If your idea of a great summer night involves cooking dinner on the grill but you don’t have the space for a full setup, a BBQ basket can make your life much easier.

Perhaps you cringe at the idea of all your unsightly grilling supplies detracting from your patio décor, or maybe you have to trudge up to the roof of your building every time you want to grill. Either way, keeping your supplies in a grab-and-go format in a separate space from the grill itself is a great solution. Here’s how to set up the perfect BBQ basket for easy grilling.

1. Think about what you normally grill

Many people start with the basket itself when setting up a portable grilling station, but I think that’s a bit like working backward. Instead, consider the types of foods you regularly grill and the supplies you typically need. For example, a meat thermometer is a staple if you frequently grill chicken or beef, but you’re unlikely to need one if your family is vegan.

2. What do you put in a BBQ basket?

Here are some of the basics you might want to include:

  • Tongs: Whether you need to flip food over on the grill or transfer it to a platter once cooked, you’re going to need a good pair of tongs or two. Look for sturdy ones with a secure grip. If your grill is set up with a place to hang them, look for tongs with hooks.
  • Basting set: If you often grill food that requires basting, you’ll need a basting brush. But I recommend going one step further and getting a basting set that includes a basting brush as well as a container to hold your basting material. Look for a container with a lid to keep insects out of your marinade. As for the brush, choose one with silicone bristles.
  • Grill baskets: If you plan to grill a lot of sliced vegetables or delicate fish, a folding vegetable grill basket can make the task easier and avoid the frustration of losing precious food that falls between the gaps. If you have picky eaters who don’t like food to touch, look for ones with dividers. Choose a lighter model so your BBQ basket doesn’t get too heavy, and look for dishwasher-friendly ones to make cleanup quicker.
  • Spatula: You’ll definitely need a spatula for turning over larger foods and more delicate ones that tongs might rip, such as fish. Look for one made to withstand high heat. I like the ones with a silicone grip.
  • Skewers: There’s just something about chunks of veggies and meat grilled to perfection on skewers that screams summer to me. If you feel the same way, you’ll definitely want to add some skewers to your BBQ basket. I like metal ones because they heat up quickly and ensure the middle of the food gets cooked through. Flat ones keep the food from sliding around the pole, and some even come with pushers for eating to help you keep your fingers clean while getting every last bit off the skewer.
  • Platter: Don’t make the mistake of not having a platter on hand when you’re grilling. Your meat and vegetables can quickly go from beautifully grilled to unacceptably charred in the time it takes you to run back in the house and grab a suitable platter, especially if you’re grilling on the roof, so don’t overlook this important component of your BBQ basket!
  • Serving plates, glasses & cutlery: Keep these to a minimum and store just enough for your family. If you have guests over, simply add a few extra.
  • BBQ glove: a heat resistant BBQ glove is a must.
  • Cleaning supplies: For cleaning your grill between foods and at the end of your BBQ session, you’ll need a good grill brush. Keep in mind that some grill bristle materials are prone to breaking loose or shedding, which means they can get stuck on food and cause internal injuries, so choose a safe material for your family.
  • Mozzie spray or coils: I don’t know about you, but where I live we get quite a few mosquitos in summer. Having a mosquito spray or mosquito coils is a must. Citronella candles are also quite effective.
  • Miscellaneous items: napkins, garbage bags, salt & pepper, cutting board, wine opener, bottle opener.

Choosing your BBQ basket

And finally, the basket itself… Once you’ve gathered the materials you plan to include in your BBQ basket, it’s time to find the right container. A handle is a must for convenience, and while open grates are great for letting air circulate around the contents of your basket, the bottom should be flat. If you’ll be leaving the basket in the laundry room or a closet when not in use, you might also want something with a lid.

Of course, once you start grilling this summer, you may find that your original plan needs a few adjustments, but these tips should help you put together a great starter BBQ basket!

PS: This very same BBQ basket can serve as a great way to be always ready for an outdoor cookout too!

I hope this helps you enjoy more BBQs this summer!

Love,

Nakita xxx