Besides gas grills that come with automatic ignition as a feature, most other types of equipment rely on auxiliary methods for ignition. Some of the items you could use to make the process easier include long wooden matches, which are easier to handle than their conventional counterparts. You could also get yourself a long-handle butane lighter to uphold safety whenever you're starting a grill fire.
If you have a charcoal grill, using a chimney starter is the best way to ignite the fuel, whether it's briquettes or lump hardwood. You might want to choose a high-capacity chimney starter, as this would make it easy to light enough fuel for your barbecue. It's also advisable to use a tasteless, odorless fuel starter when initiating the fire, after which you should let it burn until it hits the ideal temperature for cooking.
Depending on the model, your grill can easily exceed your oven's standard roasting temperature. This means you must always protect your skin sufficiently whenever you're grilling food, which you could do using pot holders and mitts. But don't just use the ones you have for your oven; what you need are specially-designed, high-heat resistance mitts that will protect your hands and lower arms as well.
Spatulas and tongs are preferred over conventional forks when turning meat on the barbecue because they don't pierce it, which would drain the juices. The best grilling utensils have long handles to keep arms and hands far from the heat. When shopping, try to look for a spatula with an offset handle that will slip easily under food.
Keeping your barbecue rack clean is your most important line of defense as far as healthy grilling goes. For this, you will need a suitable bush to remove leftover food particles from the grates, besides keeping them smooth. If your equipment has an enamel finish, a brass-bristle grill brush will help you clean the grates without damaging the delicate surface.
A good thermometer comes in handy when grilling, especially if you're cooking foods like ground meat, poultry or pork. Look for a digital instant-read device with a heat-proof wire and sensor; such thermometers can remain in the food for the entire grilling time, which makes it easier to monitor temperature throughout the cooking process. Your choice of thermometer should also come with an elongated tip for enhanced safety as well.
You've got your barbecue, you've gathered your ingredients, now you only need a handful of accessories to keep the flame going. While you may come across many other grilling accessories, it would be advisable to acquire the most crucial tools first. This way, you'll be guaranteed of an efficient and safe experience, whether you're hosting a full-on banquet or just a simple gathering.
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