BBQ Tools Every Pitmaster Should Have
Shadow Black Series BBQ Pitmaster & Meat Knife 9"
BBQ Tools Every Pitmaster Should Have
All pitmasters can agree on one thing: you must have the right barbecue tools. While people may think it's all about the smoker or gas grill or even charcoal grill, they tend to forget the most important tools such as knives, meat claws, and aprons which make a pitmaster's life much easier.
In this article we will cover a few essential tools outside of the standard grill and smoker, along with pros and cons for each barbecue tool.
1. What is a Barbecue Knife?
Gladiator Series Chef's Knife & Cleaver Hybrid 8"
A barbecue knife is an essential tool for the pitmaster, to say the least. The perfect barbecue knife could be a chef’s knife, boning knife, paring knife or a carving knife, depending on the necessity. However, the choices don’t end here at Dalstrong.
There are knives that are multifaceted and versatile which help you at the grill and deliver a perfectly carved piece of meat. A barbecue knife is usually razor sharp, made with a stainless steel handle and will help you maneuver through all kinds of meats.
A boning knife is the kind you would find in every household. A great, affordable and agile addition to it would be the Boning Knife 6” in particular from the Valhalla Series. It is my personal favorite, and undoubtedly the sleekest knife out there right now, thanks to its ultra-sharp, and wear-resistant nature. The best part about it? It is within budget for most and requires low maintenance.
The right knife would save you from hand fatigue and make the job of trimming and slicing meat seamless. The barbecue knives in our catalogue are durable and provide agility. If like most pitmasters you prefer a military grade handle, we’ve got that too! In fact, those are the barbecue knives with utmost power and grip.
Now that we’ve established the significance of paring knives, check out some of the most savvy looking ones here:
A paring knife is commonly used for removing excess membrane in chilies. It is the kind of knife you would use to discern bell peppers from the seeds inside it.
Once those tasks are well and done, the most commonly made dish is the widely known and devoured, hot sauce! Here’s a recipe you can follow! Remember to bottle plenty of it for the future. It would be a travesty not to.
2. Types of BBQ Knives Pitmasters Use
You could be a pitmaster at the patio or a college looking for the right tools to whip up a storm with your pals – as long as you have a penchant to get your hands on the grill, we’ve got a variety of BBQ tools to encourage that affinity of yours. Some of these include pitmaster’s slicing knives, carving knives and cleavers.
At Dalstrong, we take great pride in offering a range of slicing knives and knife sets to best fit your experience and intent for your BBQ tool set. If you’re a pitmaster, we’ve got the right knives to set the tone for you on the barbecue grill as you begin cooking away.
Pitmaster Knives
1. BBQ Pitmaster & Meat Knife 8" with Forked Tip & Bottle Opener | Shogun Series
This knife is a must for the skilled barbecuer. The blade is formed using ultra premium Japanese steel cutting core and features a smartly structured forked tip of the blade which acts as a grilling tool and helps flip meat. This chef’s knife provides complete agility and comfort along with a versatile approach, which is seen through the bottle opener designed on the spine of the blade.
The tapered blade reduces resistance whilst slicing. It has a non-slip grip which is an added benefit at the grill, letting your white-collared chopping skills collaborate with your culinary versatility.
Pros:
- Premium quality knife with a Japanese Super Steel.
- Impervious to heat and moisture offering durability.
- Encourages agility and comfort for the culinary pro.
Cons:
- May not be the best fit for budgeteers.
- Could be an overkill for the novice.
2. BBQ Pitmaster Knife 9" | Shadow Black Series
This forked-tip knife is anything, but blunt. The blade is forged with precision, is ultra sharp, as well as wear-resistant which increases its durability ten folds. Hand sharpened and perfectly angular to achieve the best cut on your meats, this knife from the Shadow Black Series has bagged the quintessential balance of blade sharpness and resilience with its non-stick properties.
The blade is a chic and electrifying black in color and non-reflective, which makes this product NSF certified. Its tapered design checks all the boxes to provide hardness and flexibility. The satin finish and polished spine fosters a pinch grip before sizzling your meats on the grill pan.
Pros:
- Minimizes hand fatigue.
- Created to encourage flexibility and resistance.
- Ergonomic G-10 handle for maneuverability.
Cons:
- The powerful build could be off-putting to the novice.
- May not be the best fit for budgeteers.
3. BBQ & Pitmaster Meat Knife 8" | Gladiator Series
Calling all barbecuers to get their hands on the BBQ & Pitmaster Meat Knife from the Gladiator series. This knife is a favored product, widely used by the BBQ community.
Made out of high-carbon German stainless steel, the blade has a scalpel build which makes it the ideal pick to get the perfect cut on ribs, roasts, tomahawks steaks, poultry, fish and more. Slicing has never been this enjoyable before, and this knife only empowers you to become a grill master, while you're outdoors, cooking.
Pros:
- Tall blade height gives knuckle clearance to assist with food preparation and chopping activity.
- Military grade G10 handle for life-long durability.
Cons:
- If you prefer a fancy knife for your kitchen, you might want to look at the other knives in our range.
- The blade is a little shorter for some people who prefer a longer blade.
Carving Knives
Carving knives are used to cut large pieces of meat, as well as breads and cakes, but most importantly help in carving briskets, roasts, harms, turkey, salmon and other meats.
4. Slicing & Carving Knife 12" | Shogun Series
This knife in particular is an excellent tool to achieve precision and help you become a master at slicing. The ultra premium Japanese high-carbon steel provides an angular and contoured effect on delicate foods. With the sharpness of a scalpel and a hand-polished spine, it is certainly to last you a lifetime. The finger protection and pinch grip enhances its robustness to the maximum. The handle has a non-slip grip and ergonomic control for complete agility.
Pros:
- Incredible Edge Retention at 62+ Rockwell.
- Rust/Corrosion resistant.
- Tapered blade for minimal slicing resistance.
Cons:
- May not be the best fit for budgeteers.
- The blade might be larger than what you might be looking for.
5. Slicing & Carving Knife 12" | Quantum 1 Series
The future is here. This is the start to a new beginning, and you've taken the very first step by joining the culinary revolution with your Dalstrong Quantum 1 Series knife - A knife meticulously crafted and proudly engineered for exceptional performance, and painstakingly hand sharpened by expert bladesmiths.
Carefully designed to withstand the harsh environments of today's modern kitchen, the Quantum 1 Series knife is the epitome of culinary magnificence. Boasting extra-durable, ultra-sharp BD1N-VX steel that is uniquely designed with our Nova Prime blade pattern that reduces drag and increases efficiency, the focal point of the Quantum 1 Series has always been effortless prep that will leave you wanting more.
Pros:
- Full tang enhances the robustness.
- Cleans easily and is low maintenance.
- Supremely high quality knife for a mid-range price.
Cons:
- Could to be too much knife for the novice.
- Some prefer a knife with a military-grade handle.
6. Slicing & Carving Knife 12" | Omega Series
The Omega Series 12” Slicer is a precision made instrument of slicing mastery. Ideal for briskets, roasts, ham, turkey, sides of salmon, and expertly suited for prepping large fruits and vegetables, slicing bread loaves and layer cakes, the long, screamingly sharp blade ensures ultra-thin, uniform slices in a single stroke. With just enough flex to avoid shredding or tearing, leaving all the juices inside, this knife is a required addition for every pitmaster, chef, baker, home cook, & more.
The “LiquidMetal” pattern on the blade reduces drag and increases efficiency, allowing you to glide through prep. Featuring ultra-premium American forged BD1N-VX hyper steel, the addition of Nitrogen increases hardness, flexibility, and toughness, while the blade's composition and added vacuum heat-treatment to 63HRC provide astonishing performance, with a screamingly sharp edge.
Pros:
- Sanitary build – perfect for busy grilling stations.
- Withstands erosions from chemicals, acids and harsh conditions.
- High tensile strength for maximum stability during rigorous action.
Cons:
- May not be the best fit an occasional barbecuer.
- May not be within budget for some.
- Could be a little too much blade for new chefs.
Cleavers
7. Cleaver Knife 7" | Omega Series
Featuring a distinct, eye catching blade with ample height, for excellent knuckle clearance, scraping, and cutting, the Omega Series 7” Cleaver is a leader in the kitchen when it comes to comfort and performance. Perfect for breaking down smaller cuts of boneless meats and poultry as well as slicing, dicing, mincing, and chopping tough all types of fruits and vegetables. Ideal for chefs, butchers, home cooks, looking to make easy work of ample amounts of boneless meats, fruits, and vegetables.
The “LiquidMetal” pattern on the blade reduces drag and increases efficiency, allowing you to glide through prep. Featuring ultra-premium American forged BD1N-VX hyper steel, the addition of Nitrogen increases hardness, flexibility, and toughness, while the blade's composition and added vacuum heat-treatment to 63HRC provide astonishing performance, with a screamingly sharp edge.
Pros:
- Highly impervious to heat, cold and moisture.
- Ergonomic handle shape for comfort and maneuverability.
- Priced in a mid-range for budgeteers looking to expand their cooking skills.
Cons:
- On the heavier side for those looking for a minimalistic tool.
- Some folks may find it to be a big commitment for occasional usage.
8. Chef & Cleaver Hybrid Knife 8" | Crixus | Phantom Series
This knife is a combination of a chef’s knife, with the height and width of a cleaver. The curved spine allows you to place clean and perfect slices on the grill. With the touchstone of a classic cleaver knife, this hybrid knife too, has a ‘cleaver hole’ which allows for swift movements by hanging your knife on the meat hook.
This knife is a successful collaboration of a conventional knife and a customized one. This knife belongs to the phantom series and hence, is designed to be supremely agile and comfortable. The blade is stain resistant and extremely resilient, owing to its ice-tempered nature. The stainless steel handle is laminated with Spanish pakkawood and fits perfectly in the hand.
Pros:
- The hybrid is the perfect balance of versatility and durability.
- Made of high-chromium Japanese AUS-8 stainless steel.
- Hand polished, premium quality Spanish pakkawood handle.
Cons:
- Hybrid knives may not have all the functionalities of a full-fledged cleaver knife.
- Knives from the phantom series could prove to be a little too much of a knife for you.
9. Cleaver Knife 9" | Shadow Black Series
The 58 Rockwell steel made cleaver knife from the Shadow Black series stands out from the rest. Designed for an exceptional grip with a sharp cutting edge, it is engineered for agility and maneuverability. It is built with an aggressive blade that slices right through all kinds of meats with ease.
Ruthless in its sharpness, it is crafted to deliver a precise and clean cut. The blade is formed to decrease hand fatigue. Offering a comfortable pinch grip, the military grade G-10 handle is impervious to heat, cold and moisture. The blade is stain resistant and tapered for hardness and flexibility. The blade’s height provides knuckle clearance to make food preparation a seamless process.
Pros:
- A polished and elegant appearance owing to its titanium-nitride coating.
- Hand sharpened and superior angular precision.
- Low maintenance and affordable for those looking to branch out their barbecue skills within a budget.
Cons:
- The knife might call for a more professional approach, hence not necessarily the best fit for the novice.
- The titanium-nitride coating requires additional care.
3. Essential BBQ Tools for Pitmasters
There are plenty. Let’s start there. To tick off some of them, I would say that an apron, a cutting board, meat claws and carving forks are quite the essentials.
Aprons
I know, wearing a scrappy old piece of clothing at home as you work on those marinades and spices with your carved out meats is oddly comforting. But, if you’re going to be, as I like to call it, ‘Dalstrong pro’, with fancy knives and all of those other grilling utensils, it only makes sense to invest in a good apron. That would really call for a full-circle moment, wouldn’t it?
There are half-coverage, smock, and cross-back strap bib styles, as well as the classic loop neck bib styles. Too many options? Let me elaborate a tad, and you make the call.
The fabric matters. If you’re going to wear something on your body for a couple hours and want to look like a pro at that family barbecue of yours, it only makes sense to have some body protection from all those sizzling hot meat juices and unnecessary stains.
If you’re fighting the flour or grilling some pork chops, might I suggest an apron that is light-weight. Cotton blends are the right material to go for. However, if you’re a butcher, something heavy-duty is going to be of need to you. If that’s the case, a heavy denim apron is ideal.
An added bonus, a tantalizing pork chops recipe that can be found here!
The half coverage style
These aprons, like their name, quintessentially only cover your bottom half. They usually start from the waist and run down as far as your shin. They tend to over your leg, more so. We recommend this apron style for bartenders who require a little more pocket space for muddlers, corkscrews, etc. If you’re a professional at the grill with little to no splatter, this may be perfect for you. However, if you’re still perfecting yourself, continue to read on and discover the other styles that may better suit you.
This apron is an asset to have owing to its light-weight and smooth design. It has an adjustable neck strap, a neck accent made out of genuine leather, as well as an easy-tie waist. It is highly durable and requires low maintenance. It is made of 100% genuine leather and blue denim cotton. It is perfect for those in culinary spaces requiring ample storage for quick notepads, meat thermometers, and small utility tools to be stashed.
Pros:
- Made out of ultra-premium genuine leather and 100% blue denim for durability.
- Compliments industry-style décor in restaurants and is a tried and true classic.
- Adjustable straps and bountiful pocket space, giving it a savvy look as you’re grilling away.
Cons:
- Its southern stylishness may not be up to the liking of all.
- People may prefer something more high maintenance which encourages the apron’s longevity.
The Smock Style
Smock style aprons are perfect for those who are looking for a lighter and looser fit around the body, but want an appropriate amount of coverage. On a rather cutesy end of the spectrum, it is commonly seen being used by home bakers that prefer a ‘dress’ style apron. Might I add, reigning in from the 60s, the smock style aprons are deemed a fashion statement.
This light-weight apron is designed to function as smoothly as it looks Featuring an adjustable neck strap, easy-tie waist, genuine leather neck accent, 3 front pockets and one stash pocket, the Dalstrong Workshop “Night Rider” black denim apron is built to last, feel good and work alongside you in the kitchen all day, every day.
Pros:
- Plenty of chest coverage and loosely fitted.
- Fashionable yet comfortable.
- Easy to wash, owing to its linen material.
Cons:
- Might not be the right fit for someone looking for bountiful pocket space.
- Wouldn’t offer the protection you’d commonly receive from a strapped-in apron.
The cross-back strap bib style
This apron is a fan favorite and I can absolutely understand why that is the case. For starters, it has the ability to offer full coverage, and is extremely comfortable to wear for long hours without causing soreness in the neck like other bib aprons usually do.
This apron is designed to withstand the toughest and roughest culinary environments. It is the ultimate apron to have around as a pitmaster, since it’s been engineered with three chest pockets, an extra-large knife pocket, easy access towel and a tong loop which only makes sense to carry basting spray bottles. Additionally, it has an interior stash to access personal belongings such as cell phones or wallets. It is built with maximal comfort, but keeping functionality in mind.
Pros:
- Made from genuine top grade leather and crafted to perfection with Brazilian leather.
- It is the ultimate chef and grilling apron.
- Prevents neck strain and soreness.
Cons:
- Might not be within budget for folks that are beginning their career in the culinary space.
- Might be a little too much high maintenance of an apron for a quick barbecue night in the outdoors.
The classic loop neck bib style
The ‘classic’ in its name stems from its true and tried nature. Being the most commonly used style of apron, it is used by chefs as it looks sleek, is quite practical and light. The pinafore on it gives a little more leeway and support. This apron style withstands harsh environments, owing to its highly durable attributes. With its easy-to-tie waist and adjustable neck straps, it can be adjusted to most body types.
This light-weight apron thrives through its functionality and easy pocket access. Featuring three front pockets, one stash pocket, adjustable neck strap and an easy-to-tie waist, wearing this will make you feel good and work alongside you. Its thick denim material boosts its longevity. It has double stitched pockets with a striking grey stripe, thick top and bottom hems. All of which contribute to holding the apron’s shape.
Pros:
- Designed with Poly-Cotton, Genuine Leather.
- Front chest pocket and a hidden interior pocket.
- Made with 100% cotton black denim adding to its durability.
Cons:
- The denim may not be as heat-resistant as a leather apron would be.
- Not as lightweight as cotton, which may prove to be a tad dense.
Other BBQ Tools
Meat claws are a core essential once you’re done grilling your precisely carved and delectable slices of meat. They are designed to anchor large pieces of meat and are perfect barbecue utensils to make a pulled sandwich or wraps. They are used to tear through the flesh of pork, beef, chicken and more. To give you a better idea on the role of meat claws, read on about this excellent food shredding tool available on Dalstrong’s website.
This meat claw is perfectly capable of shredding past the flesh of popular meats such as pork, beef and chicken that have been smoked on a grill gate with charcoal . Each one of the four claws is razor sharp and is made from tempered stainless steel to provide power and strength. The meat shredder claws are ideal for folks looking to achieve slices of roasts or steaks, as well as transferring heavy cuts from the hot grill to a plate. The slip-proof, G10 handle is heat and stain resistant.
Pros:
- Low maintenance, yet durable.
- Budget friendly.
- The copper mosaic enhances beauty.
Cons:
- Might not be considered an essential by those who are just beginning their culinary passion.
- Folks could find this to be an intimidating tool in their grill tool set.
Carving Knife & Fork Set 9" | Crusader Series
This precisely forged and ultra sharp carving meat fork set is a bundle of excellent craftsmanship. The blade is made out of high-carbon Thyssenkrupp steel. The edge is hand sharpened 16-18° on each side which maintains an equilibrium of sharpness and resilience. The blade’s tapered design adds durability.
The polished spine is an added benefit resulting in a comfortable pinch grip. The military G10 handle and ergonomic shape makes it easy for you to maneuver your barbecue forks through your tasks at the grill.
Pros:
- Low maintenance, yet durable.
- Resistant to heat, cold and moisture.
- Cleans easily.
Cons:
- Could be out of budget for some folks.
- Its strong and masculine build may be a tad intimidating for some.
- You could be looking for a single meat carving fork and this set may not be the best fit for you.
Lionswood Colossal | Teak Cutting Board
This Tropical Teak Wood cutting board is an all-purpose board which is exceptionally functional. It can be used for slicing, chopping, and serving food. It is handcrafted to be apt in size and weight and filled with rich moisturizing oils and is naturally resistant to water, bacteria and staining.
The Lionswood Colossal cutting board offers a hygienic surface and is resistant to warping, too. The two steel handles on either side are structured to carry and serve.
Pros:
- It is an ideal buy for those with limited counter space.
- The opposite side of the board features a curved cut-out for a side plate to easily scrape and transfer ingredients from Lionswood Colossal cutting board to pots, pans and ovens.
- A great buy for folks looking for an expedient and sustainable purchase.
Cons:
- Could be out of budget for some folks.
- Designed for professional culinary spaces, it may come off quite the commitment for beginners.
4. Best BBQ Grill Accessories Set to Buy
Cue the pitmasters, please... it's BBQ season! Let’s discover the toolbox under your bed. Okay seriously, I hope it isn’t under your bed, but rather in an enclosed, designated BBQ box as one should have. Having the right utensil and knife is of utmost importance to the pitmaster.
However, there are some barbecue utensils that are just as much a necessity. Dalstrong has an incredibly useful grill kit that works well with both gas grills and charcoal grills, which consists of four core items. A razor sharp grilling fork, grill tongs, silicone basting brush, and a bottle opener. Enticing, right? Let me elaborate! (P.S: A delightful recipe of homemade BBQ sauce can be found here!)
Premium Grill Kit - 4 Piece - BBQ Tongs, Grill Spatula, Fork, Silicone Basting Brush
This kit isn’t deemed ‘premium’ for nothing. The barbecue tongs, grill spatula, fork and basting brush all have G10 handles and are crafted with premium food grade stainless steel which is a great benefit in regards to the kit’s life-long durability. It also makes the tools heat resistant, water, and stains.
The grill spatula has a serrated edge which is simply right to taste the meat for doneness. It only made sense to have a bottle opener intact with the grill spatula for a quick visit to quench-town by popping open some beer bottles. The razor sharp grilling fork is one of the best additions to this grill kit since it wont pierce through your food and keep its juices where they belong, enhancing its flavor.
Moreover, the barbecue tongs assist you in the tossing and turning of fruits, vegetables and any and all delicate meats. What’s a barbecue without robust flavor? This is where I let the Silicone Basting Brush do the job of coating the delicious meats with all of the barbecue flavor.
It is a great tool to cook the juiciest burger patties, never letting them run dry. An excellent recipe for the same can be found here.
Pros:
- An excellent combination of grilling essentials for an affordable price.
- Dalstrong’s limited lifetime warranty on defects.
- Military grade handles on each piece of the kit ensures its life-long durability.
Cons:
- Could be out of budget for some folks and is missing a grill brush.
- Might not be considered an essential by those who are just beginning their culinary passion.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best knife for BBQ?
The best BBQ knives are the chef’s knife, boning knife, paring knife, carving knife, and butcher's knife. All are BBQ knives you will want to have with you before and after grilling. If you deal with a lot of heavy duty meat, then a cleaver is also a good option.
What knives do the BBQ pitmasters use?
A Chef's knife, Meat Cleaver, Paring knife, boning knife, and carving knife are the top knives that BBQ pitmasters use on a daily basis.
What are the best barbeque tools?
Essential barbeque utensils include meat forks, a heavy-duty apron, meat shredding claws, and a durable cutting board. Grill brushes come in handy for easy clean up.
What comes in a grill tool set?
The standard grill tool set comes with BBQ tongs, a spatula, meat fork, and basting brush. Some grill tool sets include a grill brush.
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Written by Ananya Tiwari
Ananya loves the fine things in life. When she isn’t penning down poetry or song lyrics, she spends her time cooking and creating recipes while also enjoying new cuisines.
