Father's Day Gifts for Dads Who Grill

Grilling gifts are the usual go-to for Father's Day -- with good reason. While they match that iconic summer vision of Dad at the grill prepping burgers and cooking hot dogs, they also come at the best time. Come June, the grill has gotten it's early-season workout, and it's time to perfect the barbecue process. Out go the old and worn tools, and in come the wonderful array of implements that will make every fatherly grilling experience a divine one.

Naturally, the best way to supplement Dad's grilling collection is to see what he has and what he needs to replace. Stay away from the kitsch items. As interesting as any one-use implement might seem, there's just no reason to buy gadgets like a stainless steel garlic bread griller. But here are some much handier ideas to get you started:

Temperature Fork
Dad might love the grill, but does he know how to use it properly? Let's face it -- there are those out there who serve up piles of overcooked food rather than barbecue perfection. Instead of grinning and bearing the next well-done steak, buy dad a temperature fork. The fork itself is a handy tool, while the temperature gauge will let Pops know when each steak, burger, and other meat is grilled to perfection.

Grilling Basket
Skewering veggies takes forever, and can be a pain to maneuver on the grill. Instead of just suffering through the sticks, buy dad a stainless steel grilling basket. Being wired rather than solid with holes, it will be just like the veggies are straight on the grill, and being stainless steel rather than non-stick, there will be no chipping and non-stick particles in the food. Look for models with deep baskets and handles. This will allow Dad to quickly toss the contents, rather flipping the bits one by one.

Grill Tool Set
Are Dad's grilling tools getting worn down? If so, grab him a good quality tool set. Every man behind the grill should have a spatula, tongs, and brush, plus a few other tools to make life easier. A set like this allows Dad to enjoy the tools all summer, and then put them away at the end of the year and store them for winter all in one place.

Barbecue Mitts
Mitts wear down with use, so it's always good to have an extra pair of digit-savers on-hand. They can be Dad's back-up pair, his new pair, or mitts for Dad's barbecue helper. Pick gloves that can withstand high heat and give Dad enough mobility to grab and move things as he needs to.

Covered Containers & Tray
When we think of grilling gear, we always think of the spatulas and grill-specific implements, but good containers and trays can be just as handy. Unless Dad has a kitchen outside with his grill, he'll have to carry food out. Glass containers allow food to be safe from rain and creepy crawlies, to be stacked, and -- most wonderfully -- to marinate without staining the container with the sauce's color and smells. A tray added into the mix makes life even easier as Dad can pile up the food and tools and head for the grill in one easy trip.