Must-Have Electric Grill Accessories 2026
The right accessories make electric grilling easier, safer, and more enjoyable. Skip the gimmick gadgets and focus on these essentials that we actually use every time we fire up the grill.
Instant-Read Thermometer ($25-40)
This is the single most important grilling accessory regardless of grill type. The ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE ($105) is the gold standard, reading in one second with 0.5-degree accuracy. For a budget option, the ThermoPro TP19H ($25) reads in 3-4 seconds and is accurate to within 1 degree. Do not rely on your grill's built-in thermometer for meat temperatures. It measures ambient air, not internal meat temperature. A good instant-read is the difference between a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak and an overcooked one.
Grill Cover ($20-35)
A fitted cover protects your investment from rain, dust, and UV damage. Match the cover to your specific grill model for the best fit. Weber, Ninja, and Char-Broil all sell model-specific covers. Generic covers work but tend to blow off in wind and trap moisture. If your grill lives outdoors year-round, a cover adds years to its lifespan. Even if you store your grill indoors, a cover keeps dust off between uses. This is the cheapest insurance policy for a $200-500 appliance. If you cannot find a model-specific cover, measure the grill's width, depth, and height with the lid closed and buy a universal cover one size up. A slightly loose cover is better than no cover at all.
Long-Handled Stainless Steel Tool Set ($25-40)
You need three tools: tongs, a spatula, and a fork. Get stainless steel with handles at least 16 inches long to keep your hands away from heat. Avoid tools with nonstick coatings since they deteriorate quickly at high temperatures. The Weber Precision 3-Piece Set ($35) is our pick for quality and durability. Avoid novelty tool sets with 15 pieces since you will use three of them. Spring-loaded tongs with a locking mechanism are the single most-used grilling tool.
Grill Mat ($15-25)
A grill mat serves double duty. It catches drips that would stain your patio or deck, and it provides a non-slip surface under your grill. This is essential for balcony grilling where dripping grease can damage surfaces and create slip hazards. Look for mats rated for the temperature range of your grill. Most quality grill mats handle up to 500F on the surface, which is fine since the mat sits under the grill, not on it. The Diversitech Original Grill Mat at $20 is the industry standard.
Grill Brush (Nylon, Not Wire) ($10-15)
Wire bristle brushes are dangerous on electric grills. Broken bristles can fall onto the heating element and cause electrical shorts, or worse, end up in your food. Use a nylon-bristle brush rated for high heat. The Grill Rescue Brush ($40) uses a steam-clean approach with no bristles at all. For budget options, the Char-Broil Cool-Clean Nylon Brush ($12) works well on warm (not hot) grates. Clean your brush regularly and replace it every season.
Heavy-Duty Extension Cord ($20-30)
If your outlet is more than six feet from your grilling spot, you need a proper extension cord. Use a 12-gauge outdoor-rated cord for any electric grill over 1500 watts. A 14-gauge cord works for lower-wattage grills but 12-gauge is safer for all models. Keep the cord under 25 feet since longer runs reduce power delivery. Never use a standard indoor extension cord outdoors. The Yellow Jacket 12/3 SJTW ($25 for 25 feet) is our recommendation. Coil the excess rather than stretching it across a walkway.
Total Accessory Budget
A complete accessory kit costs $115-185: thermometer ($25-40), cover ($20-35), tool set ($25-40), grill mat ($15-25), brush ($10-15), and extension cord ($20-30). Buy them with your grill rather than after, since you will want everything from day one. If you have to prioritize, the thermometer and cover come first. The thermometer makes your food better, and the cover makes your grill last longer. Everything else can wait a few weeks. Many retailers offer accessory bundles at a discount when purchased with a grill. Amazon frequently bundles the Ninja Woodfire with a cover and tool set for $30-50 less than buying separately. Check the frequently bought together section on any grill product page for potential savings. For a deep dive on how to maintain your grill and accessories, see our cleaning guide.
Accessories to Skip
Not everything marketed to grillers is worth buying. Skip the grill light (use your phone flashlight), the motorized rotisserie attachment (electric grills lack the vertical clearance), the corn holder set (tongs work fine), the burger press (hand-formed patties are better), and any gadget that promises to add smoke flavor through liquid smoke chambers. If you want smoke, buy the Ninja Woodfire rather than trying to retrofit smoke onto a grill that was not designed for it. Also skip the premium grill cleaner sprays that cost $10-15 per bottle. White vinegar and dish soap handle everything for pennies. The grilling industry sells a lot of single-purpose accessories that sound useful but end up in a drawer after one use. Stick with the essentials listed above and your food will be great.