Griller's Helpers: Barbecue Tools and Equipment

Barbecue Equipment

TEMPERATURE TAKER
The Outset Grill BBQ Surface Thermometer sits flat on the grill instead of hanging precariously from the grate. Once the grill has reached the right temperature, you can easily remove the thermometer with tongs, creating more cooking space. Thermometer, $9.95, www.kitchenkaboodle.com

EASY BREEZY OPENER
The Zyliss Multi-Mouse Opener fits in your hand like a computer mouse. Click on the top button and it adjusts itself to the size of the cap that needs twisting. The back end of the mouse has an opener for metal-capped bottles. Opener, $6.99, Bed Bath & Beyond, 800-462-3966

KINDER CORN HOLDERS
Have no more worries of being stabbed by the sharp end of a corn holder when you reach into your kitchen drawer. Zyliss Assorted Colors Interlocking Corn Holders snap together for smart storage. Corn holders, $4.99 for set of four, www.amazon.com

A TRIPLE-DUTY CLOCK
The Polder Electronic Clock, Timer & Stopwatch can hang comfortably around your neck so your hands are free to take care of anything -- and everything -- else while dinner's cooking. Three-in-one clock, $15.95, www.cooking.com

PERPETUAL PEPPERSTICK
Marketed as a pepper grinder for waiters because its slender shape fits so conveniently in an apron pocket, the Unicorn PepperStick is also perfect for navigating around tight spots on the grill. Pepper grinder, $22, www.peppergun.com

TIME IN MOTION
Each color-coded Taylor TempRite Thermometer is calibrated to USDA cooking temperatures for beef, hamburger, fish, poultry/pork, and baking. Simply insert tip into food; when the color changes, the food is done. The thermometers can be reused several hundred times. Thermometer (model 8790J), $5.99, www.kitchencollection.com

BOFFO BASTER
The Farberware Silicone Baster releases sauce through silicone bristles that can withstand the grill's heat without melting. The markings on the bottle track how much sauce you've used. Baster, $7.49, www.pfaltzgraff.com

More Barbecue Tools

MASTER MARINADE MEASURE
Control how much sauce ends up on food by basting with the Farberware Marinade Dispensing Silicone Basting Brush. Fill it with BBQ sauce and push the red button to slowly dispense the marinade. Brush, $9.99, BJ's Wholesale Club, www.bjs.com for locations

STYLISH SPATULA
The Outset Rosewood Flex Griddle Spatula not only is beautiful but also has a stainless-steel face tapered at the end to easily get underneath foods. What's more, its surface is large enough to handle servings of all sizes. Spatula, $12.95, www.kitchenkaboodle.com

A STAY-PUT SOLUTION
Keep your tablecloth from blowing away with Patio Companion Ladybug Table Holders, disguised leaded weights. Simply clip onto the corners of your tablecloth and let the breezes blow! Table holders, $6.95 for four, www.barbecue-store.com

MUST-HAVE MITTS
The Farberware Heat-Resistant Silicone Mitt can stand up to a grill's heat without warping. A separate pocket for your index finger makes it easy to grab a spatula or tongs. Mitt, $9.99, www.pfaltzgraff.com

CORN CONTROL
Keep corn from rolling off the grill with the Charcoal Companion Nonstick Corn Basket. It holds four cobs at a time and can be adjusted for varying thicknesses. Basket, $14.95, www.barbecue-store.com

GREAT GARLIC BREAD GRILLER
Slice a baguette in half, rub it with garlic, brush with oil or melted butter, place it between the wire panels of Steven Raichlen's Best of Barbecue Garlic Bread Griller and -- voila -- you've got fantastic garlic bread. Bread griller, $14.95, www.barbecue-store.com

NO-SLIP SKILLET
With the Outset Copper Nonstick Skillet, you can grill foods that might otherwise slip through the cracks in the grate. The removable soft-grip handle makes maneuvering easy, too. Skillet, $29.95, www.kitchenkaboodle.com

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal magazine, July 2006.