Cookout and grilling
Gear for feeding a crowd off the grill. A thermometer matters most since color alone won't tell you when chicken or burgers are done. Long handled tools keep your hands away from the heat.
We earn from qualifying purchases. How we pick.
Grill tool sets
- Best for the basicsCuisinart 3 piece grill tool set
Tongs and a spatula and a grill glove.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a set with a carry bagAmazon Basics 4 piece grill tool set
Four stainless tools in a storage bag.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a full kitKaluns BBQ grill tools set
Heavy stainless tools in a case for regular grillers.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a gift for the grill masterAlpha Grillers grill tools set
A stainless utensil set from a popular grilling brand.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for skewers and brushes tooROMANTICIST 23 piece grill accessories set
A large set in a case that includes a thermometer.
Check price on Amazon →
Instant read thermometers
- Best for checking burgers and chicken fastTempPro TempSwift TP19H instant read thermometer
A folding probe thermometer with a display that rotates.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for grilling after darkTempPro TempSwift backlit thermometer
A folding probe thermometer with a backlit screen.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a popular first thermometerAlpha Grillers digital meat thermometer
An instant read probe with a backlit display.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for fast readingsThermoMaven professional instant read thermometer
A probe thermometer listed at half a second per reading.
Check price on Amazon →
Wireless meat thermometers
- Best for watching a roast from your phoneMEATER Plus smart meat thermometer
A wire free probe that sends the temperature to an app.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for smoking and long cooksTempPro TempSync wireless thermometer
A probe with a separate receiver you carry around the yard.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for a budget app thermometerGovee Bluetooth meat thermometer
Probes that send readings and alerts to your phone.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for two meats at onceTempPro TempSpike wireless thermometer
Two color coded wire free probes.
Check price on Amazon →
Griddles
- Best for pancakes and burgers outdoorsBlackstone 22 inch tabletop griddle
A portable propane griddle with a hood.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for feeding a crowd on a tableRoyal Gourmet 3 burner tabletop griddle
A 24 inch propane griddle with a cover.
Check price on Amazon → - Best for grilling and griddling at onceRoyal Gourmet tailgater grill and griddle combo
A portable four burner unit with a grill side and a flat top side.
Check price on Amazon →
Guides that cover this gear
Best Electric Roaster Ovens for Turkey and a CrowdThe electric roaster ovens worth buying for Thanksgiving and big parties. Which size fits which turkey. How to use one safely. Plus the thermometer that goes with it.
Photo: Dan Bock, CC BY 2.0
Holiday Party Food Ideas for Large Groups That Hold UpHoliday party food for a big crowd. Dishes that hold well on a buffet plus the 2 hour rule and the 140°F standard that keep everyone safe.
Photo: “Two of Big Cheese and Three of Small Cheese on buffet table” by Peachyeung316, CC BY-SA 4.0
How Many Appetizers Per Person With or Without DinnerPlan 3 to 4 bites per guest before a meal and 10 to 12 or more when appetizers replace dinner. Here are the per hour numbers and how many kinds to make.
Photo: “rustic table setting for The Bachelor viewing party with red roses white candles in gold candlesticks cocktails in glasses bread cracker meat and cheese platter and other appetizers” by ProFlowers.com, CC BY 2.0
How Many Chicken Wings Per Person for a PartyPlan about four wing pieces per guest as a snack and eight to ten as a main. Here is the pound math, a guest table and tips to keep wings hot.
Photo: “chicken wings” by stu_spivack, CC BY-SA 2.0
How Much Pulled Pork Per Person for a PartyPlan a third of a pound of cooked pulled pork per adult. Here's how much raw shoulder to buy for 10 to 100 guests and how to keep it hot.
Photo: “Pulled pork sandwich” by jeffreyw, CC BY 2.0
How Much Turkey Per Person for ThanksgivingHow many pounds of turkey to buy per guest for Thanksgiving. Real figures for whole birds and breasts plus thaw times and leftover rules.
Photo: “2009 Thanksgiving meal at the South of the Alps Dining Facility, Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy - United States Army Africa (SETAF) - 091125” by US Army Africa, CC BY 2.0