Wok: 

Wok cooking can be a fun change of pace.   And, there is more than Asian foods to wok.   We carry a 16-inch diameter wok, made from cold forged steel with two riveted handles.   It is 4-3/4 inches deep and designed to sit in the Spider.   

Tongs:

Tongs are probably the most overlooked accessory we use.   The right tongs can make life so easy while the wrong pair can produce an instant migraine.   There are many types: salad, pastry, ice, pasta, and utility.   They come in several styles: spring loaded, springless, nylon coated, locking and color coded.  And, let’s not forget build: metal, plastic, 6-inch plus lengths and light-to-heavy duty.  

The best tongs we have found, in fact, the only tongs we use, are the 16-inch locking tongs with cushion grip from OXO.  

That’s it, one pair for everything.   They are long enough to grab steaks during a sear and short enough to handle single items on an elevated grid.   When unlocked they don’t overly spread out.   The grip is cushioned which feels nice in the hand.   Plus, they are built to be used.   They are dishwasher safe but we try to hand wash them to preserve the softness in the cushion grip.   It’s just a great pair of tongs.  

On the Clock:

Why a clock and particularly a red one.   One of the more common questions on the forums is…how long does it take to cook such and such?   Well, we can give ball park estimates, but the best way to learn how fast you cook something is, time your cooks.   So, nothing better than a little stop & start clock to help keep time.  The OXO clock keeps regular time and counts up & down.   For cooking, it’s a good little time keeper.   

Why red, because it sticks out.   Can’t tell you how many times we forgot to start or stop the clock or lost the clock on a messy table.   A red clock is quite visible.  

On a side note, we’ve tried writing down start times only to use the paper to wipe up a spill.  We’ve tried remembering times, but after 10 hours and a night’s sleep, it’s generally forgotten.   We’ve tried watches only to find the watch missing in action at critical times.   The table top clock is a simple way to remember times.  And the red color is a simple reminder to use and check it.