Grills and Gear

Any craftsman knows the importance of having the proper tools. Grilling is no different. Sure you can grill on a charcoal-filled brazier with a pair of primitive tongs. But the job will be easier and the results better if you start with the best tools. In the case of barbecue, this means the grills themselves, not to mention the accessories, which range from the ever-essential tongs and basting brushes to specialized rib racks, fish baskets, and kitchen syringes. You also need to get the fire started and have the right fuels and smoking materials, which include everything from lump charcoal to wood chunks to lava stones and ceramic briquettes for gas grills. In the following pages, you’ll learn about the essential and not so essential (but fun) equipment you need to become a master griller. The sources for many of these are listed in the mail-order section.