The Best Grilling Gadgets for Dad This Summer 2025

Nothing beats a chimney for fast charcoal, and Weber's Rapidfire remains the trusty pick for Dad's weekend cookouts. In our testing, its large capacity dumped a full load of briquettes quickly, while the sturdy handle and heat shield kept our grip manageable. Do use gloves; near the top gets scorching, and lump charcoal sometimes needs extra starter to catch. With aluminized steel that can surface-rust if left wet, a quick dry and garage storage helps it last for seasons.

When Dad wants serious heat, the Bernzomatic DuraCast 8000 brings a high-intensity, adjustable flame that lights charcoal chimneys fast and handles garage projects like brazing. We liked the trigger start/stop ignition (it's quick and safer than fumbling with lighters), and the cast-aluminum body feels ready for rough use. That power cuts both ways: it's bulkier than a butane kitchen torch and overkill for creme brulee. A few users note long-term durability hiccups, so consider it a rugged tool, not a delicate instrument.

If Dad cares about perfect doneness, the Thermapen One is a treat. During our review, it delivered extremely fast, accurate readings with a backlit display that auto-rotates so you can probe from any angle, and the IP67 waterproofing simplified cleanup around messy marinades. Customization requires removing a screwed-in back panel, and some users report the plastic housing can crack over time. The $109 price is steep compared with basic instant-reads, but the performance and durability justify it for frequent grillers.

Give Dad room to mingle while the ThermoPro TempSpike Lite watches the grill. In our testing, the truly wireless probe and advertised 500 ft Bluetooth range let us monitor temps from the patio to the kitchen, and the app's presets and alerts kept cooks on track. Just note the probe needs to sit in its charging cradle, battery life can sag on long smokes, and we saw occasional connectivity hiccups and ambient temp quirks on marathon cooks. At $44.99, it's a handy budget-friendly upgrade.

For long brisket cooks, the Inkbird IBBQ-4T gives Dad four probe channels to track multiple meats and ambient temps at once. During our review, the rechargeable battery ran well over a day per charge, and the app's graphing and calibration tools made dialing in accuracy straightforward. We did hit occasional Wi-Fi drops and it only works on 2.4 GHz networks, so setup can take a minute. A few users report finicky probe ports, but at this price it's an approachable multi-probe upgrade.

Serious pitmasters swear by ThermoWorks Signals, and our experience shows why. The splash-proof base feels bombproof, the four Pro-Series probes read fast and accurate, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity with cloud graphs makes overnight cooks easy to track. Setup can be finicky and the proprietary charging arrangement isn't as convenient as USB-C, so give yourself extra time before a big cook. Also mind flare-ups; probe cables don't love direct flames, but treated gently, it's a dependable command center.

For Dad's pellet grill, these Bear Mountain Gourmet Blend pellets are a budget-friendly way to stock up. In our testing, the low moisture content delivered a clean, steady burn and a mild, well-balanced smoke that flatters chicken, pork, and veggies. If he prefers heavy smoke, it may read a bit gentle, and we've seen occasional auger hiccups from inconsistent pellet size. At $12.99 for 20 pounds, though, the value undercuts many rivals; just inspect the bag on arrival.

Turning a gas grill into a flavor machine is easy with Weber's stainless smoker box. During our review, it added noticeable smoke to chicken and burgers, and the stainless construction was simple to hand-wash afterward. Keep heat in check, though: the lid can warp under high temps, fine chips may fall through the holes without a screen, and if chips ignite you can see flare-ups even with burners off. Its universal fit suits Q 200/2000 and many larger gas grills.

If Dad wants smoke on a gas or electric grill, the A-maze-n 12-inch Smoker Tube is a simple solution. In our testing, the oval shape kept it from rolling, and its compact size tucked neatly on the grate, but keeping pellets lit in low-oxygen cookers often required added airflow. Expect about four hours of burn, so it's better for ribs or chicken than overnight brisket. Performance varies with pellet type and setup, so dry pellets and airflow are key.

For saucing ribs or glazing grilled veggies, the OXO Large Silicone Basting Brush is a dependable workhorse. In our testing, the angled head kept messy bristles off the table, and the dishwasher-safe silicone with those center-hole bristles picked up and released sauce evenly. The plastic handle isn't as hefty as long, metal grill brushes, and some bakers still prefer natural bristles for ultra-delicate pastry. For most backyard tasks, though, the Large size strikes a nice balance of reach, control, and easy cleanup.

OXO's stainless measuring spoons are a smart, low-cost add-on for Dad's rubs and marinades. In our testing, the deep oval bowls slid into spice jars easily, and the magnetic handles kept the set neatly stacked so we weren't chasing loose spoons around the drawer. The trade-off is weight: the magnets make some sizes feel a bit unbalanced, especially when scooping into jars, and the set only includes four common measures. At $13.99, they're sturdy, dishwasher-safe workhorses that make prep a little smoother.

This stainless Weber vegetable basket is our go-to for corralling chopped veggies, shrimp, and small bites that usually fall through the grates. In our testing, the durable, dishwasher-safe build and side handles made flipping and shuttling to the table straightforward. Just plan for a soak after high-heat cooks; food and oil can bake on, and expect some discoloration over time. It's roomy, which is great on larger grills, but it can hog space on compact kettles or portable gas models.

If Dad likes grilling flaky fish or chopped veggies, Kona's perforated grill mats make it easy to keep food from falling through while still getting some flame contact. We found the non-stick PTFE surface simple to clean and it's rated for peaks up to 600°F, so medium-high grilling is fair game. Just don't place them directly on charcoal, and note the standard size may not cover larger grates. The long 7-year guarantee adds peace of mind, especially at this price.

If Dad loves grilled veggies or shrimp, this Cuisinart grill wok keeps the small stuff off the grates while still letting smoke and flame kiss the food. We found the non-stick easy to clean after weeknight cooks, and the compact 11-by-11 footprint fits most gas and charcoal setups. The tradeoff: it's hand-wash only, the coating can flake if scratched, and Cuisinart recommends staying under 400°F. For high-heat searing, use cast iron; for delicate sides, this shines.

Keep Dad's grill looking fresh with Traeger's All Natural Grill Cleaner. Our experience shows the biodegradable, food-surface-safe formula cuts through grease on grates, drip pans, and shelves effectively, though stubborn buildup may need a second spray and some scrubbing. Follow the label: it's not for flat-top cooktops, and you should avoid eye or skin contact and use basic protection. At $15.99, it's an easy way to reset a grill between big summer cooks.

We've had decent results cleaning hot ceramic grates with the Grill Rescue brush—the steam-assisted head loosens gunk, and you can toss the head in the dishwasher after. That said, buyer beware: multiple customers report long shipping delays and even orders that never arrived. We also saw complaints about an automatic subscription that's hard to cancel and some heads breaking under pressure. If Dad values reliability and quick delivery, consider established alternatives; if curious, pay with a method that offers strong buyer protection.

Lighting up a late cook is easy with the Weber Grill Light. We found its bright, even beam and auto on/off sensor super convenient: open the lid and the grate is illuminated, close it and it shuts down to save batteries. Do check handle compatibility first; the mounting ring may not clamp securely to non-round handles, and the sensor can be finicky on long cooks. For $39.99, bring it inside between sessions to protect it from weather and extend its life.

For tending hot grates, moving a chimney, or managing a campfire, L.L.Bean's Fireplace Gloves deliver serious protection. In our testing, the thick leather shielded hands and forearms well, and the longer gauntlet option added peace of mind when reaching near heat. The trade-off is dexterity and upkeep: the leather will pick up soot and stains that are hard to clean, and fine tool work feels clumsy. At $79, they're pricey but built for heavy, repeated use.

MEATER 2 Plus is the splurge pick for dads who sear hard and monitor from afar. During our review, the high-heat ready probe and improved range over earlier MEATER models made grilling and roasts easy to track in the app, even when we stepped inside. However, we did experience occasional Bluetooth drops, and user reports of charging or battery failures, plus inconsistent customer support, mean you should buy from a retailer with a good return window. At $129.95, it's powerful, but reliability can vary.