A master grillman-or-woman, is only as good as their grilling tools! You’ve shopped around for the best spatulas, the best tongs and even the best grill mats. However, you’ve probably overlooked the quality of one of the best accessories to have on hand… skewers!
Choosing good skewers isn’t as simple as it might sound. If you love kebabs, you might be familiar with the struggle of finding skewers which prevent your food from spinning and turning. You need skewers that are durable and versatile, because you’ll be using them from delicate vegetables, meats and even marshmellows!
A good skewer can definitely make your life easier when you want to grill. With that in mind, we did the research to find the best skewers on the market. Even though different kinds of skewers can be useful for different foods, we’ve based our article on the products’ key characteristics, so that you’ll be able to examine and compare the best types of skewers.
Keep reading to see all the details on our top picks. Here is a list of all the skewers that made our list:
The Best Skewers for Grilling
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Premium stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Flat blade
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
- Length: 12 inches
At the top of our list are the 12-inch kabob skewers from Lanney. They’re entirely made of premium food grade stainless steel which means they’re rust resistant, heat resistant and durable. Moreover, these heavy duty grill skewers are corrosion resistant and thick enough to prevent any possible twisting or bending.
The kabob blade is flat and wide. The flatness stops the skewered food from spinning or moving when you flip the skewer. The angled tip helps you pile on food without accidentally splintering it. Though, they’re not so pointy that you’ll lose a finger or impale yourself.
The 12-inch skewers fit various size grills. Plus, they’re long enough to hold significant chunks of food. For the most part, 12-inch skewers are long enough to keep your hands safely away from the heat, but Lanney has longer lengths available for a slight upcharge, if you prefer them. No matter the length, Lanney skewers have handles that are ergonomic and comfortable to hold, even when you’re wearing gloves.
Unlike wood or bamboo kabob sticks, stainless steel kabob skewers are reusable. These skewers have a smooth surface allowing for grilled food to slide off leaving little residue left on the stick. This also allows them to be easy to clean. After each use, you can hand wash or threw them in the dishwasher.
This Lanney kabob skewers set includes 12 – 12-inch skewers that work great for shish kabobs, shrimp, chicken, fruit, vegetables, meat and more. All the skewers come with a tip cover for safety and a handy storage pouch to keep them organized. Furthermore, Lanney offers a satisfaction guarantee. If anything falls short of your expectation, just contact the company and they’ll send a replacement or refund.
Pros
- Angled tip
- Reusable
- Rust resistant
- Ergonomic handle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Harder to use when cooking small foods
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Flat blade
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Length: 12 inches
If you’re looking for an extra large pack of skewers, you’ve come to the right place! Blue Donuts 12-inch skewers come in a 24 pack perfect for your next family reunion or massive blow out!!! They are made from durable food grade stainless steel and are flat to keep food from rotating as you rotate the skewer.
Other than being heat resistant, the skewers are reusable and suited for grilling different kinds of food, from meat to fruit. Plus, thanks to the thoughtful design, the Blue Donuts skewers are sturdy and hard to bend. Moreover, the skewers are dishwasher safe, so the cleanup process is a breeze!
Finally, the ring handle makes it easy to hang the skewers when you need to store them. However, the handles might be a little small and not the easiest to grip if you’re wearing thick grilling gloves.
Plus, these grill skewers are only 12-inches long, which can be slightly dangerous for novice grillers (your hand will be moderately close to the flame). And the only other size Blue Donuts offers is 8-inches, which is even shorter.
Conversely, Blue Donuts offers a 2 Year Warranty, so if you’re unhappy with your kabob skewers, just let the company know and they’ll take care of you.
Pros
- Great price
- Sharp tip
- Sturdy
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to store
Cons
- The handle may be too small if you wear thick gloves or have large hands
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Extra-thick stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Flat blade
- Food remover ring
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Length: 17 inches
This skewer set by Cave Tools is the most expensive item on our list of barbeque products. However, if you’re looking for a longer set of skewers, this is an excellent option. Tou can get 10 high-quality, 17-inch long, durable skewers. Plus, they also come with a storage case you can use to store away the sticks when you’re done using them.
While these skewers are 17-inches long in total length, the loadable length is slightly shorter. There is 15.5-inches of room for meats and veggies, so you can cook delicious kabobs for the whole family.
The skewers are made of extra-thick stainless steel and like the other skewers on our list, the blades are flat to prevent the food from spinning or sliding when you move the skewers. However, there is something really cool that sets these skewers apart from the others.
These skewers have a “food remover ring” that sits right below the handle. Once you’ve made use of the sharp tip to load the food on the skewer and grilled it to perfection, you slide the food remover ring down the stick to easily push the food off the skewer for serving! Though, some customers think the stainless steel is a little too thick, so even with the food remover ring, the food can be difficult to slide off.
Aside from that small inconvenience, these skewers can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Plus, they also come with 25 professional barbecue recipes with step by step instructions and detailed grilling video tutorials. Furthermore, Cave Tools offers a Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee. If at any point you are unhappy with your barbeque skewers, you can return them for a full refund.
Pros
- Durable
- Set of 10
- Sturdy
- Sharp tip
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Due to the thickness, sliding food on the skewers may be hard
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Waved handles
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Length: 17 inches
BearMoo offers a set of 10 barbeque skewers, each 17 inches long. The sticks are made of sturdy stainless steel, are reusable and are long enough so that you can leave the handle outside the grill and turn them without even opening the barbeque lid.
The blades are wide and flat to prevent food from moving around the stick. Plus, the tips are wedge shaped to comfortably pile food on the blade with ease.
The waved handles provide an ergonomic design that makes the skewers easier to turn while still being able to use them to store the items when you’re done cooking. Furthermore, care for these skewers is super convenient as they can be washed by hand or thrown in the dishwasher.
The affordable price includes a storage pouch and a silicone pastry brush. However, the downside is that the tips might not be sharp enough to allow you to easily penetrate some kinds of meat.
Pros
- Includes a pouch and a brush
- Durable and reusable
- Dishwasher safe
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- The tip isn’t as sharp as some others
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Flat blade
- Sliding lock design
- Weight: 1.75 lbs
- Length: 17 inches
This set of 17 inch long reusable skewers by Segoal includes 10 pieces made of durable stainless steel. It also comes with a velvet storage bag to store away the items when you don’t need them anymore.
The skewer’s wide, flat blade prevents food, especially soft vegetables, from spinning when you rotate the kebab. Additionally, the pointed tip makes it easy to penetrate most kinds of food. Moreover, the skewers have a sliding lock design that helps you take the food off of the stick without preventing the food from slipping towards your hand while it’s hot.
Plus, the length is excellent. Seventeen inches is an ideal length because you can leave the end of the skewer outside the grill and rotate it without opening the grill. Another convenient feature is the fixed slots and rings allowing these to be hung in the kitchen or near the grill when not in use.
The items can be cleaned in the dishwasher. They even have ergonomic handles making turning the kabobs more comfortable. However, some customers stated that these handles tend to get very hot pretty quickly, so you’ll probably need to wear gloves to turn the skewers.
Furthermore, if you have any quality problems after receiving the product, you can contact Segoal. If the product is compromised or you’re unsatisfied, they will replace it. Meaning, you can buy risk free.
Pros
- Include a velvet storage bag
- Set of 10 skewers
- Dishwasher safe
- Sturdy
- Reusable
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- The handles get hot quickly
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Wooden handle
- Flat blade
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Dimensions: 16.5 inches
Priced well, Chichic offers a set of 12 skewers, each 16.5 inches long and made of food grade stainless steel. While the blades are rust resistant and hard to bend, the handles are made of smooth and durable wood that includes a non-slip design to help you maintain a nice grip on the sticks.
These skewers feature a flat blade to keep the food from moving when you turn the kebob. Plus, it allows you to evenly cook all sides of the food pieces. The skewers are dishwasher safe. However, the manufacturer recommends using a gentle detergent and carefully drying them off before storing them.
Since the tips are sharp to aid you in loading food on the skewers, Chichic provides silicone tips to apply on the skewers when you’re not using them to keep you from accidentally stabbing yourself.
A downside, however, is that the wooden handle requires you to be careful with the heat as it might burn if kept too close to the fire. And while these skewers still have a good Amazon rating at over 4 stars, they do have the lowest rating on the list.
Pros
- Comes with silicone tips
- Ergonomic, non-slip handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Rust resistant
- Reusable
- Sharp tip
Cons
- The wooden handle might burn if kept too close to a heat source
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Flat blade
- Twisted design
- Weight: 1.1 lbs
- Length: 14 inches
Zeeyu offers a set of 20 skewers that are 14 inches long for a budget-friendly price. They also come with a portable storage tube, all made of durable stainless steel. The material the skewers are made of is 100% food grade and rust resistant. Moreover, they won’t bend or break easily.
The flat and wide design prevents the food from spinning when you turn the skewers on the grill. Plus, the tips are sharp enough to easily allow you to puncture any type of food, from shrimp to vegetables.
The handles are supposed to feature an ergonomic design that will prevent you from burning your hands. However, some customers posited that these handles aren’t the most comfortable to hold because they are simply flat.
Specifically, there are no rings for hanging. There’s just a twisted design between the handle and the blade that keeps the food from sliding toward your hands. Conversely, the handles are insulated and they won’t get too hot if not kept directly on the heat source.
Another downside is the fact that these skewers are only 14 inch long. It’s not an all time shortness, but there are longer options available from other brands.
Furthermore, while these skewers claim to be rust resistant, that’s not entirely the case if you don’t properly care for them. Once they are washed, whether by hand or in the dishwasher, they need to be dried immediately. Also, be sure to keep the storage tube in a dry place too. Otherwise, you’re running the risk of them rusting. Though, these are the care steps you should be taking with every set on this list.
However, Zeeyu believes you’ll love their product, so they offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They offer a one-year warranty and will give you an unconditional refund, should you request it.
Pros
- Great price
- Set of 20
- Dishwasher safe
- Sharp tip
- Insulated handles
Cons
- The handles aren’t as ergonomic as those of other products on the list
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Non-stick surface
- Flat blade
- Twisted design
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Length: 15 inches
This set of 20 skewers by Homyhoo is quite affordable. Each skewer features a non-stick, stainless steel surface with loop handle for an easy grip, while the flat design prevents food from slipping and spinning. This feature makes grilling a lot easier.
The long 15-inch skewer is an excellent length for safe cooking, helping you keep a safe distance from the heat. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold. Then, once cooked to perfection, you simply slide your grilled delicacies off and serve.
The skewers are made of quality food grade stainless steel and are strong and sturdy allowing you to get years of use out of them. Once you’re done grilling, you can wash by hand or in the dishwasher before storing away for future uses. A benefit of stainless steel skewers over disposable wood and bamboo skewers.
Customers mentioned a few downsides, the handles tended to get hot rather quickly. Plus, the skewers are “too sharp” by some estimations. Yet, Homyhoo offers a 1-year warranty. If you agree that these skewers are too sharp or they don’t meet your expectations, Homyhoo will replace or refund your product anytime during the first year after your purchase.
Pros
- Good price
- Ergonomic handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Sharp tip
- Durable
- Reusable
Cons
- The handles aren’t heat resistant
Key Features ANd Specifications
- Stainless steel
- Heat resistant
- Oval blade
- Arrowhead tips
- Weight: 7 ounces
- Length: 8 inches
This 8-inch long, 12 piece set by Great Credentials is perfect for small grills that require shorter skewers. Made of stainless steel, these sticks can be reused and are hard to bend or break. Furthermore, they’re also the most inexpensive on the list (currently about $9).
Unlike the other products we’ve reviewed, these skewers have blades that are oval, but they still prevent the food from moving around too much while you cook. As a downside, the tip of the blade is relatively wide and somewhat resembles an arrow. This design can be problematic when trying to skewer small delicate foods. In terms of turning them, the ring-shaped handle makes it easy. Though, it’s not the most ergonomic design we’ve seen.
Furthermore, you have several options with these Great Credentials skewers. While this set comes with 12 8-inch long skewers, you can also purchase them in 10-inches or 12-inches. All lengths are also available in 12 or 24 packs. And as an added bonus, all the skewers, no matter the length are easy to clean and dishwasher safe.
Pros
- Good price
- Set of 12
- Dishwasher safe
- Reusable
- Hard to bend
Cons
- Smaller size compared to many other skewers
- The “arrowhead” tip isn’t ideal to puncture small foods
What to Look for in a Barbecuing or Grilling Skewer
Listen, we know what you’re thinking, “how important can some barbeque skewers really be?” Fair question. We know these barbeque accessories aren’t as important as your beloved spatula or trusty tongs. However, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give your barbeque skewers careful consideration.
There’s no reason to silently endure the pitfalls that come with bad skewers. One pitfall, the food twirling around all over the place because your skewer is round not flat. Another pitfall, splintering or breaking disposable skewers made from wood or bamboo. There are simple things to consider when purchasing barbeque skewers that can help you avoid these pitfalls and not have to silently endure anything but the heat from the grill and the cook time!
Things to Consider Before Purchasing
Blade Shape:
As previously mentioned, flat blades are typically the way to go. The flatness of the blade keeps the meat or veggies from spinning as you’re trying to turn the skewer. However, you don’t want to go for a flat blade that’s overly wide because you still want to be able to skewer tiny delicate foods, if necessary.
Tips:
There’s not too much to say about the tip of your skewer. You just want to look for skewers that have a moderately sharp tip, so you can actually get the skewer to puncture thick cubes of meat. If you’re concerned about your skewers being dangerously sharp, they do have sets that come with tip covers. Safety first, am I right!?!
Materials:
We believe in stainless steel skewers over more disposable options. For one, it’s more eco-friendly. For two, it’s more budget-friendly. Sure, the upfront cost is going to be a bit higher, but the stainless steel options will last for years. I think, if we’re honest with ourselves, we all buy a pack of wood skewers for every kabob night and just lose the extras or throw them away before the next kabob night rolls around. That’s pretty much the opposite of budget friendly. Plus, the fancier stainless steel options tend to come with a warranty, so you’re buying risk free.
Handles:
On a skewer, the handle is what allows you to turn the stick and cook the food properly. That’s why choosing a skewer with an ergonomic handle can make the difference when it comes to comfort. One thing to note is that stainless steel handles, even the “heat resistant” ones, tend to get hot, so consider whether the handle shape will be easy to grab with tongs or a gloved hand.
Some stainless steel skewers have wooden handles that can help make them a little more heat resistant. However, this feature tends to be hit or miss, so just keep that in mind during your purchase process.
Finally, the last thing to consider is whether the handles double as a food pusher or have a food pusher feature. One of the challenging parts of grilling food on skewers is getting the food off the skewer. It’s often hot and messy. That is, unless your kabob stick has a food pusher! Though, again, these features can be hit or miss, so keep that in mind during your purchase process.
Length:
This aspect comes down to two things: preference and grill size. If you have a small grill, 8-10 inch skewers are a good option. If you have a large grill, they have skewers up to 17-18 inches long. Novices tend to be better off with skewers that are a bit longer because it gives them extra length to maneuver around, keeping hands securely away from the flame.
Quantity:
Most of the sets on this list contained 10-12 skewers each. That’s a good number for the average family. It even gives you a little wiggle room to invite a couple of friends to a weekend. However, very large parties could warrant a set that comes with 24 skewers or purchasing two of a smaller set. Though, in general, it never hurts to have extras anyway.
QUICK TIPS
- Be mindful of the size of meat chunks you’re attempting to skewer and grill. If they’re too large/thick, they won’t cook through to a proper and safe internal temperature.
- Speaking of safety…A great way to make sure your meat ends up properly cooked is to use ingredient specific skewers. This means a skewer for meat, a skewer for peppers, a skewer for pineapples, etc. Different ingredients will cook to different temperatures in different lengths of time. Ingredient specific skewers simplify that.
- Reserve marinades to brush on kabobs during the grilling process. Just add a little extra oil to it and brush on meat or veggies to keep the food moist and make it extra delicious.
- Always use tongs or a gloved hand to flip skewers. Whether your skewer handles are heat resistant, it’s always better to be safe than sorry… or burned!
Why Trust Grill Cook Bake?
Grill Cook Bake was created by amateur chefs and food lovers to help people cook better. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, having the right tools, equipment, and gear can be the difference between a good meal or a bad meal.
Our goal at Grill Cook Bake is to provide you with comprehensive and unbiased reviews and information so that you can make informed buying decisions. Our team has decades of combined experience in the cooking field. This knowledge includes a deep understanding of both brands and individual products.
This article was updated by Jacki Chaplain, a freelance writer and product reviewer for Grill Cook Bake. Jacki Chaplain is a seasoned food writer and blogger. She received masterful culinary training under an esteemed Johnson and Wales graduate. Today, she’s combined her divine love of all things food and artful way with words into a full-time career as a freelance writer for various foodie websites.
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