Barbecue Tools and Accessories for Left-Handers

Barbecue (BBQ) season is upon us once again, and it is important to use tools and accessories that are safe and comfortable as well as reliable. That can be difficult for left-handers. Ninety-five percent of the world’s products –including barbecue tools and accessories- are made for right-handers, and 40 percent of us are left-handed. The good news is that some companies have taken such statistics into consideration, and are manufacturing left-handed and ambidextrous or universal barbecue tools and accessories. Websites like the one mentioned usually help you find them.

Needless to say, not all barbecue tools and accessories require a left-handed or at least ambidextrous version, but the following do: shears, scissors, hooks or forks, knives, tongs, turners or spatulas, mitts, measuring cups and spoons. In addition to safety and comfort, they allow more natural movement for better balance and control.

Shears and scissors are designed to cut specific types of food: meat, poultry, or vegetables. You can also purchase a simple pair of kitchen scissors to cut everything. Whichever one you choose, you should be able to make straight, smooth cuts safely and easily without using some awkward gesture that could strain or hurt your hands.

Hooks and forks, sometimes called turners, help you flip meats over while they are on the grill. To avoid accidents such as injury to yourself or dropping the food on the ground, it is best to turn the food in one smooth motion with ease and comfort. A hook or fork designed for the left-hander will make this process easier.

Knives serrated on the right side of the blade instead of on the left side would give you a straighter and more evenly balanced cut. Your line of vision would be better too, allowing you to avoid the mistake of cutting your finger along with whatever else you were cutting.

Tongs, spatulas, and turners, which are used for turning over smaller pieces of meat, poultry or vegetables, can be used more safely and efficiently with left-handed or ambidextrous versions.

Mitts are needed to protect your hands from the heat of the grill and the hot foods you lift off of it. You certainly don’t want to do this awkwardly with a right-handed mitt because it could be disastrous.

Measuring cups and spoons made for left-handers help you scoop and pour out the correct measurements easier.

Below is a table listing the top rated left-handed barbecue tools and accessories (photos are shown above, next to each category) chosen by the following top cooking magazines and websites: Choice Magazine, www.AmericanTestKitchen.com, www.cooking.com, and lefty websites such as www.leftyslefthanded.com. The table also provides descriptions, especially as it applies to left-handers, sizes where applicable, and tells you where to purchase the products at the lowest estimated costs.