Best Grill Accessories That Are Actually Worth Buying

Walk into any outdoor retailer and you'll see dozens of grill gadgets: rotisserie kits, pizza stones, burger presses, fancy grilling gloves, LED lights, and more. Some genuinely improve your cooking. Others sit in the garage unused.

This guide separates the must-haves from the gimmicks. We'll cover what actually delivers value, what saves money long-term, and what you should skip. Because the best accessory is the one you'll actually use.

Essential Thermometers: Non-Negotiable

If you buy one accessory, make it a quality thermometer. Too many home cooks grill by guesswork—"it feels hot enough" isn't a cooking method. Thermometers are the cheapest way to improve your results.

Lid Thermometer (Built-in or Aftermarket)

Most quality grills include a lid thermometer showing grill chamber temp. If yours is broken or inaccurate (many are), replace it. A simple dial thermometer runs $20-40. This tells you if you've reached desired temperature and helps you control heat zones.

Instant-Read Meat Thermometer

Non-negotiable. An instant-read thermometer ($20-60) removes guesswork from doneness. No more cutting meat to check if it's done (which bleeds juices). Know exact internal temps: 165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground beef, 145°F for pork, 130°F for medium-rare steaks. A quality model like a Thermoworks Thermapen ($95-110) is faster and more accurate than budget models, and honestly worth it.

Wireless Meat Probe Thermometer

For smoking or low-and-slow cooks, a wireless probe thermometer ($50-150) is genuinely valuable. Insert the probe into your meat, leave it connected via Bluetooth to your phone, and monitor temperature from inside your house. No guessing if your brisket has stalled. No repeatedly opening the lid (which kills heat). Brands like Meater and Inkbird make solid models. This falls into the "worth the investment" category because it enables better results and less stress.

Grill Covers: Cheap Insurance, Real Protection

A quality cover isn't flashy, but it's one of the smartest investments you'll make. Without protection, UV, rain, and temperature swings degrade your grill's finish, rusting stainless steel and fading paint.

What to Look For

Materials matter. Look for polyester or polypropylene blends rated for outdoor use—at least 3-layer construction. Make sure the cover fits snugly (loose covers trap moisture) and has ventilation or drainage holes to prevent water pooling. Most quality covers run $60-200 depending on grill size.

Brand-Specific Covers

If you own a Summerset, Fire Magic, Blaze, or TrueFlame grill, invest in brand-specific covers. Generic covers often don't fit properly around handles, knobs, and thermometer placements. Manufacturers make covers that fit precisely. Yes, they cost more ($100-250), but they last longer and protect better. For a $3,000-5,000 grill, a $150 cover is cheap insurance.

Custom vs. Standard

Pre-made covers work fine for standard sizes. Custom covers—tailored to your exact grill dimensions—are worth it if your grill has a built-in cart, unique dimensions, or sits in a tight built-in island. They cost $100-200 more but fit perfectly and last years longer.

Cleaning Tools: One Set, Multiple Uses

Grill maintenance doesn't require fancy tools, but the right ones make cleaning faster and more effective.

Grate Brush

Stainless steel grate brush ($20-40) is essential. Use it pre-cook to scrub grates clean and prevent food sticking. Bristle quality matters—budget brushes shed bristles into your food. Spend a bit more for a brush that lasts. Some people swear by brass brushes (softer, less scratching) for porcelain-coated grates; use stainless steel for bare cast iron.

Grill Scraper

A long-handled scraper ($15-30) removes buildup from interior surfaces, drip boxes, and firebox bottoms. Manual cleanout is tedious, but quarterly deep scraping extends your grill's life by preventing rust and grease accumulation. You can use a putty knife in a pinch, but a proper grill scraper is safer and faster.

Wire Wheel and Drill Attachment

Optional but useful: a wire wheel attachment for your cordless drill ($15-25) speeds up exterior stainless steel cleaning. Works surprisingly well for removing oxidation and keeping the grill looking sharp. Only for exterior stainless; don't use inside the grill or on grates.

Degreaser and Cleaner

You don't need specialty grill cleaner. For exterior stainless, use a stainless steel cleaner ($8-15 per bottle). For interior grease buildup, any kitchen degreaser works. Save your money—the tools matter more than branded products.

Smoker Boxes and Trays: Smoke on Gas Grills

If you own a gas grill and want to add smoke flavor, a smoker box is your answer. These metal boxes hold wood chips and sit directly on grates above burners. As the grill heats, chips inside smolder and produce smoke.

Effectiveness

Smoker boxes work, but don't expect full smoke flavor like a dedicated smoker. They add complexity and oak/hickory notes to grilled chicken or fish. They're less effective for long, low cooks (20+ minutes) because chips burn out. For a 15-minute sear, they're useful.

Types

Stainless steel boxes ($20-50) are most common. Cast iron smoker boxes ($30-60) retain heat better and last longer. Pellet tube smokers ($30-80) hold wood pellets and produce smoke longer than wood chips—better for extended cooks. All sit directly on grates, no installation needed.

Is It Worth It?

If smoking is something you do often, buy one. If it's rare, skip it and invest in a dedicated smoker instead. The return on investment depends on how you use it.

Rotisserie Kits: Dramatic, But Requires Maintenance

A whole chicken spinning over coals is compelling cooking theater. Rotisseries actually work well, but they require more setup and cleanup than standard grilling.

What to Know

Most quality grills can accommodate aftermarket rotisserie kits ($150-400). You'll need a dedicated rotisserie burner or side burner and proper counterbalance weight. Installation typically involves removing grates and installing a spit rod assembly. The actual cooking is straightforward, but mounting and cleanup take extra effort.

Results

Rotisserie chicken is incredible—crispy skin, juicy meat, even cooking. You can also rotisserie steaks, pork shoulders, and vegetables. If you entertain frequently, a rotisserie kit is worth it. If you cook alone or in pairs, it might be overkill.

Reality Check

Rotisserie kits require cleaning the spit rod, bearings, and drip pan after use. The initial novelty wears off. Many rotisserie kits sit unused after the first month. Only buy if you genuinely commit to using it.

Griddle Plates and Attachments: Expand Your Cooking Range

Griddle plates sit directly on grates, turning your grill into a flat-top cooker. You can sear vegetables, cook pancakes, stir-fry, or cook for a crowd with one tool.

Stainless Steel vs. Cast Iron

Stainless steel griddles ($40-100) are lighter and easier to clean. Cast iron griddles ($50-150) retain heat better and develop seasoning over time. For occasional use, stainless is fine. For regular pancake or vegetable cooking, cast iron is superior.

Size and Fit

Griddles come in sizes to fit your grate. A standard grill usually accommodates a 20-24 inch griddle. Make sure you measure before buying—returned griddles are common.

Utility

If you cook breakfast items, vegetables, or for large groups, a griddle is genuinely useful. It doubles your grill's functionality without taking up much space. Worth $60-100 if you'll use it monthly or more.

Grill Light: More Practical Than Gimmick

Evening cookouts get dark. A grill light might sound frivolous, but if you grill after sunset regularly, it's genuinely helpful.

LED Grill Lights

Battery-powered LED lights ($20-50) clamp to your grill's side and illuminate the cooking surface. They're bright enough to check meat doneness and see what you're doing. No wiring required. If you cook after 6 PM year-round, this is more practical than gimmicky.

Pizza Stone or Cast Iron Skillet: Niche but Exceptional

Pizza stones and cast iron skillets expand your grill's versatility beyond burgers and steaks.

Pizza Stone

A ceramic pizza stone ($30-60) preheated on your grill creates crispy-bottomed, restaurant-quality pizza. Requires careful heat management and setup, but results are genuine. The trade-off is time and attention—not a casual accessory.

Cast Iron Skillet

A large cast iron skillet ($20-50) on a grate lets you cook sauces, sear multiple items, or finish dishes. More flexible than a pizza stone and easier to maintain. If you already own cast iron, using it on the grill is free functionality. If you don't own one, it's a worthwhile $30 investment.

Accessories to Skip

Grill Grates "Upgrade" Grates

Aftermarket grate sets claiming superior heat distribution rarely deliver results worth the $100-300 cost. Your grill came with adequate grates. Keep them clean and maintained—that's your best investment.

Burger Press

These flatten burger patties before grilling. Skip it. Shape your patties by hand (gentler, less compaction). A press creates dense, textureless burgers. Your hands are the better tool.

"Professional" Grilling Gloves

Expensive grilling gloves ($40-80) claiming "ultimate heat protection" aren't worth it. Standard heavy-duty oven gloves work fine and cost $10-15. You're paying for a logo.

Fancy Tongs and Spatulas

A $60 titanium spatula performs the same job as a $12 stainless steel one. Ergonomics matter, but you don't need to spend premium prices. Buy one quality mid-range set ($20-30) and call it done.

Side Burner for Sauce

Many grill islands include a side burner. If yours doesn't, don't add one just for heating sauce. Step inside your kitchen—it's faster and your side burner becomes a dust collector.

Building a Complete Accessory Kit

If you're outfitting a new grill, prioritize in this order:

1. Instant-read thermometer ($40-110)—most important upgrade to your cooking
2. Grill cover ($60-200)—protects your investment
3. Grate brush and scraper ($35-50)—essential maintenance
4. Wireless probe thermometer ($50-150) if smoking frequently
5. Griddle plate ($50-100) if cooking for groups or breakfast
6. Smoker box ($25-50) if you own a gas grill and want smoke flavor
7. Everything else—assess based on your specific cooking style

For a comprehensive outdoor kitchen with multiple cookers, Living Outdoorsy carries premium brands like Blaze, Fire Magic, and TrueFlame grills alongside quality accessories and complementary cookers from Primo, Summerset, and others. Building thoughtfully—choosing tools that match your cooking habits—matters more than accumulating every gadget.

FAQ: Grill Accessories

Do I need a wireless thermometer if I have a probe thermometer?

No. A probe thermometer tells you meat doneness. A wireless thermometer monitors it remotely during long cooks. If you're cooking steaks (quick, watched), the probe is enough. If you're smoking a brisket for 12 hours, wireless is genuinely useful. Different tools for different purposes.

Can I use a regular brush to clean grates?

A cheap wire brush is better than nothing, but stainless steel grate brushes ($20-40) are designed for the job and last longer. If you grill weekly, a proper brush is worth it. For monthly grilling, a basic brush suffices.

What's the difference between a smoker box and a pellet tube smoker?

Smoker boxes hold wood chips that burn quickly (10-20 minutes of smoke). Pellet tube smokers hold wood pellets that burn longer (45+ minutes). For short grills, smoker boxes work. For low-and-slow cooking on a gas grill, pellet tubes are superior.

How often should I replace my grill cover?

A quality cover lasts 3-5 years depending on climate. If yours is faded, tearing, or trapping moisture, replace it. Torn or leaking covers trap moisture and cause rust—worse than no cover. Good covers are worth replacing when they fail.

Are all grill covers universal?

No. Some fit adequately across different brands, but brand-specific covers fit better. If your grill has a built-in cart or non-standard dimensions, universal covers may not seal properly. Check product reviews to confirm fit before buying.