We all know that everything that has to do with fire has some dangers and risks, including cooking and grilling. If you love barbecuing, you’ve probably already burned yourself a time or two. For your (and your family’s) safety, it’s best to take extra precautions while grilling. Buy gear that protects you or reduces the chance of getting burned by the heat.
Here are some essential safety grilling tools you should buy:
Spatula and long-handled tongs
A good spatula has an offset handle to easily slide it under the food on the grill. You can choose a silicone or metal one, but be sure to choose a long-handled spatula to keep your hands away from the heat of the grill.
The same goes for flip flops. Choose a long spring-loaded handle. Tongs are a better choice than forks when cooking meat, as forks pierce the meat and release its juices.
Mitts or grilling gloves
It’s your hands that are always very close to the heat when you’re grilling, so it makes sense that they should be the most protected. Invest in good quality grill mitts or gloves (not the ones you use in your kitchen!) that are designed specifically for grilling.
There are a variety of materials you can choose from: some use strong cotton, flame retardant fabrics, leather, etc. Choose one that is large and reaches close to the elbow.
grill brush
When it comes to grill safety, we don’t just mean dealing with heat and fire. Food safety is also included. To ensure that the food you serve is hygienic and healthy, always clean the grill grates with a good quality grill brush before and after cooking.
Remove grease and food debris regularly; this will also prevent breakouts which are dangerous.
meat thermometer
Speaking of food safety, you don’t want to make anyone sick by serving them undercooked meat. When grilling meat, always use a food thermometer to make sure the food is cooking thoroughly, not overcooked or undercooked.
Insert the instant read thermometer through the thickest part of the meat, away from the bone to get an accurate reading.
grill light
A grill light is a tool every griller should invest in. It makes grilling at night so much easier – you’ll be able to see if your food is cooking properly and you’ll be able to move around and cook safely with sufficient lighting.
Compared to using flashlights, grill lights allow you to cook hands-free, so you can focus on cooking.
For an overall safer grilling experience, invest in these essential grilling tools that promote safety.