The essentials you need for your next cookout

Summer is right around the corner, which means it's time to prepare for backyard barbecue season. If you're looking for the essential tools every grill master should own, we’ve got you covered.

Here at Reviewed, we test products and find the best ones for you. And to help you make the most of the warmer weather, we've rounded up the must-have items for your next cookout.

With the right tools, you'll become a grilling pro in no time. From the best-performing grills to the grippiest tongs and most accurate meat thermometers, we’ve spent hours cooking burgers, turning corn on the cob, and smoking pork loin to see which products will make your barbecues legendary.

You're seemingly ready for your first cookout of the season—until you go to fire up your charcoal grill and realize that you have no charcoal. To avoid that sad situation, stock up on the summertime staple ahead of time. After testing nine different brands of charcoal, our experts declared this one a winner because it's easy to light and burns for a long time.

Don't forget that you'll also want to keep your beverages nice and cold. Luckily, this task is especially easy with our favorite ice cooler. It keeps things chilled for days, provides ample space for packing in food and drinks, and has rubber feet that keep it sturdy and balanced. Plus, you can use it for future vacations or trips to the beach.

Check out all our picks for our favorite products at Reviewed, where we've got you covered with lab-tested recommendations from cooking to smart home to tech and more.