6 BBQ tools pitmasters really use (2025)

There’s a difference between looking like a pitmaster and cooking like one. Ditch the grilling gimmicks. These are the BBQ tools that pros actually use.

Every summer companies come out with novelty grilling accessories that promise to make grilling easier. According to Christie Vanover, champion pitmaster for Girls Can Grill, most are just overpriced gadgets that end up taking up room in a drawer.

These are the BBQ tools that she uses daily, whether at a backyard cookout, a competition, or filming a recipe for Girls Can Grill.

As you’ll see most of the grill tools are pretty basic. No bells, no whistles, no complicated electronics. Just reliable gear that gets the job done every time.

Large Cutting Board

The first step in barbecue is trimming and seasoning your meat, and that starts with the right surface. Trying to prep a brisket or rack of ribs on a small cutting board isn’t just messy, it can be dangerous. A cramped board increases the risk of slips, spills and accidents. Instead, opt for a board that’s at least 18×12 inches. Vanover likes the OXO plastic cutting board because it’s non-slip and dishwasher safe.

Sheet Pans

Once your meat is seasoned, you’ll need something sturdy to carry it out to the grill. Don’t rely on flimsy, rimless cookie sheets. Instead, invest in commercial grade sheet pans. The quarter pans are 13×9 inches and great for smaller meals. Half sheet pans are 18×13 inches and better for large cuts of meat.

Aluminum Pans

Stop by any pitmasters cook site and you’ll find a stack of disposable aluminum pans. Vanover keeps them on hand for wrapping pork butts, catching drippings and serving sides. Just like the sheet pans, you can find them in varying sizes. Just make sure to look for the deep pans.

Long Tongs

Every pitmaster needs a sturdy set of long-handled tongs for flipping meat over high heat. The extended length helps keep your hands safely away from the flames. Vanover recommends testing different styles to find a pair that feels right in your hand. With petite hands, she avoids tongs that open too wide and instead opts for ones with a narrower grip for better control.

Thermapen ONE

The one tool Vanover never cooks without is the Thermapen ONE from ThermoWorks. It delivers a digital temperature reading in just one second, so she knows exactly when her meat is done. She said there are several other instant-read thermometers on the market, but none are as precise and reliable as her Thermapen. “I never pull anything off the grill without probing it first,” she said. “It’s fast, accurate and ensures my meat is cooked to perfection every time.”

Pitmaster Gloves

New for 2025, Vanover is in love with the Pitmaster Gloves from Hey Grill Hey. They fit snug like nitrile gloves but are heat resistant to 500F degrees. You can wear them while flipping meat, grabbing hot pots or even shredding pork. With sizes from small to XXL, they offer dexterity and protection for any pitmaster.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to upgrade your gear, this list of practical, proven BBQ tools will not only make the grilling process easier, but they’ll also help you achieve better results, every single cook.