We have rounded up the basic gear for the grilling amateur and the splurges to take an experienced griller to the next level. We sought advice and suggestions from the folks at Weber and Bed Bath & Beyond and from Jane Boyd, who runs the Barbeques Galore store in Cary. These also might make good Father's Day gifts.

story by Andrea Weigl

The Basics

Oven mitt

No matter how macho you think you are, burned hands make it harder to eat a chicken wing, a hamburger or corn on the cob. We liked this Weber Barbecue Mitt, $6.99 at Target, which has a handy metal ring so it can hang on the side of your grill.

Tongs and spatula

Two essential tools for the grilling chef. We prefer tongs that lock into place so they don't take up so much space in the silverware drawer. These Chefmate 12-inch locking tongs cost $5.99 at Target. When it comes to a spatula, one with heft and a serrated edge is a good idea, just in case you have to coax food off the grill. The stainless steel one pictured at left is $9.99 at Barbeques Galore.

Pot and silicone basting brush

Once you try a silicone basting brush, you will never go back to one with bristles or cotton string. They are so much easier to clean. And go ahead and spring for the sauce pot since the set is only $12.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond.

Grill brush, cover and cleaners

"How long your grill lasts depends on how well you take care of it," Boyd says. We bought the Weber Original Brass Bristle Grill Brush for $7.99 at Target. Boyd cautions that you have to buy the correct brush and cleaner for your grill: There are different cleaners and brushes for cast-iron and stainless steel grills. Cleaners cost about $8, and grill covers run between $30 and $50.

Meat thermometer

A meat thermometer is key. While you could make do with the stick pin variety, if you have any designs on cooking hunks of meat, like a Boston Butt, at low temperatures for several hours, this is the one you want. Its probe at the end of a cable allows you to monitor the temperature inside the grill without lifting the lid and losing heat. Plus, it has a remote transmitter so you track the temperature while going to the fridge for a beer or checking on the score of the game. The Redi-Chek Remote Cooking Thermometer costs $39.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond.

The Splurges

Smoker box

This is a splurge for the gas grill owner who wants to venture into smoking meat. This cast-iron smoker box costs $12.99 at Barbeques Galore, where you also can buy the wood chips to go with it.

Grilling skillet

The N&O's Outdoors Editor, Mike Zlotnicki, says a grilling basket or skillet is "the handiest and most underrated thing one can have. It opens up small vegetables, shrimp and scallops for the average griller." We liked the design of this 12-inch round one available at Bed Bath & Beyond for $5.99.

Grill light

It always happens. The light fades before the steaks are done. You are out there trying to determine medium-rare while juggling tongs, a knife and a flashlight. Those nights are over with the purchase of this Smart BBQ Aluminum LED Grill Light that we purchased at Target for $19.99.

Charcoal chimney starter

Give up stacking the pyramid of briquettes and dousing it with lighter fluid. A charcoal chimney starter is more efficient and eliminates the need for fuel. We like Weber's Charcoal Rapidfire Chimney Starter, which costs $16.99 at Barbeques Galore.

A cookbook

Jane Boyd at Barbeques Galore recommends "Grilling for Dummies" by John Mariani and "BBQ USA," by Steve Raichlen. The latter she calls "The Bible," and we have to concur. Our copy is dog-eared and barbecue sauce-splattered. We love his recipe for South Carolina Smoked Pork Shoulder with Mustard Sauce, and his spice-scented sweet potatoes have become a staple of our Thanksgiving spread. The book costs $19.95.

Where to Buy

Barbeques Galore, 111 Crossroads Blvd. Cary, 27511 (919) 852-1126

Bed Bath & Beyond. To find a local store, go to www.bedbathandbeyond.com

Target. To find a local store, go to www.target.com

Also check local Lowe's and Home Depot stores, which have grilling sections.

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