Essential Tools
If you’ve made it to this point, it’s likely you’ve purchased your smoker and/or grill or at least found one that you want! Now there’s a few other essentials you are going to need to get started.
Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to monitor internal temperatures accurately. Consistency is key to achieving perfectly smoked meats. Here’s the one we love!
Fuel Source: Depending on the type of grill or smoker you have chosen, you'll need an appropriate fuel source. This could be charcoal, wood pellets, propane, natural gas, or wood chips/chunks for smoking. Please check your manufacturer website or purchasing site to find out exactly what fuel source you will need! For our RecTeq 590 we use wood chips and for our CharBroil Grill we use propane.
Wood chips/chunks: Experiment with various wood types (hickory, applewood, mesquite) to discover your preferred flavor profile. Soak wood chips before use for optimal smoke production. Our go tos right now are the Trager signature blend and the Jim Beam Bourbon Barrell Pellets.
Grill Gloves or Mitts: Protect your hands and arms from the heat with a pair of heat-resistant grill gloves or mitts. This is especially important when handling hot grill grates or smoker racks.
Grill Brush or Scraper: Keep your grill grates clean and free from residue with a sturdy grill brush and scraper. Regular cleaning helps prevent flare-ups and ensures even cooking.
Aluminum Foil or Drip Pans: Use aluminum foil or drip pans to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups. This makes cleanup easier and helps maintain the cleanliness of your grill or smoker.
Long-Handled Basting Brush: A long-handled basting brush is useful for applying marinades, sauces, or oils to your food while grilling or smoking.
Chimney Starter (for Charcoal Grills): If you're using a charcoal grill, a chimney starter can help you light charcoal quickly and evenly without the need for lighter fluid.
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: Have a dedicated cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping ingredients before cooking and for slicing cooked meat after it's done.
Grill Cleaner: We like Goo Gone Grill & Grate Cleaner but there are plenty of other options to choose from!
Barbecue Sauce or Seasonings: Stock up on your favorite barbecue sauce, rubs, spices, and seasonings to add flavor to your grilled or smoked creations. Feel free to check out our Amazon Idea List for our go to sauces & rubs.