Nine New Summer Grilling Essentials
From utensils to a chocolate BBQ sauce recipe, all your outdoor cooking needs are covered
Small spaces are no excuse to forego the celebrated summertime activity of barbecuing, whether you’re grilling with friends or just for yourself. If there’s a balcony or terrace at your disposal, or a corner of shared rooftop, these eight items will make sure you’re saving space, while maximizing utility. We also included a super-quick chocolate BBQ sauce recipe, just for good measure.
Weber Spirit E-210
For a grill with a small footprint, that still offers 540 square inches of total surface cooking area, Weber’s Spirit E-210 ($400) boasts two fast-acting stainless steel burners, ignited by an electronic crossover system. It’s fueled by liquid propane and has an easy-to-use front-mounted control panel. It also comes with two fold-down side stations for working on and then stowing away. We’ve been using this model and can attest to its value.
Grillbot’s Grill Cleaner
When grilling is over, we’re all familiar with the thorough cleaning process that involves scrubbing with elbow grease. Thanks to the automated Grillbot ($130) cleaning robot, this process becomes so much effortless. It’s easy to activate, has a rechargeable battery and replaceable brushes. But what’s most important is the fact that there are three electric motors inside, coupled with a sophisticated CPU. This allows the robot to function on its own and brush away all the grease that dripped through during a session at the grill. So rather than stock up on cleaning supplies, this one little device can handle it all.
Sur La Table Flexible Locking Skewers
Rather than having skewers unevenly placed across the top of a grill, Sur La Table has developed a set of space-saving skewer sticks ($15 for a set of four). They’re easy to thread and marinate and then lock into place, and they ultimately yield even grilling across the meat or veggies. The stainless steel construction means they won’t rust or burn, but it also makes clean up simple.
Lodge Seasoned Steel Grilling Pan
For the tinier delectable bites, there’s nothing better than Lodge’s Seasoned Steel Grilling Pan ($68). Its grid design prevents smaller items from falling through the cracks—while offering a stable channel for heat and plenty of space for smoke to filter up and in. It comes pre-seasoned and is crafted in the USA from heavy gauge carbon steel. Altogether, it’s a catch-all grilling pan.
Mini Hozuku Multi-Purpose Light
Why buy a grill-light specifically when you can get a light that does all that and more? The charming Mini Hozuki multi-purpose light ($40), designed first for camping, sends off a warm yet bright tone. It’s operated by intuitive, simple controls which offer up LED-goodness. While helpful for grilling at night, its beam is strong enough for peering accurately into a grill during the strong daylight hours.
All-Clad Stainless Steel Tool Set
Complete with a minimal, effective case, the All-Clad stainless steel tool set ($120) offers up just what any grill-master needs. There’s a two-pronged fork, a boar’s head brush, locking tongs and a slotted turner. Each is extra-long in length, and has been designed to maximize ergonomics. These items are highly polished and beautiful, not to mention easy to clean. The case, which measures 19” x 8” x 4”, aims to keep things safe and stowed without occupying too much space.
Carolina Shucker’s Pigtail Turner
Forged from a salvaged railroad spike, there’s nothing quite like Carolina Shucker’s The Carolina Pigtail turner ($55). It’s a very distinct addition to any grill-master’s collection, but it serves a direct, necessary service: it can spear, lift and turn meat. The brand, which is primarily known for their oyster shuckers, makes all their wares in North Carolina.
Taylor Infrared Thermometer
One of the most technically advanced on the market, Taylor’s 9523 infrared thermometer ($50) comes complete with a laser sight. There’s no contact necessary here, as it measures surface temperatures with remarkable accuracy. The screen is also easy to read, and altogether it’s lightning fast with its indications.
Kikkerland Portable BBQ Suitcase
For those most pressed for space, Kikkerland’s portable BBQ ($85) still allows for the joy of charcoal grilling. This portable unit, which neatly stows away (and travels well) contains a top quality ash catcher, so clean-up is easy. And maxing out at 12.52” x 8.66” x 2.83”, it’s the easiest way to grill up some treats for two.
Chocolate BBQ Sauce
Developed by chocolatier Francois Payard, this super-simple and quick to make (10 minutes most) recipe takes BBQs in a new direction. This is a dessert BBQ sauce and goes well with ice-cream, marshmallows, berries and more.
8 ounces (250 grams) 61% or 72% chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon (12 grams) light corn syrup
1 cup (250 grams) heavy cream
½ cup milk
4 tablespoons your favorite BBQ sauce
2 dashes of Tabasco
Place the chocolate and corn syrup in a medium bowl. Pour the heavy cream and milk into a small saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Pour the hot cream and milk mixture over the chocolate, and whisk until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Strain the mixture into a bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of your favorite BBQ sauce and 2 dashes of Tabasco to the chocolate mixture. Line two baking sheets with silicone baking mats. Dip cookies, berries, or marshmallows into the chocolate BBQ glaze and place on the lined baking sheets. Allow the chocolate BBQ glaze to set, and then enjoy.
Hero image by Cool Hunting, all other images courtesy of respective brands
