You only need four things

Thermometer, tongs, fire starter, and cast iron.

That’s it. Everything else is nice-to-have. If you’re trying to cook well outside and not just burn stuff, those four items cover 90% of what matters.

A good instant-read thermometer (Thermapen or similar) stops you from guessing. You’ll never dry out a steak or undercook chicken again. Tongs let you flip, move, and plate without burning your hands. Get a pair with a good grip and metal ends.

A reliable fire starter — a chimney starter for charcoal, a propane torch for wood, or even a simple butane lighter — means you spend less time fiddling and more time cooking. And a cast iron skillet or griddle handles direct heat, indirect heat, and even works as a makeshift windbreak.

Everything else — fancy spatulas, grill baskets, rotisseries — just adds clutter. Start here, then add only what your specific cooking style demands.

You probably already own three of these. Go check.