A backyard grill should do more than turn burgers brown. At least, that’s what the people selling $3,000-plus outdoor cooking appliances would like us to believe. But here’s the uncomfortable question: how many grills does one backyard actually need? A smoker for brisket. A gas grill for burgers. Something screaming hot for steaks. Maybe a … Read more
For decades, the suburban backyard has been held hostage by a massive brand monopoly. You know the one: the default red-and-black kettle or three-burner box that every dad on the block buys because his dad bought one in 1988. It’s the safe choice, like buying a beige sedan. But let’s be honest for a second … Read more
Fire up a debate among live-fire enthusiasts, and you will quickly realize that everyone has a very specific idea of what the perfect cooking setup looks like. Some folks measure success in heavy-gauge 304 stainless steel, roaring BTU outputs, and custom outdoor kitchen islands that cost more than a reliable used sedan. Others just want … Read more
Summer has a way of turning ordinary weekends into memorable cookouts. One minute you’re flipping burgers, and the next you’re surrounded by friends debating whose ribs deserve a trophy that doesn’t exist. The secret isn’t always the recipe – it’s the grill doing the heavy lifting. A quality grill delivers consistent heat, better flavor, and … Read more
A backyard cookout can turn into a friendly competition the moment someone claims their smoker makes the best brisket. Every pitmaster has a favorite brand, a preferred wood pellet, and a secret technique they swear by. Yet one question always finds its way back to the grill: which pellet smoker truly deserves a spot on … Read more
If you’ve spent any time in the backyard BBQ circuit, you know the “Grill Tetris” struggle. You have a smoker chuffing away in the corner for the brisket, a gas grill for the quick searing, and maybe a portable griddle for the onions. Your patio looks like an appliance graveyard, and you’re running between them … Read more
Imagine the cold sweat that breaks out when the spatula hits the metal and you realize you’re out of real estate. It’s that moment when you’re standing in a park or a stadium parking lot, spatula in hand, and you realize your “portable” grill can only fit three burger patties at a time – but … Read more
Backyard barbecue has changed a lot over the years. What used to be a rusty charcoal kettle and a bag of briquettes has turned into something closer to an outdoor kitchen. And if you’ve been shopping for grills lately, you’ve probably come across Victory BBQ grills. Now, I’ve spent plenty of weekends behind a smoker … Read more
There’s a moment every backyard cook knows. You flip open the lid. You hear that first hiss of gas. And you think, “Alright… let’s make something great.” I’ve been cooking over flame for a long time. Catering gigs. Neighborhood rib throwdowns. Random Tuesday night burgers that somehow turned into a block party. And if there’s … Read more
Let me tell you something most new grillers don’t realize right away: great barbecue isn’t about owning the biggest smoker or the fanciest gadget. It’s about heat control. That’s exactly where Slow ’N Sear grills come in. Instead of fighting unpredictable charcoal fires, these grills are designed around one core idea – controlled two-zone cooking. … Read more
I’ve been cooking barbecue long enough to know one hard truth: the grill doesn’t make the pitmaster – but a bad grill can ruin good barbecue fast. I’ve cooked on rusted hand-me-down kettles, competition-grade monsters that weigh more than a motorcycle, and everything in between. I’ve burned ribs, nailed briskets, and learned the hard way … 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
Traeger owned the patent on the first pellet grills, and the company still turns out excellent products. Still, even the best models can run into trouble from time to time. In our Traeger Grill troubleshooting guide, we’ll help you root out and solve any potential issues, so you can get back to grilling. Error Codes … Read more
Since the expiration of Traeger’s original patent on the pellet grill, many other manufacturers have attempted to jostle their way into the top spot. Camp Chef and Pit Boss are just two of the major players in the game. Let’s see how their models compare to one another in this Camp Chef vs Pit Boss … Read more
Are you hoping to find a pellet smoker that will take your BBQ to the next level? If so, then bravo—you’re on the right track. Let’s take a look at Rec Tec vs Green Mountain RT-340 vs Davy Crockett to see how their pellet grills compare. Rec Tec This brand focuses on delivering superb smoke … Read more
Gas grills might be the most popular type in the US, but there’s no substitute for that authentic wood flavor. If you own a pellet grill, you can take advantage of this perk even as a novice. Thanks to their digital control panels and efficient operation, most pellet grills are simple to use. This type … Read more
If you’re shopping for a Char Broil brand grill, you probably appreciate a good bargain. The question is, which one of their units will give you the most bang for your buck? In this Char Broil Performance vs Commercial Series roundup, we’ll help you arrive at the right conclusion. Char Broil Performance Char Broil has … Read more
When it comes to choosing a pellet grill, you want to know everything that you can about the product before shelling out your hard-earned cash. One of the best ways to do that is to perform a side-by-side comparison with a hot competitor. When you’ve finished reading this roundup of Cabela’s pellet grill vs Traeger, … Read more
In 2017, Weber updated its popular Genesis models with the introduction of the Genesis II line. What are the differences between these grills, and how might the changes affect your grilling experience? In our Weber Genesis vs Genesis II review, we’ll walk you through the answers. Genesis The Genesis line dates back to the mid-’80s, … 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
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
The Pit Boss pellet grill is a great tool for outdoor cooking applications. Not only does it impart superb wood flavor, it can be used for anything from quick grilling to all-day affairs, like smoking a whole brisket. When you grill as often as I do, however, you sometimes need to correct certain mechanical issues. … Read more