The Rapidfire Chimney Starter ($18) is the perfect tool for lighting charcoal quickly and efficiently. To use, place balled newspaper in the bottom compartment; fill with coals. Set fire to paper, and let the coals burn until ashy.
For basting meats with sticky sauces, a dishwasher-safe silicone brush like the Grill Friends Super Silicone Angled BBQ Basting Brush ($10) is easier to clean than a nonsynthetic brush.
Bear Paws Meat Handlers ($13) have sharp "claws" that are invaluable for shredding and pulling pork, stabbing and lifting large cuts of meat, and stabilizing a roast while carvingmdash;all without burning your hands.
Using tongs to handle big hunks of meat can leave an imprint or tear the flesh, whereas the Pig Tail Food Flipper ($25), with its sharp, curved tip, acts as a hook to shift large cuts of meat gracefully, leaving minimal marks.
Injected like a needle into the meat, the Splash-Proof Super-Fast Ther-mapen ($90) takes an extremely accurate and quick temperature. The speedy reading means less heat escapes from the grill or smoker while the lid is lifted.
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It's important to keep the grates of your grill, smoker, or pit clean; buildup can cause uneven heat and create acrid smoke and unpleasant flavors. The restaurant-grade Texas Jr. Grill Brush ($40), with a long handle and stainless steel bristles, is particularly durable.
When applying a rub, it's important to distribute the seasoning uniformly across the surface of the meat. The Cambro Cam-wear Spice Shaker ($6)--which comes with several lids, with holes ranging from tiny to large--coats evenly and is dishwasher-safe.
A food-safe plastic spray bottle (about $4) that creates a strong and even mist is best for spraying meats to keep them moist while cooking. If you like to season your spraying liquid with herbs or spices, buy a bottle with a wider nozzle that won't easily clog.
The Cajun Injector Deluxe Marinade Injector ($10) is a high-quality tool that won't break when the needle is injected into a dense cut of meat. The plunger works smoothly and doesn't come apart like cheaper models do. It also disassembles easily for cleaning.
Kinco Foam Lined Orange PVC Gloves ($5) are made from a durable synthetic material that's hard to puncture and ensures a good grip, even when handling oily items. They give hands a small amount of heat protection and are ideal for handling slippery, sauced meats.
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Tongs are extensions of the hands and are essential for picking up and turning foods and other objects that are too hot to touch. Edlund's 16″ tongs ($13) are particularly good for shifting smaller items like chicken or ribs and for moving coals and manipulating grates.
