{"id":711,"date":"2020-07-18T23:45:54","date_gmt":"2020-07-18T15:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/?p=711"},"modified":"2023-04-14T11:46:41","modified_gmt":"2023-04-14T03:46:41","slug":"23-meat-smoking-accessories","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.meatsmokinghq.com\/23-meat-smoking-accessories\/","title":{"rendered":"Meat Smoking Accessories: Dozens Of Essential Tools Every Pitmaster Owns)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If you want to smoke meat to perfection, first, you need the right tools and accessories. These tools can range from essential items like a good meat thermometer and charcoal chimney, to more specialized tools like a rib rack or a sous-vide machine. I’ve put together a massive list of the most useful meat smoking accessories that every pitmaster should consider adding to their arsenal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A meat thermometer is an essential tool for any pitmaster because it allows you to accurately measure the temperature of your smoker and the internal temperature of the meat you are cooking. The built-in thermometers on smokers are often inaccurate, so it’s best to use a separate, high-quality meat thermometer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Digital thermometers with programmable alarms can alert you when the target temperature has been reached and are especially useful for ensuring food safety. There are various types of meat thermometers available, ranging in price and technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A simple dual-probe thermometer costs around $50, while more advanced models with WiFi and Bluetooth capabilities can cost upwards of $300. An instant-read thermometer is also a useful tool for pitmasters, as it allows you to quickly and accurately check the temperature of different areas of the meat during the cooking process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the TP20, the best of the affordable thermometers on the market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n ThermoPro TP20<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A charcoal chimney, also known as a charcoal starter, is another essential tool for pitmasters who use a charcoal smoker. It’s the safest and easiest way to start a charcoal fire without using lighter fluid, which can affect the taste of the food and be dangerous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A charcoal chimney is a metal cylinder with holes for airflow, and it’s used to hold and light the charcoal. Chimneys come in different sizes and are a useful tool for measuring and managing the coals for your smoker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n An instant-read thermometer is another essential tool for pitmasters, as it allows you to quickly and accurately check the temperature of different areas of the meat during the cooking process. While a remote digital thermometer will give you an indication of the overall temperature of the meat, an instant-read thermometer can give you fast and accurate readings in multiple areas of the meat, which is especially important for ensuring food safety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meat has uneven surfaces, so it cooks unevenly, and it’s full of harmful bacteria that can be dangerous if not properly cooked. An instant-read thermometer removes the guesswork and ensures that your meat is not only tender and delicious, but also safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n High-quality thermometers, like those made by ThermoWorks, will give fast, accurate readings within a few seconds. Avoid cheaper thermometers that may be inaccurate or take up to 30 seconds to give a reading. For more information on instant-read thermometers, check out my guide on the 5 best options available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best instant read thermometer in terms of reliability, accuracy and affordability: TP19 by ThermoPro<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat-resistant gloves are a must-have for any pitmaster. Smoking meat requires handling hot equipment and materials, such as the smoker itself, red-hot grates, and burning coals or wood. Oven mitts and dish cloths are not sufficient for this type of work, as they do not provide enough protection against heat and flames.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To ensure your safety while smoking meat, it is essential to invest in a pair of heat-resistant gloves. These gloves are specially designed to withstand high temperatures and protect your hands from burns. You can find them at a hardware store or online, and they come in a variety of materials, including silicone and leather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many also have a cotton lining for added comfort. Investing in a good pair of heat-resistant gloves will not only keep you safe while smoking meat, but it will also make the job easier and more enjoyable. Beast Armour<\/a> are a best seller on Amazon, or basic welding gloves<\/a> are also suitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\nItem<\/th> Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead> Meat Thermometer<\/td> A device used to measure the internal temperature of meat while it is being cooked. Can be a simple duel-probe thermometer or a more advanced wireless thermometer with Bluetooth or WiFi capability.<\/td><\/tr> Charcoal Chimney<\/td> A metal cylinder with holes in the sides to allow airflow, used for safely and easily starting a charcoal fire without the use of lighter fluid.<\/td><\/tr> Instant-Read Thermometer<\/td> A thermometer used to quickly and accurately measure the internal temperature of meat in different areas during the final stages of cooking.<\/td><\/tr> Meat Injector<\/td> A syringe-like device used to inject marinades, brines, or other liquid into meat to add flavor and moisture.<\/td><\/tr> Butcher Paper<\/td> A type of paper used to wrap meat during cooking, popularized by barbecue guru Aaron Franklin. Can be used as an alternative to foil and helps to retain moisture while also allowing smoke to penetrate the meat.<\/td><\/tr> Mop Brush & Bucket<\/td> Mopping is a barbecue technique used to add flavor and moisture to the meat. This is done with a small brush that looks like a mini mop. <\/td><\/tr> Grill Grates<\/td> Removable metal grates that fit over a grill or smoker, used to cook meat directly over the heat source. Can be made of different materials such as stainless steel, porcelain-coated steel, or cast iron.<\/td><\/tr> Grill Baskets<\/td> A basket-like container with holes, used to hold small or delicate items such as vegetables or seafood while grilling. Allows for easy flipping and prevents food from falling through the grill grates.<\/td><\/tr> Grill Mats<\/td> Thin, non-stick sheets that can be placed on top of grill grates, used to prevent small items from falling through and to make cleaning easier.<\/td><\/tr> Grill Toppers<\/td> A metal or wire rack that fits over the grill grates, used to hold small items such as shrimp or vegetables while grilling. Can also be used as a makeshift griddle for cooking items such as eggs or bacon.<\/td><\/tr> Electric Knives<\/td> A knife with a motorized blade, used to easily slice through large cuts of meat such as brisket or turkey. Can help achieve even and precise slices.<\/td><\/tr> Rib Rack<\/td> A metal rack that holds ribs upright, allowing for more ribs to be cooked in a smaller space such as a smoker. Can help ensure even cooking but may result in uneven surface cooking.<\/td><\/tr> Vertical Chicken Roaster<\/td> A metal rack that holds a whole chicken in an upright position, used to cook the chicken evenly and help achieve crispy skin.<\/td><\/tr> Grill Tools<\/td> A long-handled utensil with scissor-like jaws, used to flip and handle food on a grill or smoker. Can be made of different materials such as stainless steel or silicone.<\/td><\/tr> Heavy Duty Aluminium Foil<\/td> A thick, durable foil used to wrap meat during cooking, often referred to as the “Texas Crunch.” Helps to retain moisture and prevent meat from drying out during the final stages of a low and slow cook.<\/td><\/tr> Poultry Rack<\/td> A metal rack used to hold poultry such as chicken or turkey while cooking, allowing for even smoke and preventing sticking<\/td><\/tr> Injection Marinade<\/td> A marinade that is injected into the meat using a special injector tool. This helps infuse flavor and moisture into the meat.<\/td><\/tr> Barbecue Aprons<\/td> Protective clothing worn while cooking to protect clothes from spills and splatters.<\/td><\/tr> Pellet Smoker Insulation Blankets<\/td> Insulating blankets designed to fit around pellet smokers to help maintain heat and improve cooking efficiency.<\/td><\/tr> Dry Rubs<\/td> A mixture of spices and herbs that is applied to the surface of the meat before cooking to add flavor.<\/td><\/tr> Barbecue Sauces<\/td> A condiment used for basting or as a finishing sauce for grilled or smoked meat.<\/td><\/tr> Sous Vide Equipment<\/td> A method of cooking where food is vacuum sealed and cooked in a water bath at a precise temperature. Sous-vide is the best way to reheat leftover barbecue. <\/td><\/tr> Vacuum Packing Machine<\/td> A machine used to remove air from a bag or container to preserve the freshness of the food inside. Works well with a sous-vide machine for storing and reheating leftovers. <\/td><\/tr> Vacuum Packing Bags<\/td> Bags specifically designed to be used with a vacuum packing machine to remove air and preserve the freshness of the food inside.<\/td><\/tr> Trimming Knife<\/td> Specifically designed for trimming excess fat and sinew from cuts of meat, including brisket. It is typically a small, sharp knife with a thin, flexible blade that allows the user to make precise cuts and remove excess fat from the meat.<\/td><\/tr> Brisket Knife<\/td> A long, thin knife with a sharp, narrow blade that allows the user to make precise cuts through the thick, tough brisket. <\/td><\/tr> Smoking tubes, boxes & pouches<\/td> Smoking tubes, pouches and boxes hold wood pellets, wood chips or sawdust to add extra smoke flavor to food when cooking in a smoker.<\/td><\/tr> Meat claws<\/td> Shaped like bear claws, meat shredders are used to make dishes like pulled pork. They are also useful in moving hot meat on and off the grill. <\/td><\/tr> Heat resistant gloves<\/td> These gloves allow you to safely handle hot items such as red-hot grates, pouring in coals, and tossing wood into the fire.<\/td><\/tr> Grill brush<\/td> This tool helps remove stuck-on food and grease from the cooking grates. This improves the flow of heat and smoke in the smoker.<\/td><\/tr> Fire Proof Mats<\/td> A fire proof barbecue mat is a type of mat that is specifically designed to be used to sit under a grill or barbecue. It is made of a heat-resistant material that can withstand the occasional charcoal spill or flying ember. These mats are especially useful if your smoker sits on a wooden deck. <\/td><\/tr> Pink Butcher Paper<\/td> Used for wrapping meat in the final stages of a low and slow cook. Paper is sometimes preferred to foil because it allows the meat to breathe, and preserves the bark more than foil. <\/td><\/tr> Aluminium Foil<\/td> Also used to wrap meat in the final stages, foil traps steam in the meat helping the meat to cook faster. <\/td><\/tr> Zip-Lock Bags<\/td> Useful for marinading meat prior to cooking. Also can be used for storing barbecue leftovers, and sous-vide cooking. <\/td><\/tr> Pepper Grinder<\/td> Ideal for Texas-style salt and pepper rubs. A grinder allows you to make large batches of pepper grinder to a specific mesh size. <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 1. Meat Thermometer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Charcoal Starter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Instant-Read Thermometer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
4. Heat-Resistant Gloves<\/h2>\n\n\n\n