Throughout my many years of grilling, I have learned that every workman needs a good set of tools. Since you’ll spend most of your time slicing, flipping, tenderizing, seasoning, and controlling temperatures, you’ll need a superb grill tool set to help streamline the process.
That’s why I have decided to test 8 tool sets from different companies, providing you with what I liked, what I didn’t like, and finally presenting to you my ultimate best grill tool set.
The Best BBQ Tool Sets Under $50
- Best Overall BBQ Tool Set Under $50: Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set
- Cheapest BBQ Tool Set Under $50: Home-Complete HC-1000
- BBQ Tool Set With Best Casing Under $50: Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set
- Easiest-to-Maintain Affordable BBQ Tool Set: Cifaisi Utensils Set
- Best Affordable Dishwasher-Safe Grill Tool Set: Grilljoy 24PCS BBQ Grill Tools Set
- Best Budget BBQ Tool Set for Beginners: Home-Complete HC-1000
- Most Versatile Tool Set for Grill Under $50: Taimasi 34Pcs
Our Top 8 Best Grill Tool Sets
1 - Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set (Best Overall & With Best Casing)
First on our list is the Cuisinart Deluxe Set, a 20-piece grill set that includes a collection of durable tools to make grilling both easier and stylish.
Among this grill tool set, you will find an extra-wide spatula made to support larger patties.
The spatula also features a serrated cutting edge and a built-in bottle opener.
Another notable tool includes a large grill fork equipt with a built-in digital thermometer. This provides an accurate cooking temperature and can even sound an alarm to prevent over-cooking and burning.
You will also get an 18.5-inch grill brush, grill tongs, cleaning brush, and more.
All the tools are over 17 inches in length, protected by durable stainless steel handles to protect your hands around the flame.
All tools come inside a ribbed aluminum case with bands to secure the grilling tools.
The only downside I found was that the tongs had no locking mechanism, but it wasn’t a make-or-break situation.
- Large grilling fork comes equipped with a built-in thermometer
- Extra thick stainless steel handles
- Convenient and sturdy carrying case
- LED lighting on the digital display
- No locking mechanism on the tongs
2 - ROMANTICIST 28pc BBQ Accessories Set
Next on our list is this 28-piece BBQ grill tool set from ROMANTICIST, constructed from durable stainless steel and stored inside an aluminum case with dual-latch locks.
This grill tool set contains essential tools such as grilling tongs, a grill brush, two meat thermometers, four skewers, eight corn holders, and more.
A notable tool to point out inside this set would be the four-in-one spatula that allows you to flip, tenderize, and cut your patty, as well as open bottles.
All the primary tools come equipped with metal hangers, which allowed me to conveniently hang them on my grill hooks, keeping my grill space organized and clean.
All of the stainless steel tools are made with cooling technology, making them safe and comfortable to grill with.
- Made from quality stainless steel
- Includes a cooler bag for drinks
- Comes with two meat thermometers
- Handles could be longer
3 - Home-Complete HC-1000 BBQ Accessories (Cheapest & Best for Beginners)
This next BBQ grill tool set is from Home-Complete, containing 16 stainless steel tools such as a spatula, tongs, cleaning brush, corn holders, a silicone basting brush, and more.
It has fewer grilling tools than most sets since it’s designed for people who know exactly what they want.
A notable tool would have to be their silicone basting brush. When I used it, it gave the meat an even coating of seasoning and oil, and since it is made from silicone, it is also convenient to clean.
Like the previous BBQ tool sets, Home-Complete also includes a grilling spatula with an integrated bottle opener.
All grill tools are made from stainless steel, meaning they won’t melt, bend, or break when you use them over high heat.
I noticed that the handles could be a little longer; I had to use a grill glove when cooking.
- Compact set with all the essentials
- Heat resistant stainless steel
- Durable carrying case
- Tongs can be a bit stiff
4 - OlarHike Grilling Accessories
This OlarHike BBQ tool set comes with 22 grill accessories, including a digital meat thermometer, grill cleaning brush, salt and pepper shakers, meat injector, kabob skewers, and a silicone glove.
All of the grilling tools come equipped with large handles for an easy grip. The stainless steel construction also prevents melting or bending, and the handles are long enough that you may not need to use a grill glove when cooking.
This BBQ tool set isn’t dishwasher safe. However, I found it easy to clean by hand, thanks to the materials used. The cleaning brush also comes with an extra brush head, and the tools can be conveniently hung up using their metal hangers.
- Temperature and heat resistant grilling tools
- Handles are a good length
- Includes perks such as salt and pepper shakers
- The carrying case isn’t the best quality
5 - Cifaisi Utensils Set (Easiest-to-Maintain)
The next on our list is the Cifaisi Utensils Set. This BBQ tool set comprises of 38 pieces, including eight corn holders, eight skewers, grill glove, small knife.
Crafted from premium stainless steel, each tool in this set boasts exceptional durability and resistance to rust, ensuring they remain a staple in your grilling arsenal for years to come.
The versatility of this set is further enhanced by the inclusion of unique items such as a meat injector and thermometer, ensuring your meats are always perfectly cooked. The grill mats included offer a non-stick surface, making them ideal for cooking delicate items like fish.
For convenience and ease of storage, the set comes in an aluminum case, keeping your tools organized and portable. This makes it an ideal gift for any grilling enthusiast.
- A large variety of grilling tools
- Comes with additional brush heads
- Spatula comes equipt with a bottle opener
- The storage case is a little bulky
6 - Grilljoy 24PCS BBQ Grill Tools Set (Best Dishwasher-Safe)
Next is a 24-piece set from Grilljoy. This grill tool set has all your essential tools, including a spatula, meat fork, tongs, basting brush, meat thermometer, and more. It also comes with some handy add-ons, such as a meat injector and grate scraper.
The durable stainless steel grill tools are protected from rust and melting and are easy to clean and maintain. The handles are coated with rubber which is great for gripping and protecting from the heat.
However, I found them more challenging to clean than the stainless steel.
This grill tool set comes inside a quality aluminum case.
- The storage case is made from a quality aluminum
- Rubber handles make for a good grip
- Grill tools are rust-resistant and dishwasher safe
- Depending on the user, some grill tools may be unnecessary
7 - Alpha Grillers Grill Set Heavy Duty BBQ Accessories
Alpha’s BBQ tool set is a simple yet effective four-piece grill tool set comprising of a spatula, tongs, fork, and brush.
They all come with 18-inch handles, making it easier for you to control your BBQ without worrying about your hands around the heat.
The grill tools are made from quality stainless steel, featuring scalloped handles to help pick up larger cuts of meat.
The handle on the grill tongs also has a rubberized handle to support grip.
Other handy features include an integrated bottle opener on the spatula and a barbed grill fork to stop hot dogs from sliding off the metal.
I loved that these essential BBQ tools also come with metal hangers, making it convenient to keep my workspace clean.
- Dishwasher-safe
- User-friendly
- Easy to store or hang up
- Doesn't come with a storage bag
8 - Taimasi 34Pcs BBQ Grill Accessories Tools Set (Most Versatile)
Last but not least is this 34-piece set from Taimasi.
With this BBQ grill tool set, you will also receive a basting brush, meat thermometer, and knife along with the essentials such as tongs, spatula, and fork.
A few tools that I thought would be unnecessary actually were very handy. This includes the two grill mats, cleaning brush, sheers, and mini basting brush.
This conveniently allows you to have everything ready outside instead of making multiple trips to the kitchen while you are cooking.
The stainless steel construction allows for durability, and all barbecue tools come inside a soft carrying case.
- Dishwasher-safe
- A lightweight case for storage
- Versatile grilling tools
- Provides the user with less grip
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Grill Tool Set
When searching for a set of grill tools, there are a few things you should look out for.
The best grill tool sets are made up of equipment that improves your cooking experience without compromising safety, quality, and price.
1. How Many Tools are Included
Grill tool sets come in all different shapes and sizes. You will be able to find sets with as little as two pieces and sets with more than forty.
Most grill tool sets should come with the essential grilling tools such as:
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Basting brush
Others may include a fork, meat knife, and grilling brush, wire cleaning brush, and more.
Naturally, the more tools included in your set, the more expensive it will be. So, if you’re only looking for essential tools, you’re much better off going with the four-piece Alpha Grillers Grill Set compared to a much larger 31-piece set like the Ohuhu BBQ Grill Accessories.
1.1. Essentials Included
If you’re new to the grilling world, chances are you won’t know about the wide range of grill tools available.
Depending on the type of grilling you do and what you enjoy cooking, determine which tools are essential to you and which are not.
Here is a look into each grill tool within these sets to decide which are a must-have. I will also list what you should be looking for with each grill tool.
1.) Spatula
One of the most essential tools to have in your collection is a spatula. If you plan on cooking burgers, fillets, or any other delicate foods that would fall apart using tongs, you’ll need one of these.
A good BBQ spatula will include serrated sides which can be used to cut, tenderize, or scrape off any sticky or burnt bits. Towards the end of the spatula, there will be a tapered edge that you can slide under burgers and steak for easy flipping.
If you’re fortunate, you’ll find one with an integrated bottle opener. So, the spatula is an essential but also versatile tool.
“The key to good grilling is to recognize that you are setting yourself up to cook in a whole new environment. This is actually one of the main purposes of grilling - to get yourself outside.”
- Barton Seaver, Chef
2.) Tongs
Tongs are another essential part of grilling. Much like the spatula, tongs are used to move, flip, or transfer food and meat.
You can use them for picking up less fragile meats such as sausages and hot dogs.
Others use their tongs to rearrange or place charcoals on their grill. Therefore, the tongs you purchase should have a firm grip on the handle, be easy to open and close, and securely hold hot food and coals. Some tongs will feature a locking mechanism which is great for storage.
3.) Basting Brush
A basting brush, also known as a pastry brush, is used for applying marinade and sauces onto your meat and food.
A good brush will be made with silicone bristles, featuring a stainless steel handle to protect from the heat and flame. Some grill tool sets feature a full-sized brush and a miniature one. Others may include an extra head so you can easily swap sauces and marinades without cleaning your brush mid-cook.
1.2. Other Handy Tools to Look for
1.) Fork
A BBQ fork is designed to help you turn and lift the food from the grill to check if it is ready. Some higher-end grill tool sets will include a digital temperature fork so you can check the inside temperature of your meat.
Some people discourage the use of grill forks simply because lifting them too early can create holes in your meat which will let moisture and flavor escape [1].
2.) Grill Brush
Grill brushes are essential if you do some heavy-duty BBQ grilling. Grates can quickly accumulate a lot of burnt food, sauces, and cooked-on grease.
A grill brush is designed to help remove all of the above without compromising the quality of your grill.
3.) Digital Thermometer
The key to grilling food and preparing tasty meats is to control your heat. The best way to tell when meat is cooked is to use a digital thermometer.
Some grill tool sets will integrate the thermometer into other tools, such as a BBQ fork, while others will include one or two thermometers within the set. A good thermometer will have a LED display which comes in handy when using an outdoor grill.
4.) Skewers
Stainless steel skewers are a must-have if you’re planning on grilling any kebabs. The long, thin shaft supports small cuts of meats and vegetables as they are roasted or grilled.
5.) Corn Holders
Lots of grill tool sets you come across will include a handful of corn holders. They’re metal prongs with plastic handles that can be inserted into the end of your cob after cooking, and it makes it much easier to handle and eat the corn.
Other tools include:
- Grill mats: This allows you to grill small and delicate food without worrying about it falling through the grates.
- Meat claws: Designed to shred, tear, tenderize, flip, and grab the meat. Meat claws are often used for pulled pork or turkey.
- Salt and pepper shakers: For seasoning your food.
Meat injector: Distributes the marinade through the tissue of the meat.
2. What the Tools are Made From
Most BBQ grill tool sets will have stainless steel construction.
This is because it is durable and has the best chance of fighting off rust and corrosion. Stainless steel is easier to clean than other materials. [2]
The handles of your tools are also a very important factor. While heavy-duty stainless steel is durable, it also conducts heat very efficiently.
So, if the grill kit features stainless steel handles, ensure they have some sort of cooling technology set in place to avoid burns.
You may also find tools to have handles made from wood or rubber. Wood is more likely to have wear and term; however, it won’t transfer heat. The rubber allows the user to get a tight grip on the handle; however, it can quickly melt if accidentally left on a hot grate.
3. The Length of the Handles
You’ll notice that the length of grill tools is a lot longer than their kitchen counterparts. This is due to the high heat from a searing flame; the tools must be at least 14-18 inches long for a safe cook.
The ideal size for the grill handles would be 16-18 inches. This allows you to reach all the corners of your hot grill while still protecting your hands.
Any shorter, you may have to wear a glove to save your hands from the heat. Any longer than 18 inches and the tool will be harder to control and prone to bending.
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4. Storage
Most grill sets that include many tools will also come with a handy carrying case to safely store and transport your tools.
These can range from cotton bags all the way up to high-quality stainless steel cases.
“Grilling is an easy tradition to start at any age! To get started, one only needs a modest investment in equipment and a little bit of outdoor space.”
- Barton Seaver, Chef
While these stainless steel cases provide excellent protection for your tools, they may also add a lot of extra weight to your set if you plan on traveling with it. I have found a good in-between material to be aluminum.
You should also be on the lookout for tools that feature loops. These make it easy to hang up on your grill while not in use.
5. Extra Features
Here are a few other features to look out for:
- Weight: Heavy tools will not only make your arm ache, but they will also increase the risk of the tool slipping from your hands.
- Dishwasher-safe: Materials such as rubber, silicone, and stainless steel can be placed in the dishwasher to make cleaning more convenient.[3] They can also help kill bacteria. If you try and put wood into a dishwasher, there is a high chance it will crack, rot, or break.
- Warranty: Depending on the model and the brand, you may be offered a warranty from one year to life. Of course, the best deal would be to find a lifetime money-back guarantee.
FAQs
What Is Needed to Start Grilling?
The essential tools for grilling are tongs and a spatula. Both of these tools are needed to flip, move, and transfer food around the grill and to your plate.
Lots of tool sets will include a plethora of items that come in handy for grilling, but they may cause more confusion if you’re not a seasoned cook.
Are Grill Tools Dishwasher-Safe?
If your tools are made from stainless steel, they should be dishwasher-safe. However, don’t throw your tools into a dishwasher right after grilling, as the leftover grease and food could clog it. Always rinse your tools with warm water and ensure any food is removed before putting it in the dishwasher [4].
You should avoid putting tools that have wood handles into the dishwasher as the heat could encourage mold to grow, as well as crack or split the wood.
How Do You Clean a Grill Scraper?
If you have two grill scrapers, the easiest way to do it is to clean two at a time. Get your washing-up bowl and mix some soap into warm water.
Grab both of your grill scrapers and scrub the heads together to remove any food and grease. You can then rinse the scrapers with clean water.
If they are made from stainless steel, you can also throw them in the dishwasher after scrubbing to eliminate bacteria.
Do You Need a Grill Basket?
Grill baskets are not essential, but they do prevent food from falling through the grill grates. Grill baskets make it much easier to flip delicate foods or large items at once. They are also great for retaining nutritional value and losing unhealthy fat when cooking on a grill.
Here Do You Store a Grilling Tool?
Many BBQ tools will come with their own storage case, either made from durable metal or inside a fabric pouch.
If your set comes with one of these, it is better to store your items inside the case. You can then keep your case inside a patio storage bin or kitchen utility drawer.
Best Grill Tool Sets: Our Winner
While all of the tool sets listed here today are worthy competitors, we have to go with the Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set purely for its versatility, quality of material, and value for money.
The extra-wide spatula featuring serrated cutting edges and the grill fork equipped with a built-in thermometer are great for anyone looking to up their grilling game.
This set comes packaged in a sturdy aluminum case, and each tool comes with a hook which allows you to conveniently store your items.
This set is great for both newbies and pitmasters alike.
Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set (Best Overall & With Best Casing)
Our #1 Recommendation
- Large grilling fork comes equipped with a built-in thermometer
- Extra thick stainless steel handles
- Convenient and sturdy carrying case
- LED lighting on the digital display
Grilling season is here, and I recommend this high-quality grill tool set with convenient hanging hooks as a must-have for any outdoor cooking adventure!