Essential Tools is exactly what is sounds like.  This are tools that are highly recommended to help you be successful on your journey.  

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• Thermometer: This is by far the most important tool to own.  As mentioned above, we cook to specific temperatures.  There is nothing worse than an over-cooked steak or dried out turkey at Thanksgiving.  In order to avoid that, I really insist that you get a good thermometer. Personally, I use Thermoworks products.  They are the best in the market for a reason and they are extremely accurate.  The Thermapen Mk4 is used daily in my household and is worth every penny.  Not only do I use it for proteins but also oil when frying or melting sugar for syrup.  The Thermapen is perfect for every day use.  For longer cooks, particularly when smoking proteins, I prefer to use a dual thermometer that can return both the internal temperature of any given protein but also the ambient temperature inside my smoker.  As mentioned above, knowing and maintaining a steady temperature is critical.  For these types of cooks, I use my Thermoworks Smoke.  Whatever product you use is fine as long as it is accurate.

• BBQ Gloves: Highly recommend investing in a good pair of gloves.  When cooking at 450-500°, metal baskets and skewers get extremely hot!  Gloves are also far easier to work with and hold items than oven mitts or towels.  Frankly, I use my gloves instead of oven mitts regularly.  I like the Weber Gloves as they are quality and have a grip.

• Basic BBQ Tool Set: Every griller needs a few very basic items such as a spatula, tongs, fork and basting brush.  Note that these are designed for the grill, more heavy duty and longer than typical kitchen items.  This Nexgrill Tool Set has the basics needed. 

• Charcoal Chimney: For those of you not using charcoal, you can skip this.  But, trust me, as you develop your barbecue skills, there is no better way to cook than charcoal.  It really does just taste better.  That aside, a good quality charcoal chimney is needed as we do NOT use lighter fluid to start our charcoals.  I have this Weber Chimney and have had it for many years. 

• Measuring Cups: Fairly self explanatory.  We are following recipes that call for specific measurements.  Get yourself a decent set that can clean easily and is durable.  OXO creates good products and I prefer their Stainless Steal Measuring Cups.     

• Spray Bottle: Many recipes, especially in barbeque, call for the ability to spray the protein with liquid to keep it from drying out.  This can range from apple cider vinegar to beer.  A good, dedicated, cooking spray bottle is highly suggested and this Evo Oil Sprayer works great.  

• Here are a few other suggested items to have on-hand as you continue your journey and attempt new cooks:

  • Butcher Paper: used to wrap certain cuts of meat

  • Aluminum Pans: fantastic to have around.  Used when liquid is involved in a cook.

  • BBQ Aluminum Foil: this is a little heavier and wider than traditional foil.

  • Mason Jars: great to have on hand for sauces.

  • Poultry Shears: Probably should be listed above but these are worth their weight in gold and make cutting a chicken in half a piece of cake.

  • Garlic Press: just makes life easier when dealing with garlic.

  • Wood Planks: good to have on hand for plank cooking.

  • Meat Tenderizer: a fork works too but this is designed for tougher cuts.

  • Wire Baking Rack: you'll be surprised how often this will be used.

  • Kitchen Twine: used to truss a chicken or tie a stuffed cut of meat.

  • Tooth Picks: more useful than just getting food unstuck from your teeth.

  • Meat Claw: makes shredding pork very easy.

  • Grill Basket: very versatile for veggies and fish.

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