"A digital thermometer. I use two — One to monitor the temperature of the meat and one to monitor the temperature of my smoker.

"A good pair of high temperature gloves that go all the way to the elbows; this enables the chef to reach deep into the cooker and remove the finished product."

From Lisa Frame, Ephraim:

"My husband's top three would be:

"A small paint brush that he uses to coat the famous Sanpete barbecued turkey with the marinade as it cooks.

"Tongs.

"A lawn chair to sit and watch the meat get done."

From Jeff R. Orren, Magna:

"A good fire extinguisher. You never know, and I never want to wish I had one when I needed one.

"A few good locking tongs. I never seem to have too many.

"A sturdy table to stage and rest my meats on.

"Not the conventional list, I know, but when you grill or barbecue, you can make almost anything taste great, and with practice there isn't a meal that won't be a hit."

From Jerry Nash and Chase Nash, Tooele:

"Long-handled tongs.

"A towel.

"Salt and pepper."

From Debra Howell, Austin, Texas:

"My husband's first must-have is the propane gas that goes with his grill. It is real hard to grill without the gas.

"His second must-have is a heavy-duty brush that cleans off the grates of the grill.

"Last of all, his favorite extra-long-handled spatula to prevent burned fingers."

E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com