If you’re looking to up your grilling skills this summer, investing in a handful of well-made essentials is all you need

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Whether you’re firing up the grill for quick weeknight burgers or setting off on an all-day smoked barbecue, cooking outdoors is more enjoyable with the right tools. A good set of essentials can help you prep efficiently, nail the perfect medium rare without guessing and even speed up cleanup.

But you don’t need one of those oversized grilling kits packed with a dozen gadgets built for looks, such as hulking tongs, and oversized grilling forks that pierce meat and spill juices. In reality, cooking outside requires many of the same tools you would use in your kitchen, so you’re better off investing in a handful of well-made essentials. After years of testing grills, griddles, smokers and accessories, these are the ones that have earned a permanent place on my patio – and many see just as much use indoors.