Any pitmaster is only as good as their grill tools and accessories.
Whether you’re shopping for tongs, basting brushes, spatulas, or the best skewers for grilling, you should invest in the best tools you can afford.
And it’s skewers we’ll be focusing on today, so you have a fun and efficient addition to your grilling arsenal.
The most obvious choice when you’re grilling skewers is a traditional kebab, but you can also roast a wide range of fruits and veggies on skewers when you’re grilling.
As a general baseline, you should ensure that all the skewers on your shortlist are strong enough to support a variety of meats and veggies, so you can load up your skewers with complete confidence.
What else should you consider when you’re comparing the best grilling skewers, then?
- Material: You’ll find the vast bulk of the skewers we review today are made of stainless steel, and this is overall the optimum material. You will also find a few skewers made of bamboo
- Blade: Flat blades are ideal for ensuring your meat is grilled evenly on all sides without the skewer spinning out of control. Smooth and rounded skewers might be visually appealing, but they don’t perform as well as square-bladed skewers. You’ll find you need to keep moving these around on the grill, and you could also end up with parts of the meat left uncooked. Flexible skewers don’t work as efficiently a flat ones either
- Handle: Loops on the handle of a skewer will make it easier for you to rotate it and also easier to remove it from the grill. You should check plenty of user reviews to make sure the handles stay cool to the touch
- Coating: If you opt for decent metal skewers – stainless steel, for instance – you don’t need to worry about whether or not the skewers have a non-stick coating. These tend to degrade quickly when heated, and you should find all your meat and veggie chunks slide easily off metal skewers
- Food pusher: The food pusher mechanism helps when it comes to removing your food from the skewers. The mechanism can be made of either plastic or metal. These polarize opinion, with some users finding them a useful addition, and other claiming they are nothing but a gimmick, adding extra weight and doing nothing you couldn’t do yourself with your hands or some tongs. As with all elements of grilling, the only thing that counts is finding what works for you. There is no grilling rule book, and all that counts is having fun and making food to your liking
- Double-pronged skewers: Some grillers find double-pronged skewers feel comfier when you’re skewering and rotating your kabobs. This is due to the way the meat has more space to sit while grilling without rolling out of place. Using these takes a lot more time and effort, though, and you’ll be limited in what you can create, so we would suggest sticking with standard skewers. The tried-and-true design might be simple, but it’s also remarkably effective
If you keep these pointers in mind, you should have no problems navigating our showcase of the best skewers for grilling to determine whether any make the right fit for your grill supplies.
The 14 Best Skewers for Grilling
1. Our #1 Pick: Blue Donuts Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 24
- Length: 12 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
First up and our overall favorite skewers for grilling come from Blue Donuts, so what makes them stand out in a crowded field?
The flat shape of the blades ensures your food stays on the skewers rather than tumbling down between the grill grates.
Made from food-grade stainless steel, you get easy-care skewers that are built to last without rusting out.
Safe to slip in the dishwasher, cleanup will be as seamless as using these skewers.
The ring top handle means your chunks of meat and veggies stay securely in place. You can also use the ring to hang up your skewers if storage space is at a premium.
A word of warning: several users report these skewers get extremely hot when they’re on the grill, so make sure you use oven mitts when retrieving your kabobs. This minor niggle aside, you’re getting some of the best skewers for grilling at a reasonable price. What’s not to love?
Things We Like
- Flattened shape
- Ring top handle
- Robust warranty
Things We Dislike
- Get quite hot
2. Flafster Kitchen Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 8
- Length: 16 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Flafster serves up a set of 8 skewers ideal if you’re rustling up kabobs for the whole family – everyone wants at least two, right?
At 16 inches long, you’ll be able to pile plenty of chunks of meat and veggies onto these skewers to accompany your favorite grilled snacks.
The 304 stainless steel build means these skewers should return plenty of faithful service.
As with all the most effective kabob skewers, these come with a flat, wide blade and an angled tip to streamline loading and to make sure your food doesn’t spin around or fall down between the grill grates.
Most users reviews of these stainless steel skewers are positive. We did, though, find some complaints about difficulties locking these skewers into place. The push bar is effective, but it takes some time getting used to it.
Things We Like
- High-grade stainless steel
- Angled tip and flat blade
- Dishwasher-safe
Things We Dislike
- Awkward to lock
3. OXO Good Grips Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 6
- Length: 13 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Next in line is a set of 6 sharp stainless steel skewers from industry heavyweight OXO. Their Good Grips line is packed with gems like these skewers that make the perfect for you or any grill lovers in your life.
Part of a deep bench of coordinating accessories, you can take your pick rather than needing to buy a whole set of tools, some of which you may already own.
The nested design of the skewers allows you to store them more easily.
The strong and stable flattened shape means you’ll enjoy a stress-free grilling experience, even if you load your skewers up with delicate foods.
Handles are wide and ergonomic, and when you’ve finished up grilling, the skewers are dishwasher-friendly.
Although the skewers are made of stainless steel, we found some complaints about rust issues developing after dishwashing, so do your due diligence here.
Things We Like
- Wide and comfy handle
- Streamlined storage
- Dishwasher-safe
Things We Dislike
- Văn Bản
4. Norpro Stainless Steel Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 6
- Length: 14 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Norpro’s stainless steel skewers come in a value pack of 6, perfect for smaller families.
In many ways, you’re not looking for innovation when you’re shopping for skewers. Instead, the classic design of a flat blade works wonderfully, so why change a winning team?
The tips of these skewers are sharp enough for you to easily pierce your way through tougher chunks of meat or hard veggies.
Once you have loaded on your food, it should stay firmly in place, without rotating or tumbling off and onto the grill grates.
Hooks on the ends are ideal for hanging storage if your kitchen drawers are already overflowing with cutlery and accessories.
As you would expect from skewers that are keenly priced, you need to expect some compromise. In this case, you get a fit and finish that doesn’t stand up to some of the more expensive kabob skewers we review today.
Things We Like
- Flat and wide design
- Hang up to store
- Promotes even grilling
Things We Dislike
- Poorly finished
5. BearMoo Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 10
- Length: 17 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
If you need more skewers for a larger cookout, why not investigate this pack of 10 stainless steel kabob skewers from BearMoo?
The first thing you’ll notice is the elongated length. At 17 inches, you can cram all the meat and veggies you want onto these skewers for mouthwatering kabobs on demand.
Beyond this, the length of these skewers allows you to leave the ends poking out with all of the kebabs contained inside the covered grill.
The tweaked design of the handles makes them super-simple to manipulate, making use of a waved configuration in place of the more commonplace loop ends.
As well as the kabob skewers, you also get a highly effective pastry brush bundled. Throw everything in the nifty storage pouch and you won’t need to worry about any skewers going astray, and you won’t clutter up your kitchen drawers either.
Things We Like
- Bumper value pack
- Pastry brush included
- Storage pouch
Things We Dislike
- Very wide skewers
6. Grill Forge Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 6
- Length: 13 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Grill Forge make some excellent grilling tools and accessories, so how does this set of skewers shape up?
The set of 6 works well for singles, couples, or smaller families.
The sharp tips removes the tedium out of threading on your chunks of meat and veggies when you’re making kabobs.
These skewers are designed to accommodate a broad spread of foods, from tough meats and hard veggies through to soft chunks of pineapple.
There’s a neat slider function baked in. These allows you to keep your fingers away from your food while easily unloading your skewers onto your plate.
Overall design is rectangular with a spear-like aesthetic that makes the skewers a dream to use.
A few customers report issues with the handle ergonomics, but the vast bulk of user reviews for these stainless steel skewers are positive. See what you’re think if you’re stuck for grilling tools and let us know how you get on in the comments below.
Things We Like
- Pierce through tough foods
- Highly maneuverable
- Rectangular spear design
Things We Dislike
- Handles could be improved
7. Williams Sonoma Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 4
- Length: 17.5 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Williams Sonoma of California has a huge range of highly impressive cookware and accessories like these striking stainless steel skewers.
If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, these skewers don’t make a good fit. If you have deeper pockets, though, what do you get for your money?
The set of 4 forged stainless steel skewers look great, and they perform just as strongly.
The handle is stainless steel just like the blade, and this is smooth and tapered for your comfort and convenience.
The square shape of the blade means your food won’t spin around when you’re grilling, and all your meat and veggies will be cooked evenly and consistently all the way through.
You can push your food from the skewers onto your plate using the integrated push disc, ensuring you get a seamless experience from prepping through grilling and serving. If you can stretch to the stiff price tag, these are some of the best skewers for grilling you’ll find.
Things We Like
- Sliding pushing disc
- Smooth, tapered handles
- Square to prevent food spinning
Things We Dislike
- Pretty pricey
8. Goutime Kabob Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 7
- Length: 23 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
You get an odd number of 7 skewers here with these stainless steel gems ideal for making kabobs on the grill.
Choose from two configurations, each 23 inches long but in differing widths. These skewers measure an inch across, but you can also find 5/8-inch alternatives if you’re looking for something slightly thinner.
The stainless steel build ensures you won’t encounter any rust issues. This is contrasted with the solid oak wood handles. These stay cool to the touch and are shaped to conform to your hands.
With a thick, flat blade, each skewer is designed to work with a variety of foods. Anything you can imagine sticking on a. skewer will slide on with ease here, thanks to the sharp tips.
Once your food is loaded on, it will stay in place throughout grilling, allowing you to cook with confidence.
When you’ve hand washed these skewers with some mild soap and hot water, pop them in the PU leather storage bag so they’re close at hand next time you’re grilling kabobs.
Things We Like
- Extremely lengthy
- Wooden handle
- PU leather storage bag
Things We Dislike
- Issues with rivets in handles
9. Aoocan Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Features
- Number of skewers: 12
- Length: 45 inches (retractable)
- Material: Stainless steel
Next in line as we showcase the best skewers for grilling is the first of a pair of marshmallow roasting sticks that also make for wonderful kabob skewers.
Longer than most regular skewers, these retractable sticks measure 45 inches long when fully extended. This not only allows you to grill your kabobs with your fingers at a safe distance from the heat, but you’ll also be able to cram a great deal of food onto each one.
Beyond this, the design works well if you’re introducing children to various aspects of grilling. Get them started safely and early with these sticks.
The handles are super-comfortable and again safe for kids.
Made from a high-grade 304 stainless steel, you’ll get none of the rusting issues that blight cheaper and less effective kabob skewers.
Aside from a few niggles from customers about the flimsy build of these sticks, the majority of feedback is positive, so see if they make the right fit for your grill supplies.
Things We Like
- 304 stainless steel build
- Molded and ergonomic handle
- Responsive customer care
Things We Dislike
- Feel quite flimsy
10. Ajmyonsp Marshmallow Roasting Sticks
Features
- Number of skewers: 5
- Length: 32 inches (extendable)
- Material: Stainless steel
If you look beyond the almost-random brand name, these skewers offer an alternative to the traditional kabob skewers glutting this space. Are they any good, though?
In a word, yes. The extendable sticks measure fully 32 inches when stretched out, giving you ample room for some substantial kabobs.
The fork end telescopes out so you get the precise length for your requirements.
As an added kicker, if you’re planning to roast marshmallows over an open fire, this length means it’s safe for you and your kid to do so, while keeping your fingers well away from harm.
The blades are stainless steel, so your food won’t get stuck on and the skewers won’t rust out either.
Wooden handles are comfortable to hold, and the skewers are remarkably easy to keep clean and to use.
Things We Like
- Wooden handles
- Telescoping fork
- Easy to use and clean
Things We Dislike
- Get quite hot in use
11. Lanney Kabob Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 12
- Length: 14 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
For anyone that regularly hosts larger cookouts, this set of 12 stainless steel skewers gives you everything you need for rustling up some juicy kabobs when you’re grilling.
The stainless steel build gives you skewers built to last. They won’t rust out either.
This 12-pack comes with 14-inch skewers. You can choose from various other configurations if this doesn’t make a good fit.
Each skewer is thick enough to load with food without bending or twisting it out of shape.
You’ll find that your meat and veggies slide off these skewers pretty easily, too, completing a winning package at a highly competitive price point.
With the exception of a handful of complaints related to quality control issues, there’s very little blowback from customers concerning these skewers.
Things We Like
- Premium stainless steel
- Food won’t spin around
- Easy to keep clean
Things We Dislike
- Quality control concerns
12. Crate & Barrel Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 12
- Length: 16 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
As we near the end of our quest for the best skewers for grilling, we have a set of 12 from Crate & Barrel that look sleekly minimalist. Is it a case of form over function, though?
Certainly not! These versatile skewers are perfect for kabobs, but they also work wonderfully with marshmallows if you fancy roasting some over an open fire.
The metal build with a non-stick treatment gives you precisely what you need when you’re looking for the best kabob skewers: sticks that are easy to load and won’t result in your food being stuck on when you’re ready to eat.
Although we can’t find much to knock about these excellent skewers, they are priced above much of the competition without offering a great deal extra in return.
Things We Like
- Non-stick finish
- Multipurpose skewers
- Sleek lines
Things We Dislike
- Reasonably expensive
13. Hopelf Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 100
- Length: 12 inches
- Material: Bamboo
We have time for a couple more sets of skewers before we round out our reviews today, with these bamboo beauties from Hopelf up next.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly solution to grilling kabobs, you’ll love these all-natural bamboo sticks.
Each pack comes with 100 skewers, so you’ll have all the disposable kabob sticks you need for your next grill-out, and you won’t need to worry about cleaning up afterwards.
Backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, you have absolutely nothing to lose by grabbing some of these skewers if you can’t find anything else you like, and if you don’t fancy stainless steel skewers.
Things We Like
- Renewable and sustainable
- Extra-thick sticks
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Things We Dislike
- Quite fiddly to use
14. Outset Skewers
Features
- Number of skewers: 4
- Length: 20 inches
- Material: Stainless steel
Outset’s Rosewood Collection offers you a range of stainless steel cookware and accessories finished with accents of real rose wood.
This set of 4 skewers is ideal for singles or couples. Families should explore some of the larger sets of skewers we review, or alternatively invest in more than one set of these Outset.
The blade is flat and long, ideal for packing with food that will stay in place, not tumbling between your grill grates.
The tip of these things is sharp and pointy, so you’ll find loading them up is super-simple, even if you’re working with tougher pieces of meat or hard vegetables.
Most users seem pretty satisfied with these skewers, but we found a few gripes concerning the overall build quality and lifespan. We feel you need to be reasonable when you’re buying any product at this price point.
Things We Like
- Flat, lengthy blade
- Pointed tip for easy loading
- Rosewood handle
Things We Dislike
- Build quality could be improved
FAQs
1) What should you avoid when you’re looking for skewers for grilling?
When you’re comparing skewers for grilling, it’s useful to know what to avoid as well as what you should look out for. In general, plastic and wood handles can be more volatile over high heat. Metal handles can take on too much heat. As discussed above, most food pushers are bulky and add weight to your skewers without delivering any significant benefit. When it comes to blades, stick to those that are flat and wide. Recently, more and more skewers are produced with flexible or curved blades. Flexible skewers make it very tough to turn your food, while curved blades prevent the food from cooking evenly on all sides.
2) What are the benefits of metal skewers?
If you’re only buying one set of skewers, it’s a wise idea to stick with metal like stainless steel. Metal skewers largely prevent the food from spinning around when you turn them as you’re grilling. Since metal skewers are reusable, they make an eco-friendly option. Metal skewers are also very easy to clean, whether you hand wash them or pop them in the dishwasher. Look for metal skewers at least 12 inches long.
3) When should I use bamboo skewers?
If you’re hosting a large gathering, make sure to consult our BBQ party planning checklist. Among your supplies, make sure to include some bamboo skewers. Let’s face it, washing a handful of skewers after kabobs with the family is one thing, but who wants to wash 100 skewers after a large cookout? Instead, opt for disposable bamboo sticks like some of those we review today.
4) How do I thread a skewer?
You should load your skewers with food carefully so it’s balanced and even, allowing all the pieces of food to cook at the same time. Thread the cubes of meat and veggies so they are touching but not tightly packed against one another.
5) How do I grill shrimp skewers?
Shrimps work wonderfully on the BBQ if you’re looking for a change from meat. Not only are they plump and juicy, but they’re also ready in less than 5 minutes on the grill. First, marinade your prawns in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and some hot sauce. Next, skewer your shrimps. Grill them for just 2 minutes on each side and serve.
6) How do I grill chicken skewers?
Use large chunks of chicken. This will ensure the chicken stays moist on the grill. Aim for cubes of at least 1 inch. Marinade your chicken before threading it on the skewer for a taste sensation.
Conclusion
We hope today’s guide to choosing the best skewers for grilling has given you plenty of inspiration.
While we mainly included conventional skewers designed principally for kabobs, we’ve also thrown in some marshmallow sticks as these can be highly effective when grilling meat and veggies, too.
We have a very busy content slate here at Hempen Hill as we edge into fall. We would suggest you bookmark our blog before you go, and be sure to pop back soon so you don’t miss out on more great grilling content.