Using the right skewers can have a big impact on grilling efficiency. When barbecue season comes around, whether people are cooking juicy meats, seafood, or seasonal vegetables, having the right skewers on hand is essential.
There are various types of skewers available on the market, which vary based on material, size, and ease of use. Keep reading to find out more about what the best skewers to use for barbecue season are.
Table of Contents
Global market value of barbecue grilling tools
Best skewers to use for barbecue season
Wide blade skewers
Double-prong skewers
Bamboo skewers
Stainless steel skewers
Final thoughts
Global market value of barbecue grilling tools
Changing lifestyle habits among young consumers as well as a rise in outdoor gatherings has led to an increase in demand for all types of barbecue grilling tools and accessories. More individuals have also turned towards home cooking in recent years, which is also contributing to the demand for these products. Barbecue skewers in particular are very high in demand due to their versatility and longevity.
In 2024, the global market value of barbecue grilling tools reached USD 5.28 billion. This number is expected to grow by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% between 2025 and 2030. North America will continue to lead the way in sales, particularly in the US, but Asia-Pacific and Europe will also see a heightened demand.
Best skewers to use for barbecue season
There are several types of barbecue skewers on the market that offer a good combination of durability, convenience, and cooking efficiency. Some are designed for better stability and can prevent spinning, whereas others are ideal for quick grilling and can be used for all types of grilling.
According to Google Ads, “skewers” had an average monthly search volume of 246,000 in 2024. As barbecue season takes place in the warmer months, the most searches for “skewers” appeared between June and October. They lowered slightly outside of this period to 201,000 per month for the remainder of the year.
Keep reading to find out which skewers are the best choice for barbecue season, including their key features and what materials are the most preferred.
Wide blade skewers
Wide blade skewers are very popular among grillers who want better stability and control when grilling on the barbecue. They feature a broad, flat surface that prevents food from rotating, and this ensures that the food cooks evenly on every side. These skewers are made from stainless steel, so they are incredibly durable and resistant to high heat.
The sturdy construction of wide-blade skewers is ideal for grilling larger pieces of food such as vegetables or meats. They’re preferred to round skewers as they’re more secure overall and offer easy handling.
Double-prong skewers
Double-prong skewers are designed with two parallel prongs that securely hold the chunks of food in place, which makes them easier to flip and ensures even cooking. They’re generally made from stainless steel, making them both reusable and heat resistant. These skewers are very popular for grilling softer food such as tomatoes, mushrooms, or shrimp, which are known for rotating or falling apart.
The extra stability provided by double-prong skewers also makes them the perfect choice for handling heavier cuts of meat, so barbecue preparation couldn’t be easier.
Bamboo skewers
The most affordable skewers on the market are bamboo skewers. This disposable option for grilling on barbecues is made from natural bamboo and is both lightweight and biodegradable. This means that, even though they’re disposable, they’re a good eco-friendly choice for grilling smaller cuts of meat and vegetables. They’re a great option for quick grilling, serving food in an aesthetic way, or marinating.
The downside to using bamboo skewers is that they’re not very durable when in direct heat. To prevent burning, the skewers should be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling starts. Bamboo skewers aren’t known for their high quality, but they’re useful to have on hand.
Stainless steel skewers
Stainless steel skewers are available in many styles, but the most common are a similar shape to bamboo skewers. These skewers are known for their durable finish and reusability, and unlike bamboo skewers, they don’t require soaking beforehand. Their ability to withstand high temperatures makes them a good option for grilling all sorts of food, from vegetables to meats and poultry.
This narrow version of stainless steel skewers offers a smooth surface that’s easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher. Although they’re not as thick as wide blade skewers, their construction still allows for even cooking, regardless of the weight of the ingredients.
Final thoughts
When choosing the perfect set of skewers to use for barbecue season, buyers have a lot of options at their fingertips. All types of skewers, from bamboo and stainless steel to wide-blade and double-prong skewers have perfect grilling capabilities if they’re used correctly.
Each type also comes with its set of benefits that will help to enhance the grilling experience. With the right barbecue tools, everyone will be able to enjoy evenly cooked barbecue dishes.
