The Essentials

I get so much enjoyment out of cooking outdoors, especially on the BBQ. I think it is one of the simplest and easiest ways to cook, and doesn’t need to cost a fortune. However, to do it properly and make life easy for yourself there is some key equipment you should buy along with your BBQ.

There are lots of BBQ gadgets and accessories available but I am going to be focussing on those I believe are essential to start cooking good food, avoiding the stress that can manifest itself with cooking on the BBQ.

The 4 Equipment Essentials

I think there are 4 equipment essentials when cooking on a charcoal BBQ. These will help with lighting of the BBQ, and managing your cook to making sure your food is cooked to the optimum temperature:

1. The Chimney Starter: This is a key piece of equipment for lighting your BBQ. Place a couple of firelighters underneath a chimney starter dull of lumpwood charcoal and you will be ready to cook in 10-15 minutes. It avoid the stress of trying to light the BBQ and using any nasty accelerants or soaked charcoal. > READ MORE ON CHIMNEY STARTERS
2. Heat Resistant Gloves: This help to manage your cook. People would say they are not essential but they ensure when pouring your coals and arranging them you can do this safely without the worry of getting burnt. They are also great when cooking to move coals, adding wood and generally cooking. > READ MORE ON HEAT RESISTANT GLOVES
3. Tongs: You need to make sure you get a good long set of tongs. Less important if you are wearing gloves but having a solid pair of tongs will help in moving your food around the grill, together with getting your food on and off the BBQ.
4. Instant Read Thermometer: I used to BBQ without a thermometer, which is something I can’t imagine doing now – it is a total essential. It not only tells you that your food is ready to eat but it also helps cook food exactly how you like it. Without one how do you accurately gauge if that steak is cooked well done, medium rare or rare? One of the best on the market is the Thermapen which I will be writing a review on shortly. > READ MORE ON THE THERMAPEN MK4

With all of the above, there is obviously a safety angle. However, you will find that having the right equipment will make BBQ’ing a lot less stressful and you will find that the quality of the food you produce will generally be so much better.