Essential BBQ tools: how to choose, clean and store your grilling gear

What BBQ tools do you need?

The right core kit can make or break a barbecue. Essential tools that will make the whole process go smoothly include:  

• A long pair of tongs such as the GrillOut™ Stainless-Steel BBQ Tongs with Extending Handle is essential for easy turning of food. 
• A grill brush/scraper like the GrillOut™ Stainless-Steel BBQ Cleaning Brush with Extending Handle is important when cleaning down. 
• A spatula/turner like the GrillOut™ Stainless-Steel BBQ Turner Tongs with Extending Handle or the GrillOut™ Stainless-Steel BBQ Turner with Extending Handle makes it easy to flip burgers and grill vegetables.  
• A silicone basting brush like our GrillOut™ Black BBQ Silicone Basting Brush with Extending Handle allows for basting of sauces and marinades at a high temperature. 
• A barbecue fork such as the GrillOut™ Stainless-Steel BBQ Fork with Extending Handle is perfect for removing sausages and chops from the grill. 

If you want to complete your kit and take things that bit further, a heat-resistant glove like our Pinch™ Easy-grip Set of 2 Grey Oven Gloves makes things a lot easier, and a thermometer like our ThermaPoint Digital Probe Thermometer gives reassurance when cooking meat like chicken. 

Stainless steel is a brilliant choice for BBQ tools as it provides excellent rigidity, making it well-suited to flipping and scraping. Its high-heat tolerance means it can be used at flame temperatures without warping. Another benefit is its longevity: typically stainless-steel tools last many years, and they are also dishwasher-safe. The only thing to watch out for is heat-transfer on bare handles which risk getting hot. This can be avoided by not resting tools on direct heat sources.

How should I clean stainless-steel BBQ tools?

Regular cleaning is important to maintain the appearance and longevity of your BBQ tools. With stainless-steel tools, the key is to tackle grease and food residue early. First, place the tools in a hot, soapy soak to loosen burnt-on food and oils. After soaking, a non-scratch scrub with a soft sponge or nylon brush (such as our SinkTech™ washing up sponge) helps to remove remaining debris without damaging tool heads. Rinse thoroughly and dry to prevent water spots or rust. Stubborn stains and heat discoloration can be removed with a gentle cleaner like Bar Keeper’s Friend, which can restore shine without excessive abrasion. 

How can I remove burnt‑on food from BBQ tools?

A baking soda paste made from baking soda and a small amount of water works a treat. Spread the paste over any burnt-on residue and let it sit. After a few minutes, gently scrub it away. For tougher buildup, a vinegar soak can work wonders – vinegar’s acidity helps to break down grease and burnt food. If this does not work, you can try a boil method, where you place the tools in a pot of hot water (plus a little dish soap or vinegar for extra cleaning power) to loosen debris before scrubbing. Be careful to use oven gloves when handling hot tools. As you scrub, avoid scratchy sponges as these can scratch tools and damage finishes. 

Grill care essentials that extend tool life

To keep your grill itself in best condition, you need a tool with high-quality bristles that are securely bound, such as the GrillOut™ Stainless-Steel BBQ Cleaning Brush with Extending Handle. This kind of tool is ideal for a post-cook burn-off and scrape routine: turn the heat up to burn away leftover food and loosen residue, then gently scrape the grates while still warm. This will reduce grease buildup, and minimise corrosion. 

FAQs 

Are wire‑bristle brushes safe? 

Wire-bristle brushes are effective for cleaning barbecues but they require caution to ensure no loose or broken bristles stick to grill grates, transfer onto food, or get accidentally swallowed. To avoid this, replace the brush if it looks worn (don’t use old brushes), inspect the grill before cooking and wipe grates with a damp cloth after brushing with the wire-bristle brush as an extra precaution. 

What length should BBQ tongs be?

The best length for BBQ tongs depends on the kind of barbecue you use and how close you want to be from the heat. In general, 30-40 centimetres is a good length to offer enough reach to stay comfortably distant from the heat, and enough control for flipping food effectively. 

How often should I replace a grill brush or basting brush?

If used regularly, grill brushes and basting brushes need replacing every 6 months. If the bristles are loose, bent or missing, or you see any rust, it’s a good sign that your brush needs replacing. Silicone brushes like the GrillOut™ Stainless-Steel BBQ Cleaning Brush with Extending Handle are durable and less absorbent of oils, so they can last longer, and generally only need to be replaced every 1-2 years. 

How should I clean rust off BBQ tools?

The mild acid from lemon juice or vinegar helps dissolve rust. Salt adds gentle abrasion to help remove it too, so using a mixture of the two works well. Let this mixture sit on the affected areas of your tools for a few minutes, then scrub it away. For more stubborn rust, fine steel wool can be gently used to remove the corrosion without overly scratching the metal, but do be careful not to work the area too hard. When the rust has been worked away, rinse and dry the tool thoroughly to prevent moisture from causing new rust to form. Always dry tools immediately after washing to prevent further rust to develop and store them in a dry place. Lightly oiling metal surfaces can create a barrier for further protection.