(NC)-Whether you're new to barbecuing or a veteran of the grill, you'll need the right tools to kick off the outdoor cooking season. From the basics to fun additions, The Home Depot Canada has 10 accessories to consider before firing up the grill:
Essential Utensils
Tongs. Tongs are an indispensible tool for professionally handling food on the grill. Unlike kitchen tongs, barbecue tongs have longer handles that prevent burns when reaching to the back of a barbecue.
Fork. A long handled fork with strong, sharp tips is especially helpful when handling large cuts of meat or thick vegetables like eggplants.
Spatula. For more than burgers, a stainless steel spatula with a slotted head is handy for turning over fish, fruit and meats.
Skewers. Metal skewers are easier to handle and last longer than the disposable, wooden kind, making them a good investment for grilling shrimp and kabobs.
Quality Control
Basting brushes. Marinate foods of all sizes with either silicone or hair-bristled basting brushes. The longer their handles, the easier it is to season foods directly over flames.
Meat thermometer. Cook chicken, beef and pork safely and to guests' specifications with either an electronic or traditional meat thermometer.
Heat plate. A heat plate catches drippings to help prevent flare ups and helps distribute both heat and flavours evenly.
Expert Extras
Chicken roaster. Keep the bird off the grill with a standing roaster. Roasters with a pan underneath allow you to infuse the upright chicken with steam from marinades.
Canopy. Barbecue come rain or snow with an attachable protective canopy or the Grill-Zebo, which covers the entire workspace and offers a bar to hang utensils.
Handle light. A handle light attaches to a barbecue lid and shines down on the cooking area so that you grill like a pro even when the sun goes down.
For more barbecue accessories, visit homedepot.ca or The Home Depot store in your community.
-News Canada