The joy of grilling is definitely a timeless one. The smell of smoke, the sizzle of meat and veggies, and the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked BBQ are simply exquisite. For the BBQ enthusiast or the weekend grill master, having the right BBQ accessories is crucial. As we head into the 2024 BBQ season, the trend for fans is leaning heavily towards eco-friendly and sustainable BBQ accessories—and WoodForChef has got you covered.
Let’s take a look at the top BBQ accessories you need to have for the upcoming grillin’ season!
BBQ cedar and maple planks
Want to enhance the flavour profile of your grilled foods? Then, look no further than cedar and maple grilling planks. These are not just pieces of wood; they are your ticket to infusing your food with a smoky, woody aroma that’s hard to achieve otherwise. Whether you’re looking to bring out the authentic taste of any meat, fish or vegetable, BBQ cedar and maple planks are your best bet.
Maple grilling planks serve up a mild and slightly sweet flavour. These planks are ideal for poultry, game birds, pork, pizza, fruit, vegetables and ripened cheeses. Cedar planks for the BBQ are notoriously great for salmon, thanks to their spice and fragrant smoke flavour. Cedar planks pair equally well with pork, tofu, veggies, and soft cheeses.
Interested in WoodForChef’s premium cedar and maple grilling and smoking planks? Shop our latest collection.
How to use BBQ grilling planks
Grilling on wood planks, also known as planking, requires a few steps. When you first buy a wooden plank, check for splinters. You don’t want any wood splinters ending up in your food. If you see any, simply use some gentle sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.
Next, before any BBQ, be sure to pre-soak your grilling plank for at least an hour to prevent it from burning or catching fire. Pre-soaking will also generate some great steaming when you’re cooking your food. Want to boost the flavour of your meal even more? Try adding a touch of wine or fruit juice to your grilling plank. You can even pre-char your wood plank for a deeper flavour profile. All you have to do is put the plank on the direct side of the grill. Once it starts to blacken or smoke on both sides, it is done. If you do pre-char your plan, keep a spray bottle with water on hand to moisten it.
Tips for caring for and maintaining BBQ grilling planks
Typically, wooden BBQ planks are only good for one use. However, some high-end versions can withstand a few BBQ sessions. Once you have cooked with one, clean it with water and a soft brush. Avoid using soap to maintain the wood's natural flavours. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use.
BBQ brushes
Every grill master knows that a clean grill is crucial for ensuring the best flavours. Enter the BBQ brush, an essential tool to keep those grill grates free from residue. With the right BBQ brush, you can prevent unwanted flare-ups and ensure your food tastes as it was meant to be.
How to use a BBQ brush
After your grilling session, while the BBQ is still warm, gently scrub off anything that has been left behind using the BBQ brush in a back-and-forth motion. It’s that simple. Never leave your BBQ brush in your BBQ. Store it in a dry space away from warm ambient temperatures, rain and snow.
Tips for caring for and maintaining a BBQ brush
Clean the brush with warm soapy water after each use. Hang or place it in a way that the bristles aren’t touching any surfaces to maintain its shape. Do a periodic check for any loose bristles to ensure they don’t end up in your food.
Wooden BBQ scraper
A wooden BBQ scraper is the perfect kitchen utensil for your grill. Its all-natural design allows for effective cleaning without the risk of metal bristles getting caught up in your food. Hardwood BBQ scrapers offer higher quality, durability and performance levels than other types of BBQ scrapers.
How to use a wooden BBQ scraper
Holding the wooden BBQ scraper at an angle, apply firm pressure and push it along the grill grates. Over time, the wooden BBQ scraper will develop grooves tailored to your grill, making cleaning even smoother.
Tips for caring for and maintaining a BBQ scraper
Rinse the BBQ scraper with warm water post-use and thoroughly air dry. Avoid storing in damp areas to prevent the wood from warping and mould growth. Regularly inspect for splinters or wear. If you notice that your wooden BBQ scraper has too much wear and tear, it is time to replace it.
Wood chips for smoking
Diversifying the flavour of your grilled dishes is easy with wood chips designed for smoking. They impart a rich, smoky depth to meats, vegetables, and even cheeses. For the best results and the most decadent flavour, you should start with fresh wood chips each time you smoke food on the BBQ.
How to use a wood chips for smoking
When it comes to barbecuing, the choice of wood chips can significantly influence the flavor of the food. There's a variety of woods to choose from, with each imparting its distinct taste. Popular options include hickory, mesquite, apple, cherry, oak, pecan, and alder. Ensure that the wood chips are untreated, avoiding any wood that has been painted, stained, or chemically treated.
Before using the wood chips, there's a preparatory step that some grill enthusiasts swear by: soaking. This involves immersing the wood chips in water for about 30 minutes to an hour. The rationale behind this step is that wet wood chips produce more smoke, leading to a richer flavour. However, this is a debated practice, and not everyone agrees on its necessity.
Once the wood chips are prepared, whether soaked or dry, spread them evenly over the charcoal in your grill. If you're using a gas grill, most models have a smoker box or an area where wood chips for smoking can be placed. If your gas grill doesn't have this feature, you can make a pouch using aluminum foil, place the wood chips inside, and then poke holes in the foil. This pouch can then be placed directly under your grill.
As the BBQ heats up, the wood chips will begin to smoulder. This smoke will infuse your food with flavour. Maintaining a consistent temperature and ensuring proper ventilation so that the smoke circulates around the food.
It's generally not recommended to use wood chips more than once for smoking in a BBQ. Once wood chips have been used for smoking, they will have expended most, if not all, of their aromatic compounds that impart flavor to the food. Reusing them would not provide the same depth of flavor as fresh chips.
Tips for caring for and maintaining wood chips for smoking
After a BBQ, wood chips are often reduced to ashes or are charred, meaning they won't produce the same amount of smoke when reused. This can affect the overall smoking process and the taste of the food.
There's also a practical aspect to consider. After being used, wood chips are mixed with ash and other residues from the grilling process. Sorting out usable chips from this mixture is tedious, and their flavour has been reduced to a minimum. In a nutshell, always start with fresh wood chips for smoking.
What are the benefits of wooden BBQ accessories?
Wooden BBQ accessories aren’t just about aesthetic appeal. They offer a chemical-free grilling experience, ensuring that your food remains uncontaminated by metals or other undesirables.
Furthermore, using wood, primarily from sustainable sources, minimizes the environmental footprint of your grilling activities. WoodForChef prioritizes sustainable choices; our BBQ accessories are all FSC-certified. This certification is a testament to our commitment to sourcing wood responsibly, ensuring a brighter and greener future for all—especially BBQ fans!
Incorporating the use of wooden BBQ accessories in your grilling routine is more than just a trend; it's about making environmentally responsible choices without compromising on flavour or quality. Shop our wooden BBQ accessories today!
