The Five Grilling Gadgets You Need This Summer

Memorial Day weekend has come and gone, and while you may feel sad about having to go back to work Tuesday, you still have something to be happy about: Grilling season is officially upon us! Check out these awesome grilling gadgets that are sure to make your backyard the go-to spot every sunny afternoon.

60 Second Charcoal Starter

If you're not interested in grilling the "easy way" with one of those instant-on propane grills, this is the perfect tool to get your charcoal grill started without all the waiting, relighting, and copious lighter fluid squirting. It's a Hammacher Schlemmer exclusive in the United States, and works similar to paint-stripping hot-air guns. The electric, button-operated wand shoots hot air out its end at a scorching 1,290 degrees Fahrenheit to get the coals started without the use of lighter fluid. It's a great addition to a charcoal grill, and costs just about as much as one, at $80.

Grillslinger BBQ Tool Belt

Of course getting the grill going is only step one. After that, you need the proper grilling tools. And it doesn't hurt to have a batman-style utility belt to keep them all handy. The Grillslinger comes with a "Pro Flipper" (spatula), "Grill Knife" (meat cleaver), and "Speed Tongs" (tongs). It keeps them all snug - and hands-free - around your waist. Just remember that after you use these tools and flip them back into your belt, you're going to have some greasy cleanup to do. Looking heroic while grilling will cost you, though. It's $99.

Monogrammed Barbecue Branding Iron

Some cool tools for the grill are maybe a little unnecessary. But they're fun, and fun is what grilling is all about. This branding iron, also from Hammacher Schlemmer, is a great way remind your guests just who made that steak for them. It comes with up to three characters (including an ampersand, if your grilling set-up is a joint project) that are laser cut on to the brand at ¾ an inch high. Just heat it up over the coals or an open flame and start branding (just the steaks, please)! It comes personalized for $59.

Grillbot

Cleaning up afterwards is a pain, but if you can have a Roomba for your home, why not have one for your grill? Enter Grillbot, the robotic grillbrush, which launched in January this year. This cute little fellow scurries along on top of your grill's grates, with three electric-powered motors spinning three brushes. Just like the Roomba, it's push-button activated and has a rechargeable battery. It'll stop and beep when its finished with its five to seven minute clean cycle. After the Grillbot's done, you can remove the brushes and pop them into the dishwasher. You can even put Grillbot on a still-warm grill - it operates at up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit - but don't torture the little guy by putting him on open flames. It costs $99.

GrillFloss

Sometimes a Grillbot (or the less fun manual grill brush) just won't finish the job. Stuck-on grease can be a real pain to brush off, so just like the dentist says - always floss whenever you brush. GrillFloss is designed to wrap around each grill rod and scrape away the grill's "plaque," which builds up on the top, sides and bottom of the rods. You just pivot the head to scrape each side of the grill rod and you're grit-free. Such a simple but useful tool costs you $25.

(via Cool Material, Chow.com, and Gizmodo)