"We seriously can't live without MEATER's digital wireless instant-read thermometer," raves Katie Flannery, COO of family-owned butcher shop Flannery Beef. "It has a narrow probe that connects to your phone via Bluetooth, and the app helps you track both the internal temperature of the meat, as well as the ambient temperature of the grill (or oven) so you're aware of doneness at all times."

In addition to the MEATER Plus model, we're also big fans of Sur La Table's 3-in-1 Thermometer, which comes with a foldable design and a backlit LCD screen so that it's easier to read in the oven or in darker environments.

"As chefs, we often rely on experience and cook by touch, but for home cooks, an instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling," adds Oumar Diouf, executive chef at Wyn Wyn in Miami. "It's one of the easiest ways to ensure chicken stays juicy, steaks are cooked to your preferred doneness and seafood isn't overcooked."

If you're serious about stir-frys, Lodge's dual-sided cast-iron griddle is a must-have for converting any grill into a flat-top cooking area. The smooth surface is perfect for pancakes, eggs, smashburgers and rice-based recipes, while the grooved side crisps hot dogs, steaks and fibrous vegetables to crunchy, smoky perfection. Cast iron is also virtually indestructible, so consider this an investment that can last a literal lifetime.

Chefs can't get enough of tongs: the must-have utensil to grab, flip and transfer ingredients as they make their way from grill to platter.

"I can't think about grilling without my Winco 9-Inch Stainless Steel Utility Tongs,” shares Jim O'Connor, executive chef at Acqua Bistecca Estero Bay. "They're an extension of my hands and essential when working over an open flame." Winco's commercial-grade, dishwasher-safe design also touts scalloped edges and a coiled spring for even easier handling and long-lasting durability.

Chef Sergio Lopez of Velas 10 at Grand Velas Los Cabos echoes O'Connor's sentiments. "My favorite grilling tool is the tongs," he reveals. "Not just because they are a grilling essential, but because every griller loves to play with them: spinning them in our hands and giving them a couple of test clicks before we start, as if that officially confirms we are ready to cook."

The KITCHENATICS Quarter-Sheet Cooling Racks can hold up to a whopping 45 pounds of weight without breaking or bending, making it ideal for larger slabs or volumes of grilled meat. "It [also] allows excess grease to drain [after cooking], O'Connor says of the contraption that can be purchased in multiple sizes. Grillers will also appreciate its versatility, as it can double as an accessories organizer, dish-drying rack, frying rack or even a pot wire rack. It's also rust-proof and dishwasher-safe for prolonged use and easy cleaning.

Lather your favorite proteins in sauces and marinades to achieve drool-worthy caramelization with a basting and pastry brush. "I rely on the OXO Good Grips Silicone Basting Brush to keep everything well-seasoned and juicy throughout the cooking process," explains O'Connor. The unique, multi-layered head design ensures odors and clumps won't be left behind, while patented center-hole bristles hold liquids like barbecue sauce for a quick and efficient transfer to food. The brush can also be used for delicate pastries as a way to add syrups and frostings.

It may be tempting to buy a classic rolling grill basket, but we've found that they don't always stay in place to guarantee consistent cooking quality. As an alternative, the Grillaholics Heavy-Duty XL Grill Basket, formulated specifically for vegetables, features triple-reinforced corner brackets that can withstand intense heat and keep ingredients in one place. It's also ideal for kebabs, chicken wings, and other dishes that demand stability so that heat and smoke can quickly and uniformly penetrate tougher exteriors to create a tender outcome.

At around $25, Weber's Rapidfire Chimney Starter is a certified steal, offering a uniquely cone-shaped bottom grate that exposes more surface area of the coals to flame for fast and even lighting. "I love it because it allows you to build a clean, even charcoal fire without lighter fluid, which means better control, better flavor and no chemical taste interfering with the food," says Executive Chef Angelo Sosa of Tía Carmen and Kembara at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Best of all, a heat shield reduces heat transfer to the handle for safer use. So many mainstream models result in unnecessary burns, but this remedies the all-too-common flaw.

A simple spatula set is a grilling necessity, and this stainless steel variety excels at flipping, turning, separating and even scraping. The set is available in three different sizes to accommodate a range of ingredients and is constructed with an ergonomic and comfortable wooden handle with a hole for easy hanging. Outside of grilling, these can also be used while cooking with pans and skillets indoors.

A dirty grill is a subpar grill. To guarantee a cooking surface that is spick and span and free of the metal bristles that are often left behind, the Grill Rescue Steam Cleaning Grill Brush is an end-of-meal game-changer. The power of steam (using only water) breaks down oily grime with a premium scraper that targets grates from all sides. The flame-resistant sponge is also easily replaceable after normal wear and tear.

Protect your hands from leaping flames, hot food and scorching pans with heat-resistant grilling gloves. The Grill Armor Oven Gloves can withstand temperatures up to a whopping 932 degrees F. They have a silicone pattern on the bottom for gripping, but they're flexible enough to give you full use of all your fingers so you can handle grilling tools without taking the gloves off.