Whether you are a novice griller or a serial tamer of the flame, here are some of our favorite tools and gear that will help you take your BBQ and grilling to new heights. Among our must have grilling essentials are:

BBQ AND GRILLING COOKBOOKS

Cookbooks are a great way to add new recipes and techniques to your BBQ and grilling repertoire. Here are some of our favorites.

• Meathead: The Science of Great Barbecue and Grilling by Meathead of AmazingRibs.com

• Peace, Love, and Barbecue by Mike and Amy Mills

• The Grilling Book: The Definitive Guide from Bon Appetit

• Serious Barbecue: Smoke, Char, Baste & Brush Your Way to Great Outdoor Cooking by Adam Perry Lang

• Cool Smoke: The Art of Great Barbecue by Tuffy Stone

• Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book: Recipes and Secrets from a Legendary Barbecue Joint by Chris Lilly

• The Barbecue! Bible by Steven Raichlen

INSTANT READ THERMOMETER

Ensure perfectly cooked food every time with the Super-Fast Mk4 Thermapen ($99.00), taking accurate readings in 2-3 seconds. The Thermapen is available in a variety of colors. 

REMOTE TEMPERATURE GAUGE

Keep constant track of meat and grill temperatures remotely with the dual channel Smoke Remote Thermometer from ThermoWorks. Available in a variety of colors, the Smoke includes the base unit, a high temp cooking prob for monitoring meat temperatures, and high temp air probe with grate clip for monitoring the grill temperature. Purchase it here (MSRP $99.00).

CLASSIC KETTLE CHARCOAL GRILL

An American classic, the Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill is a must for anyone who enjoys the thrill of grilling over live charcoal. Purchase the 22-inch Weber featuring the one-touch cleaning system HERE (MSRP $185.00 with cover).

GRILLGRATES HIGH HEAT GRILL SURFACE

A perfect addition to virtually any grill, the GrillGrate system lays directly on your existing grate and allows for more even cooking, flare-up resistance, and exceptional sear marks. Purchase three 13.75" x 5.25" GrillGrates panels HERE (MSRP $79.99. Additional sizes available for a variety of grills).

GRILLING BASKET

Simplify your vegetable grilling with a stainless steel basket such as the one found here (MSRP $39.95). PURCHASE IT HERE.

PIZZA INSERT FOR KETTLE CHARCOAL GRILLS

Create perfect brick oven style pizza without spending a fortune on a dedicated pizza oven with the Kettle Pizza Oven insert for kettle style charcoal grills (MSRP $99.95-429.95 depending on kit). PURCHASE IT HERE.

Kick back and relax with a cold beverage while your pork butt, brisket, or ribs cook low and slow on the smoker thanks to this folding GCI Outdoor Roadtrip Rocker (MSRP $60.00). PURCHASE IT HERE.

SHREDDING CLAWS

In addition to making you look like Wolverine, shredder claws such as these from Mountain Griller (MSRP $9.99) make shredded pork butts a breeze. They are also wonderful for lifting large cuts of meat off of the grill. PURCHASE IT HERE.

SOUS VIDE IMMERSION CIRCULATOR

Arguably the hottest trend among home cooks, sous vide immersion circulators such as this model from Anova Culinary (MSRP $149.00) are a great way to ensure meats, vegetables, and other ingredients are cooked to perfection. Cooked low and slow in a temperature controlled water bath, foods can then be finished on the smoker or grill for a great sear and smoky flavor. PURCHASE IT HERE.

MEAT INJECTOR

Add flavor deep within large cuts of meat such as brisket, pork butts, whole chickens, and turkeys with this ultra durable injector from Spitjack (MSRP $129.00). The injector comes complete with a variety of removable needles for a variety of injections and is adjustable  for does of 1ml to 5ml. PURCHASE IT HERE.

GRATE BRUSH

Remove excess debris from your grill grate between cooks with this 3-sided brush from Weber (MSRP $12.39). Unlike cheaper brushes that can lose bristles and wind up in food for possibly deadly results, this Y-shaped brush features interwoven bristles. PURCHASE IT HERE.

HEAT RESISTANT GRILL GLOVES

Stay safe when removing grates, hot meat, and more with high heat gloves such as these available on Amazon (MSRP $28.11). PURCHASE THEM HERE.

SLICING KNIFE

Create perfect slices with a granton edge slicing knife such as this 11-inch from Mercer Culinary (MSRP $28.84). PURCHASE IT HERE.

CUTTING BOARD

A large cutting board such as this 24-inch version from Catskill Craftsman is a must when slicing brisket, pork loin, whole chicken and more. PURCHASE IT HERE.

CHARCOAL CHIMNEY

Skip the lighter fluid and start charcoal cleanly with the Weber Rapid Fire Chimney Starter (MSRP $19.99 and up depending on retailer). PURCHASE IT HERE.

LONG HANDLED SPATULA AND TONGS

A good spatula and tongs are essential for good grilling. We prefer those with long handles such as the OXO Good Grips 2-Piece Grilling Set as they keep you as far from the heat as possible. PURCHASE THE SET HERE.

ARTEFLAME GRILL

Form meets function in this ultra-stylish show stopper. Elevate the art of outdoor cooking with the sleek, contemporary look and outstanding functionality of the Arteflame 40" grill (MSRP $2,450). Building a wood or charcoal fire in the center of the grill, the cook top heats from the center out. PURCHASE IT HERE.

Krups Coffee/Spice Grinder.  Making your own dry rubs has never been easier thanks to the Krups Fast Touch Grinder.  Originally created for grinding coffee beans, this inexpensive little beauty is perfect for pulverizing dried spices for your very own signature spice blend!  PURCHASE IT HERE ($19.99).

Pellet Smoker and Grill. Craft amazing wood-fired creations with the Traeger Tex Elite 34 pellet grill. From grilled steak, to smoked ribs, and even a freshly baked apple pie, the set it and forget it ease of use allows any home chef to cook it all. Swap the gas and charcoal barbecue for 100% pure hardwood pellet flavor and grill, smoke, bbq, bake, roast, or braise a masterpiece. PURCHASE IT HERE (MSRP $899.99)