The Ultimate Guide to BBQ and Smoker Accessories: Pros, Cons and Must-Have Items for Your Aussie Backyard
Australians take their backyard BBQs seriously and for good reason—there’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of sizzling meat, the sound of laughter and the sun shining down on a well-loved backyard gathering. But achieving BBQ greatness requires more than just a grill and a slab of meat. The right accessories can elevate your cooking, make cleanup a breeze and turn you into the neighborhood BBQ master.
In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of BBQ and smoker accessories, then dive into the must-have items that every BBQ enthusiast should consider adding to their collection.
Source: Outdoor Life
Pros of BBQ and Smoker Accessories
1. Enhanced Cooking Precision
Many accessories help you monitor temperature, time and heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked food.
2. Ease of Use and Maintenance
Tools like grill brushes and drip pans simplify cleaning and maintenance, keeping your equipment in top shape.
3. Improved Versatility
Accessories such as rotisseries or smoker boxes allow you to experiment with new techniques and recipes.
4. Boosted Aesthetic and Experience
Stylish tools and accessories not only look great but also enhance the overall experience of cooking and serving.
Cons of BBQ and Smoker Accessories
1. Cost
High-quality accessories can be pricey, but they’re often worth the investment for frequent BBQers.
2. Storage
Some accessories take up significant space, which can be an issue for smaller backyards.
3. Overwhelm for Beginners
With so many options, it’s easy to over-purchase items that may not get much use.
Must-Have BBQ and Smoker Accessories for Your Aussie Backyard
1. Digital Meat Thermometer
Example Product: ThermoPro TP20 Wireless Meat Thermometer
Description: A digital thermometer with dual probes to monitor both the grill’s ambient temperature and the internal temperature of your meat.
Benefits: Precise cooking; ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meats every time.
Source: Amazon – Thermoro TP20 Meat Thermometer
2. Grill Mat
Example Product: Kona Best BBQ Grill Mat
Description: A non-stick mat that sits on your grill, preventing small foods from falling through the grates.
Benefits: Easy cleanup; allows you to grill veggies, fish, and even eggs without sticking or losing bits to the fire.
Source: Amazon – Kona Grill Mats
3. Smoker Box
Example Product: Char-Broil Cast Iron Smoker Box
Description: A durable box that holds wood chips, adding smoky flavour to food on gas or charcoal grills.
Benefits: Adds rich, authentic flavours; works with any type of wood chips for customizable taste profiles.
Source: Amazon – Cha-Broil Smoker Box
4. BBQ Tongs
Example Product: OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Locking Tongs
Description: Long-handled tongs with a comfortable grip and locking mechanism for safe and easy handling.
Benefits: Keeps hands safe from heat; precise handling of food on the grill.
Source: Amazon – OXO Tongs
5. Halogen Umbrella Heater
Example: Heliosa 11 Short Wave Infrared Heater
Description: This infrared heater is perfect for commercial and residential heating applications such as fixed outdoor umbrellas, balconies, and outdoor niches, as well as indoor spaces such as high-ceiling bathrooms and exposed office reception areas.
Benefits: Space-saving and easy to install.
Source: Amazon – Weber Handle and Light
6. Portable Gas Patio Heater
Example: Mimosa Stainless Steel Outdoor Patio Gas Heater
Description: A lightweight, wheeled gas heater with a slim design and powerful heat output.
Benefits: Easy to transport and ideal for larger patios.
Source: Amazon – OneGrill Rotisserie Kit
7. Grill Brush
Example Product: Kona Safe/Clean Grill Brush
Description: A bristle-free brush designed to clean grill grates effectively and safely.
Benefits: Ensures a clean cooking surface; prevents dangerous bristles from getting into food.
Source: Amazon – Kona Grill Brush
8. BBQ Gloves
Example Product: RAPICCA BBQ Heat Resistant Gloves
Description: Heavy-duty, heat-resistant gloves made of silicone and aramid fabric.
Benefits: Protects hands from burns; excellent grip and flexibility for handling hot items.
Source: Amazon – RAPICCA BBQ Gloves
9. Drip Pans
Example Product: Weber Aluminum Drip Pans
Description: Disposable pans placed under the grill to catch grease and drippings.
Benefits: Keeps your grill cleaner; helps prevent flare-ups.
Source: Amazon – Weber Drip Pans
10. Wood Pellets or Chips
Example Product: Traeger Signature Blend Wood Pellets
Description: Premium wood pellets for pellet grills or wood chips for smoker boxes.
Benefits: Adds unique flavours like hickory, apple, or mesquite to grilled and smoked foods.
Source: Amazon – Traeger Wood Pellets
Honorable Mentions
- BBQ Apron: Keeps you clean and adds a professional flair to your grilling station.
- Pizza Stone: Perfect for making wood-fired pizzas directly on your grill.
- Marinade Injector: Infuses flavour deep into meats for enhanced taste.
- BBQ Skewers: Great for grilling kebabs or roasting marshmallows over the fire.
Final Thoughts
Having the right BBQ and smoker accessories not only makes cooking easier and more enjoyable but also allows you to explore a wide range of culinary techniques and flavours. Whether you’re just starting your BBQ journey or looking to upgrade your setup, the items listed above are essential tools for any backyard enthusiast. Choose high-quality, durable products that will stand up to Aussie summers and you’ll be on your way to becoming the ultimate BBQ legend.