Top BBQ Accessories You Will Actually Use Every Weekend
The best accessories are the ones that earn a spot on the barbecue trolley and get used without thinking.
This feature focuses on practical tools that improve safety, speed and consistency, with examples you can buy from Turn Left @ Albuquerque. Everything here ties to common backyard cooks in Australia and avoids clutter that ends up in a drawer.
Why a short, smart kit beats a drawer of gadgets
A tight kit keeps cooks calmer and results more predictable. You do not need every novelty tool to lift your barbecue game. You need a few reliable items that solve real problems and stand up to heat, grease and weather.
Choose gear that speeds up setup, sharpens control during the cook and makes pack down easy. That is the difference between an accessory and an essential.
A reliable thermometer stops guesswork and protects juicy results.
Heat resistant gloves prevent hesitations around hot grates and fuel.
Baskets and mats expand your menu without losing pieces through the grate.
Covers and cleaning tools protect your investment and keep performance steady.
Fuel tools make fire management faster and safer.
The essentials at a glance
A side by side comparison makes the buying decision simple. The table lists the role each tool plays, the situations where it shines and the stocked examples at Turn Left @ Albuquerque. Use it as a checklist before your next visit or order.
| Category | What it solves | Best for | TLAA examples |
| Thermometers | Accurate doneness and pit stability | Steaks, chicken, brisket, pork shoulder | Hark Rapid Instant Read Thermometer; Inkbird IBT 4XS; The MeatStick X; Yoder Smokers Tappeque WiFi |
| Protective gloves | Safe handling of hot grates, pans and fuel | Moving racks, wrapping brisket, handling chimney starters | Hardcore Carnivore High Heat Gloves; Yoder Smokers Long Leather Gloves; Grill Society Nitrile and Anti Cut Gloves |
| Baskets, mats and racks | Keeps small items secure and evenly cooked | Veg, prawns, fish, halloumi, wings | Tramontina Churrasco Stainless Steel Grill Basket |
| Covers and cleaning tools | Longer life and better airflow performance | All smokers and grills in Australian weather | Camp Chef Griddle Cleaning Kit; Big Green Egg Ash Removal Pan; model specific covers |
| Fuel and fire tools | Faster, cleaner ignition and tidy fuel zones | Charcoal kettles, drums, offsets, kamados | Smokey BBQ Bits Charcoal Chimney Starter; Valkry Rover Additional Charcoal Basket |
Thermometers that pay for themselves in one weekend
Temperature control is the fastest way to improve food quality. A good thermometer keeps you off the guesswork and on the money. Pick the style that fits your routine and you will stop cutting into meat to see if it is done.Instant read thermometers are perfect for fast checks on steaks and chicken. Multi probe or WiFi models track long cooks and help you spot stalls or pit swings before they become problems.
Hark Rapid Instant Read Thermometer is a simple, dependable pocket tool for everyday checks.
Inkbird IBT 4XS offers four probes and a clear app for low and slow.
The MeatStick X is fully wireless and ideal for drums and rotisseries.
Yoder Smokers Tappeque WiFi Thermometer Unit adds remote graphs and alerts for long brisket nights.
Gloves that let you cook with confidence
You move faster and safer when you trust your grip around hot metal. The right gloves stop the flinch that drops a rack or tips the chimney. Choose gloves that match your heat levels and handling style.Consider the jobs you do most often and buy for those tasks. Long leather suits grate lifts and log splits. High heat knit works for quick grabs. Disposable nitrile keeps prep hygienic and improves grip when trimming meat.
Hardcore Carnivore High Heat Gloves protect during hot grate moves and pan transfers.
Yoder Smokers Long Leather Barbecue Gloves give reach and forearm coverage near open fire.
Grill Society Nitrile and Anti Cut Gloves are ideal for trimming and general prep.
Baskets, mats and racks that expand the menu
A basket or mat turns a meat focused grill into a flexible midweek tool. It keeps small or delicate items under control and encourages you to cook sides outdoors along with the main event. That means less cleanup inside and better tasting vegetables with a whisper of smoke.Match basket size to your grate and choose sturdy stainless steel so it will not flex under heat. A good basket should be easy to shake or flip with tongs and simple to clean after a busy night.
Tramontina Churrasco Stainless Steel Grill Basket holds veg, prawns and fish without sticking.
Use a fine mesh mat for fragile items and quick cooks where sticking would ruin the surface.
Raise wings or smaller items on a rack to crisp evenly while fat drips away.
Covers and cleaning tools that protect performance
Clean grates and clear airflow make heat predictable. Covers keep rain and dust off your cooker so it lights faster and holds temperature with less fuel. Cleaning tools shorten pack down and make the next cook easier before you even start.Choose tools that will not gouge porcelain or scratch stainless. Plan a two minute ritual at the end of a cook and it will pay back every weekend with less smoke up and steadier temperatures.
Camp Chef Griddle Cleaning Kit removes grease and residue without damaging surfaces.
Big Green Egg Ash Removal Pan makes ash cleanout fast so vents stay clear.
Fitted covers for pellet, offset, kamado and drum smokers extend the life of paint and gaskets.
Fuel and fire tools that save time
Fire management is the backbone of flavour. A chimney starter lights charcoal evenly and gets you cooking sooner. Charcoal baskets keep fuel tidy and help you run two zone heat for steaks and reverse sear routines.Think about the fuels you use and your preferred ignition method. A smart setup gets you from cold to cooking without stress and with less wasted fuel.
Smokey BBQ Bits Charcoal Chimney Starter delivers a full bed of glowing coals quickly.
Valkry Rover Additional Charcoal Basket keeps fuel organised and helps create clean two zone layouts.
Pair lump charcoal such as Jealous Devil Chunx or Big Green Egg Canadian Maple with wood chunks for a consistent burn and flavour.
How to build your weekend kit
Start with safety and accuracy, then add flexibility and speed. The list below shows a practical order that suits most Australian backyards. Buy once with quality and you will use the same pieces for years.Two or three smart purchases can change the whole flow of a cook. They reduce waiting, improve consistency and make entertaining less effort.
One instant read thermometer and a multi probe or wireless option for longer cooks
One pair of high heat gloves and a pair of long leather gloves for heavy moves
One stainless basket and one fine mesh mat for small or delicate foods
One chimney starter and a charcoal basket if you run charcoal regularly
One fitted cover and a basic cleaning kit matched to your cooker’s surface
Quick recommendations by cook type
When plans are set and the clock is ticking, a simple match up helps. Use this table to pair your scenario with the accessory that makes it easier.
| Your cook | Accessory to prioritise | Why it helps |
| Reverse sear steaks for friends | Instant read thermometer | Nail the pull temperature and rest with confidence |
| Rotisserie chicken on a drum | MeatStick X plus long leather gloves | Clean setup with safe handling during trussing and removal |
| Pork shoulder on a pellet smoker | Four probe monitor and fitted cover | Stable pit readings and a protected unit for year round use |
| Prawn skewers and veg on a school night | Stainless basket and mesh mat | No drop through, quick flip, easy cleanup |
| Brisket on an offset in variable wind | Multi probe with two pit probes and high heat gloves | See both ends of the chamber and move the firebox safely |
| Sunday family cook with mixed meats | Instant read plus charcoal chimney | Fast ignition and accurate finishing across cuts |
Mistakes to avoid
Even good gear fails if used poorly. Avoid common errors and your accessories will quickly feel invaluable. A few small habits keep cooks smooth and gear in top condition.Always read temperature at the centre of the meat, not near bone. Keep gloves dry so heat protection works as designed. Store clean tools together so next time is as simple as rolling out the trolley.
Trusting the hood thermometer instead of grate level readings
Probing near bone or thick fat seams and getting false highs
Using bare hands to lift hot grates or pans and hesitating at the worst moment
Overfilling baskets and smothering airflow
Skipping covers and watching paint and gaskets age before their time
What to buy first if you are starting from scratch
A sensible starter bundle sets you up for most cooks and avoids duplication later. Buy for the way you cook now, not for a dream setup three years away. You can add specialty items once you have the basics nailed.
Focus on tools that cross over from fast grills to long smokes. That way the kit works every weekend and pays for itself quickly.
Inkbird IBT 4XS or The MeatStick X for live cook tracking
Hark Rapid Instant Read Thermometer for final checks
Hardcore Carnivore High Heat Gloves for frequent handling
Tramontina Stainless Basket for sides and seafood
Smokey BBQ Bits Chimney Starter and a fitted cover matched to your smoker
FAQs
Do I need both an instant read and a multi probe thermometer
Owning both keeps things simple. The instant read handles quick checks and final pulls. The multi probe tracks longer cooks without opening the lid.
Which gloves are safest around open fire
Long leather gloves cover the forearm and suit open fire work. High heat knit gloves are great for short contact with hot grates and pans.
Will a basket stop fish from sticking
A stainless basket helps, but light oiling and letting the surface release naturally are still important. A fine mesh mat is useful for very delicate fillets.
How often should I replace a chimney starter
Quality models last for years. Replace only if the mesh burns out or the handle loosens and cannot be fixed.
Can I run two zone heat without a charcoal basket
You can bank fuel to one side, but a basket keeps the pile tight and airflow clean. It also makes refuelling easier mid cook.
What cover should I buy for a pellet smoker
Choose a fitted cover made for your model to protect controller housings, hopper lids and gasket seams. Generic covers rarely fit well in wind or rain.
For a deeper look at safe temperatures and food handling, Food Standards Australia New Zealand provides clear guidance that supports home cooks across the country.