Skewers are the cheapest piece of grill gear and the one that causes the most trouble. Shrimp spin when you turn them, onion slices slide off into the coals, bamboo burns through at the ends, and a round rod rolls back to where it started the moment you let go. In a restaurant kitchen the fix is simple: the right skewer for the food, loaded the same way every time, so a tray of brochetas or an alambre of steak, peppers and onion turns as one piece and cooks evenly.
This guide compares nine grill skewers and kebab sets: flat stainless skewers from OXO and Norpro, double-prong skewers from Weber and Broil King, two sets with racks that lift kebabs off the grate, a nonstick set from Outset and two packs of bamboo skewers. For each we list the model, material, length, count, profile, handle, dishwasher safety and care, from the maker or the Amazon listing, and write “Not stated” where neither gives the figure.
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Quick verdict: which skewers to buy
For most cooks, the OXO Outdoor Grilling Skewers are the best grill skewer set to start with: six flat stainless skewers that OXO says do not roll when flipped, handles you can grip with your hand or tongs, nesting storage and dishwasher-safe cleanup. If you grill shrimp or small pieces that like to spin, choose the Weber 8-Piece Grilling Skewer Set, whose two prongs hold food in place. For parties, a pack of Norpro flat bamboo skewers does the job once and goes in the compost.
The table compares the five picks that suit the most cooks. All nine are reviewed in full after it.
Five grill skewers side by side
Profile, length and care for each set, as each maker or Amazon listing states it.
| Skewers | Profile & material | Length & count | Care | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OXO Outdoor Grilling Skewers, Set of 6Best overall
|
Flat stainless steel | 6 skewers; length not stated | Dishwasher safe; nesting storage | View on Amazon |
Weber Grilling Skewer Set, 8-PieceBest double-prong
|
Dual-prong stainless steel | 8 skewers, 13.27 in (listing) | Hand wash only | View on Amazon |
Unicook 13-inch Stainless Skewers with RackBest kebab set with rack
|
Stainless skewers and folding rack | 6 skewers, 13 in, plus a bonus pack | Rack folds in half to store | View on Amazon |
| Flat, wide bamboo | 25 skewers, 11.5 in | Soak 15 minutes first (Norpro) | View on Amazon | |
Norpro 12.5-inch Flat Stainless Skewers, Set of 6Best simple flat steel
|
Flat, wide stainless steel | 6 skewers, 12.5 in | Care not stated | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Specifications as stated by each maker or Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best grill skewer
The nine picks below cover the three kinds of skewer a kitchen actually uses: flat steel for most kebabs, double-prong for food that spins, and bamboo for big batches. Two sets add a rack, and one adds a nonstick coating. Each section says who it suits and one honest reason to skip it.
1. OXO Outdoor Grilling Skewers, Set of 6 – Flat Steel That Stays Put
OXO’s skewers solve the two everyday problems with metal skewers: food that spins and skewers that are awkward to grab. OXO says the flat design is more stable, so there is no rolling when you flip them, and the sharp stainless points go through meat, vegetables and fruit without a fight.
The handles are angled, and OXO describes them as easy to grip with your hands or with tongs. That matters over a hot grate: you want to turn a full skewer of chicken thighs and onion with one movement, not chase it with your fingers. When you are done, the six skewers nest together, which OXO says saves storage space.
The set is dishwasher safe, according to OXO’s listing. OXO does not publish the length. Metal skewers get hot over a live fire, so use the tongs or a glove to turn them.
Why we like it
- Flat design that does not roll (OXO)
- Angled handles for hands or tongs
- Nesting storage
- Dishwasher safe
Key specifications
| Model | 9110600 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Length | Not stated |
| Count | 6 |
| Profile | Flat |
| Handle | Angled handle |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Care | Dishwasher; nest to store |
Why we recommend it
It suits most home grillers who want one reusable set for chicken, steak, vegetables and fruit, and who would rather put skewers in the dishwasher than scrub them by hand.
Skip it if you need to know the exact length before you buy. OXO does not state it, so check the listing photos against your grill.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stable flat profile
- Easy to turn with tongs
- Compact storage
Cons
- Length not published
- Six skewers is a small batch
2. Weber Grilling Skewer Set, 8-Piece – Two Prongs for Food That Spins
Shrimp, scallops, cherry tomatoes and small cubes of steak are the foods that spin on a single skewer. Weber’s set answers that with two prongs. Weber says the dual-pronged design keeps food in place for even cooking as the skewers are turned, and that the skewers pierce food without damaging it.
You get eight stainless skewers, which is enough for a family dinner of shrimp brochetas with a second tray of peppers and onion. The Amazon listing gives the size as 13.27 inches. Two prongs also make it easier to load thin pieces, such as strips of skirt steak folded back and forth.
Weber’s own product page and the listing both say hand wash only. That is the one real cost of this design: cleaning between two prongs takes a minute longer than wiping a single flat blade.
Why we like it
- Dual prongs stop food turning (Weber)
- Eight skewers in the set
- Pierces food without damage (Weber)
- About 13 in long (listing)
Key specifications
| Model | 6320 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Length | 13.27 in (listing) |
| Count | 8 |
| Profile | Double prong |
| Handle | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | No (hand wash only) |
| Care | Hand wash |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who grill a lot of shrimp, small cubes or cherry tomatoes and are tired of turning a skewer only to watch the food stay put.
Skip it if everything you cook goes in the dishwasher. Weber says hand wash only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds small food firmly
- Eight skewers
- Care stated on Weber’s own page
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Handle not described
3. Unicook 13-inch Stainless Skewers with Rack – Kebabs Off the Grate
A skewer rack holds kebabs above the grate instead of on it. Unicook says its rack elevates shish kebabs away from the grill grates and holds the skewers in place, which keeps tender fish or marinated chicken from sticking to the bars, and it works on charcoal, gas and electric grills.
The set has six 13-inch stainless skewers and the rack, plus a bonus that the listing describes as random: either six more stainless skewers or thirty 12.5-inch bamboo skewers. Unicook says the rack has a stiffening rib for strength, the whole set is stainless steel, and the rack folds in half for storage.
The listing says the set is easy to clean but does not say whether it is dishwasher safe, and it does not describe the skewer profile or handle. Because the food sits higher, it cooks a little further from the heat, so expect kebabs to take longer than they would lying on the grate.
Why we like it
- Rack lifts kebabs off the grate
- Six 13-inch skewers plus a bonus pack
- Stiffening rib on the rack
- Folds in half to store
Key specifications
| Model | B810107 (part number) |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel skewers and rack |
| Length | 13 in (bonus bamboo 12.5 in) |
| Count | 6 plus rack, plus 6 steel or 30 bamboo bonus |
| Profile | Not stated |
| Handle | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Care | “Easy to clean”; rack folds |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who grill fish, shrimp or heavily marinated meat that sticks to the grate, and anyone who wants to set a row of kebabs down without them rolling.
Skip it if you want to know exactly what is in the box. The bonus pack varies, according to the listing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Food stays off the bars
- Extra skewers included
- Stores flat
Cons
- Bonus contents vary
- Dishwasher safety not stated
4. Norpro 11.5-inch Flat Bamboo Skewers, 25 Pack – Wide Bamboo That Holds Its Load
Thin round bamboo skewers are the reason many cooks give up on bamboo: food spins, and the stick splits under a heavy load. Norpro’s skewers are flat and wide instead. Norpro says the flat profile stops meat, vegetables and satay from spinning or sliding when you flip them, and the tapered point pierces tough meat, poultry, seafood and dense fruit without splitting the food.
Each pack holds 25 skewers, 11.5 inches long. Norpro’s instruction is clear: soak them in water for 15 minutes before grilling or baking. Soaking helps keep the exposed ends from catching while the food cooks, though the tips can still char over a hot fire, so keep the bare ends toward the cooler side of the grill.
Norpro describes them as 100 percent bamboo, disposable and biodegradable. They are a one-use product, which is the point for a party: load them ahead, grill, serve and throw them away.
Why we like it
- Flat, wide profile stops spinning (Norpro)
- Tapered point for tough meat
- Clear 15-minute soak instruction
- Disposable and biodegradable
Key specifications
| Model | 1897 |
|---|---|
| Material | Bamboo |
| Length | 11.5 in |
| Count | 25 |
| Profile | Flat and wide |
| Handle | None |
| Dishwasher safe | No (disposable) |
| Care | Soak 15 minutes before grilling (Norpro) |
Why we recommend it
It suits parties, tailgates and anyone who wants to prep kebabs in advance without tying up a set of metal skewers.
Skip it if you grill skewers every week. Twenty-five single-use sticks go quickly, and a metal set pays for itself in time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Flat profile in bamboo
- No washing up
- Maker gives soak time
Cons
- Single use
- Must be soaked first
5. Norpro 12.5-inch Flat Stainless Skewers, Set of 6 – A Plain Flat Blade With a Loop
Norpro’s 8775 skewers are the classic kitchen-drawer design: a flat, wide stainless blade with a large rounded loop at the end. Norpro says the loop is easy to grip and turn, and it doubles as a hanging point so the skewers can live on a hook by the grill.
At 12.5 inches, six skewers fit across most kettle and gas grill grates with room for five or six pieces of meat and vegetables each. The flat blade does the same job as OXO’s: food turns with the skewer instead of spinning around it.
The listing does not state dishwasher safety or care. A plain stainless blade with no plastic or wood is simple to wash by hand, and there is nothing on it to burn. Norpro also sells a 14-inch set of the same style if you want more length.
Why we like it
- Flat, wide blade
- Large loop handle to grip and turn
- All-metal construction
- 12.5 in long
Key specifications
| Model | 8775 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Length | 12.5 in |
| Count | 6 |
| Profile | Flat and wide |
| Handle | Large rounded loop |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who want a no-frills, all-metal flat skewer from an established kitchen-tool maker, with a stated length.
Skip it if you want a stated dishwasher rating. OXO’s set has one; Norpro’s listing does not.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stated length
- Loop for hanging
- Nothing to melt or burn
Cons
- Care not stated
- Loop gets hot over the fire
6. Broil King 12-inch Dual-Prong Skewers, 4-Pack – Shorter Double Prongs
Broil King, the grill maker, sells a four-pack of stainless dual-prong skewers at 12 inches. Broil King says the two-prong design prevents food from spinning when it is moved or flipped, the same idea as Weber’s set in a slightly shorter length.
Four skewers is a small set, which suits a small grill or a couple’s dinner: two of steak and two of peppers and onion, or four of shrimp. Twelve inches also fits portable and tabletop grills better than longer skewers that hang over the edge.
Broil King describes them as durable and easy to clean but does not say whether they go in the dishwasher. The listing says they are made in China. As with any double-prong skewer, give the gap between the prongs a proper scrub after raw meat.
Why we like it
- Two prongs stop spinning (Broil King)
- 12 in suits small grills
- Stainless steel
- Established grill maker
Key specifications
| Model | 64049 |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Length | 12 in |
| Count | 4 |
| Profile | Double prong |
| Handle | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Care | “Easy to clean” |
Why we recommend it
It suits owners of portable or tabletop grills, and cooks who want double prongs for shrimp without buying eight skewers.
Skip it if you cook for more than two or three people. Four skewers will not hold a family’s dinner in one round.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Holds small food
- Fits small grills
- Stated length
Cons
- Only four skewers
- Dishwasher safety not stated
7. Yukon Glory Rotating Kabob Skewer Rack – Turn Six Kebabs at Once
Yukon Glory’s rack goes a step further than a fixed rack. It holds six stainless skewers above the grill, and the maker says you can rotate each skewer on its own or use the handle to rotate all six at once. That is the restaurant move: one turn and the whole row is done, instead of six separate flips.
Yukon Glory says raising the skewers gives a hassle-free, non-stick solution, since the food never touches the grate. The rack and skewers are stainless steel, and the rack collapses for compact storage between cookouts.
Both Yukon Glory’s site and the listing say all parts are dishwasher safe. Neither gives the skewer length or the skewer profile, so measure your grill’s depth and check the photos before you order.
Why we like it
- Turns all six skewers with one handle (Yukon Glory)
- Food stays off the grate
- All parts dishwasher safe
- Collapses to store
Key specifications
| Model | YG-204M |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless steel rack and skewers |
| Length | Not stated |
| Count | 6 plus rack |
| Profile | Not stated |
| Handle | Rack handle rotates all skewers |
| Dishwasher safe | Yes |
| Care | Dishwasher; rack collapses |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who make kebabs often for a crowd and want every skewer to cook evenly without standing over the grill turning each one.
Skip it if you have a small or round grill. A rack takes up a rectangle of grate, and the listing does not give its size.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One-handle turning
- Dishwasher safe
- Collapsible
Cons
- Dimensions not stated
- More parts to store than loose skewers
8. Outset Non-Stick Grill Skewers, Set of 6 – Food Slides Off Easily
Outset’s skewers are flat and coated. The listing says the nonstick coating contains no PTFE or PFOA and lets food slide off easily, which helps with sticky marinades and with cheese-stuffed or glazed pieces that would otherwise cling to bare steel.
Each of the six skewers is 13.25 inches long. Outset says the flat design keeps food from spinning when you turn the skewer over the grill, and that the skewers give an even cook all around.
The listing does not name the coating material or the metal underneath, and it does not say whether the skewers can go in the dishwasher. Coatings wear, so use a soft sponge rather than steel wool or a wire brush, and do not scrape food off with a metal fork.
Why we like it
- Nonstick coating (no PTFE or PFOA, per listing)
- Flat profile
- 13.25 in long
- Food slides off for serving
Key specifications
| Model | QD90 |
|---|---|
| Material | Metal with nonstick coating (coating not named) |
| Length | 13.25 in |
| Count | 6 |
| Profile | Flat |
| Handle | Not stated |
| Dishwasher safe | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits cooks who skewer sticky, sugary or marinated food and want it to slide off cleanly onto a platter or a tortilla.
Skip it if you want a skewer that lasts for years of hard scrubbing. Plain stainless steel has no coating to wear.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Easy release
- Flat, stated length
- Established maker
Cons
- Coating not named
- Care not stated
9. GoodCook 12-inch Bamboo Skewers, 100 Count – A Big Pack for a Crowd
When you are feeding a backyard full of people, you need a lot of skewers, and you do not want to wash any of them. GoodCook’s pack holds 100 single-point bamboo skewers, 12 inches long, which is enough for a graduation party’s worth of chicken and pineapple or a few trays of elote-style corn pieces and onions.
These are round, thin skewers, so food can spin. The kitchen fix is to thread each piece onto two parallel skewers, a few fingers apart, so the pair turns as one flat unit. That trick works with any round bamboo skewer and costs nothing.
The listing gives no soaking time. Norpro’s instruction for its bamboo skewers, 15 minutes in water, is a sensible guide. GoodCook says the skewers also suit other kitchen uses and crafts.
Why we like it
- 100 skewers in a pack
- 12 in long
- Single-point ends
- Nothing to wash
Key specifications
| Model | 24455 |
|---|---|
| Material | Bamboo |
| Length | 12 in |
| Count | 100 |
| Profile | Round, single point |
| Handle | None |
| Dishwasher safe | No (disposable) |
| Care | Soaking time not stated |
Why we recommend it
It suits big gatherings where you prep dozens of kebabs ahead and want cleanup to be a trash bag.
Skip it if food spinning drives you mad. Norpro’s flat bamboo skewers solve that in a smaller pack.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large count
- Stated length
- No cleanup
Cons
- Round, so food can spin
- No soaking guidance
How to choose a grill skewer
The right skewer depends on what you thread on it and how often you grill. These five points matter more than the piece count.
1. Profile: flat, double or round
Flat blades, like OXO’s and Norpro’s, are the everyday choice: food turns with the skewer instead of around it. Double prongs, like Weber’s and Broil King’s, grip even better and suit shrimp and small cubes. Round skewers are the cheapest and spin the most; use two side by side if that is what you have.
2. Length that fits your grill
Most picks here run 11.5 to 13.25 inches. That fits across kettles and most gas grill grates with the handle end outside the hottest zone. On a portable grill, shorter is easier; Broil King’s 12-inch skewers suit that. Several makers do not state length, so check before you buy.
3. Metal or bamboo
Metal skewers are reusable and sturdy, but they get hot to the touch over a live fire. Bamboo is cheap and disposable, but needs soaking; Norpro says 15 minutes. For weekly grilling, buy metal. For parties, buy bamboo.
4. A rack if your food sticks
Racks from Unicook and Yukon Glory hold kebabs above the grate, so fish and marinated chicken do not stick to the bars and the whole row turns together. They take up grate space, so they suit larger grills. For loose vegetables that will not stay on a skewer, a basket is easier; see our grill basket guide.
5. Cleanup
OXO and Yukon Glory say their sets are dishwasher safe. Weber says hand wash only. Most other makers here do not say, so plan to wash by hand. Bamboo goes in the trash or compost.
Cooking on skewers, safely and evenly
Cut pieces to the same size so they finish together, and do not pack them tight; a small gap lets heat reach every side. Skewer meat and vegetables separately when you can. Peppers and onions want longer than shrimp, and chicken needs to reach a higher temperature than steak.
Check doneness with a thermometer in the thickest piece, not by the color of the outside. According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, chicken and other poultry are safe at 165°F, ground meat such as kofta at 160°F, and whole cuts of beef, pork and lamb at 145°F with a three-minute rest. Our grill thermometer guide covers the tools for that.
Turn metal skewers with tongs or a glove; the handle end gets hot over a live fire. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends keeping a 3-foot safe zone around the grill to keep kids and pets away, and putting cooled coals in a metal can with a lid.
How we chose these nine skewers
We started with what a restaurant grill station needs from a skewer, food that turns as one piece and a handle you can grab with tongs, and looked for sets from established makers (OXO, Weber, Norpro, Broil King, Outset, GoodCook, Unicook and Yukon Glory) that cover flat, double-prong, rack and bamboo designs. We kept to products sold on Amazon in the United States and in stock when we checked, and skipped unbranded multi-packs and near-duplicate listings. Specifications come from each brand’s Amazon listing, and from the maker’s own site where we could read it (Weber, Yukon Glory); we wrote “Not stated” where we found nothing. We have not used these skewers for this guide, and we did not consult outside equipment reviews for it.
Skewer questions, answered
What are the best grill skewers for kebabs?
Flat stainless skewers for most kebabs, because food does not spin. OXO’s set is our first pick. For shrimp and small cubes, double-prong skewers like Weber’s hold even better.
Do I need to soak bamboo skewers?
Yes. Norpro tells you to soak its bamboo skewers in water for 15 minutes before grilling. Even soaked, bare ends can char, so keep them away from the hottest part of the fire.
Are metal skewers better than bamboo?
For regular grilling, yes: they are reusable, sturdier and need no soaking. Bamboo wins for parties, where you want dozens of skewers and no washing up.
Can grill skewers go in the dishwasher?
Some can. OXO and Yukon Glory say theirs are dishwasher safe. Weber’s double-prong set is hand wash only. If the maker does not say, wash by hand.
How long should grill skewers be?
About 12 to 14 inches suits most home grills. Shorter skewers fit tabletop grills; longer ones help on wide charcoal grills where you want the handle well away from the coals.
Our final pick for skewers
Start with the OXO Outdoor Grilling Skewers for everyday kebabs, and add Weber’s double-prong set if you grill a lot of shrimp. Keep a pack of flat bamboo skewers in the drawer for parties. Most tool sets come with a few skewers at best; our best grill tools guide covers the tongs and spatula you will turn them with, and if you are still choosing a grill, see our guides to the best charcoal grill and the best gas grill.
Skewered steak, peppers and onions are close cousins of a fajita platter; read how to eat fajitas for what to do with them. Or let us do the grilling: see the menu or call to order.