Grills and Griddles
Best Grill Accessories (2026): What You Actually Need
Quick answer
The best grill accessory is an instant-read thermometer such as the TempPro TempSwift, which reads in about 0.5 second. Next, a bristle-free brush like the GRILLART 18 in., a fitted cover and a propane tank scale. Those four cost less than $150 together and fix the most common grilling problems.
Most grill accessories are clutter. A handful solve real problems: undercooked chicken, loose wire bristles, rusted burners, running out of gas mid-cook and grease on the deck. This list ranks accessories by how much they matter, then covers griddle tools and covers separately.
Our top pick, the TempPro TempSwift 0.5 Sec Instant-Read Meat Thermometer ($29.99), makes every cook better regardless of the grill. If your accessory budget is growing because the grill itself is the problem, it may be time to upgrade instead: see best gas grills, best flat top griddles or the complete beginner outdoor cooking setup.
On this page
- What are the best grill accessories?
- Are wire grill brushes safe?
- Which grill brush type is best?
- What temperature should grilled meat reach?
- What is the best way to check how much propane is left?
- Beginner picks: the three accessories every griller needs
- Intermediate picks: protect the grill and the patio
- Expert picks: griddle owners who cook every week
- How do the accessory picks compare?
- Which other grill accessories are worth considering?
- When should I upgrade the grill instead of buying accessories?
What are the best grill accessories?
Ranked by how much each one improves safety, results or the life of the grill. Buy from the top down and stop when your problems are solved.
| Rank | Accessory | Problem it solves | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Instant-read thermometer | Undercooked poultry, overcooked steak | TempPro TempSwift | $29.99 |
| 2 | Bristle-free grill brush | Swallowed wire bristles, dirty grates | GRILLART 18 in. | $22.99 |
| 3 | Fitted grill cover | Rust, spider nests in burner tubes | Weber Premium Spirit cover | $77.77 |
| 4 | Propane tank scale | Running out mid-cook | Flame King tank scale | $15.38 |
| 5 | Spare 20 lb tank with gauge | No gas and no time to refill | Flame King YSN230 | $69.99 |
| 6 | Under-grill mat | Grease stains on decks and patios | Cuisinart 65 x 36 in. mat | $59.99 |
| 7 | Griddle tool kit | Wrong spatulas for a flat top | Blackstone Pro 22-Piece | $58.99 |
| 8 | Griddle hard cover or hood | Rust on bare steel tops | HECASA 36 in. hard cover | $59.99 |
Listed prices at the time of writing.
Are wire grill brushes safe?
They carry a real, documented risk. The CDC has published case reports of people who swallowed wire bristles that broke off grill brushes, stuck to grates and ended up in food, and a 2016 study of U.S. emergency department data estimated about 1,700 wire-bristle grill brush injuries from 2002 to 2014, most in the mouth and throat. The simple fix is a bristle-free brush.
The GRILLART 18 in. Bristle-Free Grill Brush and Scraper uses a double-helix coil and a wide scraper on an 18 inch handle, and GRILLART itself notes that bristle-free brushes may clean less aggressively than wire. The Mr. Bar-B-Q Steam Clean Bristle-Free Grill Brush (Scrub Daddy) uses water on a hot grate to steam off residue with a stainless mesh head that does not shed wires. Whatever brush you use, wipe the grates with a damp cloth or paper towel before cooking.
Which grill brush type is best?
| Tool type | Example | Cleaning power | Bristle risk | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire bristle brush | Generic | High | Yes: bristles can break off | Not recommended |
| Bristle-free coil brush | GRILLART 18 in. | Moderate to high | None | All grate types, long reach |
| Steam mesh scrubber | Mr. Bar-B-Q Scrub Daddy | Moderate, better on a hot grate | No shedding wires | Baked-on residue, porcelain grates |
| Griddle scraper | Included in Blackstone Pro kit | High on flat steel | None | Griddle tops only |
Always finish with a wipe of the grates before cooking.
What temperature should grilled meat reach?
A thermometer is only useful with the right targets. These are the USDA's safe minimum internal temperatures, measured in the thickest part of the food.
| Food | Safe minimum internal temperature | Rest time |
|---|---|---|
| Poultry, whole or pieces, and ground poultry | 165 F | None required |
| Ground beef, pork, veal and lamb | 160 F | None required |
| Beef, pork, veal and lamb steaks, chops and roasts | 145 F | 3 minutes |
| Fish and shellfish | 145 F | None required |
| Leftovers and casseroles | 165 F | None required |
Source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service safe temperature chart. Personal doneness preferences for steak can be higher.
What is the best way to check how much propane is left?
Weigh the tank. A 20 lb tank has its empty weight stamped on the collar as TW (tare weight), commonly around 17 lb. Subtract TW from the current weight to get pounds of propane left; a full tank carries about 20 lb. Each pound is about 21,500 BTU, which is about 36 minutes on a 36,000 BTU grill running high. The Flame King Digital Propane Tank Scale hangs the tank from a hook and reads the weight. The Flame King Smart Bluetooth Propane Tank Scale sits under the tank and reports the level to a phone app over Bluetooth. Pressure-style gauges are less reliable because propane pressure tracks temperature, not how much liquid is left, so they tend to read full until nearly empty. The propane tank burn time chart converts pounds to hours.
Beginner picks: the three accessories every griller needs
A new grill or a first season of grilling. These three prevent the most common problems for under $70 together.
TempPro TempSwift 0.5 Sec Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
$29.99Thermocouple readings in 0.5 second at plus or minus 0.9 F, a 2 inch backlit display that rotates for left-handed users, IP65 waterproofing, a reading lock and a magnetic back.
Best for: pulling meat at the right temperature
Check price on Amazon
GRILLART 18 in. Bristle-Free Grill Brush and Scraper
$22.99A double-helix coil brush with a wide hollowed scraper on an 18 inch handle that cleans all grate types without wire bristles that can break off.
Best for: a long-reach bristle-free cleaner
Check price on Amazon
Flame King Digital Propane Tank Scale
$15.38A handheld digital hook scale that reads remaining propane by weight on 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 lb tanks, with auto power-off.
Best for: knowing if the tank will last the cook
Check price on AmazonIntermediate picks: protect the grill and the patio
You have invested in a good grill and want it to last, with no stalled cooks and no grease stains.
Weber Premium Grill Cover for Spirit Gas Grills
$77.77Weber's breathable, water-resistant, UV-inhibited cover with fastening straps, cut for Spirit 400 grills from 2025 on and three-burner Spirit and Spirit II grills from 2016 to 2024.
Best for: an exact fit on a Weber Spirit
Check price on Amazon
Flame King YSN230 20 lb Propane Tank with Gauge
$69.99A DOT and Transport Canada certified 20 lb steel cylinder with an OPD overfill valve and a built-in level gauge, shipped empty and purged for its first fill.
Best for: a spare tank so dinner never stalls
Check price on Amazon
Cuisinart 65 x 36 in. Non-Slip Grill Mat
$59.99A heavy 65 by 36 inch non-slip PVC mat that stays put under grills and griddles and shields wood, composite or concrete from grease and spills.
Best for: protecting a deck from griddle splatter
Check price on AmazonExpert picks: griddle owners who cook every week
You own a 36 inch flat top and want the tools and top protection that keep a seasoned steel surface in shape.
Blackstone Pro 22-Piece Griddle Tool Kit
$58.99Long and wide griddle spatulas, a 16 inch spatula, tongs, fork and ladle, plus scrapers and squeeze bottles, all dishwasher safe with heat-resistant handles.
Best for: outfitting a new griddle in one purchase
Check price on Amazon
Blackstone 5856 Omnivore 36 in. Steel Griddle Hood
$128.23A powder-coated steel hood with a stainless handle that installs without tools on Blackstone 36 inch Omnivore griddles with rear grease management.
Best for: adding a hood to a hoodless Blackstone
Check price on Amazon
HECASA 36 in. Aluminum Griddle Hard Cover
$59.99An 8 lb powder-coated aluminum hard cover for 36 by 22 inch tops that stops water pooling on the steel and hangs off the back while cooking.
Best for: keeping rain off a 36 inch griddle top
Check price on AmazonWho should not buy this tier: Skip this tier if you cook on a gas grill rather than a griddle: none of these fit grates. Also skip the Blackstone hood if your griddle already has a hood or uses a front grease tray, since it is made for rear-grease Omnivore models, and skip the hard cover if your griddle has a built-in hood. A fitted grill cover and a thermometer matter more for grill owners.
How do the accessory picks compare?
| Model | Price | Type | Fits | Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TempPro TempSwift 0.5 Sec Instant-Read Meat Thermometer | $29.99 | instant read thermometer | - | - |
| GRILLART 18 in. Bristle-Free Grill Brush and Scraper | $22.99 | bristle free grill brush | - | - |
| Flame King Digital Propane Tank Scale | $15.38 | propane tank scale | 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 lb tanks | - |
| Weber Premium Grill Cover for Spirit Gas Grills | $77.77 | grill cover | Spirit 400 (2025 and newer), Spirit and Spirit II 3 burner (2016 to 2024) | - |
| Flame King YSN230 20 lb Propane Tank with Gauge | $69.99 | 20 lb propane tank | standard grills, griddles, patio heaters and fire pits | - |
| Cuisinart 65 x 36 in. Non-Slip Grill Mat | $59.99 | under grill mat | - | 65 in |
| Blackstone Pro 22-Piece Griddle Tool Kit | $58.99 | griddle tool kit | - | - |
| Blackstone 5856 Omnivore 36 in. Steel Griddle Hood | $128.23 | griddle hood | Blackstone 36 in. Omnivore griddles with rear grease management | 36 in |
| HECASA 36 in. Aluminum Griddle Hard Cover | $59.99 | griddle hard cover | 36 x 22 in. griddle tops including Blackstone rear grease models | 36 in |
Which other grill accessories are worth considering?
Useful for specific situations: a universal cover for non-Weber grills, a phone-connected tank scale, a steam scrubber for baked-on grates and hoses that move portable appliances to a 20 lb tank.
Unicook 58 in. Heavy-Duty Grill Cover
$32.99A 58 by 25 by 44.5 inch vinyl-coated polyester cover with fastening straps, sized like the Weber 7130 for most 3 to 5 burner grills up to 56 inches wide.
Best for: covering a mid-size cart grill
Check price on Amazon
Flame King Smart Bluetooth Propane Tank Scale
$19.99Sits under 20, 30 and 40 lb tanks and reports the propane level to a free phone app, running on 2 AA batteries.
Best for: checking tank level from inside the house
Check price on Amazon
Mr. Bar-B-Q Steam Clean Bristle-Free Grill Brush (Scrub Daddy)
$19.99A water-activated Scrub Daddy head with stainless mesh and a scraper that steam-cleans hot grates without shedding wires.
Best for: baked-on residue
Check price on Amazon
Gas One 4 ft. 1 lb to 20 lb Propane Adapter Hose
$10.88A brass-fitted 4 ft hose that runs 1 lb cylinder appliances, like portable grills and tabletop griddles, from a refillable 20 lb tank.
Best for: cutting disposable cylinder costs
Check price on AmazonWhen should I upgrade the grill instead of buying accessories?
Accessories cannot fix a rusted-through firebox, burners that will not light evenly or a grill too small for your household. If you are pricing replacement burners, grates and igniters for a budget grill, compare that total with a grill that has a long warranty. The Weber Spirit E-325 Gas Grill (Propane) ($499.00) lists a 10-year limited warranty, and the Weber Genesis E-325 Gas Grill (Propane) ($849.00) adds PureBlu burners and a larger sear zone. Griddle cooks who have outgrown a tabletop should look at the Blackstone 36 in. Original Griddle with Built-in Hood ($539.99). Browse gas grills under $1,000 or shop gifts in gifts for grillers.
How we chose
We did not test these products in person. Picks are researched from manufacturer specifications and owner manuals, engine and safety certifications where they apply, warranty terms, public recall records, and the recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We favor established brands with large review counts and parts support, match each pick to a real yard size or task, and place it in the tier where its price and capability actually belong.
Frequently asked questions
What grill accessories do I really need?
Four accessories cover most needs: an instant-read thermometer for safe and consistent doneness, a bristle-free brush to clean grates without loose wires, a cover to keep rain and pests out of the grill, and a way to check propane level such as a tank scale. Add a spare 20 lb tank if you grill often and a mat if the grill sits on a deck.
Are bristle-free grill brushes as good as wire brushes?
They are slightly less aggressive but much safer. Wire brushes can shed bristles that stick to grates and get swallowed, which has caused documented injuries. Bristle-free coil brushes and steam mesh scrubbers clean well when used on a hot grate after a burn-off, and some makers say so plainly. For heavy buildup, preheat on high for 10 to 15 minutes before brushing.
Do grill covers cause rust?
A cover can trap moisture if it is put on a hot or wet grill or if it is not breathable, which encourages rust. Use a breathable cover like Weber's Premium Spirit cover, let the grill cool and dry before covering, and remove the cover to air things out after long rainy spells. In most climates a properly used cover reduces rust and keeps spiders out of burner tubes.
How do I tell how much propane is left in my tank?
Weigh it. Find the tare weight stamped on the tank collar, often around 17 lb for a 20 lb tank, then subtract it from the current weight to get pounds of propane left. Each pound holds about 21,500 BTU. A hook scale or an under-tank Bluetooth scale does this quickly. Pressure gauges are less reliable because propane pressure changes with temperature rather than fill level.
What is the best meat thermometer for grilling?
A fast thermocouple instant-read thermometer is the most useful type for grilling because you check temperature quickly without holding the lid open. The TempPro TempSwift lists 0.5 second readings and plus or minus 0.9 F accuracy with a backlit rotating display and IP65 waterproofing. Wireless leave-in probes add convenience for long roasts, but an instant-read probe covers everyday grilling.
Should I put a mat under my grill or griddle?
On wood or composite decks and light concrete, a heavy non-slip mat is worth it because griddles in particular spit grease that stains. The Cuisinart 65 by 36 inch mat is sized for most grills and griddles. A mat does not change the clearances your grill manual requires from railings and siding, and it will not stop a grease fire, so keep a lid or baking soda nearby.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.