Charcoal grilling is arguably the holy grail of barbecue. Getting the fire to just the right temperature is an art, and a goal that’s well worth pursuing. We can help you with that, which is why we’ve composed these pieces.
Kamado grills have a unique egg-shaped construction and sturdy build that helps them retain heat beautifully. We would recommend checking one of these out the next time you want to replace your charcoal grill—assuming you can afford the hefty price tag.
We love to smoke meats using charcoal. While pellet and electric smokers offer convenience, charcoal lends authenticity to the whole process. The problem is, most cuts of meat need to cook for a long time in order to gain any benefit from the exposure to the smoke. That means your smoker will probably need to … Read more
One of the drawbacks of grilling with charcoal is the waiting that’s involved. You can’t just fire it up and be ready to cook within minutes, the way you can with a gas grill. How long does it take for charcoal to be ready for grilling? How Long Does it Take For Charcoal to Be … Read more
Grilling with charcoal is a popular summer pastime. Those of us who are serious about grilling as a hobby enjoy it year-round. It’s fun, relatively simple, and results in mouthwateringly delicious food. Even if you only fire up the grill in the summer, you might be wondering: Just how hot do charcoal grills get? And … Read more
Instant light charcoal eliminates the need for lighter fluid—at least, that’s the idea. Many people automatically reach for this type of charcoal for that reason. But is it really a better option? Let’s explore the differences between instant light charcoal vs regular charcoal to get a clearer picture. Instant Light Charcoal vs Regular Instant light … Read more
What happens when charcoal gets wet? Is it still safe to use it? There may be more than one answer, which is what prompted us to compile this guide. Keep reading and we’ll discuss it further. Can Charcoal Get Wet? Charcoal absorbs moisture easily. If it’s wet, it may not light or burn efficiently. You … Read more
Is it safe to add more charcoal to the grill while you’re in the process of grilling your food? If not, how do you keep the fire burning hot enough without adding more? And if so, what’s the best way to add the extra coal without ruining the food? If you’ve ever wondered about these … Read more
If your charcoal has been around for a while, you might be wondering: Does charcoal go bad, or will it keep indefinitely? It’s a fair question, and one you should definitely know the answer to if you have a charcoal grill that you use often. Here’s our guide on the shelf life and proper storage … Read more
Few grills spark curiosity quite like a kamado. One glance at the egg-shaped body, the thick ceramic walls, and the promise of restaurant-quality pizza in your own backyard, and it is easy to understand why these cookers have built such a loyal following. The Sunjoy Charcoal Grill 20-Inch Kamado Grill aims to bring that premium … Read more
The High-Stakes Holiday Cookout Independence Day demands fire, smoke, and an ungodly amount of protein. The backyard becomes a battlefield of intense heat, short tempers, and hungry guests tracking mud across the porch. When the calendar hits July, expectations soar, making the choice of backyard machinery an absolute make-or-break decision. Most people assume that pulling … Read more
The backyard barbecue market has officially spun out of control. Walk into any big-box hardware store today and you will find gleaming stainless-steel rigs that cost more than a decent used car. They come with Wi-Fi connectivity, touchscreens, and ambient lighting, transforming the ancient art of cooking over fire into a Silicon Valley tech seminar. … Read more
Pure magic begins to stir the moment your truck has been sitting idle for twenty minutes in the middle of nowhere. It’s that moment when the scent of pine needles starts to mix with the first wisps of blue smoke drifting from a chimney starter. If you’re a purist, you know exactly what I’m talking … Read more
A real charcoal grill duel isn’t about gadgets – it’s about heat control, smoke flavor, and timing. The Masterbuilt Gravity 1050 takes on the Oklahoma Joe’s Tahoma 900 DLX, two grills built for cooks who want fire mastery and consistent results. I’ve run both through searing, smoking, and long cooks, discovering how design and airflow … Read more
Let’s face it – there’s nothing quite like the smell of charcoal, the hiss of a flame, and the sizzle of meat hitting a hot grate. But high-end grills? They can cost as much as a used car. And sometimes, your backyard doesn’t need a Cadillac; it needs something functional, durable, and entirely your own. … Read more
When your charcoal won’t light, the impending barbecue stops being an enjoyable experience and becomes a major pain. In this guide, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind your charcoal’s failure to ignite so you can avoid the issue in the future. Charcoal Won’t Light When Charcoal Won’t Light, it’s often because the charcoal is damp. … Read more
As barbecue enthusiasts, we’re always seeking out the newest and hottest grilling trends. That’s what prompted us to put together a Traeger vs Big Green Egg review Traeger Ironwood 650 vs 2XL Big Green Egg. Both of these brands have a great deal to offer, but their products differ in several important respects. Let’s take … Read more
We love traditional charcoal grills, but there’s a certain allure to cooking over an open fire pit. Because it can be tricky to set this up on your own, some companies have stepped in to fill the void. The Rivergrille Cowboy Grill is a combination charcoal grill and fire pit that includes a rotisserie spit. … Read more
Gas grills are undoubtedly convenient, especially if you like to cook out several times per week. At the same time, you can’t argue with the authentic taste that a real charcoal fire can provide. So what’s a grilling enthusiast to do? If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, a gas and charcoal grill combination can … Read more
A well-constructed kamado grill can be a great investment, especially if you’re serious about grilling on a regular basis. With their eye-catching dome-shaped design and excellent heat retention, kamados are some of the most versatile grills on the market. Although this type of grill has only recently caught on in the US, kamado cooking has … Read more
There’s a special kind of satisfaction in lighting charcoal on one side of the yard and firing up propane on the other. Some folks say you can’t have both – the speed of gas and the smoky depth of charcoal. But those folks probably haven’t met the Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 Grill. As someone … Read more
As grilling aficionados seek to expand their horizons, kamado grills have become more popular. Although the technique has been around for centuries–kamado is a Japanese term meaning place for the cauldron–it’s only beginning to pick up steam in the Western world. If you’re thinking of purchasing a kamado grill, you should start with a quality … Read more
Sometimes it can be difficult to distinguish one charcoal grill from the next, particularly when they come from the same brand. In this roundup, we’ll look at the Weber 22 vs. 26 to determine what makes each one unique. Weber 22 vs 26: An Overview If you’re in the market for a kettle-style charcoal grill, … Read more
Kamado Joe Grills have been used for centuries, but their popularity has increased dramatically in the last decade or so. As a result, more companies have added these impressive and versatile units to their lineup. As you can tell by the company name, Kamado Joe has a vested interest in this cooking style. The company’s … Read more
Gas grills have a well-earned reputation for being user-friendly. Still, there are some outdoor chefs who just can’t live without the taste of genuine wood smoke. For these individuals, a hybrid grill could provide an easy solution. These ingenious devices can be fueled by either propane or charcoal, leaving the choice entirely up to the … Read more
If you’re in the market for a Weber charcoal grill, you might have noticed that there are a lot of similar units available. Specifically, the Weber Master Touch vs. Premium debate is one that sees a lot of traffic in the grilling community. Since the company invented the world’s first kettle-style charcoal grill in 1952, … Read more
When it comes to kamado grilling, a quality unit is the key to success. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’ll want to invest in the best tool for the job. That’s where this AKORN vs Big Green Egg showdown comes in. AKORN The AKORN is a kamado-style grill presented by Char-Griller. This … Read more
A kamado grill can be a great investment for barbecue enthusiasts, but it’s important to choose a quality product. In this vs Big Green Egg roundup, we’ll go over the features of each product to help you determine which one is best. Pit Boss Kamado The company behind Pit Boss grills is called Danson, Inc. … Read more
Many people assume that all charcoal grills are the same. This could NOT be further from the truth! While it’s true that they all share at least one common factor, there are actually many things that distinguish them from one another. That’s why we’ve put together these Stok charcoal grill reviews. Stok Grills provide the … Read more
Do you like the idea of using wood pellets to flavor your grilled meats, but you aren’t quite ready to invest in a full-blown pellet smoker? You’re in luck–you can use your charcoal grill in the meantime. While the technique is markedly different, you should be pleased with the results. Read on to learn how … Read more
Owning a flat-top grill can take your outdoor cooking adventures to the next level. Not only will you be able to introduce items like scrambled eggs and pancakes to your repertoire, you won’t have to worry as much about the flare-ups that can occur when hot fat drips onto the live coals. The only drawback? … Read more
Although lighter fluid can be nice to have around as a last resort, it’s not your only option. When it comes to grilling over a charcoal fire, we prefer to keep the process as chemical-free as possible. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to go about it—and they’re nearly as simple. Here’s how to start a … Read more
It’s important to know how to build a proper charcoal fire, but it’s just as important for the coals to hold their heat long enough to cook your food. This is a particular concern if you like to host long afternoon barbecues, as we do. How long does a charcoal grill stay hot once the … Read more
As far as we’re concerned, meat always tastes better when it’s cooked over a real fire. Gas grills might be convenient, but if you have the time and patience required, charcoal is the clear choice. Even once you’ve decided on charcoal, however, there are still choices to be made. Here, we’ll take a closer look … Read more
Lighter fluid is a quick and convenient way to get your coals ready for action. But did you know that it’s not strictly necessary? If you’re out of lighter fluid or just don’t want to add chemicals to your coals, you have other options–and none of them involve “match light” briquettes, which are an abomination … Read more
Food that’s grilled over a charcoal fire already has a huge advantage in the flavor department, but there are ways to make it taste even better. One of my favorite tricks is to add wood chips to the blaze beforehand, to flavor the smoke. Because there are many different types of wood available for this … Read more
Grilling is my favorite pastime, which means that I’m constantly curious about the latest trends. With kamado grills becoming more popular, I decided to take a closer look at a few of them to see what all the fuss was about. My findings resulted in this Char-Griller Akorn Jr review. Things To Consider Before Buying … Read more
I enjoy all types of grilling, but there’s something about charcoal-fired units that get my taste buds thrumming like none other. When I hear about a behemoth like the Smokin’ Pro from Char-Griller, I want to find out all that I can. If you’re like me, you want to do plenty of advance research before … Read more
Kamado grills represent a badge of honor among barbecue enthusiasts. Their unique design, superb heat retention, and long history all contribute to their appeal. If you’ve never tried your hand at kamado grilling, perhaps the time has come to broaden your horizons. With the market so crowded, however, it can be difficult to narrow down … Read more
If you’re a grilling enthusiast like I am, you’re always looking for new ways to achieve that smoky, savory flavor combination that you crave. Can a kamado grill help you hit the sweet spot? To help you find out the answer, I’ve put together this list of Char Griller Akorn reviews. When you’ve finished reading, … Read more
Did you know that Kingsford manufactures quality grills in addition to charcoal? For a long time, I didn’t. Then I realized that their products were well thought out and as cleverly designed as any of the competition—and more so than some. To help determine which ones are best, I decided to put together this list … Read more
Welcome to the versatile and flavorful world of kamado grilling! If you’re thinking of investing in one of these dome-shaped beauties, you might be wondering which one will provide you with the most bang for your buck—not to mention the best performance. That’s where this Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg matchup comes in. In … Read more
Weber has been churning out quality grills since the 1950s, so it can be difficult to keep track of all their products. As the competition grows more fierce, the company is still an industry leader, keeping abreast of all the changing technologies in the field. Here’s a head-to-head matchup between two of their top models: … Read more
Are you a serious barbecue enthusiast who’s thinking about buying a kamado grill? If so, you’ve probably heard the name “Kamado Joe” once or twice. This brand is one of the leaders in the industry, and with good reason. To find out why, take a look at this Kamado Joe review. At a glance: here … Read more
There’s nothing quite like cooking over a charcoal fire. There’s a ritual and a romance to the process that’s unmatched in any other grilling style. The only trouble is, there are so many different brands and grill types available, it’s hard to discern which ones are most effective. Sometimes, you’re looking for the best charcoal … Read more
If you enjoy the taste of barbecue, you can’t go wrong with a grill that pulls double duty as a smoker. These heaven-sent units will give you all the flavor sensation that you crave in a single convenient package. To learn more about choosing the best smoker grill combo, take a look at our handy … Read more
In a hurry? Here are the winners: If you’re a die-hard charcoal enthusiast, you know that food grilled over a gas fire can never take the place of that authentic wood-fired flavor. But what if you’re looking for a travel-sized grill that can be taken on camping trips or tailgating expeditions? To find out the … Read more
If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the BEST gas charcoal combo grill is, then we recommend the Char-Broil Gas2Coal and Pit Boss Memphis Ultimate 4-in-1 as the best ones. While some grillers can’t live without the charred, smoky quality of food cooked over a charcoal fire, others praise … Read more