Yakitori Grill Accessories You Need for Perfect Skewers

So, you've invested in a fantastic yakitori grill (or maybe you're just about to!). You've got your Binchotan charcoal ready, and your ingredients prepped. But to truly master the art of yakitori at home, you'll need the right tools.

Beyond the grill itself (which we review our top picks here), a few key accessories can make all the difference in achieving perfectly cooked, deliciously charred skewers every time. We've rounded up the essential gear that every aspiring yakitori master should consider, all easily available on Amazon.

1. The Right Skewers: More Than Just Sticks

The humble skewer is paramount to yakitori. The type you choose affects how your food cooks and presents.

• Bamboo Skewers: Buy from Amazon

  • Pros: Traditional, inexpensive, disposable, easy to find. They add a rustic touch.

  • Cons: Can burn easily, especially the exposed ends. Requires soaking in water for at least 30 minutes (or ideally, overnight) before grilling to prevent charring. Not reusable.

  • Best For: Everyday yakitori, large gatherings, traditional presentation.

  • What to Look For: Long (10-12 inch), sturdy bamboo skewers. Look for "bamboo yakitori skewers" or "bamboo BBQ skewers." Product Example: 'Dozenegg Bamboo Skewers 12 Inch'

• Metal Skewers (Stainless Steel): Buy from Amazon

  • Pros: Reusable, durable, no need to soak, conduct heat into the food for faster cooking. Flat designs prevent food from spinning when you turn them.

  • Cons: Can get very hot, requiring heat-resistant gloves. Requires cleaning after each use.

  • Types:

    • Round Metal Skewers: Good for larger chunks of meat or vegetables, but food can spin when turned.

    • Flat Metal Skewers: Highly recommended for yakitori. The flat design prevents smaller pieces (like chicken thigh or negi) from rotating freely, ensuring even cooking on all sides when you flip them.

    • Double-Prong Skewers: Excellent for delicate items or preventing rotation, similar to flat skewers.

  • Best For: Reusability, precision cooking, delicate items.

  • What to Look For: "Stainless steel flat skewers," "metal BBQ skewers," or "yakitori metal skewers." Ensure they are at least 10-12 inches long. Product Example: 'ROYALTY ART Stainless Steel Flat Skewers'

2. Skewering Techniques and Tools

While your hands are the primary tools, a few things can help:

• Skewering Stand/Holder: Not strictly essential, but some pros use stands to hold skewers upright while assembling, especially for larger quantities.

• Sharp Knife: For cutting ingredients uniformly, which is crucial for even cooking on skewers.

• Butcher's Twine (Optional): For securing more delicate items or creating bundles, though less common for traditional yakitori.
  

3. Essential Grilling Utensils

These are your extensions when standing over that intense yakitori heat.

• Long-Handled Tongs: Buy From Amazon

  • Why You Need Them: Absolutely crucial for flipping skewers, adjusting charcoal, and handling hot items safely. Long handles keep your hands away from the intense heat. Look for sturdy stainless steel.

  • What to Look For: "Long handled BBQ tongs," "grilling tongs." Product Example: 'OXO Good Grips 16-Inch Stainless Steel Tongs'

• Basting Brush: Buy From Amazon

  • Why You Need It: For applying yakitori tare (sauce) during the final stages of grilling. Silicone brushes are easy to clean and heat-resistant.

  • What to Look For: "Silicone basting brush," "BBQ basting brush." Product Example: 'KitchenAid Classic Basting Brush'

• Spatula (Small/Thin): Buy From Amazon

  • Why You Need It: Useful for gently nudging or removing cooked skewers that might stick slightly. A thin, flexible spatula is ideal.

  • What to Look For: "BBQ spatula," "grill turner." Product Example: 'Weber 6445 Original Spatula'

4. Charcoal Management & Safety

Working with high-heat charcoal requires specific tools for safety and efficiency.

• Charcoal Chimney Starter: Buy Now From Amazon

  • Why You Need It: The safest and most efficient way to light Binchotan or any lump charcoal without using lighter fluid. It channels heat to get charcoal glowing quickly.

  • What to Look For on: "Charcoal chimney starter," "BBQ chimney." Product Example: 'Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter'

• Electric Charcoal Starter (e.g., Looftlighter): Buy Now From Amazon

  • Why You Need It: An even faster and cleaner way to light Binchotan. It uses superheated air to ignite coals in minutes. No flame, no mess.

  • What to Look For: "Electric charcoal starter," "Looftlighter." Product Example: 'Looft Lighter Original Electric Charcoal Starter'

• Uchiwa (Japanese Hand Fan): Buy Now From Amazon

  • Why You Need It: Traditional yakitori masters use a fan to precisely control flare-ups and oxygen flow to the charcoal, intensifying heat where needed. It's a skill, but a fun one to learn!

  • What to Look For: "Japanese Uchiwa fan," "bamboo hand fan." Product Example: 'Japanese Style Hand Fan' (Many decorative ones will work for this purpose)

• Fire Extinguisher (Safety First!): Buy Now From Amazon

  • Why You Need It: Always have one readily accessible when grilling, especially with high-heat charcoal. Better safe than sorry.

  • What to Look For: "Kitchen fire extinguisher," "small ABC fire extinguisher." Product Example: 'Kidde Fire Extinguisher, Multipurpose ABCE'

5. Grill Grates and Racks

While your yakitori grill comes with a grate, specific types can enhance the experience:

• Stainless Steel Grate:

  • Why You Need It: Durable, easy to clean, and excellent for grilling. Ensure it fits your specific yakitori grill model. Some grills come with very basic grates, and an upgrade can be beneficial.

  • What to Look For: Check the dimensions of your grill and search for "stainless steel grill grate" or "yakitori grill grate replacement."

• Skewer Racks/Supports (If not built-in): Some yakitori grills have notches or bars to rest skewers directly over the coals without needing a full grate. If yours doesn't, or if you want more flexibility, dedicated skewer racks can be useful to keep skewers elevated slightly.

  • What to Look For: "Yakitori skewer stand," "grill skewer rack."

Equipping yourself with these essential yakitori grill accessories will not only make your grilling sessions safer and more efficient but also elevate your home yakitori game to truly authentic levels. Happy skewering!

Check our top ranked yakitori grills here!