Great Grilling Gear

These wood planks impart a kiss of wood smoke to meat and fish. Afire Black Cherry Gourmet Grilling Planks, $13 at westelm.com

This tray has a small-bore perforated metal base that keeps items like asparagus spears and shrimp from falling though the grates. Schmidt Brothers Grill Tray, $30 at westelm.com

This portable BBQ has skewers in lieu of a grill grate, helping kebabs attain an even char directly over the coals below. Stainless Steel Charcoal Kebab BBQ, $130 at amazon.com

It’s important to keep grill grates clean, since built-up residue can create acrid flavors and make foods stick. This hefty wedge-shaped grill brush has abrasive steel bristles that tackle caked-on gunk with ease. A wire attachment at the end is perfect for “flossing” the narrow gaps in grates. Mr. Bar-B-Q Triple Action Oversize Grill Brush, $9 at shopko.com

A good pair of tongs lets you turn and arrange food safely on the grill, move coals around, and lift scorching-hot grill grates. The scalloped edges on this pair provide tight control over uneven surfaces, while the extra-long reach and wooden grips keep your hands cool and out of flames’ reach. _Oxo Stainless Steel Tongs, $12 at oxo.com

Because cooking times for grilled foods can vary widely depending on the heat of your grill, a thermometer is imperative for bigger cuts of meat. This model pulls double duty as a meat fork as well as a probe thermometer, with an LCD panel for reading temperatures in the dark. _Maverick RediFork Pro Rapid Read LCD Matrix Thermometer, $20 at amazon.com

This sturdy spatula’s 8.5″-wide surface allows you to maneuver and transfer entire chickens, whole fish, or up to three burgers at a time without mess or mishap. With its knife-sharp edges, it slices as well as it flips, and the handle doubles as a bottle opener. _Mr. Bar-B-Q Stainless Steel Fish Spatula, $18 at grillingoutdoorequipment.com

Multiple layers of silicone bristles stand up to intense heat, making this brush ideal for applying oils, glazes, and marinades to dishes like grilled scallion skewers or garlic and red miso porterhouse as they cook. Oxo Steel Silicone Basting Brush, $12 at amazon.com

This heavyweight press keeps chicken flat on the grill, yielding crisp, crackling skin. Mr. Bar-B-Q Round Cast-Iron Meat Press, $12 at walmart.com

For banking coals, this ash shovel can’t be beat–its ergonomic handle gives you total control when maneuvering embers. _Weber Stainless Steel Ash Shovel, $16 at weber.com

This rack holds oysters on the half shell upright, keeping their flavorful liquor from spilling. BBQ Oyster Grill Rack, $35 at bbqoystergrill.com

It’s important to keep grill grates clean, since built-up residue can create acrid flavors and make foods stick. This hefty wedge-shaped grill brush has abrasive steel bristles that tackle caked-on gunk with ease. A wire attachment at the end is perfect for “flossing” the narrow gaps in grates. Mr. Bar-B-Q Triple Action Oversize Grill Brush, $9 at shopko.com

Infuse all kinds of foods with steam from beer, wine, vinegar, and other flavorful liquids using this handy tool. Charcoal Companion Grill Humidifier, $30 at grillstuff.com

This fish basket is great when you’re cooking for a crowd –it allows you to grill three fish at once. Mr. Bar-B-Q Triple Non-Stick Fish Basket, $16 at amazon.com

The easiest way to ignite charcoal is with a chimney starter. Place crumpled newspaper in the bottom compartment, fill the main chamber with coals, set fire to the paper, and let the coals burn until white and ashy. _Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter, $14 at weber.com