Barbecue Accessories Can Revolutionize Your Grilling Technique

By Stephen Daniels

Spring may still be a few months away, but avid barbecue fans are already thinking about new ways they can enhance their grilling techniques. Some may be seeking out new sauces and methods of adding flavor, while others just want to make the task easier. Still others might want to find whole new ways to use their grill. Here are some barbecue accessories that are sure to interest grill chefs of all levels.

There's no denying that charcoal imparts that classic grilled flavor that barbecue fans love. On the other hand, the efficiency and ease of using a gas grill has converted many die-hard grillers. One popular option to combine the best of both grills is the use of charcoal baskets. Made of durable stainless steel, these baskets sit right on top of a gas grill's burners. This enables the coals to heat quickly and be ready for cooking in no time at all.

Many people like to add a special smoky flavor to their food using wood chips. Many different varieties are available for either grilling or smoking food, including hickory, alder, maple or applewood. Each different type of wood imparts a unique flavor. Modern gas grills often include baskets or drawers for holding wood chips. Alternately, a basket for this purpose can be purchased to enhance an existing grill.

The Rib-O-Lator is an excellent new accessory that can turn the inside of a grill into a rotisserie. Fitting easily on most medium to large grill models, the difference between Rib-O-Lator and other rotisserie options is its four tray design. This allows cooking of many items that ordinary rotisseries can't accommodate, such as ribs. Food on these trays is cooked by indirect heat, which has many benefits. Juices are sealed inside meats, making them tender, moist and more flavorful than ever. The trays help to contain excess juices, preventing dangerous flare-ups and reducing clean-up. The trays offer a lot more cooking surface, letting you cook more foods at a time. In addition, Rib-O-Lator cooking requires much less supervision than traditional barbecue techniques.

Another interesting product is the Flavordome Barbecue Flavoring System, which is a set of grilling products that trap in heat, smoke, reduce fire and burn, and create cleaner smoke flavor. It comes with several excellent rubs and sauces to use in conjunction with the tools.

Grilling baskets are a simple yet ingenious way to grill delicate foods or smaller items without them falling through the grating or sticking to the grill. These baskets are like small cages that hold food securely. Most have a handle so that you can easily turn them. They come in regular and non-stick varieties as well as in many sizes and shapes. Use of a corn basket, for instance, can eliminate the all-too-common problem of charring when grilling whole corn ears. Bigger baskets can accommodate vegetables and smaller meat items simultaneously. Some have long, detachable handles so that the grill lid can be fully closed during the cooking process.

What do you buy for the grill chef that has everything? Iron brands for marking food on the grill make a unique gifts. Avid barbecue fans will enjoy the novelty of stamping a "signature" on their barbecue masterpieces. Brands might say Dad or Chef, but can also be customized with initials or names.

Barbecue fans always have their own unique tips and tricks to create the perfect steak, rack of ribs or fish filet that will wow the whole party. The methods people employ are as unique as the individuals themselves. So whether you're looking for a way to make cleanup easier, or an entirely new method of using your grill, these tools can make your grilling experience tastier, easier and more fun! - 30289

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