TechniquesEssential EquipmentThe 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.ADVERTISEMENTADADIt'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.ADVERTISEMENTADADTongs 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.Keep ReadingBánh Tai Heo (Vietnamese “Pig’s Ears” Cookies)By BEN MIMSPumpkin-Hazelnut SconesBy JODY EDDYToasted Coconut Meringue PieBy LINDA MELTONTingly Lamb Stir-Fry with Potatoes and Pine NutsBy LOIS GOHFried Shrimp ShellsBy HALO PEREZ-GALLARDOStir-Fried Shacha Lamb NoodlesBy JESSIE YUCHENLacto-Fermented Hot SauceBy ALEX TESTEREVanilla-Rose Ice Cream Sandwiches with Cardamom ToastBy POOJA BAVISHISweet Fried Milk Buns with Ice Cream, Peanuts, and CilantroBy DANIELLE SPENCERSee AllContinue to Next StoryADVERTISEMENTADAD