Outdoor cooking enthusiasts know that having the right gear can transform simple grilling into an art form. Whether you're grilling delicate seafood, mixed vegetables, or cooking for a crowd, specialized grill accessories can make all the difference. Tested and curated by America's Test Kitchen, this guide highlights the best grill cookware and accessories that elevate your cooking, recipes, and overall bon appetit experience.
Why Nonstick Grill Cookware is a No-Go
One of the first lessons when upgrading your outdoor cooking gear is to avoid nonstick coatings. Grills can reach scorching temperatures over 600°F, while typical nonstick coatings start to break down and off-gas around 500°F. This leads to the coating burning off, exposing bare metal that quickly rusts. In short, nonstick grill cookware lacks the durability needed for serious grilling.
Instead, opt for uncoated, sturdy materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron. These materials last for years and withstand the intense heat of a grill without damage.
Another tip: while plain cast iron pans are perfect for grilling, avoid using enameled cast iron on the grill. The colorful enamel finish can get blackened, sooty, and even crack under high heat, so keep your prized Le Creuset indoors or use it cautiously outdoors.
Grill Baskets and Trays: Solutions for Delicate and Small Foods
Grilling small pieces of vegetables, seafood, or meat can be tricky—they tend to fall through the grates or break apart. Enter grill baskets and trays, which feature holes to let smoke and flavor through but keep your food contained without the hassle of skewering everything.
These baskets save you from constantly using disposable aluminum foil, which can tear and waste resources. However, not all grill baskets are created equal.
The Outset Chef's Jumbo Outdoor Grill Basket, a two-in-one skillet and saucepan combo, sounded promising but was plagued by poor construction and a bulky, uncomfortable handle. Its complicated hinge and difficult cleaning process made it more trouble than it was worth, especially for those with smaller hands.
Similarly, the Weber Large Grilling Basket was disappointing. Despite its name, it wasn't spacious enough vertically, and the tight coils pressed into delicate foods like fish, causing them to tear when flipped. Plus, small food pieces easily slipped through the gaps, defeating the basket’s purpose.
Grill Baskets That Truly Work
On the flip side, several grill baskets impressed with their sturdy, simple designs and ease of use:
- Weber Deluxe Grill Pan: A flat perforated steel tray that keeps food off the fire, making it perfect for fish and vegetables. Easy to clean and handle.
- Encino Kitchen Set of Three Baskets: Made of stainless steel, these baskets are durable, comfortable to hold, and fit neatly together on the grill. Dishwasher safe and perfect for cooking multiple foods at once.
- Braise Stainless Steel Adjustable Grilling Basket: Cleverly designed with adjustable height settings to snugly fit different food sizes. Its removable handle allows the basket to close fully inside the grill, ensuring even cooking without a hot handle propping the lid open.
These baskets avoid the cleaning headaches of nooks and crannies, making them practical for frequent use and helping you focus on cooking great recipes.
Flat Top Griddles: Get the Best of Both Grill Worlds
Flat top grills are trending, but buying a whole new grill isn't necessary to enjoy smash burgers, grilled cheese, stir-fry, or breakfast foods. Two griddles convert your existing gas or charcoal grill into a versatile flat top surface.
The Weber Crafted Griddle is a roomy carbon steel square that offers excellent heat transfer and beautiful browning, perfect for cooking everything from eggs to bacon. It arrives unseasoned, so you’ll need to clean, oil, and heat it before first use to prevent rust.
One downside is its grease drainage hole, which lacks a catcher, causing grease to drip into the grill body and potentially create flare-ups. Plus, it’s quite heavy, but its superior browning makes it a favorite for many.
The Little Griddle Kettle-Q is a lighter, stainless steel alternative that’s portable, dishwasher safe, and ready to use straight out of the box without seasoning. Its clever design includes a grease trough that collects drippings without draining into the fire, reducing flare-up risks. Its rounded shape fits charcoal kettle grills perfectly, but it also works well on gas grills.
Both griddles offer a fantastic way to expand your grilling repertoire and cook a variety of dishes with perfect sear and flavor.
Unicorn Grill Accessories: Specialized Tools for Specific Jobs
Some grill accessories might only do one job, but they do it exceptionally well. These "unicorn" tools are game changers for particular grilling tasks.
- Weber Rib Rack: This rack holds up to five full racks of ribs upright, saving grill space and allowing even cooking on both sides. Perfect for cooking for a crowd, it also makes batch cooking easy—cook extra ribs, vacuum seal, and freeze them for quick reheating on weeknights.
- The Oyster Bed Petite Grill Pan: Designed specifically for grilling oysters, this cast aluminum pan holds oysters upright, preventing precious liquor from spilling onto the grill. It’s easy to clean, lightweight, and doubles as a serving dish for oysters cooked in butter or prepared Rockefeller-style.
Top Tips for Using Grill Cookware Like a Pro
To get the most from your grill accessories, here are some practical tips:
- Use a half sheet tray: A rimmed baking sheet is perfect for moving perforated or mesh grill baskets to and from the grill without spills or burns.
- Oil the food, not the cookware: Applying oil directly to food helps prevent sticking, especially on stainless steel surfaces.
- Keep cleanup simple: Choose cookware with minimal nooks and crannies to avoid tedious scrubbing. Dishwasher-safe options are a bonus!
- Maintain your gear: For carbon steel griddles, seasoning is essential to build a protective patina. Regular cleaning with products like Barkeeper’s Friend keeps stainless steel looking pristine.
With the right grill accessories and these handy tips, your outdoor cooking sessions will be easier, more efficient, and more delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just getting started, investing in quality cookware designed specifically for the grill will elevate your cooking, recipes, and bon appetit moments all summer long.
For more information on the gear mentioned here, visit America’s Test Kitchen and explore their comprehensive reviews and recipes. Happy grilling!
This article was created from the video We Tested 9 Grill Accessories; Here's Our Favorites | Gear Heads with the help of AI.
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