When the weather warms up, with longer days and shorter nights, it’s time to get outside and get to grilling! Picking the best grilling accessories for your backyard barbeque can help bring your backyard cooking game to the next level.
Aside from choosing the best grilling accessories to make your food taste awesome, don’t forget to consider other ways to make your guests feel welcome in your backyard.
For example, set the mood with some great lighting and music. Keep unwanted pests at bay by setting out natural pest deterrents like citronella candles and torches. Be sure to provide plenty of shade for guests during hot afternoons and maybe consider a fire pit to gather around in case the evening gets a bit chilly.
Best Grilling Accessories

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You may already have the best grill for you but accessorizing allows you to take advantage of everything your grill can do. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of grilling accessories available.
Essential tools
Just like you need pots and pans in a kitchen, there are a few absolute must-have essentials for your backyard grill. Tongs and spatulas are a must have for any grilling situation.
Look for tongs and spatulas made from stainless steel that have comfortable handles, as these will hold up best to the intense heat that your grill can put out. Also, when it comes to any grilling tools, you want long handles to help keep you a comfortable distance away from the heat.
Cooking accessories
While backyard grills are great for grilling food over an open flame, different cooking accessories can help you be creative with how you use that heat. Some of the best grilling accessories can help you do just that!
For example, rotisserie attachments can help you evenly roast large cuts of meat without having to turn the meat yourself laboriously. A pizza stone or cast iron pan can turn your charcoal or gas grill into a pizza oven.
Cooking accessories allow you to think outside just the grill! Try using a wok over an open flame. It can help you achieve that elusive, super hot flame that is so essential for creating that wok hei flavor present in authentic stir fry dishes.
Miscellaneous
Collecting the best grilling accessories is not just about cooking tools. There are many various grilling accessories out there that help make your summer cookouts easier though they may not be directly involved with the food.
For example, for charcoal aficionados, what type of charcoal you use is just as important as how you start your fire.
How We Chose
We collected a variety of the best grilling accessories from around the web, in a variety of categories. We chose items that are both top-rated on Amazon as well as good values and easy to use.
The Best Grilling Accessories for Your Summer Cookouts

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Without further ado, let’s get to cooking with the best grilling accessories out there!
Vegetable grill basket
#1 BEST Vegetable Grill Basket - BBQ Accessories for Grilling Veggies,...
- BEST GRILL ACCESSORY for barbecuing small foods like onions, peppers, mushrooms and shrimp
- EASY to USE - Curved handles allows for easy carrying. Use as Wok pan to stir fry chopped chicken, beef or pork. Nothing...
- KEEPS FOOD INSIDE - Raised edges prevents food from escaping. Perfectly sized grill holes (a little bigger than a pencil...
Veggies taste incredible when roasted on the grill. Grilled onions and peppers pair perfectly with most meats. You can even forgo meat altogether with a beautiful grilled portabello mushroom. The problem is that it’s really easy to lose veggies through your grill gates, especially when they are cut small.
The Grillux BBQ Grill Basket can help solve these issues. This stainless steel metal basket has a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. With four, curved metal sides, this basket sits atop your grill plates. The heat can come through, but the veggies will not fall out.
The Grillux BBQ Grill is available at various home and garden centers as well as on Amazon.
Check your fuel
DOZYANT DZ-CPG2 Propane Tank Gauge
- Compatible with all appliances with a Qcc1/ Type1 connection and up to 40-lb. Propane tanks.
- Heavy duty 100% solid brass construction withstands weather, scratching, denting and corroding.
- Monitors fuel level without removing the tank. Gauge display accounts for ambient temperature change. Color coded dial...
Imagine this: you’re planning the perfect BBQ party. You have all your meat and sides ready, and you’re just about to get grilling. Unfortunately, you step outside only to notice that your propane tank for your gas grill is empty!
While there are methods like the hot water trick to check how much propane is in your tank, using a tank indicator like the Dozy Ant Propane Tank Gauge lets you see how much gas you have at a glance. That is not only good for making sure you have enough propane to start the party but also enough propane to keep it going.
You can find the Dozy Ant Propane Tank Gauge on Amazon, where it as a 4.1 out of 5-star rating, as well as at your local propane store and home and garden centers.
Beer Can Chicken Roaster
Cave Tools Beer Can Chicken Roaster Rack - Includes 4 Vegetable Spikes...
- INSTANT 10% SAVINGS ON PURCHASE OF 2 OR MORE *** Beer Can Chicken Works in the Oven or on The Barbeque - Includes 4...
- Unlimited Recipes at Your Disposal - Stainless Steel Canister can be used for Beer, Wine, Cider, and any other liquid or...
- Extra Deep Drip Tray Never Overflows With Grease - Beer Can Chicken Cooker Set is 100% Dishwasher Safe for Easy Cleanup
Smart is knowing that beer and grilled chicken are the staples of many American backyard summer cookouts. Genius is putting the two together to make something easy and delicious from what you already have on hand.
The usual method for cooking the affectionately named Beer Butt Chicken involves upending a seasoned chicken onto a half drunk can of beer. Though classic, this method is a bit unwieldy.
The top-rated Beer Can Chicken Roaster Rack gives you a sturdier surface. This stainless steel roaster includes a canister to hold your beer (or any other flavorful liquid) on a deep drip tray to catch all the delicious juices that may run off.
This roaster rack also includes vegetable spikes you can use to roast vegetables right alongside your beer can chicken. Finally, the tray is dishwasher safe.
You can find the Beer Can Chicken Roaster Rack at specialty food stores as well as online at Amazon. Customers give it a 4.6 out of 5-star rating.
Original bear paws
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Southern style pulled pork is traditionally shredded using two forks to break up the meat. While we’re not ones to mess with tradition, no one said there’s anything wrong with improving on the tried and true method.
These all-nylon meat claws give you long, sharp tines to comfortably grip and shred cooked meat. You can also use the claws to provide you with a better grip on large roasts or even watermelon.
The Original Bear Paws meat shredding claws are a hit on Amazon where they receive a 4.7 out of 5-star rating from customers. You can also find them at your local specialty BBQ store and other retailers.
Clean your grill
Before you plan your first cookout of the season, one of the most important things you can do is to clean your grill.
After inspecting your grill to make sure that there are no leaks in the gas lines, you need to give it a good scrub down. Metal brushes are great for this but can leave bits of metal that can get transferred to your food.
A study released in 2016 noted that between 2002 and 2014, 1,700 Americans ingested bits of wire grill brush! Of these cases, one in four patients needed to be admitted to the hospital.
Sending your guests to the hospital is definitely NOT the way you want your grilling season to be remembered.
So what’s the alternative? Try using a stone brush like the EarthStone GrillStone Grill Cleaner. Unlike the wire on traditional metal grill brushes, the EarthStone GrillStone Grill Cleaner uses a pumice stone to scrape off the gunk of cookouts past.
You can find this 4.4 out of 5-star rated stone brush online at Amazon as well as other specialty BBQ stores and home and garden outlets.
Charcoal
Gas grills offer unparalleled convenience, with your fire ready at the push of a button. However, for some purists, there is no comparison to grilling meat over good old charcoal.
No matter what type of charcoal grill you use, you always want to start with great charcoal. Though briquettes may be a great place to start, they can be full of additives.
If you’re not ready to have mystery smoke along with your meal, try burning some hardwood lump charcoal like Kamado Jo or Fogo. Both of these charcoals received a 4.2 out of 5-star rating from Amazon customers. These charcoals are also available at your local specialty BBQ store.
Light it up
Of course, even the best charcoal is not going to light itself. Using lighter fluid is a quick way to get a charcoal fire going, but it is messy, dangerous, and adds unnecessary chemicals to your fire.
Instead, use a chimney starter like the Weber Chimney Starter, the number one top seller on Amazon with an impressive 4.8 out of 5-star rating. You can also find it for sale at most home and garden stores.
Chimney starters let you get a nice, even start on your charcoal, using newspaper and convection to light your coals.
Another option is to use an electric lighter like the Looftlighter. This lighter uses superheated air to start charcoal in just a minute. You can find the 4.2 out of 5-star rated Looftlighter on Amazon and at other specialty BBQ stores.
If you want a more portable option, try using ready-made fire starters like Light-A-Fire all natural starters. These pre-portioned pods contain sawdust and food-grade wax. You can even use them in conjunction with a chimney starter on your grill or use them to start a campfire or a fire in your backyard firepit.
Light-A-Fire is available on Amazon and comes in a handy plastic container. This 4.2 out of 5-star rated product makes an ideal, portable solution for picnics and other mobile cookouts.
Essentials for everyone
Mr Bar-B-Q 02066X 21 Piece BBQ Grill Set | The Ultimate Barbeque Grill...
- 21-PIECE GRILL SET - The 02066X from Mr Bar-B-Q comes with 21 different grill tools. The set includes an Oversized...
- STYLISH CARRYING CASE - This 21-piece tool kit comes inside a rugged plastic carrying case. This carrying case will keep...
- HIGH QUALITY - All Mr Bar-B-Q products are made with very high-quality materials. This 21-piece set is made from...
Every backyard cook needs a good set of tools to get their food on and off the fire. This 21-piece barbecue set from Mr. Bar-B-Q includes everything an aspiring backyard gourmand needs, in a handy carrying case.
Tools in this kit include tongs, a spatula, reusable skewers, as well as slotted spatula and corn holders. You can find this grill tool set on Amazon where it gets 4.1 out of 5-stars from customers.
Another great essential that no grill party should be without is a good set of BBQ gloves. Backyard grilling can get hot, and having the right gloves can help keep the cook safe while they are dealing with the food.
We like these Extreme Heat Grill Gloves, available on Amazon. These top-rated gloves enjoy a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from Amazon customers. The gloves can take the heat, protecting your hands up to 932-degrees Fahrenheit. Whether you are handling a hot chimney starter or moving pans around, the insulation on these gloves will keep you safe.
Even better, these gloves are 14-inches long, covering a good part of your arm. Rather than a mitt-style, these are glove style allowing you the full range of motion with all your fingers. The fingertips are covered with raised silicone tips for extra grip.
Food safety
ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Remote Digital Cooking Food Meat Thermometer...
- Hands free monitor: Wireless digital meat thermometer with dual probe monitors food or oven/grill/smoker temperature up...
- Hassle-free setup: No synchronization required, say goodbye to the tedious setup steps; Large LCD displays both food and...
- Kitchen timer: Food cooking thermometer features count up and countdown setting that is perfect for long-time cooking;...
Practicing safe cooking methods helps ensure that your grill party isn’t remembered for all the wrong reasons. Always cook your meat to FDA doneness standards to help ensure that no one gets foodborne illnesses from your meat masterpieces.
Instant read thermometers are great for temping smaller pieces of meat like chicken breasts, steaks, and chops. If you need continuous temperature monitoring on a larger portion of meat like pork butt or a tri-tip roast, try investing in a wireless thermometer
Thermopro makes top-rated monitors and has both an instant-read (4.3 out of 5 stars) and a Bluetooth (4.5 out of 5 stars) thermometer available on Amazon.
Night light
LED Concepts BBQ Grill Lights Magnetic Base Super-Bright LED...
- GRILLING & BBQ LIGHT – Perfect for outdoor grilling and BBQ – Provides instant illumination exactly where you need...
- MULTI-FLEX NECK – 22 Inch Goose-neck that adjusts 360° to illuminate any task
- ADJUSTABLE SCREW CLAMP – Sturdy adjustable clamp that attaches to various surfaces to ensure that the weight of the...
While a night light probably isn’t the first thing you would think of when considering the best grilling accessories, it should be!
Everyone knows that the best grill parties are the ones that last well into the summer night. While it may be warm enough to stay outside, the night sky does make it pretty challenging to see the grill.
A grill-safe light like this LED BBQ Grill Light can help you keep the party fed into the wee hours of the night. It is an Amazon bestseller with a 4.4 out of 5-star rating.
Cedar grill planks
Cedar Grilling Planks - 12 Pack
- Grill Gourmet Cedar Grilling Planks
- Textured Grilling Planks for More Smoke and More Flavor!
- 5.5" x 11.00" x 1/3" Upgraded Thickness!
Have you ever tried plank grilling? If not, this method should be on your to try list for your next grill party.
This grilling method owes its origins to indigenous Americans, who grilled fish on wood for ease and flavor. To cook on a plank, take your food-safe plank and soak it in water. From there, you can toss it onto a hot grill and let it smoke a little. Place your seasoned fish, or vegetable, or meat, on top and let it cook!
As it cooks, the food gets infused with the smoky wood flavor. Even better, plank cooking makes for an excellent presentation and easy cleanup!
These top-rated Cedar Grill Planks get a 4.6 out of 5-star rating on Amazon. You may also be able to find these planks at your local BBQ specialty store.
Get Ready for the Cookout

Via Pixabay
The best grilling accessories help the backyard chef with everything from food preparation to food safety. With the best grilling accessories at your fingertips, anyone can have a great summer grilling season.
What are your favorite grilling accessories? Do you have one that you think should have been on your list? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured Image Source: Unsplash
There are over six different types of smokers that we recognize on the market, and no, we are not talking about tobacco smokers or vapers. We are referring to smokers that create flavor-filled, tasty barbecue! With so many models to choose from, the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker pushed it’s a way to the top of the ranks.
You can purchase a wood smoker, charcoal smoker, gas smoker, and even a pellet smoker. And you may wonder why reviewers are saying that this electric smoker is the best. Maybe it is, perhaps it isn’t.
But what is a Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker?
What Is the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker?
There are many things to consider when purchasing a smoker, including how it cooks the food, the cost, and even the fuel type. Electric smokers are more comfortable to use, and some models have high tech controls that allow you to monitor the food until it’s ready quickly.
But some electric smokers are notorious for losing flavor. So how does the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker break that stigma?
Masterbuilt began to craft products in 1973, and since then, they’ve wanted to provide an excellent experience for customers to create awesome barbecue.
With their Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker, they brought something fun to try for tech-savvy, barbecue lovers. The electric smoker cut down on operational time but kept the quality of cooking in a new way for consumers to smoke their dishes.
Design
Like any other appliance, users connect the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker into a power source with the plug and turn on the ignition. Then, the cook fills the aluminum plate under the grill grates with water and their herbs of choice. Semi-deep aluminum trays hold the flavor and moisture that will integrate with the food.
With any product, there are possibilities for improvements; and the electric smoker has one essential addition. The wood chip loader is usually a cylinder-shaped pullout near the bottom of the unit. With the wood chip loader, users can fill up on flavored wood chips that will add an extra touch.
Lastly, the residue tray holds importance, and some cooks will line this with aluminum foil for better usage. This tray also helps enhance the flavoring atmosphere of the box. The more you utilize good residue, the more your food rests in that goodness.
What’s inside
In the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker, there are several grates to load on the pieces of food. Over time, the coated morsels will begin to smoke when the grill closes and the lock secures. Once everything is in place, the food is left alone, and users don’t need to mess with it.
For each unit, the temperature ranges from 100 degrees to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. The built-in vents adjust temperatures while cooking, so consumers aren’t entirely hands-on during cook time. Think of it as the more substantial, smokier, similar version of the crock pot; both machines cook food on their own.
Nonetheless, make sure the food inside is in the proper position before you close the door. You can control how much air comes out of the smoker, and some recipes call for more or less smoke. The smoker has a gauge, so set it and ensure no food comes out poorly done.
Top Designs and What Separates Them
While the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker has a notable reputation, there are a few models from which to choose. Each model may serve a purpose that best suits a specific need. These models are both 40-inches and highly rated.
Currently, the Masterbuilt 20070512 is unavailable for purchase. According to Masterbuilt, the model eventually discontinued due to uneven heating problems. The other Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smokers display no immediate issues and are excellent quality overall.
For the other models, there are things to pay attention to concerning the different styles and features. Each one caters to cooking preferences and must-have features, and people who love their smoked barbecue distinguish which fits them best.
Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker with Window & Remote
If you are looking for a smoker that covers your general needs, this Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker gets the job done. The Masterbuilt 40-Inch Digital Electric Smoker with Window & Remote is a great size for house parties and large families. This smoker has simple requirements and essentially one task: to fill the wood tray.
Specs and features
On the exterior of the model, this Masterbuilt Digital Electric has a handle and secured wheels for mobility. On the front, the stainless steel door frames a large window. Who doesn’t want to look at their food while it’s cooking?
Inside this smoker, it has 975 square inches of cooking space and 4 chrome-coated removable racks. You can take out the water pan or drip pan to prep before cooking. While cooking, the Masterbuilt’s patented wood chip loading system allows users to continue adding chips without disrupting the process and opening the door.
Of course, the top air damper creates a controlled environment for the smoke while cooking too. However, the remote frequency controller wins people over with the ability to set temperature and time, switch the interior light on and off, and even switch the power of the smoker itself; all from 100 feet away. When all is said and done, the greasy pan mounted in the rear makes the aftermath of cooking easy to clean.
Reviews
The team at Masterbuilt surely felt proud to lead the charge and develop a patented remote control electric smoker. With this convenience, people could pay attention to other activities and conversations instead of continually monitoring the time for their food. Also, the uncomplicated process makes it easy for anyone to start barbecuing.
However, some found frustration using their Masterbuilt 40 electric smoker after some time. One found that the internal thermostat connection fried off after three years of usage. Despite frequent upkeep and care, some customers had unfortunate outcomes after using their Masterbuilt electric smoker.
Despite the critical reviews, 64 percent of customers rated the Masterbuilt Digital Electric Smoker with Window & Remote 5.0 out of 5.0 stars. The smoker has an overall Amazon rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 stars.
Many reports include photos of the mouth-watering barbecue creations that their smokers produced. Overall, the majority of cooks found this Masterbuilt 40 electric smoker accurate in temperature and easy to operate.
Masterbuilt 40-Inch Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker
An electric smoker that connects to a smart device seems super futuristic and out of our reach. Nonetheless, the Masterbuilt 40-Inch Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker makes it a reality and grabs our attention. This model confidently comes with the bells, whistles, and extra pizazz for people who want to go all out.
Specs and features
This high tech, smart Masterbuilt also includes a built-in meat thermometer and consistent cooking up to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. The exterior looks are similar to the other electric smoker model, which consists of the large stainless steel door and window. The built-in wheels and handles make moving the Masterbuilt 40 electric smoker less complicated.
On the inside, the same 4 chrome-coated racks are sitting and ready for up to 100 pounds of deliciousness. The Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker still includes the remote that controls the power, temperature, time, light, and monitors.
The flashy and impressive Bluetooth technology seems to impress and bring the wow factor. When in range, a smartphone or tablet can control your electric smoker. The role of hosting and barbecuing definitely seems less complicated with this Masterbuilt 40 electric smoker model.
Reviews
Some consumers might find relief with Bluetooth capabilities, but some might discover usage more complicated. Sometimes, connectivity and range do not work the same for everyone, and these features face a variety of differing factors. Regardless, this electric smoker has a pretty consistent rating.
Reviewers who gave this item a low rating predominantly critiqued the construction of the overall machine. The common thread dealt with a faulty smoker, dysfunctioning application for the smart device, or ambiguous instructions. Many customers gave feedback for tweaks that could improve the product.
The smoker has an Amazon rating of 3.9 out of 5.0 stars.
About 50 percent gave the Masterbuilt 40-Inch Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker 5.0 out of 5.0 stars, and 1 customer could not see how one could do any better than this smoker. Many of these buyers feel that the smoker does everything it says that it does. These happy barbecuers think that their cooking process became more accessible than ever.
Pricing Overall for the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker
For new barbecues and smokers, getting into the cooking game will cost you around $355 to $445, not including shipping and tax. Many home improvement and general stores sell the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker including Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. However, you can order online and get it directly from Amazon or Masterbuilt’s website itself.
Does the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker Cook the Competition?
Electric smokers provide a relaxed approach for people who want tasty food with minimal effort. Electric smokers are great for beginner barbecuers too. There are simple steps in setting the right temperature and upkeep for each product.
However, there are different factors for each product that help us gauge how each electric smoker measures up. Since users don’t worry about fuel with these smokers, there are other things to consider when browsing through the market.
How we reviewed these electric smokers
When shopping for the right electric smoker, we considered the price, features, and quality of each product. These three options provide smokers that are comparable in size, usage, and controls.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker
This electric smoker is related to the initial two smokers and offers some significant elements. The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker offers a smaller version of the other models. If you are looking for a no-fuss electric smoker, this option may fit your needs well.
Like the other Masterbuilt electric smokers, this option also includes power controls, temperature controls, and time controls. However, there’s a digital panel that houses these features. The integrated thermostat temperature control system carries over to this smoker too.
Overall, this model carries the same pan and wood chip accessories that the other units contain. If you do not want fancy additions and a simple aesthetic, this smoker wins 4.0 out of 5.0 stars for users on Amazon. Customers can purchase this Masterbuilt from $95 to $190, before taxes and shipping.
6-Rack Bradley Digital Smoker
With four to six racks, this electric smoker can hold more goodies inside. The 6-Rack Bradley Digital Smoker includes many of the same digital technology on a bit more significant scale, size-wise. The temperature, time, and smoke have easy-to-use controls.
Looking inside the 6-Rack Bradley Digital Smoker, polished stainless steel with four to six removable racks sit nice and ready for smoking. The ash catcher makes cleanup fast and straightforward. For the outside, a powder epoxy steel covers the body of the unit.
Comparably, users have gotten temperatures up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Although, certain temperatures go well with certain foods. The Bradley Digital Smoker is available for $360 to $600, and customers rate this smoker 3.5 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon.
Smoke Hollow ES230B Digital Electric Smoker
This simple, black box still packs a punch of flavor for smoking food. The Smoke Hollow ES230B Digital Electric Smoker provides a 30 to a 36-inch electric smoker. Shoppers can purchase this in black or stainless steel, and they offer a digital version of their electric smoker as well.
For the specifications of this choice, you’ll also find a digital panel that controls the power, temperature, and time. This 800-watt heating element gives even, consistent smoking with an adjustable air damper to control smoke. This option also provides the same pan accessories and removable water bowl for moisture and flavor.
The Smoke Hollow ES230B provides one of the more cost-efficient options, but it doesn’t sacrifice on quality. Customers still get bang for their buck with this electric smoker, and they rate it 4.0 out of 5.0 stars on Amazon. It’s available for purchase from $90 to $230, depending on the chosen model.
Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker Pros and Cons
Throughout this Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker review, there are details and reports of what consumers feel. Here are the highlights:
Pros
- Convenient wood chip loading system
- Digital time and temperature controls
- Removable racks, water pan, drip pan, and grease pan for easy cleaning.
- Handle and wheels provide mobility
- Window and internal light to display items cooking
- Integrated thermostat for temperature control
- Smoke control with the top air damper
- Good reviews for first-time users
Cons
- Some reviews reported poor construction quality
- The range of the remote control and Bluetooth capabilities are limited
Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker: Our Hot Take
With the technology available to us, smoking our foods with ease is right at our fingertips. We have a variety of different options to choose from depending on what we need for our gatherings and table settings. With the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker, there are options for every person’s barbecuing style.
If people want something more advanced, then they may find excitement in using the remote and Bluetooth features. Regardless, foodies will find good endings after cooking with the Masterbuilt 40 Electric Smoker. This electric smoker changes how we do flavorful dishes.
Could you use this smoker to create your favorite barbecue dish? Tell us about your latest cookout in the comments!