elements with a quality grill cover made to fit your model grill. 

Setting Up Your Grill

Where you decide to place your grill is very important for maximum enjoyment and efficient grilling, and it’s dependent on what type of grill you have. If you’re using a portable propane grill, then you have a lot more leeway on where you can use it. You can simply roll it over to a new location on your patio or store it in a shed or garage when you don’t need it. Consider buying a stainless steel propane grill for easier cleanup and resistance to the elements. But grill masters will also be well served by choosing a natural gas grill, preferably a built-in outdoor grill or other types of permanent residential or commercial grill. When you’re hooked up to a natural gas line you never have to worry about running out of fuel like you can with a propane setup. Serious backyard grill aficionados prefer to take their time and concentrate on the cooking.

Natural gas grills are permanent grills so you’ll need to choose the optimum placement. You’ll want them to be close to where your outdoor activities are happening, near to seating and tables and the pool, and have some cover from the sun and the rain. It's an especially important consideration for a built-in outdoor barbecue grill because it’s not portable.

Pro Grilling Tips 

Now that you’ve got your equipment squared away, it’s time to get cooking. Here are some helpful hints to get you started.

  • Preheat your grill. Turn the burners on high for 10-15 minutes or until the temperature reaches 500 degrees. This makes it easier to clean off old food bits and helps to sear your meat and keep it from sticking to the grill.
  • Use a meat thermometer. Undercooked meat is not only unpalatable, it can also be dangerous. Use a meat thermometer to make sure your meat is at the recommended safe interior temperature. If you don’t have one, make a cut and check the meat near the bone. If it’s still pink, it’s not done.
  • Keep the grill hood down. This keeps the meat from drying out and speeds up cooking time and prevents flare-ups by keeping oxygen to a minimum. It also keeps smoke and flavorful vapors close to the meat.
  • Keep your grill clean. Professionals always take pains to keep their tools clean and in good condition. A backyard grill master should do no less. It’ll be easier if you clean it with your brush while the grill is still warm.

Buy the best equipment you can afford and practice your skills regularly and you too will soon be a backyard grilling pro.



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