Ten Items Every Griller Needs

There are 10 items every griller needs if he hopes to become a successful backyard cook. It's impossible to do a great job without the proper equipment.

1. A high-quality grill. Whether you use charcoal or propane (an item of long-standing debate among grill masters), it is important that your grill be clean and placed on level ground.
2. A grill brush and scraper. These are mandatory to keep your grill shiny and clean. The easiest way to clean your grill is while it is hot, so fire it up and let any old specks still clinging to it crisp and harden before attacking the grill surface with your scraper and brush and scrubbing it clean.
3. A water bottle with a spray nozzle. You'll need to be able to put out flare-ups if you are using charcoal or douse your meat if a particularly fatty bit catches fire.
4. A long handled spatula. For flipping burgers with ease, a stainless-steel spatula is in order. Choose one with a long, wooden handle. Some spatulas have a serrated edge for scoring meat. Holes cut in the flat part allow juices to drip through.
5. Long handled tongs. You need some wooden-handled tongs to flip sausages, steaks and other pieces of meat. Make sure you don't skimp here-a pair of cheap tongs isn't worth losing a prime piece of meat over!
6. An apron. Cooking meat can spit grease a distance of several feet, so protect your clothing with a heavy apron. One with big pockets will let you carry your utensils and spices with you.
7. Grilling planks. Wooden planks can add flavor to your food and make grilling delicate fish steaks or veggies easy. Look for special planks, such as applewood or hickory.
8. A full complement of spices and condiments. You should always have salt, pepper, lemon, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and other ingredients handy to doctor your meat and veggies as you grill. Marinades can be brushed on to keep meat moist and tender throughout the grilling process.
9. Grill Charms(TM). These little metal thumbtacks can be used to keep track of cooking pieces of meat. You'll easily be able to remember which one is rare, which one is extra spicy and which one is supposed to be doused in extra marinade. (These innovative grilling aids were invented by a Southern belle who convinced the investors of the show "Shark Tank" to back her venture!)
10. A large platter. You'll need a clean surface to transfer your cooked meat to after grilling. A platter can easily be covered with foil to keep everything warm until serving. Look for one with heavy wooden handles, since a 100-percent metal one can burn your hands!

Armed with these 10 items every griller needs, your next backyard cookout is sure to be a smashing success!