Without a grill basket, it can be quite difficult to cook veggies, fish and small chunks of meat on your grill. If you want one, these are the best grill baskets to buy.
While steaks, burgers and other large chunks of food can be easily grilled over the cooking grates, smaller pieces such as fish and veggies can fall inside or be very difficult to flip around so as to cook evenly.
However, with grill baskets, this is much easier because they have small perforations that allow heat and smoke to pass through, but keeps the food inside. That said, there are different varieties of these products in the market but these are the best grill baskets to consider.
In this post:
- 10 Best Grill Baskets – Review
- 1. WolfWise Portable 430 Grilling Basket – Cheapest Grill Basket
- 2. Weber Deluxe 6434 – Best Grill Basket for Vegetables
- 3. Weber 6471 – Best Fish Grilling Basket
- 4. Smaid Vegetable Grill Basket – Good Grill Basket
- 5. Grillaholics Grill Basket – Dishwasher-Safe Grill Basket
- 6. Grillux GLX-GrlBas-01 – Easy-To-Carry Grill Basket
- 7. Cave Tools Vegetable Grill Basket – Grill Basket with Barbecue Recipes
- 8. Yukon Glory MAIN-YG1456 – 3-Set Grilling Basket
- 9. Aizoam Barbecue Grilling Basket – Grill Basket with a Sauce Brush
- 10. Charcoal Companion CC3013 – Adjustable Height Grill Basket
- How to Buy the Best Grill Basket
- Conclusion
10 Best Grill Baskets – Review
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | |
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1. WolfWise Portable 430 (Cheapest) |
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2. Weber Deluxe 6434 (Best for Vegetables) |
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3. Weber 6471 (Best for Fish) |
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4. Smaid Vegetable Grill Basket (Good) |
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5. Grillaholics Grill Basket (Dishwasher-Safe) |
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6. Grillux GLX-GrlBas-01 (Easy-To-Carry) |
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7. Cave Tools Vegetable Grill Basket (Large Size) |
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8. Yukon Glory MAIN-YG1456 (Set of 3) |
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9. Aizoam Barbecue Grilling Basket (With Sauce Brush) |
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10. Charcoal Companion CC3013 (Adjustable Height) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. WolfWise Portable 430 (Cheapest)
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2. Weber Deluxe 6434 (Best for Vegetables)
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3. Weber 6471 (Best for Fish)
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4. Smaid Vegetable Grill Basket (Good)
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5. Grillaholics Grill Basket (Dishwasher-Safe)
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6. Grillux GLX-GrlBas-01 (Easy-To-Carry)
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7. Cave Tools Vegetable Grill Basket (Large Size)
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8. Yukon Glory MAIN-YG1456 (Set of 3)
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9. Aizoam Barbecue Grilling Basket (With Sauce Brush)
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10. Charcoal Companion CC3013 (Adjustable Height)
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1. WolfWise Portable 430 Grilling Basket – Cheapest Grill Basket
Photo: WolfWise
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 11.8 x 9.4 x 2.4 inches
If you are tight on cash, you can still get a good quality grill basket such as this Portable 430 from WolfWise. Despite this, the unit is still well-equipped with features such as an elongated and detachable heat-resistant handle for comfortable holding.
The entire basket is made of 430-grade stainless steel, which is highly durable and has an 11.8 x 9.4 x 2.4-inch cooking surface that is ideal for preparing food for 3-4 people.
Additionally, the unit’s grill net can be adjusted height-wise so as to accommodate different types of foods such as burgers, steaks, fish, etc., which have different thicknesses.
On the downside, the basket’s mesh holes are not small enough to hold small pieces of vegetables and meat, and it does not have a non-stick coating.
Pros:
- Affordable.
- Elongated and detachable heat-resistant handle for comfortable holding.
- Sturdy and durable 430-grade stainless steel construction.
- Adjustable height to accommodate different foods.
Cons:
- Not ideal for preparing small pieces of food.
- No non-stick coating.
2. Weber Deluxe 6434 – Best Grill Basket for Vegetables
Photo: Weber
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 13.8 x 11.8 x 2.5 inches
If you are looking for a basket to prepare sliced veggies or even small pieces of meat, Weber’s Deluxe 6434 is the best option to consider. This is because it has long, narrow perforations that safely keep all the contents above from falling through.
The unit is also generously sized, measuring in at 13.8 x 11.8 inches, with a 2.5-inch height. This size is ideal for preparing meals for the whole family, and also fits all Weber Q 300/3000 and larger gas grills, as well as 18-inch and larger charcoal grills.
Other features include a durable stainless-steel construction that is also very easy to clean and curved handles that make it easy to carry. On the downside, the basket is not lockable, which means you can’t flip it upside down with food inside, and it requires cooking gloves when hot.
Pros:
- Long, narrow perforations keep sliced veggies from falling through.
- Generously sized to prepare food for the whole family.
- Fits most Weber gas grills as well as 18-inch or larger charcoal grills.
- Durable and easy-to-clean stainless-steel construction.
- Curved handles for easy carrying.
Cons:
- Not lockable.
- Requires cooking gloves when hot.
3. Weber 6471 – Best Fish Grilling Basket
Photo: Weber
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 18 x 10.5 x 2.3 inches
If you are looking for a basket for grilling whole size fish or fish fillets, then Weber’s 6471 is your best bet. This is because it has a flexible wire design that forms a mesh on both sides, which locks in the fish and allows you to easily turn it over so as to cook evenly.
Additionally, the piece is designed to elevate the food from the grates, and this ensures that your meal does not burn or stick to the surface below.
More features include a relatively large 18 x 10.5-inch size that can cook food for a large family and a stainless-steel construction that is dishwasher safe. However, the unit does not have a handle and is only compatible with 18.5-inch or larger gas or charcoal grills.
Pros:
- Lockable flexible wire design locks in food for easy flipping.
- Elevates food from the grates to prevent burning or sticking.
- Large 18 x 10.5-inch size.
- Dishwasher-safe stainless-steel construction.
Cons:
- No handle.
- Only compatible with 18.5-inch or larger gas/charcoal grills.
4. Smaid Vegetable Grill Basket – Good Grill Basket
Photo: Smaid
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 13.1 x 11.6 x 3.2 inches
Smaid’s grill basket is also quite expensive but it is very large, especially on depth (13.1 x 11.6 x 3.2 inches). This allows you to prepare more food at a time, which is ideal for a large family.
The basket actually doubles up as a wok pan for stir-frying chopped wings, beef, chicken and other chunks of meat, and has curved handles for easy carrying when in use.
Other features include a stainless-steel construction that is easy to clean, tiny 0.35-inch diameter holes that keep food from falling through, and reinforced marginals for additional structural strength. However, the basket needs to be pre-heated for 1-2 minutes before adding in the food.
Pros:
- Large in size (13.1 x 11.6 x 3.2 inches).
- Doubles up as a wok pan for stir-frying chopped meat.
- Curved handles for easy carrying.
- Easy-to-clean stainless-steel construction.
- Reinforced marginals for additional structural strength.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Requires pre-heating before use.
5. Grillaholics Grill Basket – Dishwasher-Safe Grill Basket
Photo: Grillaholics
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.5 x 2.5 inches
It is always ideal to have an easy-to-clean grill basket and with this unit from Grillaholics, you get a dishwasher-safe product that is very easy to maintain after use.
This is primarily made possible due to its high-quality stainless-steel construction, which also strengthens the entire structure enough to prevent warping at high temperatures.
The basket also features small rounded holes that hold food safely without falling through while also giving maximum grill contact and heat/smoke circulation so as to infuse that smoky flavor into your food.
More features include curved handles for easy carrying, raised edges that keep the food inside, heavy-duty triple-reinforced corners and compatibility with most gas and charcoal grills. Combined, these features make it the top-rated grill basket in this review.
However, you need grill gloves or mitts to carry the basket when hot and it cannot be flipped with food inside.
Pros:
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
- High-quality stainless-steel build prevents warping at high temperatures.
- Small rounded holes prevent food from falling through.
- Heavy-duty triple-reinforced corners.
- Compatible with most gas and charcoal grills.
Cons:
- Requires grill gloves or mitts to carry when hot.
- Cannot be flipped with food inside.
6. Grillux GLX-GrlBas-01 – Easy-To-Carry Grill Basket
Photo: Grillux
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 2 inches
Grillux’s GLX grilling basket is very similar to Grillaholics’ piece above in terms of design and features curved handles that make it easy to carry and easy to use.
With its small round perforations, which are smaller than a dime, this unit can be used as a wok pan to stir-fry chopped beef, chicken or pork, and passes on smoke from below to leave your meal with a sweet smoky flavor.
The basket can also be used on chopped onions, mushrooms, peppers, and other vegetables, and has a heavy-duty stainless-steel construction that absorbs and retains heat so as to cook food quickly.
Other features include a 13 x 12 x 2-inch size that fits on most Weber and Char-Broil gas and charcoal grills and reinforced welded tabs for additional structural strength.
However, even with its easy-to-carry design, you still need grill gloves to handle the basket when hot and it is not lockable.
Pros:
- Curved handles for easy carrying.
- Usable as a wok pan to stir fry chopped meat.
- Heavy-duty stainless-steel construction retains heat for fast cooking.
- Fits on most Weber and Char-Broil gas and charcoal grills.
- Reinforced welded tabs for additional structural strength.
Cons:
- Not lockable.
- Required grill gloves to carry when hot.
7. Cave Tools Vegetable Grill Basket – Grill Basket with Barbecue Recipes
Photo: Cave Tools
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.5 x 2.5 inches
Cave Tools’ grill basket comes with 25 professional barbecue recipes, which contain step-by-step instructions as well as detailed grilling tutorials so as to help you get started soon after unboxing.
That said, the unit features the long, narrow holes that are ideal for holding sliced onions, chopped meat and other small pieces of food without falling through.
The basket also has curved handles for easy carrying, though these require you to have gloves or mitts so as to comfortably carry it when hot from the grill.
More features include an easy-to-clean dishwasher-safe design and a durable stainless-steel construction. However, food may stick on the basket as you cook it and therefore, it is recommended to use a non-stick cooking spray before getting started.
Pros:
- Comes with 25 professional barbecue recipes.
- Ideal for cooking small pieces of food such as sliced veggies and chopped meat.
- Curved handles for easy carrying.
- Dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.
- Durable stainless-steel construction.
Cons:
- Sticky surface; requires a non-stick cooking spray before use.
- Grilling gloves or mitts required.
8. Yukon Glory MAIN-YG1456 – 3-Set Grilling Basket
Photo: Yukon Glory
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 10 x 7, 8.5 x 3, 9 x 9 x 2-inch high
Though very costly, Yukon Glory’s grilling basket actually comes as a set of 3, in which you get a 10 x 7-inch grilling pan, an 8.5-inch round vegetable basket that is 3 inches high and a 9 x 9 x 2-inch grill basket, and each one is enough to prepare food for 2-3 people.
All three are made of sturdy and durable stainless steel and have small, round perforations that allow heat and smoke to pass through, but safely contain fish, meat, shrimp, veggies, etc. without falling through.
Additionally, the three pieces are conveniently designed to be dishwasher-safe, which means easy maintenance after use, and they can be used on most charcoal, gas or electric grills. They also feature curved handles for easy carrying, but you must have mitts for carrying when hot.
Pros:
- Comes as a set of 3 (grilling pan, vegetable basket, and grill basket).
- Sturdy and durable stainless-steel construction.
- Small, round holes prevent food from falling through.
- Dishwasher-safe.
- Can be used on most charcoal, gas and electric grills.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Requires mitts to carry when hot.
9. Aizoam Barbecue Grilling Basket – Grill Basket with a Sauce Brush
Photo: Aizoam
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 8.6 inches
Aizoam’s grilling basket comes with a sauce or basting brush as an accessory, and this enables you to spread butter, oil or different sauces over your meat as it cooks.
As for the basket itself, it is equipped with a wooden handle that is heat-resistant for comfortable holding while a non-stick coating ensures all your food is released while after being cooked.
The basket also has a lockable design that keeps food tightly secured inside for easy flipping so as to cook evenly. However, its meshed grates have large holes that are not ideal for holding small pieces of chopped up meat or vegetables.
Other features include a sturdy and durable 430-grade stainless steel construction that is easy to clean and a 12.6 x 8.6-inch grilling mesh that can prepare a serving for 2-3 people.
Pros:
- Comes with a sauce brush.
- Heat-resistant wooden handle for comfortable holding.
- Non-stick coating for clean food removal.
- Lockable mesh design for easy flipping.
- Durable 430 grade stainless-steel construction.
Cons:
- Not ideal for small, chopped up pieces of food.
10. Charcoal Companion CC3013 – Adjustable Height Grill Basket
Photo: Charcoal Companion
- Material: Heavy Gauge Metal
- Dimensions: 12.6 x 24 x 2.4 inches
Rounding up the list is Charcoal Companion’s CC3013, and this one is characterized by an adjustable height, which can be sized to fit different foods with different thicknesses.
The basket is equipped with a rosewood handle that is heat-resistant for comfortable holding and has a handle loop at the end for hanging it in storage after use.
More features include a lockable design that makes it easy to flip your food for even cooking and a heavy gauge metal construction with a non-stick coating for easy cleaning.
On the downside, the basket’s mesh design has relatively large perforations, which makes it not suitable for cooking sliced veggies or chopped pieces of meat.
Pros:
- Adjustable height to fit in different foods.
- Heat resistant rosewood handle.
- Handle loop for hanging in storage after use.
- Lockable design for easy flipping.
- Heavy-gauge metal construction with a non-stick coating.
Cons:
- Not ideal for small pieces of food.
How to Buy the Best Grill Basket
Photo: Weber
1. Material
The first thing to check before buying a grill basket is its construction. The idea is to buy a unit that will give you long term service.
Most of them are made using stainless steel but you should ensure that the material is high quality and sturdy enough to prevent warping at high temperatures.
Another desirable feature to have is a non-stick coating, and this will help to prevent the food you are cooking from attaching itself to the metal, thereby reducing overall wastage and making it easier to cook the food.
2. Size
The grill basket’s size should be determined by two factors. First is the number of people that you usually prepare meals for.
If you want the basket for family use, say for about 2-4 people, a 13 x 9-inch or any size close to that will do. If you want the unit for preparing food during parties, go for the largest grill basket available.
Second, the basket’s size should also be determined by the size of your grill. Of course, the basket should fit on your grill and therefore, if you have a small one, for instance with a length of 10 inches, then the basket should not exceed this length so that it fits.
3. Depth
Often overlooked, a grill basket’s depth determines how well you will mix, toss and stir the food. If the piece is too shallow, then your food might fall out during this process. The deeper the better.
Also, this depth is part of the size factor, which determines the amount of food that you can cook at a time.
4. Handle
There are two things to check with regard to the basket’s handle. First, it should be ergonomically designed for easy carrying, in which it should be curved for easy holding.
The handle should also be heat-resistant, and more so for the lockable type, so as to be comfortable to hold.
5. Holes
The best grill baskets are usually designed to have holes that are neither too large to allow food to fall through, nor too small to prevent heat and smoke to pass through.
Ideally, these holes should be just enough to allow grease, marinade, and juices to flow through. This will allow the meal to cook up dry while absorbing as much smoke as possible so as to have that distinct grilling flavor.
6. Ease of Cleaning
Nobody likes doing the dishes after use and cleaning a grill basket is no different. Therefore, an easy to clean unit is best and this means you should check if it is dishwasher safe and has a non-stick surface that requires very little effort to clean.
If not dishwasher safe, then ensure that it has smooth corners and edges that will not scratch as you clean.
7. Versatility
Ideally, the grilling basket you choose should not only be suitable for preparing vegetables or fish. The best one should be multi-purpose for cooking all types of meals, and this versatility is advantageous because it gives value for money.
Conclusion
As you can see, a grill basket is a very essential component that should be bought if you have a gas, charcoal or electric grill.
Basically, in order to prepare meals such as shrimp, vegetables, fish or chopped meat, a grill basket comes in very handy because it holds all the food without falling through.
That said, this article lists the best grill baskets in the market and after going through, you should be better informed so as to pick the most ideal piece that suits your needs.