7 Grill Accessories Pitmasters Say You Shouldn’t Waste Money On

Walk into any grilling aisle and you’ll see shelves lined with tools promising to “elevate your barbecue game.” The truth is, not all of them are worth your money. Pitmasters know that great grilling comes from good technique, not unnecessary gadgets. Some accessories sound helpful, but often complicate things, break too easily, or end up gathering dust in your garage. Before you load up on flashy extras, here are seven grill accessories experts say you should skip.

1. Oversized Grill Cleaning Robots

Grill-cleaning robots look fun and futuristic, but they rarely live up to their price tag. They’re marketed as hands-free solutions, yet pitmasters say they often miss charred spots, especially along the edges where grease builds up most. Many models struggle with heavy debris and leave you re-cleaning by hand anyway. On top of that, the motors and brushes wear out faster than you’d expect under high-heat residue. A stiff wire brush or even a ball of foil on tongs does the job better, costs far less, and lasts longer. Save your money here and invest in a sturdy scraper instead.

2. Disposable Grill Mats

Disposable grill mats promise non-stick cooking and easy cleanup, but they create more problems than they solve. Pitmasters argue they block direct flame contact, which means you lose that signature smoky char and flavor. Mats also warp or tear quickly under high heat, leading to uneven cooking. They may even trap grease, which increases flare-up risk rather than reducing it. Cleaning them isn’t as simple as advertised; either grease or sauce clings stubbornly. Heavy-duty grates brushed clean after each use give better results and let your food actually taste grilled.

3. Single-Purpose Skewer Racks

At first glance, skewer racks seem clever. They promise perfectly cooked kabobs without sticking to the grates. But in practice, they’re bulky, hard to clean, and limit what you can cook at once. Pitmasters say you end up crowding the grill, which makes heat distribution uneven. Plus, standard metal skewers placed directly on the grates work just fine and are easier to store. The racks don’t improve flavor or consistency enough to justify the price or the extra storage space. Skip the rack and keep a few sturdy skewers on hand instead.

4. Battery-Powered Charcoal Starters

Battery-powered charcoal starters claim to light coals faster, but they rarely outperform a simple chimney starter. Most rely on weak fans or heating coils that drain batteries quickly or burn out altogether. Pitmasters agree that a chimney starter is cheaper, lasts longer, and consistently lights briquettes without hassle. On windy days, the battery versions often fail altogether. Instead of fumbling with recharging or replacing batteries, stick to proven tools that harness airflow and heat naturally. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time grilling.

5. High-Tech Bluetooth Meat Thermometers with Multiple Probes

There’s nothing wrong with a quality thermometer, but pitmasters warn against overcomplicating it with too many gadgets. Bluetooth models with four or more probes and constant app alerts sound impressive but often create more frustration than clarity. Connections drop, batteries drain fast, and not all sensors stay accurate under high heat. A reliable instant-read thermometer gives you the precise information you actually need without distractions. Spend on quality, not bells and whistles, and you’ll end up with more consistent results and fewer technical headaches.

6. Grill-Top Pizza Stones Marketed for “Authentic” Flavor

Pizza stones made for grills are another accessory that looks useful but often fails in practice. They crack under sudden heat changes, especially on gas grills, and rarely deliver the crispy crust they promise. Pitmasters note that most home grills don’t get hot enough to mimic wood-fired ovens anyway. What you end up with is a soggy bottom crust or worse, a shattered stone in your grill. A cast-iron skillet or heavy steel plate can withstand heat better and deliver more consistent results for grilled pizza or flatbreads.

7. Fancy Marinade Injectors with Multiple Attachments

Marinade injectors sound like a way to add deep flavor quickly, but the multi-attachment sets often gather dust after one or two uses. Pitmasters argue that unless you’re smoking whole hogs or massive cuts, these injectors don’t add much value. They clog easily, are frustrating to clean, and don’t deliver noticeably better results than a good marinade soak or dry rub. For everyday grilling, patience and seasoning win out over fancy gadgets. Unless you’re regularly cooking competition-sized meats, this tool isn’t worth the drawer space.