Ten well-chosen pieces for cooking outdoors with more control, less clutter and a setup you will actually use again.

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The quick take

Start with heat

Choose the grill and charcoal setup before adding smaller prep pieces.

Cook by temperature

A reliable instant-read thermometer takes the guesswork out of a busy barbecue.

Keep prep portable

Folding, washable tools make an outdoor table easier to use and clear.

Recommendations

How to choose

Build an outdoor-cooking kit in layers. First, make sure the heat is dependable: a portable barbecue and chimney starter solve the core job, while a thermometer makes the finish much more predictable. Next, choose the pieces that shorten the messy bits—gloves, a basting set and a board that can move ingredients cleanly. Finally, keep the kit proportionate to where you cook. Compact, washable pieces earn their space when they are easy to carry out, use and put away again.

The right outdoor-cooking accessories do not turn a barbecue into a technical project. They make the heat easier to manage and leave more attention for the people around the table.

The shopping list

10 things, well chosen.