Grilling Terminology:

So you're new to grilling and haven't quite caught on to the lingo - That's okay! We've compiled a list of common grilling terms to help you get the hang of it.

We're always adding more, but if you see something that's missing, or have some local slang you'd like to add - Shoot us a message and we'll be happy to throw it on here.

Happy Grilling!

Ash tool: A metal grilling tool which can be used to stir and remove ashes from the lower grill

Brine: A mixture of salt and water used to improve the flavor, texture and moisture content of cuts of meat through absorption

Brisket: A flavorful, tough cut of meat from the breast or lower chest of a cow that is popularly cooked at low temperature for hours over indirect heat

Briquette: A type of charcoal that has been created by tightly compacting various combustibles into a compact brick

Charcoal: Charcoal is the most common alternative to gas for fueling BBQs and is made from carbonized wood

Charcoal chimney: A device used to preheat charcoal before grilling

Direct heat cooking: A grilling method in which the food is cooked directly over the heat source

Drip pan: A foil or metal pan placed under food to catch drips and prevent flare-ups, regularly used when grilling indirectly

Flare-ups: Large flames that are caused by juices and fats dripping onto hot charcoal below

Flat topper: A flat cooking surface that is a cross between a griddle and a grill

Grid lifter: A BBQ tool for moving & relocating cooking grates

Grill basket: A metal tray with holes or slits that is used to grill foods that may otherwise fall through the grill grates

Grill brush: A tool used for grill cleaning, often with metal bristles, but also come in bristle-free varieties

Grill fork: A grilling tool used for spearing and  turning food on the grill

Grill gloves: Heat resistant gloves that provide additional heat resistance and non-slip grip for handling hot objects

Grill mat: A non-stick heat resistant mat used for grilling or baking objects that would normally stick to the grill or fall through the grates

Grill tong: A grilling tool used for picking up and moving food items on the BBQ

Grilling planks: A wooden board used to hold food while it is being grilled to add additional flavor and moistness

Grilling stone: A stone, often made from charcoal for baking foods on the grill such as pizza

Indirect heat cooking: A grilling method in which the food is cooked off to the side of the flame and not over direct heat, often used for smoking or roasting

Kettle grill: Rounded charcoal grill with a lid that can be used for direct or indirect methods

Marinade: A liquid or rub that infuses flavor and texture into the meat

Marinade injector: A grilling tool that enables the meat's flesh to be pierced and injected with a liquid or marinade before barbecuing

Meat claws: A pair of grilling tools that allow for effective shredding of large cuts of meat once barbecued

Mop: A thin sauce or marinade that is brushed over meat while barbecuing

Plancha: See Griddle

Rib Hook: Metal hooks which hang meat vertically - popularly used in narrow smokers

Rib rack support: A BBQ accessory built to hold racks of ribs in place on the BBQ during cooking

Rotisserie: Equipment that allows for roasting of meat on the BBQ. Typically includes a motorized spit to turn the meat consistently for even cooking

Rub: A combination of sugars, salts, herbs, spices and sometimes liquids (for wet rubs) that are applied to the meat's surface prior to barbecuing

Skewer: A long piece of wood or metal used for holding pieces of meat or vegetables together on the BBQ

Smoker: A cooking device that generates smoke and allows BBQ food to cook through indirect heat while imparting a smoky flavor

Smoker box: A perforated metal box that can be used in gas or charcoal grills to hold wood chips for smoking

Stuffed Burger Press: A tool used for creating stuffed burgers or evenly proportioned hamburger patties

Thermometer: A tool used to check either the temperature of a grill; or the doneness of food items

Wing rack: A grilling accessory used for holding chicken wings in place

Wood chips, chunks and pellets: Natural wood pieces that can be added to a smoker or smoker box to impart smoky flavors