10 BBQ Accessories to Ensure Your Next Outdoor Cook Is Perfectly Well Done

 By Marie-Antoinette Issa.

The best Aussie BBQs are so much more than just throwing a snag on the barbie. They are an event, an occasion and a celebration of great food and greater friends. Whether you're hosting a casual backyard get-together or a full-blown feast for the family, the right BBQ accessories can elevate your grilling game and make the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Here are 10 essential add-ons that will take your outdoor cooking to the next level:

When it comes to BBQs, keeping your drinks cold and your food fresh is essential, especially in the warmer months. A reliable esky is a must-have for anyone who loves spending time outdoors without worrying about melting ice or soggy sandwiches. Whether it’s for a beach day, a picnic, or a BBQ in the backyard, an esky keeps your food and drinks cool and easy to access.

 

An excellent option is the Ninja FrostVault 28L Hard Cooler ($299). Designed to keep things cool and dry with its Dry Zone drawer, it’s perfect for storing snacks and beverages separately, ensuring everything stays fresh for longer. Plus, the sleek, durable design makes it a great outdoor companion.

Achieving the perfect cook on your meats can be a challenge, but, a meat thermometer makes it effortless. No more cutting into steaks to check for doneness or guessing if your chicken is fully cooked. A digital thermometer like the Meater 2 Plus Single Probe Thermometer ($249) uses wireless technology, allowing you to monitor your food's temperature from anywhere. The ability to set custom alerts means you’ll never miss the perfect moment to remove your meat from the grill, while its waterproof design makes it perfect for grilling, sous vide cooking or even deep frying.

Whether you’re barbequing brisket or grilling burgers, a quality grill and smoker can introduce a depth of flavour that’s hard to replicate. The Traeger Pro D2 WiFi Pellet Grill ($1599), incorporates advanced features like WiFire technology, which allows you to control the temperature and monitor your food remotely via a smartphone. Plus, with easy-to-move wheels, it’s the ideal addition to any BBQ set-up.

A good apron is the unsung hero of any BBQ session - shielding your clothes against rogue splatters, sizzling grease and unexpected sauce explosions. This Gozney x Hedley & Bennett Essential Apron ($115) is made with an exclusive garment-dyed, heavy-duty 100% cotton twill and features plenty of pockets - which double as your toolkit, holding tongs, thermometers and secret spice rubs within arm’s reach. Bonus: rocking a well-worn apron makes you look like the BBQ master you are!

An outdoor fire pit adds a wonderful ambience to any BBQ, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for your guests. It’s not just about the looks, many fire pits, such as the Pit n Grill Deluxe Kit ($549), are designed to be multifunctional, doubling as both a fire pit and a grill. This means you can enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire while also cooking up a storm. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows, grilling sausages or just sitting around enjoying the fire after dark, it’s an accessory that brings both practicality and charm to your BBQ setup.

 

Nothing sets the mood quite like the warm glow of an outdoor candle. Besides adding atmosphere, the right candle can also help keep insects at bay, making your BBQ experience more enjoyable. The Circa Outdoor Candle ($119) combines fragrance and functionality, offering lively notes of citrus, bergamot and mandarin, which not only smell amazing but also have insect-repelling properties. Its distinctive pine-cone-shaped ceramic vessel adds a unique touch to your outdoor decor, making it a must-have accessory for those who want to enhance their BBQ environment.

For BBQs that rely on wood to get the fire started, having a reliable way to carry and store your fuel is essential. A firewood carrier, such as the Neelum Firewood Carrier from Barebones Living ($78.99), makes transporting logs and sticks easy and stylish. Made from durable, high-quality materials this spacious carrier is designed to withstand the elements, while offering a convenient and mess-free way to carry wood from one place to another. 

 

No BBQ is complete without proper prep - and having the right tools makes all the difference. A good knife and chopping board set are indispensable when slicing vegetables, chopping herbs, or cutting up meat. The HexClad Walnut Cutting Board ($149) provides a sturdy and stylish surface for all your prep work. Pair it with a high-quality knife, like those from the Gerber Gear ComplEAT Knife Set ($139), and you’ll have the perfect tools for your outdoor kitchen.

After all the delicious cooking comes the dreaded cleaning, but, with the right cleaning brush, you can keep your BBQ looking pristine with minimal effort. The Beefeater BBQ Cleaning Brush ($32) is a great choice, designed with durable brass bristles to tackle even the toughest grease and grime. Its heat-resistant handle ensures comfort while scrubbing and the convenient hanging hole makes storage easy. Keeping your BBQ in top condition means you can enjoy it season after season.

 

Finally, flavour is a fundamental factor of a fantastic BBQ - with the right marinade taking your meats from good to great. The BBQ Marinade Injector Set ($24.99 from Aldi, available instore from Wednesday, December 4) is an excellent tool for injecting flavour directly into your meat, ensuring it stays juicy and tender throughout the cooking process. Whether you're marinating chicken, lamb or beef, this tool lets you apply your favourite marinades to the core of the meat, locking in all the flavours for the perfect BBQ experience.