All the Gear: Your Grill & Smoker Equipment Guide 2024
Greetings, BBQ enthusiasts and smoking aficionados! As we step into the culinary landscape of 2024, it's time to explore the BBQ and smoker accessories that will shape your smoking and grilling experiences this year.
No frills, just the straightforward details you need to stay informed and the bits of kit that will elevate your smoking and grilling game. Your practical guide to Smoker and BBQ Accessories in 2024 starts now! 🔥🔥🔥
🔥 Wireless Meat Thermometer 🔥
Modernise your grilling experience with the Wireless Meat Thermometer. Offering the freedom to monitor your meat's progress remotely, this tool eliminates the need to hover over the grill. Set your desired temperature, step away, and receive real-time updates on your smartphone, ensuring your masterpiece reaches perfection without constant supervision.
When choosing a wireless meat thermometer, several features can enhance your cooking experience and ensure accurate and convenient temperature monitoring. Here are key features to consider:
Wireless Range: Look for a thermometer with a reliable wireless range that suits your cooking environment.
Mobile App Compatibility: Make sure to go for a thermometer that integrates with a mobile app that will allow you to receive real-time temperature alerts on your smartphone or tablet.
Battery Life: Consider the battery life of the thermometer. Make sure it will go the full distance of your cook.
Ease of Cleaning: Look for a thermometer with probes that are easy to clean. Some models have probes that are dishwasher safe.
The UK Smokehouse Pick:
MEATER 2 Plus
The Specs
Wireless Range: 75m
Battery Life: 30 minute charge time for up to a 24 hour cooking session
Max Ambient Temperature: 550
°C
Accuracy: ±0.3°C
iOS & Android compatible
Reasons to Buy
Its Versatile. You can use if for everything from low and slow to cooking over open flame because of its temperature range. Its skinny profile lets you use it for the smallest cuts of meat.
It gives both ambient temperature of your grill and the internal temperature of your meat.
Its super precise. It actually contains 5 sensors along its length, all accurate to half a degree.
You can pick up a MEATER 2 Plus from the UKs largest online retailer Here
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Some worthy alternatives:
🔥 Wireless Instant-Read Thermometer 🔥
Precision is paramount in achieving the perfect barbecue masterpiece. An Instant Read Probe Thermometer ensures accurate temperature readings in seconds to any part on the meat, allowing you to cook to perfection. Say goodbye to overcooked or undercooked dishes—this tool provides the confidence and precision needed for consistent, succulent results.
When selecting an instant-read thermometer, there are a few key features to look out for :
Accuracy: Self explanatory. You need reliable, consistent measurements. Look for a thermometer with a high degree of precision.
Response Time: A quick response time is crucial for an instant-read thermometer so you can check things quickly without losing too much heat from your smoker.
Backlit Display: Seems like a weird one, but a backlit display is beneficial, especially when checking something at the back of your smoker. It enhances visibility and usability.
Ease of Cleaning: Go for a thermometer with some level of water resistance or waterproofing. This makes cleaning easier and ensures the thermometer can withstand accidental exposure to liquids.
The UK Smokehouse Pick:
Thermapen ONE
The Specs
Reading Time: 1-second
Temperature range: -49.9 and 299 °C
Accuracy ±0.3 °C (-19.9 to 119.9 °C)
Automatic LCD screen with light sensor
Battery saving motion sensor triggers Auto-Off
Battery Life: 1 AAA give 2000 Hours.
Reasons to Buy
Super easy to read backlit display that auto-rotates when you move it around. Great for those late night and early morning cooks.
Its got a sharp probe point that slides into the toughest cuts of meat with no effort.
Its fully sealed for easy cleaning.
It comes in every colour under the sun.
Comes with a 5-year guarantee.
You can pick up a Thermapen ONE from the UKs largest online retailer Here
🔥 A Rib or Grilling Rack 🔥
Grilling up some mouthwatering ribs is a joy, but let's be real – they can be a space hog on the grill. Lay down a couple of racks horizontally, and suddenly, your BBQ real estate is looking pretty cramped. And don't even get us started on the sprawling spareribs! But fear not, we've got a nifty solution: cook those ribs standing tall in a specially crafted rib rack. It's the game-changer that frees up your grill space and lets you focus on what matters – getting those ribs just right.
When looking for a rib rack there are a couple of things to take into consideration:
Material Quality: Opt for a rib rack made from sturdy and durable materials. Stainless steel is a popular choice for its resilience against the elements and ease of cleaning.
Capacity: Consider the number of ribs the rack can accommodate and for gods sake check the dimensions of the rib rack to ensure it fits comfortably on your grill or in your smoker.
Versatility: Consider a rib rack that offers versatility. Some models can double as a roasting rack for other meats or vegetables, providing additional value.
Ease of Cleaning: Cleaning up after a BBQ session is part of the game. Choose a rib rack that is easy to clean, preferably dishwasher-safe or with a design that allows for straightforward hand cleaning.
The UK Smokehouse Pick:
Weber Premium Grilling Rack
The Specs:
Dimensions: 11cm H x 26.5cm W x 43.5cm D
Material: Stainless Steel
Cleaning: Dishwasher safe
Reasons to Buy:
Capacity: Comfortably holds up to 5 racks of baby back or spare ribs for even cooking.
Versatile: Unlike most, this guy is a 2-in-1. If you flip it over it becomes a sturdy cradle for roasting joints elevating the meat so you there is room underneath to slip in a tray to catch all those awesome roasting juices.
You can pick one up from the UKs largest online retailer Here
🔥 A Poultry Roaster 🔥
A Poultry Roaster is a game-changer for bird lovers. Its vertical design allows for 360-degree airflow, ensuring even cooking and a perfectly crisp skin. Infuse your chicken, duck, or turkey with flavours from all angles, creating a roast that's not only visually stunning but also a culinary masterpiece. The really good ones are even designed with a handy way of holding liquid (or a can of beer) to help keep your bird moist and infuse additional flavour into the meat.
What to look out for when choosing your poultry roaster:
Stability and Design: Look for a roaster with a stable base and a design that prevents tipping. Stability is crucial when handling a poultry roaster filled with a bird and liquid.
Ease of Cleaning: Check for features that make the roaster easy to clean. Removable parts or dishwasher-safe components can simplify the cleaning process.
Versatility: Some vertical poultry roasters come with additional features, such as a built-in reservoir for holding liquids or the ability to be used as a beer can chicken roaster. Consider how versatile you want your roaster to be.
The UK Smokehouse Pick:
Weber Poultry Roaster
The Specs:
Dimensions: 13cm H x 15.5cm W x 23.5cm D
Material: Alloy Stainless Steel
Cleaning: Dishwasher Safe
Reasons to Buy:
With a stable base ring and a well-balanced design, the Weber Poultry Roaster minimises the risk of tipping with even the biggest of birds.
The handy handles on the sides of the roaster make it easy to manoeuvre your bird in and out the smoker.
Versatile: This model has the ability to hold a 330ml can so you can use it for beer can chicken (Just remember to drink about 1/3 of the liquid first to stop the can from overflowing).
You can pick one up from the UKs largest online retailer Here
🔥 BBQ Heatproof Gloves 🔥
Ensure safety without sacrificing dexterity with BBQ Heatproof Gloves. Crafted from heat-resistant materials, these gloves protect your hands during grill manipulation, allowing you to handle hot grates, adjust vents, and manoeuvre meats with confidence. Say goodbye to burns and hello to worry-free grilling.
What to look out for when selecting your heatproof gloves:
Heat Resistance: Check the heat resistance rating of the gloves. Look for gloves that can withstand high temperatures, typically above 260°C, to ensure protection against hot surfaces and flames.
Insulation and Lining: Look for gloves with insulated lining for additional protection against heat. Some gloves have cotton or wool linings that provide comfort and insulation.
Grip: Look for gloves with a non-slip or textured surface for a secure grip on grilling tools, utensils, and hot surfaces. A good grip enhances safety and control.
Long Cuffs: Gloves with long cuffs provide extra protection for your wrists and lower arms. This is especially useful when reaching to baste that pesky chicken wing right at the back of the smoker, or dealing with open flames.
The UK Smokehouse Pick:
Weber Premium BBQ Gloves
The Specs:
Temp Range: Certified to resist temperatures up to 250°C
Shell: 100% Aramid | Lining: 80% cotton, 20% polyester
Palm Grips: Silicone
Reasons to Buy:
Extra protection - Covers your wrists while still being easy to get on in a hurry.
Natural Feel - Great dexterity when using them. You wont feel clumsy when undertaking precision tasks.
They look good - Subtle classic black with red accents.
You can pick a pair of the Weber Premium BBQ Gloves up from the UKs largest online retailer Here
🔥 Chimney Starter 🔥
Bid farewell to lighter fluid and embrace the efficiency of the Chimney Starter. This ingenious tool ensures a quick and clean ignition for your charcoal, eliminating the chemical aftertaste associated with traditional lighter fluids.
A chimney starter is a metal cylinder with a perforated bottom and a handle. To use, place crumpled newspaper or fire starter at the bottom, add charcoal on top, and light the paper. As the paper burns, it ignites the charcoal above, creating a chimney effect. The rising heat quickly and evenly lights the charcoal, ready for use in your grill within 15-20 minutes. It's a quick, clean, and convenient way to start your charcoal grilling session.
The things to look for when buying a chimney starter:
Material: Chimney starters take some abuse so choose one made from durable and heat-resistant materials such as galvanized steel or stainless steel. These materials ensure longevity and resist corrosion.
Size and Capacity: Consider the size of the chimney starter and its capacity. Choose a size that works with the capacity of your grill.
Safety Features: Check for safety features like heat shields and heat-resistant handles that allows you to comfortably hold and pour the hot coals.
The UK Smokehouse Pick:
Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter
The Specs
Dimensions: 32cm H x 20.5cm W x 32.5cm D
Materials: Aluminium coated steel
Reasons to Buy:
Generous capacity, the Weber Rapidfire can accommodate a substantial amount of charcoal, making it suitable for both small and large grilling sessions.
It has two handles and a heat deflector built in to provide optimal control when pouring hot briquettes (making sure you have your BBQ gloves on, obviously)
Its cone shaped bottom gets your briquettes or lumpwood as close to the heat source as possible, promoting quick and efficient lighting. Usually everything is hot and white in about 15 mins.
You can pick up a Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter from the UKs largest online retailer Here
🔥 Long Tongs 🔥
Maintain control and a safe distance from the heat with Long Tongs. They should be crafted for precision and durability to make sure you keep a secure grip on what your cooking. Whether flipping delicate fish fillets, re-arranging your chicken wings, or adjusting large cuts of meat, these must have accessories provide the finesse required for perfect grilling every time.
Features to consider and look out for:
Length: Choose tongs with an appropriate length for your grilling setup. Longer tongs (around 16 to 18 inches) provide better reach and keep your hands at a safer distance from the heat.
Material: Go for tongs made from durable and heat-resistant materials such as stainless steel or high-quality food-grade metal. These materials ensure longevity and resistance to heat.
Handle Design: Look for tongs with ergonomic and comfortable handles. Heat-resistant and non-slip grips contribute to a secure hold and ease of use, especially when handling heavy or awkwardly shaped items.
Locking Mechanism: Consider tongs with a reliable locking mechanism. A secure lock not only aids in convenient storage but also ensures the tongs remain closed when not in use, preventing accidental openings.
Scalloped or Flat Ends: Decide whether you prefer tongs with scalloped ends, which provide a better grip on food items, or flat ends for versatility in flipping and turning various types of food.
The UK Smokehouse Pick:
ProQ Premium BBQ Tongs
The Specs:
Materials: Powder coated steel, stainless steel & silicone
Weight: 200g
Length: 16 Inches
Reasons to Buy:
Strong: Double lever action makes picking up whole chickens and racks of ribs a doddle.
Ergonomic: They look a bit mad, based on a South African style of tong, but they are super comfy in the hand.
Keeping it British: ProQ are a Cornwall based family run BBQ Brand.
Bonus fun: They have a built in bottle opener.
You can pick up a pair of the ProQ Premium BBQ Tongs from the UKs largest online retailer Here
Parting Thoughts
Remember, pitmasters: You don’t need to go mad and overcomplicate what should be a simple pleasure with a million and one BBQ gadgets. Quality beats quantity in the grilling game. So, ditch the unnecessary gizmos, and embrace a few core BBQ essentials.
Happy smoking and may your smoke be thin, your flames be fierce, and your apron be the envy of the neighbourhood. Until next time, keep the fire alive, and may your briskets never be overcooked! 🔥🔥🔥