From Grill to Table: 11 Grill Accessories + Serving Pieces We Need This Summer

Ssummer is fast approaching, which means grilling season is upon us. Like they say, May flowers brings grilling for hours. Or something like that.

Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining a backyard party, being setup with the proper tools and accessories is a crucial part of a successful barbecue.

To help you make this grill season one to remember, we’ve compiled a list of the must-have gear that will have you looking like a professional in no time!

Our Must-Have Grill Accessories for Summer 2023

If you love entertaining or just hanging on the back patio, it makes sense to get your grilling game in tip top shape so you can cook and prep with ease.

Our kitchen is used as little as possible during the summer - we practically move outside as soon as the weather permits each year come summer.

From basic must-have grilling tools to perfect patio party serving pieces, we've got a little something of everything on our summer cooking wish list.

1. OXO Good Grips Grilling Tools

Unless you’re brand new to grilling, you likely have a variation of this set already. However, having a backup set is a really good idea.

We like the OXO Good Grips grilling tools because both the tongs and turner are stainless steel, have non-slip silicone grips, and hang for easy storage.

2. Outset Stainless Steel Grill Topper Grid – Set of 2

This set of Outset stainless steel grill topper pans are a must for any grill master. They're great for cooking your favorite vegetables and flaky fish without worrying about it falling into the grill.

The grates are perforated stainless steel with sturdy handles. Both are dishwasher safe and easy to maintain.

3. Permasteel Classic Outdoor Patio Cooler

Every backyard party needs a cooler to keep beer, wine, and soda cold. Sure, you could use that one you’ve had since college that has seen better days, but you’re an adult now, even if you don’t act like one.

It’s time for an upgrade. The Permasteel 80-quart retro style cooler will hold 110 standard sized cans with an insulated basin wrapped in powder-coated steel.

It’s equipped with four wheels for easy portability and an integrated bottle opener, plus it comes in a ton of great colors. We like this blue!

4. Grillbadger - The Safer Grill Cleaning Brush

You can’t own a grill and not have a decent grill brush. I mean, you can, but you shouldn’t. The Grillbadger brush is all natural without any metal in its bristles.

There have been stories in recent years of the metal bristles breaking off and finding their way into the food and eventually digested, causing a whole new set of problems. For more tips, check out our guide on how to clean a grill.

5. Amazon Basics Melamine Dinneware Set

Let’s face it, if you use your good plates and bowls outside, there will be breakage. It’s like the universe just knows, and you can’t fight the universe.

This melamine dinnerware set will release you of that stress. Even if they break, they’re inexpensive to replace, plus we love this cool summery blue color.

This service for four comes as set of 12 pieces with dinner plates, salad plates and bowls, with 15 different colors to choose from.

6. MEATER Plus Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth

When it comes to temping out your meat, remove the guesswork and use a thermometer. You aren’t any less of a grill master for using one. If anything, it says you care about what you’re cooking.

Don’t make the mistake that I did and go with a cheaper wired version. It worked ok, but fighting with the wires was a pain in the rear more often than not.

Wireless with a Bluetooth app on your phone is the clear answer - our pick is the MEATER Plus smart meat thermometer with two probes and Bluetooth.

7. Keter Unity Portable Outdoor Table and Storage Cabinet

Once you get your grill area setup, you’ll quickly realize you need more space for prep work and storage. The side tables on your grill just won’t cut it.

The Keter Unity portable cabinet has a stainless-steel top with storage underneath, hooks for hanging tools, and even a paper towel holder.

We love that it’s all weather resistant and has two wheels for easy moving. If you want to turn your grill station into an outdoor kitchen, grab this cabinet.

8. Nordic Ware Commercial Baker's Half Sheet

You’ve just grilled up chicken, shrimp, asparagus, and corn on the cob for six people. Now, you need to get it all to the table to serve it.

It’s not fancy, however, baking sheets are my go-to pan for piling the food on and taking it where it needs to go. You can fit everything on one sheet and not stress over multiple platters.

I like this 2-pack of Nordic Ware baker's half sheet pans. They are durable, efficient and versatile to serve many purposes in the kitchen beyond grilling.

9. FlavorGod Seasoning + Spices

When it comes time to season the food, I prefer to make my own seasonings and spices, but I can’t always make that happen with our hectic lives.

Last summer, I stumbled on FlavorGod seasonings and spices. They instantly ended up becoming a staple in our kitchen - I keep them on hand at all times.

Not only delicious but also low in sodium, keto friendly, kosher, and gluten free with no fillers, these seasonings are flavorful and super handy to have around.

10. Glass Drink Dispenser with Stainless Steel Spigot

One of our favorite things about summer is serving up infused water, iced tea, lemonade, or any other refreshing drink you can think up all season long.

This glass pitcher fits in the fridge for cold cucumber water or add ice and take it out to the back deck for some spiked lemonade with strawberries and basil!

11. Kusini Tabletop S'mores Maker

Not everyone gets to experience the joys of sitting around a fire pit and toasting some marshmallows to make delicious s’mores - what a shame is that?!

Now, everyone can get in on the fun with this flameless tabletop s'mores maker. It's perfect for when it’s raining, curling up for movie night or for small spaces.

This pack has everything you need including roasting forks. You just have to supply the marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate!