Having the right storage for your grilling tools is key to keeping them organized, protected, and easy to access when it’s time to fire up the grill. With barbecuing season in full swing, it’s important to evaluate if your current grilling tool storage situation is working efficiently or if it could use an upgrade.
Should you keep grilling tools indoors or outdoors?
One of the first decisions when looking at grilling tool storage is whether to keep them indoors or outdoors. There are pros and cons to both options:
Indoors
- Protection from outdoor elements like rain, snow, etc.
- Less chance of rusting
- No chance of theft
- Easier to keep organized and tidy
Outdoors
- Always ready and waiting by the grill
- Save indoor storage space
- Promotes letting grill cool down between uses
- Can incorporate into outdoor kitchen design
For most people, keeping grilling tools indoors when not in use and bringing them out right before firing up the grill is the best approach. This protects your investment in quality grilling tools by extending their life.
Indoor grilling tool storage ideas
When storing grilling tools indoors, you’ll want to find a space near the door you use to access the backyard and grill area. This makes transporting them outside efficient. Here are some ideal places:
- Kitchen drawer – Designate a kitchen drawer near the door as the grilling tool drawer.
- Kitchen wall rack – Mount a wall rack or magnetic strip to hold essential grilling tools.
- Coat closet – Use a basket or bin to corral grilling tools in a coat closet.
- Mudroom – Place hooks or a locker in the mudroom to hang tools.
- Garage – Use a metal storage locker or utility shelf in the garage for grilling supplies.
Look for a spot that is accessible but out of the way of your regular kitchen work area. analye the layout and traffic flow of your home to find the right fit.
Tips for indoor grilling tool storage
- Use hooks – Install hooks for hanging tools like tongs, spatulas, forks, etc. This saves space and keeps them accessible.
- Try a tool roll – Roll up tools in an organized carrier for easy transport outside.
- Separate metal – Store metal grill brushes and scrapers separately from other tools to prevent scratches.
- Clean before storing – Always clean tools after using to prevent grime buildup in storage area.
- Protect surfaces – Use a tool caddy or wrap tool heads to protect drawer surfaces from grease stains.
Outdoor grilling tool storage ideas
For those who prefer to keep their grilling tools outdoors, there are many creative options to keep them handy but protected from the elements. When choosing outdoor grilling tool storage, look for solutions that are weather-resistant, secure, and coordinated with your backyard aesthetic. Ideas include:
- Mounted wall rack – Hang a stainless steel tool rack on the wall of a covered patio or grill gazebo.
- Freestanding caddy – Use a decorative metal caddy next to the grill to hold essentials.
- Grill side shelves – Many grills have side shelves and drawers to hold tools.
- Grill cart shelves – If your grill is on a cart, add a shelf for tool storage.
- Deck storage benches – Hide tools away in a deck bench with a weatherproof storage compartment.
- Patio storage chest – Use a patio storage chest to keep tools locked away but close by.
- BBQ island – Incorporate storage like drawers and cabinets into a permanent brick grill island.
Tips for outdoor grilling tool storage
- Have a cover – Store tools in an enclosed space like a cabinet or use a waterproof cover.
- Prevent rust – Use coated wire racks and hooks to reduce rust from moisture.
- Secure it – Lock away tools or bring them inside when not in use to prevent theft.
- Mind metal surfaces – Avoid setting tools with sharp or rough edges directly on metal cabinets or surfaces that could scratch.
Choosing the best grilling tools
The right grilling tools make outdoor cooking easier, safer, and more efficient. As you’re evaluating your grilling tool storage options, it’s a great time to also assess if you have the most useful essential tools. Here are the must-haves:
- Tongs – Long, sturdy tongs are essential for flipping meats and vegetables.
- Spatula – A long, wide stainless steel spatula is designed to lift and turn burgers.
- Grilling fork – Use forks to turn meats and elevate kabobs off grill grates.
- Basting brush – Mop up sauces onto foods with a basting brush.
- Skewers – Soak skewers before making kabobs or chicken satay.
- Grill brush – A stiff stainless steel brush cleans the grill grates when hot.
- Tenderizer mallet – Use a mallet before grilling to tenderize meats.
- Thermometer – Monitor temperature of food and grill with a quality probe thermometer.
- Grill gloves – Protect hands from burns while cooking with insulated gloves.
Look for well-constructed tools made from professional grade stainless steel. Invest in tools with comfortable, heat-resistant handles. Then store them in a way that protects and organizes them for easy access at grill time.
Must-have grilling tools
Here are the 5 must-have grilling tools every backyard chef needs:
- Tongs – The most used tool, essential for gripping and flipping.
- Spatula – Necessary for pressing and lifting burgers.
- Grill brush – Remove residue after cooking with a durable brush.
- Basting brush – Apply sauces and oils while grilling.
- Thermometer – Check temperature of meats and grill for safety.
Invest in high quality versions of these essential tools. Always clean after each use and store in a convenient, protected location. With the right tools and storage, backyard barbecuing will be more enjoyable and delicious.
Grilling tool sets
For the grilling enthusiast, a comprehensive grilling tool set makes a great gift or purchase. Packaged sets provide all the essential tools in one convenient kit. Sets range from basics with just the grilling must-haves to deluxe kits loaded with every accessory you could need.
When purchasing a grilling tool set, keep these tips in mind:
- Select based on number of pieces needed for your grilling frequency and methods.
- Look for sets where all pieces have matching handles for a cohesive look.
- Choose stainless steel materials and comfortable grips.
- Include storage like a case or rack to keep the set organized.
- Make sure core tools like tongs and spatula are high quality.
Some popular grilling tool set options include:
Basic Grilling Tool Set
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Basting brush
- Grill fork
- Grill cleaning brush
Grill Master Tool Set
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Basting brush
- Grill fork
- 8 Corn holders
- Wire brush
- 4 Skewers
- Storage case
Deluxe Grilling Tool Set
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Basting brush
- Grill fork
- Corn holders
- Skewers
- Cleaning brush
- Storage toolbox
- Bonus grill gloves and apron
A complete grilling tool set takes the guesswork out of choosing individual pieces and provides everything needed for amazing backyard barbecues. Just add the meat and veggies!
Creative grilling tool storage ideas
Once you’ve amassed an arsenal of top-notch grilling tools, it’s time to get creative with storage solutions. How can you corral all those essentials in a method that’s organized, easy to access, and aesthetically pleasing? Try these unique ideas:
- Repurposed tool box – Store tools in the drawer of a recycled metal tool box.
- Pegboard wall – Use a pegboard with customized hooks for hanging each tool.
- Magnetic strip – Adhere long magnetic strip inside a cabinet to attach tools.
- Hanging pots – Hang pots from a ceiling rack and place tools inside each one.
- Metal bucket – Toss tools in a sturdy metal bucket for easy carrying.
- Secret compartment – Hide tools away in a compartment behind a false drawer front.
Get creative with your storage solutions. Not only will this make your essential grilling tools more accessible and organized, but it can also add character and customization to your grilling area.
Tips for creative grilling tool storage
- Look for multipurpose items like vintage boxes or tins that can corral tools and look decorative.
- Incorporate DIY solutions like pegboards and magnetic strips to customize the space.
- Make it easy to remove tools so you can bring them right to the grilling area.
- Coordinate any built-ins like shelving with the rest of your patio or outdoor kitchen area.
- Take advantage of vertical wall space with solutions like hanging racks.
With some savvy storage solutions and DIY creativity, you can develop the perfect system for keeping grilling tools protected and organized, while also adding personalized flair to your outdoor cooking space. Get inspired and grill on!
Conclusion
Having a designated place to store grilling tools is essential for any backyard chef. The right storage approach will protect your grilling investment, prevent clutter, and allow you to easily access tools when it’s time to fire up the barbecue. Consider your needs, grilling habits, and home layout to determine if indoor or outdoor storage makes the most sense.
Ideally, keep tools in a protected indoor spot like a drawer or wall rack when not in use. Then transport them to a convenient outdoor location next to your grill just before the grilling session begins. Invest in high-quality essential grilling tools and consider getting them as a pre-packaged set. And take advantage of creative storage solutions to save space and add personalized flair.
With the proper tools and storage, you’ll be fully equipped for an easier, safer grilling experience. The only thing missing will be the sizzling steaks and veggies on the grill!
