If you are a novice to backyard bbq and and grilling with charcoal you might findout during your first cookout that you are missing some of the accessory tools were not in the Grill box or the charcoal bag. While those are the two main necessary items you need to successfully charcoal grill your dinner it would be helpful to acquire a couple of more items so that your grilling experience is more enjoyable.
You could use items from your kitchen and they will work okay but you need to get a set of grilling tools. The tools in the cheapest tool set are better equipped to do the job than most standard kitchen utensils. If you have your own set it will keep the complaints down from your girl friend. A useful Charcoal Grill Set will have a spatula, a pair of grill tongs, a basting brush, and a grill brush. Some grill tool sets have items for holding corn, making kabobs and the like. When choosing grill tools pick a set that is made of stainless steel and the utensils have long handles. Choosing a set of tools as described will ensure that the tools last a long time and help in preventing you from getting hurt while charcoaling.
Now for what is not found in the average cupboard. Since you need to ignite the charcoal use a Charcoal Chimney. These are available at hardware stores all over, just run down to the local Ace Hardware and buy one for about $20. Follow the directions to get your charcoal started. Why should you use a chimney instead of lighter fluid? The chimney produces a charcoal coals that does not have the lighter fluid smell. Why should you use a charcoal chimney starter instead the electric charcoal lighters? Why waste electricity when you can light two pieces of newsprint.
If you happen to grill without light I recommend that you get a small battery operated light. Cooking with charcoal in the dark is dangerous and a light makes it easier to see how your food is doing. Using a light is much easier than trying to hold a flash light while checking the meal or taking the meal off the grill. I prefer the battery operated over the electric light for safety concerns. The light needs to have a sturdy spring clamp so it will attach to the grill. Attach the light somewhere where it will not be burned directly buy the heat. Choose a light for its functionality and durability. Make sure it will turn so you can adjust the light at all the grill areas, and that is made of stainless steel or a very sturdy plastic. I also suggest a small battery operated fan to keep the smoke away and so that you can see how the food is cooking. Last year my girl friend found a combination Fan and Light that operates on 2 D cell batteries. Whatever type of light or fan you choose be sure to put them away in a dry place and do not leave them out in the snow. You don't want to ruin your investment.
With the above mentioned accessories above you are equipped with the necessary tools to start a charcoal grill, tools to cook the meal and a be able to see in the dark and through the smoke while cooking.
