Stainless-Steel BBQ
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With spring and summer in the air, you can feel that urge to get your old tackle box and fishing pole out of the shed.
You're ready to cast a line and wait for the first bite of the season. But what do you do when you've stocked your entire freezer full of fresh catch? Fire up the grill, of course! Yet, putting a fresh fish fillet on those grates and cooking it to perfection can be a challenge.
You might be an experienced angler, but are you an experienced chef? Probably not. Luckily, several different grilling baskets on the market can make your cooking experience more pleasant. We've put together a guide of some of the best for you right here.
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Fish Grilling Baskets Compared
Preview | Product | Material | Dimensions | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Grillux GrlBas-01 | Stainless Steel | 13” L x 12” W x 2.25” H | ||
Weber Deluxe 6434 | Stainless Steel | 2.5” H x 11.8” W x 13.8” D | ||
Grillaholics | Stainless Steel | 2.25”H x 12” W x 13” D | ||
Yukon Glory | Stainless Steel | 3.75” H x 7.5” W x 11” D | ||
Weber 6471 Original | Stainless Steel | 18”L x 2.3”D x 10.5”W | ||
Cuisinart CNTB-422 | Enamel, cast iron, stainless steel, etc. | 1.75”H x 11” W x 9” D | ||
WolfWise Large 430 | Stainless Steel | 11.8” L x 9.4” W x 2.4” D | ||
Outset QC70 | Chromed Steel | 1.5” D x 6.2” W x 26.2” L |
Why Invest in a Fish Grill Basket?
Summer is the time for grilling, and if you're a regular meat-eater, you've got this process down pat. But cooking fish can come with challenges all its own. You can battle everything from flakey meat that falls between the grates to charring your dinner, rendering it inedible.
With a grilling basket, all of these issues can be solved. You can take your catch directly from the water source or your freezer, fillet it and then grill it to perfection with a grilling basket: no more messy cleanups and no more ruining dinner.
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing a Quality Fish Grilling Basket
Durability & Construction
Today’s construction of grilling baskets includes stainless steel and steel that’s been coated in chrome or some other non-stick Teflon. Always go with a non-stick basket to ensure easy clean up and perfectly grilled trawl. Also, look for a basket with a locking mechanism, so it doesn’t come undone on the grill.
Quality & Design
Many grill manufacturers have a lot of different grilling accessories. Look for a grilling basket that’s the right depth and width for your grill. If you prefer whole fish, avoid a basket that’s too thin so you don’t pancake your fish. If you like fillets, choose a shallow basket that will hold your fillet together perfectly.
Comfort
Most grilling baskets have handles that make it easy to flip or carry around from the kitchen to the grill. Get a basket that has a long handle or is easy to set on your grill, so you don't burn yourself. Additionally, non-slip grips make it easier to use a grill mitten when you need to grasp and flip the basket.
Size of Grill Holes
Grilling holes in baskets come in a variety of sizes. The larger the holes, the more heat, and flame can reach your fish. Smaller holes are best used for smoking fish for an extended period, whereas larger holes make quick work of your grilling experience. Just remember to keep an eye on your fish, so it doesn't burn.
Ease of Cleaning
Know how to clean your basket. Can you throw it in the dishwasher, or does it need to be washed by hand? Can you use a wire scrubber or a softer brush? Many non-stick baskets make clean up a breeze, but it's best to understand how you should clean your basket, so it's ready for the next BBQ.
Extra Features
Grilling baskets don't usually come with a lot of extra features, but there are some key ones to look for that can make your grilling experience more enjoyable. First, look for a non-stick handle or easy to grip sides. Second, always go with a lockable lid, so your fish or meat doesn't fall out. Third, does it come with a cooking thermometer or basting brush—both of which can be very helpful during the grilling process?
Price & Warranty
When considering the different basket styles, look for a lengthy or comprehendible warranty for the price. Like anything else you buy and plan on using for a while, the price is usually a good indicator of the value of the basket.
8 Best Fish Grilling Baskets Reviewed
1. Grillux GrlBas-01
Our Top Pick
Material | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 13” L x 12” W x 2.25” H |
Non-Stick | No |
Open or Closed-Face | Open |
Weight | 1.3 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Compatible with Most Grills |
Most anglers out there consider the Grillux GrlBas-01 the best fish grilling basket, and we'd have to agree! Not only is this grilling accessory compatible with most gas and charcoal grills, but it's also compatible with most foods.
The moderately-sized grilling holes mean you can cook these sliced onions, mushrooms, and other vegetables to perfection without losing any to your grill. It’s stainless steel construction and curved edges make it easy for you to grill your food without it falling out. You can even use it like a wok on your grill if you want to whip up some fish stir fry.
The holes on the Grillux GrlBas-01 are no bigger than a pencil eraser, which means you can easily lay any sized fish fillet or whole fish in the center and get that perfectly seared finish every time. The holes allow the right amount of heat and smoke into the basket, so your fish, beef, or vegetables get cooker perfectly whether you're using the grill at home or cooking over an open campfire.
The heavy-duty stainless-steel construction is heat-resistant, and the curved edge handles make it easy to carry your basket from the grill to your dinner table. You can also pack this basket up and prepare your food while on a camping trip. The sky is the limit for what you can cook inside the best fish grilling basket.
Pros
Cons
2. Weber Deluxe 6434
Best Stainless-Steel BBQ Fish Grill Basket
Material | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 2.5” H x 11.8” W x 13.8” D |
Non-Stick | No |
Open or Closed-Face | Open |
Weight | 1.1 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Slots Instead of Holes |
Tired of using aluminum foil, or losing food to your charcoals when the foil tears? Then check out the Weber Deluxe 6434 basket. This is the best stainless-steel BBQ fish grill basket for several reasons. Not only does it have smaller slots rather than holes, but it's also large enough for a variety of meats and fish. You can even grill your chopped-up vegetables in the same basket and not risk losing them to the fire below. The smaller slots also allow enough heat and smoke in, so you get that perfect BBQ taste without all the waste.
Made from durable stainless steel, the Weber Deluxe 6434 fish grill basket will quickly become a go-to in your grilling arsenal this spring and summer. It's designed to hold enough food for your entire family and has built-in side handles, so it's easy to rotate. Just make sure you wear those grilling mitts to avoid burning your hands.
Weber has designed this grilling basket to work seamlessly with the Q 300/3000 or even your large charcoal grill. The numerous slots along the bottom make way the right amount of heat and smoke to cook your fish and meats to perfection without burning or charring.
Pros
Cons
3. Grillaholics
Best Heavy-Duty Fish Grill Basket
Material | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 2.25”H x 12” W x 13” D |
Non-Stick | No |
Open or Closed-Face | Open |
Weight | 1.95 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Can Use on Any Grill |
If you’re a regular fisher who enjoys kicking back after spending all day on the water, beer in hand, listening to the sizzle of your fresh catch over an open fire, then the Grillaholics is the right fish grilling basket for you.
As the best heavy-duty large fish grill basket, the Grillaholics is designed to give you that perfect smoke taste without charring your fish fillet. Throw in some of your favorite chopped up vegetables and let the basket holes ensure your catch is delicious—no more worrying about flipping your basket or losing your food between the grill grates.
Made from heavy-duty stainless steel, the Grillaholics fish grill basket is perfect for all of your outdoor camping trips. The high-raised edges and built-in handles make it easy to carry around or remove from the grill. But don’t forget the grill mitts because it’s likely to be hot!
Grillaholics know that an easy cleanup is essential to camping gear, especially your cookware. That’s why they’ve designed this heavy-duty large fish grill basket to be dishwasher safe. Just remember to use cooking spray before you cook to make your cleanup and scrubbing that much easier when you’re out in the wilderness and don’t have access to a dishwasher.
Pros
Cons
4. Yukon Glory
Best Compact Hinged Grill Basket
Material | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 3.75” H x 7.5” W x 11” D |
Non-Stick | No |
Open or Closed-Face | Closed |
Weight | 2.27 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Heat-Resistant Wood Handle |
The Yukon Glory fish grilling basket is designed with you in mind and is made for all of your grilling needs. We've included this basket because it's the best compact hinged grill basket and comes with an extendable wood handle that can withstand temperatures of up to 500°F.
You won't have to worry about small pieces of food getting lost in your grill or charcoals as this basket has a small wire mesh design. It's also compact and foldable, making the ideal accessory to any anglers grilling arsenal.
For grilling masters who like to show off their skills, this basket is perfect for tossing vegetables over an open flame. The locked and sealed hinged lid ensures that your fish, shrimp, and sides won’t go flying. The depth of the best compact hinged grill basket ensures that you can cook a whole meal in one utensil.
The Yukon Glory grill basket comes with a detachable and extendable wood handle that can stand up to any grilling or smoking temperature. This allows you to grasp your basket quickly, toss your food, or remove it from the grill to enjoy your fresh catch of the day.
Pros
Cons
5. Weber 6471 Original
Best Folding Fish Grate for Grilling
Material | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 18”L x 2.3”D x 10.5”W |
Non-Stick | No |
Open or Closed-Face | Closed |
Weight | 1 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Flexible Wire Mesh |
The Weber 6471 is the best folding fish grate for grilling and fits with the Weber Q 300 or larger gas grills. While it might not be suitable for the portable grill you take on your spring and summer camping trips, it will certainly do a nice job at home. It's also ideal for cooking up delicate pieces of fish or vegetables if you want to streamline your dinner. Even if you’re hosting a dinner party, this folding fish grate is perfect and can easily cook food for six people.
The flexible wire design of the Weber 6471 means you can fit almost any size fillet without squishing it when you close it, making this basket the best folding fish grate for grilling. The locking mechanism ensures the basket stays closed and you get an even cooking temperature throughout the food. Even the side handles are stainless steel, so you'll want to use an oven or grilling mitt to turn it over.
If you struggle with charring your fish or it falls through the grates often, then this is the right grilling basket for you. Anglers love this basket because of its unique mesh design and raised side handles keep your food off the grates of your grill while still allowing you to get that BBQ flavor.
Pros
Cons
6. Cuisinart CNTB-422
Best Non-stick Fish Grill Basket
Material | Enamel, cast iron, stainless steel |
Dimensions | 1.75”H x 11” W x 9” D |
Non-Stick | Yes |
Open or Closed-Face | Closed |
Weight | 1.8 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Nonstick |
For grilling experts who love those grill marks but hate losing their meals between the grates, turn to the best non-stick fish grill basket: the Cuisinart CNTB-422. This basket is ideal for cooking a variety of size fish fillets, jumbo shrimp, and whole vegetables.
And with the locking lid mechanism, you'll never have to worry about lost food again. Master your grill marks and enjoy the fruits of your labor with every meal. With the non-stick stainless-steel design, you easily fill this basket with all of your favorites and not have to worry about meats and vegetables sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Not only is the basket thin and elongated for easy maneuverability, but the basket comes attached to an elongated heat-resistant handle that is comfortable to grip and makes flipping your dinner easy. Because you can flip everything all at once, your food is cooked evenly and to perfection in a matter of minutes.
The Cuisinart CNTB-422 grill basket is our best non-stick grill basket that makes cleanup simple and easy. If you want to make hand washing this grill basket even more manageable, use a non-stick cooking spray before grilling up dinner. Use a non-abrasive cleaning brush to get all of the food particles and grease off the grates.
Pros
Cons
7. WolfWise Large 430
Best BBQ Fish Holder with Locking Mechanism
Material | Stainless Steel |
Dimensions | 11.8” L x 9.4” W x 2.4” D |
Non-Stick | Yes |
Open or Closed-Face | Closed |
Weight | 1.2 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Adjustable Depths |
WolfWise has made one of the best BBQ fish holder baskets with a locking mechanism on the market. You get the best of both types of baskets with this model, and it's durable 430 stainless steel construction means you'll be able to enjoy it for many years to come. It's even dishwasher safe for those who are looking for easy cleanup.
Anglers all around love this grilling basket because it's ideal for grilling all cuts of fish as well as large vegetables, burgers, shrimp, and a variety of other delicate foods. The large basket has plenty of room for food to feed two or three people and can be used on gas grills, charcoal grills, smokers, and all other types of Weber and Foreman grills.
The WolfWise 430 large grilling basket comes with a basting brush so you can add any type of seasonings while your meat cooks. You can also enjoy the lockable grate that securely holes your food in place as you flip it. The folding lid is adjustable to three different depths, so you can ensure that even your thinnest fillet will not crumble and fall through the grates.
If you're an angler who's looking for the best folding basket your money can buy, this would be the one. Not only is the comfort-grip handle removable and adjustable, but it also folds away neatly, making it easy for you to store and carry this basket around, even on your yearly fishing trips. Flip your food with ease, throw it in the dishwasher, and then store it away for your next BBQ.
Pros
Cons
8. Outset QC70
Best Small Fish Grill Basket
Material | Chromed Steel |
Dimensions | 1.5” D x 6.2” W x 26.2” L |
Non-Stick | Yes |
Open or Closed-Face | Closed |
Weight | 1.4 Lbs. |
Key Feature | Fish-Shaped |
What’s more fitting than grilling up your fresh catch in a fish-shaped grill basket? With the Outset QC70, that’s exactly what you’ll get, making this the best small fish basket, especially for those single anglers who love to serve up one whole.
At 26-inches long, this basket is ideal for larger grills or cooking over an open flame. The larger mesh grate design provides amble heat to each side of your meal. It’s flat enough so you can pack it away with the rest of your camping gear or tuck it away in your cooler for easy access.
With a single flat, fine rosewood handle, you can get a comfortable grip without burning your hand, making flipping fish and other foods easy. It’s also perfect for getting the right amount of toasting to your bread slices and ensures your flakes won’t fall through the grates and into the fire.
The most prominent feature about the Outset QC70 is the hinged lift-lid that locks into place. This ensures you never have to worry about a misplaced lid and can lock your food in tightly for an even cooking experience. This also makes the best small fish grill basket easy to store when not in use.
Pros
Cons
Types of Food to Cook on a Grill Basket
Grill baskets are designed to cook a variety of your favorite BBQ and summertime foods. With open baskets, you can grill up smaller pieces of fillet, shrimp, and vegetables. With closed baskets, you can try your hand at cooking whole fish or larger pieces of your salmon catch. Make sure your vegetables are also larger if you're going to use a closed basket. You can also enjoy cooking up some of your flank steaks and beef tips in open baskets. Make sure to check out our guide to the best fish cookbooks.
If you’re looking for more grilling basket ideas, try some of these recipes:
How to Use a Grill Basket to Cook Fish
Learning how to grill your fish in a fish basket can seem intimidating but is rather simple once you get the hang of it. Make sure your grill is always pre-heated before you put your basket in it, that way you avoid cooking the fish sides at different temperatures. Use non-stick cooking spray to ensure your catch doesn’t stick to the basket.
A good rule of thumb for cooking time is 10 minutes per inch and flipping once half-way through. Properly grilled fish should look opaque and reach an internal temperature of 140-145°F, so make sure you have your meat thermometer handy.
Grill Basket Cleaning & Maintenance
Once you've finished your meal and are ready to clean up, it's time to get the leftover food and cooking grease off your grill basket. While many of our models are dishwasher safe, you'll want to avoid throwing it in the dishwasher with caked-on food. These particles can get into your plumbing and cause backups.
Instead, let your grill basket soak in warm water and dish soap for a few minutes, then use a dish scrub brush to remove any of the caked-on pieces. If you have a basket with holes, consider using a straw cleaner to get into these areas. Once you’ve removed any remaining food particles and grease, you can then toss it in the dishwasher with the rest of your dishes for a sterilizing clean.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do you keep fish from sticking to the grill basket?
To prevent fish and other foods from sticking, use cooking spray or canola oil. Either toss the foods in the oil before cooking or apply the oil directly to the basket.
Can you put a grill brush and grill grate in the dishwasher?
Most of these models are dishwasher safe, but always check with the manufacturer to ensure the product you purchased can go in the dishwasher.
Where can I learn how to cook fish in the grill basket?
You can find a variety of YouTube tutorials online or purchase a fish cookbook that has a variety of fish recipes that you can try at home or while on your fishing trip.
Can I use a vegetable grill basket for grilling fish?
To get the best result for both your fish and vegetables read through our guide of the best fish grilling baskets. With these, you can cook all of your food in one basket.
Is a stainless-steel grill basket better than a cast iron one?
Cast iron baskets generally last longer and will retain heat more quickly. Most foods will not stick to cast iron like they do stainless steel. However, they are heavier than stainless. Find the right basket for you based on your preferred grilling style.
What's the difference between a BBQ fish cage and a BBQ fish basket?
A BBQ fish cage has a lid that locks and keeps your fish in place as it cooks. These generally have a handle that makes them easier to flip. A basket is an open wok that has slots or holes to allow heat in and can only be rotated on the grill, not flipped.
What type of fish can I put in a fish basket?
You fish basket can accommodate any of your daily or yearly catches. Some of the most popular are salmon, bass, and tuna.
Where are essential fish grill accessories?
You can find all of your essential grilling baskets and accessories on Amazon.
Conclusion
For anglers everywhere, a fish grilling basket is an essential piece of equipment and can make cooking up your fresh catch that much more enjoyable. While all of these grill baskets will serve you well, we stand behind our No. 1 pick: The Grillux GrlBas-01. It’s durable, convenient, and easy to use and will last for all of your fish grilling days.