10 Must-Have Grilling Tools for Summer 2025

The Hell’s Handle Turner by Mercer Culinary scored well with its heavy-duty stainless steel build and a handle that stays cool even under high heat, making flipping thick cuts comfortable in real grilling sessions. In our testing it felt sturdy and well-balanced and is rated to 450°F, but during longer-term use some buyers reported components coming apart sooner than expected, so longevity can vary. If you want a professional-feeling turner with ergonomic benefits, this is a solid mid-priced choice — just keep an eye on wear over time.

In our testing the OXO BBQ Basting Pot and Brush Set (score 7.5/10) stood out for thoughtful details: an 18-ounce stainless pot, a silicone brush head rated to 600°F, and an angled design that keeps the bristles off countertops. We found it very practical for basting larger cooks and high-heat grilling, though the brush head can feel smaller than expected for big briskets and may emit a faint new-silicone odor that fades after washing. It’s pricier than basic sets, but offers durable materials and an ergonomic handle that make basting less messy.

The Thermapen ONE (score 8.5/10) continues to impress in our testing with near-instant accuracy — readings in one second — and a backlit, auto-rotating display that’s simple to read at night. We found the rugged, waterproof stainless-steel body stands up to heavy outdoor use and high temps up to 572°F, making it a favorite for precise cooks, though it’s pricier than many instant-read thermometers and its battery life is shorter than previous models. If speed and accuracy matter, this was one of our top picks despite the higher cost and lack of a magnetic back or loop for storage.

Priced at $89.99, the Traeger MEATER Thermometer scored a solid 7/10 in our testing and is a compelling wireless option for busy backyard cooks. We found the guided-cooking app and estimated-cook-time features make hands-off monitoring simple, and the stainless-steel and ceramic probe tolerates heat up to 572°F while remaining easy to clean. During our review the 165 ft wireless range was convenient, but frequent Bluetooth drops, a relatively large probe better suited to big cuts, and incompatibility with some Ironwood and Timberline Traeger models are drawbacks to verify before buying.

The 16" Tongs are a straightforward tool built from heavy-duty stainless steel and rated to 600°F, and in our testing they handled large cuts and high heat without flexing. We found the gripping performance reliable for flipping and serving, but this basic model is hampered by a locking mechanism that can jam and become frustrating during service. If you want a durable, no-frills tong for routine grilling it does the job — just test the lock before relying on it for a busy cookout.

The Grillaholics Grill Basket earned its high rating (9.5/10) by being a heavy-duty, extra-large stainless steel workhorse that holds family-sized portions and stands up to regular use. Our experience shows the thick-gauge construction and dishwasher-safe design make prep and cleanup simple, and the 500°F heat resistance ensures great char and even grilling. It’s not perfect — the basket is heavier than expected and can pick up charcoal scorch marks, and food sometimes sticks — but for large backyard cooks it’s one of our top-performing accessories.

Our experience with the Seasoned Cast Iron Grilling Basket (score 8/10) shows it’s a workhorse for intense grilling: seasoned cast iron, dual handles, and a perforated design deliver great sear and smoke infusion while lasting for years. It’s rated to 500°F and excels over direct heat, but the trade-offs are its heavy weight, the need for hand washing and regular seasoning to maintain a non-stick surface, and that it’s intended for outdoor grill or campfire use only. If you prioritize durability and flavor transfer, this basket is a keeper despite the extra care it demands.

In our testing the Scrub Daddy BBQ Daddy (score 7/10) wins points for a bristle-free ArmorTec steel mesh that steams away grease without risking metal bristles in your food. We found the ergonomic handle and well-placed grips make extended grate work far more comfortable, and the unit performs best when used with water at temperatures up to its 350°F rating to activate the steam cleaning. During our review durability was the main drawback — the mesh can unravel after repeated use — and we would avoid it on delicate porcelain-coated grates due to potential abrasion.

The Mr. Bar-B-Q Steam Clean brush is a budget-friendly pick (score 6.5/10) that uses steam and a flexible sponge head to get between grates without wire bristles contaminating food. In our testing it cleaned effectively up to its 300°F heat rating, but we found you have to work near hot surfaces which increases the risk of steam burns, and the sponge head wears out after multiple uses so replacements are needed. The stainless steel core adds stability, yet the handle shape may not suit everyone’s grip during long cleaning sessions.

During our review the GRILLART Grill Brush and Scraper proved useful for stubborn residue thanks to a long handle and a stout built-in scraper, and the stainless steel construction resists rust at high temps up to 600°F. We found the reach keeps hands away from heat, but the thin bristles struggled to clean between grates thoroughly and some users reported breakage after limited use. The scraper’s offset design can also be awkward when cleaning near the top of the grill, so it’s handy for scraping but not flawless for fine-detail cleaning.

While not the highest scorer (5.5/10), the Weber Spirit 200 Grill Cover impressed us in practical use with a close fit and weather-resistant polyester that keeps your grill protected and is easy to put on or remove. During our review we appreciated how it sheds rain and is simple to handle, but our experience shows material durability is a concern for some owners — reports of ripping around Velcro and a thinner feel than prior models are common — and it can struggle to stay secure in very windy conditions. If fit and convenience matter most, it’s a decent cover, but plan for possible replacement sooner than premium covers.