Meat Thermometers and Grilling Accessories Worth Owning
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If you buy one grilling accessory, make it a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking chicken, pork and steak, and helps you avoid both undercooked and overcooked food. This guide covers thermometer types and a short list of other accessories that are genuinely useful.
| Photo | Product | Best For | Key Spec | Price | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Charbroil Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer | Best Overall | Fast fold-out stainless probe | ~$30 10% Off 1st Order Signup | View Deal → |
 | Charbroil Universal Grill Rotisserie Kit | Best Value | Electric motor + 1-piece rod | ~$70 10% Off 1st Order Signup | View Deal → |
 | Charbroil Stainless Steel Smoker Box | Best Value | Heavy-gauge vented stainless | ~$9 10% Off 1st Order Signup | View Deal → |
 | Charbroil Heavy-Duty Griddle & Cast-Iron Skillet Meat Press | Best Value | Weighted cast-iron press | ~$20 10% Off 1st Order Signup | View Deal → |
 | Charbroil 12" Performance Series Cast-Iron Griddle Insert | Best Value | Heavy reversible cast iron | ~$50 10% Off 1st Order Signup | View Deal → |
 | Charbroil Universal Large Grill Cover | Best Value | Sealed-seam all-weather fabric | ~$35 10% Off 1st Order Signup | View Deal → |
Types of thermometers
Instant-read thermometers are handheld probes that give a reading in a few seconds. Faster and more accurate models cost more, but even an inexpensive one is a big improvement over guessing. They are ideal for steaks, chops, burgers and chicken pieces.
Leave-in probe thermometers stay in the meat while it cooks, with a cable or wireless connection to a display or phone. They are useful for roasts, whole birds and long smokes, because you can watch the temperature without opening the lid. Many models also include a probe to monitor the grill or smoker temperature.
Wireless probes with no cable are convenient, but check the range and battery life, especially if you will be inside while the meat cooks.
Safe temperatures
The USDA publishes safe minimum internal temperatures. As of this writing, it lists 165°F for poultry, 160°F for ground meats, and 145°F for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb and veal, with a three-minute rest. Check the USDA's current guidance for details. Many people prefer steaks cooked to different doneness levels, but the thermometer helps you hit your target either way.
Other accessories worth owning
If you are still choosing a grill, start with our charcoal vs. gas vs. pellet grill guide. Long-handled tongs give you control without getting too close to the heat. A sturdy grill brush or scraper keeps the grates clean; many people now prefer bristle-free designs, or inspect wire brushes carefully for loose bristles. A chimney starter lights charcoal quickly without lighter fluid. Heat-resistant gloves make it safer to move grates and chimney starters. A grill cover protects your investment from Midwest weather.
Picks worth a closer look
ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE
A premium instant-read thermometer known for fast readings and a durable build.
ThermoWorks ThermoPop or Lavatools Javelin
Lower-priced instant-read thermometers that are popular for everyday use.
MEATER wireless probe
A cable-free leave-in probe that connects to a phone app for roasts and long cooks.
Weber Rapidfire chimney starter
A simple way to light charcoal without lighter fluid.
Heat-resistant grilling gloves
Useful for moving hot grates, chimney starters and cast iron.
Where to buy
These are specific grilling products available from a retailer we partner with. We have not tested them; compare them against the advice above before buying.
Charbroil Instant-Read Digital Meat Thermometer
Folding stainless-steel probe thermometer with backlit LCD readout and auto-shutoff for checking steaks, burgers, and poultry.
- Fast fold-out stainless probe
- Backlit LCD for night grilling
- Check current Charbroil stock and seasonal bundle sizing before ordering
Charbroil Universal Grill Rotisserie Kit
One-piece motorized rotisserie rod with two 4-prong meat forks that fits most 2- to 6-burner gas and charcoal grills.
- Electric motor + 1-piece rod
- Dual 4-prong heavy meat forks
- Season cast-iron surfaces and cover between snowy cookouts
Charbroil Stainless Steel Smoker Box
Vented stainless-steel wood-chip box that turns any gas or charcoal grill into a smoke chamber without flare-ups.
- Heavy-gauge vented stainless
- Works on gas or charcoal grills
- Season cast-iron surfaces and cover between snowy cookouts
Charbroil Heavy-Duty Griddle & Cast-Iron Skillet Meat Press
Weighted press for searing crusty smash burgers, bacon, and steaks in a cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle.
- Weighted cast-iron press
- Crisp smash-burger edges
- Season cast-iron surfaces and cover between snowy cookouts
Charbroil 12" Performance Series Cast-Iron Griddle Insert
Heavy cast-iron reversible griddle plate that drops onto grill grates for searing smash burgers, fajitas, and breakfast.
- Heavy reversible cast iron
- Drops onto existing grates
- Season cast-iron surfaces and cover between snowy cookouts
Charbroil Universal Large Grill Cover
Heavy-duty sealed-seam weather cover with side closure straps for protecting 3- to 4-burner grills through Midwest winters.
- Sealed-seam all-weather fabric
- Side closure wind straps
- Season cast-iron surfaces and cover between snowy cookouts
The bottom line
Start with an instant-read thermometer, add a leave-in probe if you roast or smoke, and round out your kit with good tongs, a cleaning tool, a chimney starter if you use charcoal, and heat-resistant gloves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an instant-read thermometer and a leave-in probe?
An instant-read thermometer gives a fast spot check in a few seconds for steaks, burgers and chicken pieces, while a leave-in probe stays in the meat to monitor internal temperature continuously during roasts and long smokes.
How do I protect my grill outdoors during Midwest winters?
Let the grill cool completely, clean the grates and grease tray, shut off the propane tank and cover the grill with a fitted, weather-resistant grill cover.