Birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas can be a problem. Why? Because buying a decent gift for a guy is not always straightforward. But if that 'significant other' in your life is a griller, here is a selection of different ideas that should keep you going awhile! They are not grilling essentials, but they sure as hell are a bit different to the normal gifts and are almost guaranteed to be enjoyed!



OK, so the first gift on my list is the wireless talking thermometer. Yes, you read it right, a thermometer that talks to you. Perfect for the griller who can't read! Its conversation is rather limited but when you wander off from the grill, it does let you know when the meat has reached the right temperature. The one I looked at lets you program your choice of eight entrées (including beef, lamb, veal, hamburger, pork, turkey, chicken, and fish) and to choose the doneness desired. It has a big digital LCD screen with remote wireless probe to identify temperature and readiness of meat. I know I criticised its conversational ability but it is quite a linguist, speaking in five languages with corresponding display (English, Spanish, German, French, Danish). Why Danish? Who knows, maybe they are big into grilling.

When grilling outside after dark, lighting can be a bit of a problem. Even if you have a real bright light, it can be awkward for the Grilling Chef as he will often cast a shadow over the grill area. That is the case no longer, with a battery powered clip-on portable grill light he can have light exactly where he wants it. I saw a particularly handy and portable led light. It uses 3 AA to provide convenient lighting anywhere, or at least anywhere that you can clip it like on the end of the grill. It's neat too with a stainless steel housing and mounting clip, and is water resistant so can be used come rain or shine. But the waterproofness probably won't get tested - who wants to grill in the rain anyhow?

Right, on to something a bit more serious. Like I said earlier, it is usually the guy who does the grilling ... and guys love tools in toolboxes ... what could be better than giving him a grilling tool kit in a plastic carrying case? That's bound to tick all the boxes - tools in a toolbox, what could be finer? I know, one that comes packed in a chrome case.

Lets up the seriousness stakes to a new level with the battery powered motorized grill cleaning brush which will keep his grill sparkling clean. Effortlessly. The motorized grill brush I saw has two brass-bristle rotary brushes that quickly strip away cooked-on food residue from your grill. But if you do want to work out, there's always the built-in stainless steel scraper that lets you work on extra-tough build up. Simple-to-use, push-button control, even Homer Simpson could use it!

Where can you get these must-have grilling accessories - from a well known internet book sales site of course!