The Best BBQ Accessories for Summer Entertaining

The Best BBQ Accessories for Summer Entertaining

Summer is the perfect time to fire up the BBQ and enjoy outdoor entertaining with family and friends! In this blog, we'll explore the best BBQ supplies and accessories to take your summer gatherings to a whole new level! From must-have grilling tools to top-quality BBQ supplies, we've got you covered with everything you need for a successful cookout with friends, family and loved ones. Plus, we'll share expert tips on how to clean a BBQ so it's spotless and ready for your next party.

Whether you're hosting a casual get-together or a big summer bash, our top picks and useful information below will ensure your BBQ is prepped and perfect for summer entertaining!




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How To Clean A BBQ

Before we start listing our top picks for the best BBQ accessories, cleaning your BBQ regularly is essential to maintain its performance and hygiene. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to clean a BBQ effectively:

  1. Turn Off & Cool Down - Ensure your BBQ is off and cool to the touch before you can start cleaning. If you've been previously grilling, then wait until it cools to a safe temperature.
  2. Remove the Grates & Plates - Take out the cooking grates, heat plates and any other removable parts such as burners or drip trays. This makes it easier to clean them thoroughly.
  3. Scrape Off Food Residue - Use a grill brush or scraper to remove stuck-on food and grease from the grates. Pay extra attention to the spaces in between the grill bars where food can easily get lodged.
  4. Soak the Grates & Plates - Fill up a bucket or large sink with warm soapy water and then soak the grates, heat plates and other removable parts for about 10-15 minutes to loosen up stubborn grime.
  5. Scrub & Rinse - After giving them enough time to fully soak, begin scrubbing the grates and plates with a sponge or a scrub brush to remove any remaining debris. Once finished, rinse them thoroughly with water.
  6. Clean the BBQ Interior - While the grates are soaking, scrape the inside of the BBQ using a scraper or brush to remove built-up grease and burnt residue. For a deeper clean, use a BBQ-specific cleaner.
  7. Wipe Down the Exterior - Use a cloth and soapy water to clean the outside of the BBQ. For stainless steel surfaces, you can use a specialised stainless steel cleaner to maintain the shine.
  8. Clean the Drip Tray - Empty and clean the drip tray of any grease and debris, then wash it with warm soapy water. Be sure to dry it thoroughly before placing it back.
  9. Reassemble & Heat the BBQ - Once everything is clean and dry, reassemble the BBQ. Turn it on for 10-15 minutes to burn off any cleaning residues before your next use.

By following these steps, your BBQ will be clean and ready for your next summer cookout!




How To Clean A BBQ Plate

Cleaning the BBQ plate thoroughly ensures it remains in top condition and ready for your next cookout. If you haven't given your BBQ a good clean in a while, then here are some detailed steps on how to clean a BBQ plate correctly:

  1. Scrape Off Food & Grease - Use a sturdy BBQ scraper or spatula to remove stuck-on food bits and grease. Scrape across the surface, focusing on areas where food is most stuck. For hard-to-reach corners or edges, use a grill brush or smaller scraper.
  2. Soak in Soapy Water - Fill a large container or a sink with warm water and add dish soap. Submerge the BBQ plate and let it soak for 15-20 minutes as this will help loosen any remaining grease and food debris, making it easier to scrub off.
  3. Scrub the BBQ Plate - After soaking, use a non-abrasive scrubber, grill brush or sponge to thoroughly clean the surface of the BBQ plate. Make sure to scrub in circular motions to lift off grease and any charred residue. Avoid using steel wool or harsh abrasives, as these can scratch the plate.
  4. Rinse the BBQ Plate - Once fully scrubbed, rinse the BBQ plate with clean water to wash away soap and loosened debris. Ensure all soap suds and residue are removed to prevent any odd tastes or odours during your next BBQ.
  5. Dry Thoroughly - Use a clean towel or cloth to completely dry the BBQ plate. Ensuring the plate is dry is crucial to preventing rust, especially if your BBQ plate is made from cast iron or steel.
  6. Re-season the BBQ Plate (if applicable) - If your BBQ plate is cast iron or prone to rusting, re-season it by lightly coating the surface with a high-heat oil such as vegetable oil. Spread a thin layer across the surface with a paper towel. Re-heating the BBQ plate briefly (about 10-15 minutes) can help the oil bond, creating a non-stick and rust-resistant surface.



The Best BBQ Supplies You Need This Summer

Get ready to elevate your summer cookouts with the best BBQ supplies! In this section, we'll cover must-have accessories including grill brushes, long tongs, serving boards, steak knives, thermometers and many more. By having the best BBQ supplies, you'll be fully prepared to entertain friends and family all summer long, ensuring every BBQ cookout you host is a hit!




A Solid Grill Brush For Easy Cleaning and Maintenance

After each cooking session, a solid grill brush is essential to keep your BBQ in top condition and ensure even cooking next time. This is why the Wiltshire BBQ Tools Barb-B-Brush is a must-have for any BBQ enthusiast! This sturdy BBQ grill brush is designed to reach every nook and cranny of your BBQ, effortlessly removing excess food and grease build-up from racks and grates. The durable bristles of the Wiltshire Barb-B-Brush make cleaning fast and easy, giving your BBQ the deep clean it needs after every use. Make BBQ maintenance simple with a solid grill brush and make sure your BBQ is always ready to go when you are!




Long-Handled Tongs For Effortless Cooking and Serving

A pair of long-handled tongs is essential for BBQ cooking because they allow you to handle food easily without the risk of burning your fingers. The extended length keeps your hands safely away from the hot grill, giving you full control while flipping burgers, turning steaks or moving veggies. The Cooking With Colour 18" BBQ Tongs are a fantastic choice, thanks to their long handles that protect your hands from the intense heat of the grill. Designed for comfort and grip, these tongs make BBQing safer and more enjoyable, ensuring you can cook confidently without getting too close to the flames.

BBQ Tongs



A Cooking Thermometer

Using a cooking thermometer is crucial when BBQing because it's the only way to know exactly how your steaks, sausages and other meats are cooking. It ensures you will never overcook or undercook food when entertaining this summer, delivering perfect results every time. The Salter Heston Blumenthal Digital Instant Read Thermometer is a must-have for BBQ enthusiasts, offering precise instant temperature readings so you can confidently grill to perfection. Whether you like your steak rare or well-done, this reliable cooking thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking, ensuring your BBQ is a hit with perfectly cooked meats every time.




A No Stick BBQ Mat top Protect From Messes and Make Cooking Easy

Ensure you invest in and use a non-stick BBQ mat to make cooking and cleaning easy. Minimise stuck on messes and protect your surface from fatty stains and oils with a BBQ mat. The Smith + Nobel 5 Pice BBQ Mat Set is a fantastic value choice for all your barbecue needs.




A Good Set Of Steak Knives

A good set of steak knives is a top pick when searching for the best BBQ accessories, as high-quality steak knives ensure your guests can enjoy their meals without struggling to cut through their food with cutlery that isn't up to the job. The Cooking With Colour 4 Piece Steak Knife Set is a must-have addition to your BBQ arsenal, featuring sharp, serrated blades that effortlessly glide through steak and other meats. This set includes four stylish knives, each designed for comfort and precision, making mealtime a pleasure for everyone at your table!




Stainless Steel Skewers

Stainless steel skewers are a fantastic choice for hosting a BBQ, as they can handle a variety of foods from juicy meats to vibrant vegetables and even seafood. Their sturdy design allows for easy flipping and turning of skewered items on the grill, ensuring even cooking and preventing food from falling apart. This is why the OXO 6-Piece Grilling Skewer Set is an excellent option, featuring flat, wide skewers that keep food securely in place while grilling. Durable and reusable, these skewers make BBQing both convenient and eco-friendly, perfect for your next outdoor gathering.




BBQ Tool Set

Having a BBQ tool set on hand is essential when entertaining, as it includes everything you need to host a successful cookout. A comprehensive toolset ensures you're fully equipped to manage the grill, flip burgers and serve up delicious meals without any stress or fuss. The Smith + Nobel Traditional 18-Piece Stainless Steel BBQ Toolset is an excellent choice, as it comes complete with essential BBQ supplies such as a spatula, tongs, grill brush, skewers, basting brushes and more. Its convenient carrying case makes it easy to keep your tools organised and transport them to any outdoor gathering, ensuring you're always ready to cook!

BBQ Accessories



Serving Boards

Serving boards are one of the best BBQ accessories to have at your next gathering, as they elevate the presentation of your delicious grilled meats and sides. BBQ serving boards not only provide a stylish way to serve food but also create an impressive display for your guests. The Tempa Atticus BBQ Slate Serving Board is an excellent choice, made from high-quality slate that offers a sleek and sophisticated look. Its durable surface is perfect for serving a variety of dishes, ensuring your BBQ feast is as visually appealing as it is delicious!




Food Warmer

A food warmer is an often overlooked BBQ accessory that every cook should have when catering to large gatherings. Designed to keep your delicious steaks, sausages and other grilled favourites warm while you wait for sides and additional dishes to finish cooking, it ensures everything is served hot and together for an unforgettable dining experience. The Pyrolux 4.7L Stainless Steel Food Warmer is a fantastic choice, featuring double-wall insulation to effectively regulate the temperature inside. This durable food warmer is perfect for keeping your BBQ fare warm until you're ready to serve, making it an essential addition to your entertaining arsenal.




Find All The Best BBQ Supplies & Accessories Harris Scarfe

Keep these top picks for the best BBQ supplies in mind to make sure that your next BBQ goes off without a hitch when entertaining family, guests and loved ones this summer. Visit us online or in-store to shop our entire range of barbecue supplies, and head over to the Hub for more cooking ideas and inspiration so you can get creative in your kitchen or BBQ area!


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