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Grilling season rolls around every year and most people make the same mistake. They buy a grill and completely forget about the things that actually makes it work well!
A good spatula matters. A place to store your propane tank matters even more. Are you nodding right now? Same!
This list came together after scrolling through way too many backyard setups online, lol. Only the ideas that were actually doable, budget friendly and looked good in a real backyard made the cut.
You will not find anything fussy or overpriced here. Just simple upgrades that make grilling easier from the tools you use to where you store the tank.
Below are 18 ideas covering everything from thermometers to cleaning brushes. Pick a few that solve your biggest headache and go from there.
Ready to make your grill setup actually work for you this year? Let’s get into it!
GRILL ACCESSORIES LIST
Meat Thermometer Must Haves
A meat thermometer takes all the guessing out of grilling. No more cutting into a chicken breast five times to check if it’s done!
Instant read ones give a number in seconds flat. That single detail saves more dinners than people realize.
- No more guessing games
- Reads in under ten seconds
- Works on the stovetop too
Grill Basket For Veggies
Grill baskets keep vegetables from falling straight through the grates. Peppers, mushrooms and onions all cook evenly without turning into charcoal.
This one is a lifesaver for anyone who loves grilled veggies but hates chasing a stray mushroom off the coals, haha!
- Veggies stay put
- Holds up to high heat
- Dishwasher safe most nights
Cast Iron Grill Grates
Cast iron grates hold heat better than the standard ones that come with most grills. Steaks get those deep sear marks people brag about.
They do need a little seasoning care, but the payoff is worth it. This is the upgrade steak lovers do not regret.
- Sear marks for days
- Holds heat longer
- Needs a light oil coat after use
Grilling Gloves And Mitts
Grilling gloves protect hands and forearms from flare ups. Anyone who has reached over a warm grill knows exactly why these matter!
Look for ones rated for high heat, not just oven mitts pulled from the kitchen drawer.
- Flare ups do not stand a chance
- Rated past 900 degrees
- Flexible enough to flip food
Smoker Box Add On
A smoker box adds wood chip flavor to a regular gas grill. Just fill it, place it over a burner and let the smoke do the work.
Applewood and hickory are the crowd favorites here. It turns a weeknight grill session into something special.
- Smoky flavor without a smoker
- Sits right on the grates
- Reusable for years
Grill Light For Nighttime
Grilling after sunset is a whole thing in the summer, am I right? A clip on grill light solves the squinting problem instantly.
Most attach right to the handle and run on batteries. No more flashlight balanced on a patio chair, lol!
- See what you are cooking
- Clips onto most handles
- Runs on AA batteries
Rotisserie Attachment Kit
A rotisserie attachment turns any grill into a whole chicken machine. The meat bastes itself as it spins, which is basically magic.
This one takes a bit of setup the first time. After that it is smooth sailing every single time.
- Self basting genius
- Fits most kettle grills
- Motor runs on batteries
Grill Cover Protection Ideas
A grill cover protects against rain, sun and whatever the backyard decides to throw at it. Sun damage cracks plastic knobs faster than people expect.
Look for a cover with air vents built in so moisture does not get trapped underneath.
- Weather proof and simple
- Vented to prevent trapped moisture
Outdoor Grill Cart Setup
An outdoor grill cart setup gives every tool and sauce bottle a home. No more running back inside mid cook for the tongs! If you were hunting for grill cart ideas, this one is a keeper!
Look for one with a side burner or at least a big flat surface for prep. This is the piece that makes the whole backyard feel finished.
- The command center of the yard
- Includes a side prep shelf
- Weatherproof frame for outdoor use
Rolling Cart With Shelves
A rolling cart with shelves works great for smaller patios where a full cart setup is not an option. Roll it out when you need it, tuck it away when you don’t.
The bottom shelf holds propane or charcoal. The top holds plates and sauces. Simple as that.
- Small space, big help
- Locking caster wheels included
- Two tier shelving
Hanging Grill Tool Rack
A hanging tool rack keeps tongs and spatulas off the counter and within reach. This is one of the easiest grill tool storage ideas out there and it costs almost nothing to set up.
Mount it to the side of the cart or a nearby fence post. Everything hangs in a neat little row instead of buried in a drawer.
- Everything within arm’s reach
- Mounts to fence or cart
- Holds up to six tools
Magnetic Utensil Storage Strip
A magnetic strip mounted near the grill holds metal utensils without a single drawer involved. Spatulas, tongs and skewers just stick right there.
This is the trick I stole from a coworker who swore by it for the kitchen and it works just as well outside, haha!
- Sticks and stays put
- Weatherproof mounting strip
Drawer Organizer For Grilling
A drawer organizer keeps skewers, brushes and thermometer probes from turning into a tangled mess. Grab a cheap tray insert and everything gets its own little slot.
This one takes ten minutes to set up. No shame in that.
- No more tangled tools
- Removable tray for easy cleaning
Propane Tank Storage Cabinet
A dedicated cabinet keeps a propane tank out of sight and out of direct sun. This is one of the simplest propane storage tips and it makes the whole cart setup look tidier too.
Choose one with ventilation built in since tanks should never sit somewhere sealed up tight.
- Tidy tank, tidy patio
- Ventilated cabinet design
- Fits standard 20 pound tanks
Shaded Outdoor Tank Spot
Propane tanks do best in a shaded spot away from direct afternoon sun. Heat buildup is the real enemy here, not the tank itself.
A spot under a porch overhang or beside the shed works great. Simple and free.
- Cool spot, happy tank
- Keep away from direct sun
- Allow open air flow around it
Propane Tank Cover Ideas
A tank cover keeps rust and grime off a propane tank sitting outside year round. They come in fun colors too, so it does not have to look like an eyesore.
Rust tends to sneak up fast once a tank sits through one rainy season. A cover slows that whole process down.
- Rust does not stand a chance
- Waterproof fabric shell
Grill Grate Scrubbing Brush
A sturdy grate brush is the backbone of any good grill cleaning tips routine. Stiff bristles knock off stuck on bits before they turn into a permanent crust.
Brush the grates while they are still warm, right after cooking. It takes half the effort compared to scrubbing cold grates the next day.
- Scrub while it is warm
- Stainless steel bristles
- Long handle keeps hands back
Deep Clean Grill Interior
Last but definitely not least, a deep clean of the grill interior once or twice a season keeps grease buildup from becoming a fire hazard. Pull the grates, scrape the burners and empty the grease tray.
It sounds like a chore, but it takes about twenty minutes. Your next cookout will taste better for it, I promise!
- The reset your grill needs
- Takes about twenty minutes
- Prevents grease fires long term
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Giulia
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