Behind every great pitmaster is a collection of tools that make the magic happen. From heat-resistant gloves to wireless thermometers and smoke tubes that infuse flavor — the right gear doesn’t just make BBQ easier, it makes it better.
Welcome to Generals BBQ’s Equipment & Gear section, where we highlight the best tools for grilling, smoking, monitoring, and mastering outdoor cooking. Whether you’re new to BBQ or upgrading your setup, this is where precision meets performance.
🔧 Start with the Essentials: Complete BBQ Starter Kits
Before you dive into fancy accessories, it’s smart to build a strong foundation. A high-quality starter kit saves time, eliminates guesswork, and ensures you have what you need when it’s time to fire up the grill.
Our recommended guide:
In this article, we break down:
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What’s included in a quality kit (tongs, spatulas, basting brushes, probes)
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Which brands give you durability without the markup
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Whether to buy kits with tool rolls or hard cases
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The top picks for charcoal vs. gas vs. pellet users
If you’re looking for a gift for a new griller — or just want to hit the ground running — a solid starter kit is the best investment you can make.
🧤 BBQ Gloves: Handle the Heat Like a Pro
Grilling with bare hands? Not a good idea. Regular oven mitts? Not good enough.
You need gloves that are heat-resistant, flexible, and grippy — made for pitmasters, not pastry chefs.
Check out:
Inside, we cover:
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The best gloves for high-heat handling (up to 1,400°F)
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Waterproof vs. silicone vs. aramid (Kevlar-like) materials
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Gloves for meat pulling, grate lifting, and charcoal adjustment
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Which pairs offer the best dexterity without sacrificing protection
Pro tip: Owning multiple pairs — one for raw prep and another for hot handling — makes your cooks safer and more sanitary.
🌡️ Precision Cooking Starts with the Right Thermometers
Guessing meat doneness is the fastest way to ruin a steak or serve unsafe poultry. A meat thermometer is non-negotiable for serious BBQ.
We reviewed the top options here:
What’s inside:
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The best wireless probes for smoking and grilling
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Dual-probe and multi-zone options for tracking multiple cuts
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Range comparisons: Bluetooth vs. Wi-Fi
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Which brands offer easy apps with temperature alarms and logs
Whether you’re smoking brisket overnight or searing steak to medium-rare, a wireless thermometer gives you control — without hovering over the grill.
🔥 Take Control of the Fire: BBQ Temperature Controllers
Holding steady heat for 8+ hours isn’t easy — unless you have a BBQ temperature controller. These smart devices adjust airflow or fuel in real-time to keep your cook on target.
If you’re serious about low-and-slow, don’t miss:
You’ll learn:
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Which controllers fit your specific smoker (kamado, offset, drum, etc.)
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Fan power, battery life, and digital interface comparisons
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Whether to go for basic dials or app-connected automation
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Best picks for beginners vs. competition BBQ teams
Controllers aren’t just for techies — they’re for anyone who wants predictable results with less babysitting.
🌫️ Add Serious Smoke Flavor: Best Smoke Tubes
If you’re cooking on a gas grill or pellet smoker and missing that real wood flavor, smoke tubes are your secret weapon.
Start here:
This guide covers:
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How smoke tubes work with any grill type
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Which hardwood pellets give the best results
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Placement tips for maximum airflow and flavor
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Reusable vs. disposable tube options
If you want to experiment with smoke intensity, wood flavor combinations, or cold smoking, this tiny tool adds a whole new layer of BBQ complexity.
🧰 What You’ll Learn in This Section
The right BBQ tools can:
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Improve safety and reduce risk of burns or contamination
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Help you maintain consistent heat and smoke
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Speed up prep and cleanup
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Ensure meats are cooked perfectly every time
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Expand your cooking style beyond what your grill was built for
Whether you’re upgrading one tool at a time or building a dream setup, our reviews give you practical insights, not just specs and brand hype.
đź’ˇ Why Gear Matters in BBQ
You might be thinking: “Can’t I just cook with what I’ve got?”
Sure — but like any craft, having the right tools makes the job more enjoyable, more repeatable, and more fun. You wouldn’t build a house without a level. You wouldn’t cook a brisket without knowing its internal temp.
The difference between good BBQ and unforgettable BBQ?
Control, consistency, and confidence — and those all come from having the right equipment.
🔥 Next Steps
Want help mastering the tools you’ve just discovered? Pair this pillar page with:
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BBQ Techniques & Methods → – Use your gear the right way