There are a lot of cool grill and smoker accessories that can make grilling fun, but a pellet smoker tube can actually make food cooked on a gas, electric, and even a pellet grill taste amazing.

Nevertheless, you will find hundreds of options available online and in stores. To make it even harder to choose, these smoke tubes all seem pretty similar. 

In this article, I share the best pellet tube smokers after filtering through a few brands, tossing out out the bad, and testing the top. I go over my top picks, what to look for when choosing a smoker tube, and how to use them.

What is a Pellet Smoke Tube AkA Pellet Tube Smoker Aka Smoke Tube

You will see different names to refer to these gadgets online and in stores; pellet tube smokers, smoke tubes, and smoke tubes all refer to the same artifact, a pellet smoke tube.

A pellet smoker tube is a hollow tube with perforations on its walls, typically made of stainless steel.  

The inside of the pellet tube is hollow so that you can insert wood pellets and ignite them. The holes on the tube walls allow for air flow and pellet smoke to escape and infuse your grill’s cooking chamber and thus meat, with wood flavor.

These smoker smoke tubes come in different types and shapes. But they all primarily perform the same function and work the same.

Insert pellets in the tube, ignite them, and generate smoke. Later in this article, I’ll go over how to use and how these pellet smoke tubes work.

One important thing to keep in mind is that the larger these tubes are, the more hours of smoke they will generate.

Simply put, gas grills are simple to use and cook on. But food tends to lack flavor, specially meat, due to the absence of wood or charcoal combustion. However, as pellet cookers became more popular, so did pellet smoke tubes.

These simple yet effective gadgets can turn your grill into a smoke flavor machine.

Our Top Picks for the Best Pellet Tube Smoker

1. Lizzq Premium Pellet Tube – Best Overall

Why our Best Overall

We chose the Lizzq Premium as the best smoke tube because its construction and quality seemed to work best out of all the tubes we tested. I have used a lot of these smoke tubes over the years and all sort of work the same but i really enjoyed using the LizzQ. Also this smoke tube has amazing reviews on Amazon.

Nevertheless, what I like most about the Lizzq Premium Pellet Smoker is that one of the tubes has a cap, making it easier to fill up and move around without dropping a bunch of pellets.

This pellet smoker tube is made out of stainless steel, and the quality is good enough to justify its price.

Some people are perplexed about how to light the pills in the tube.With this tube, you have to wait a few minutes for the pellets to start combusting before letting the tube down and starting to cook.

The Lizzq Premium Pellet Smoker is our top pick and best pellet tube smoker because it checks all the important boxes. First, it is priced well and is simple to use. The tube is a foot long and holds enough pellets to generate smoke for about four and a half hours.

Pros

• Good airflow means that once the pellets are lit, the smoker’s tobacco keeps generating smoke for hours.
• It is a foot long, so it can hold a lot of pellets.

Cons

• I recommend using gloves; the tube can get hot during ignition.
• You will see a small ash mess in your grill.

2. Skoo Pellet Smoker Tube – Runner Up

I really like the Skoo pellet smoker. I like this tube  because not only is it pretty much the exact replica of the LizzQ, but they upped their game by offering their tube as a packaged bundle. This doesn’t necessarily make the Skoo better, but it is nice to get a little extra bang for your buck.

 As far as this bundle goes, you get a cleaning brush on a hook. Hook would allow you to hang the pallet tube on your grill’s accessory hooks just like you do with you grill brushes, and the cleaning brush will help you keep this tube clean.

The Skoo is also 12 inches long, and you can expect about 4 to 5 hours of smoke. 

3. The Z Grills Smoker Tube – Good Choice

Z Grills makes pretty great budget pellet grills and also offers accessories like grilling mats and wood pellets. They also offer their own wood smoke generators, including their very own smoker tube. 

Z Grills does not stray very far from our top two options. As far as design, in fact, Z Grills smoker tube looks just like the LizzQ Premium pellet smoking tube. This is quite simply because a lot of these vendors are sourcing their products from the same manufacturers. 

4. Dimeshy Smoker Tube – Best Budget

The Dimeshy is a square-shaped tube made out of 304 stainless steel and 12 inches long. This option is just like all the others but half the price. 

How A Pellet Smoker Tube Works

These devices are very simple and pretty much use the natural air flow and pressure inside your grill to slowly ignite wood pellets, which generate smoke that infuses meat and other foods with that “smoky” aroma and taste we all enjoy in BBQ.

There isn’t much to do but fill the tube with wood pellets, ignite them, and let it do its job. As the pellets burn and your grill gets hot, the wood pellets will continue to slowly combust and deliver smoke me for hours. 

What should you consider when choosing a Pellet Smoker Tube smoker?

Length of the wood pellet tube

Unlike your pellet smoker, these tubes can only hold a limited amount of pellets, and how many pellets you can fit in the tube affects how long it will be able to generate smoke. If you use good pellets, a foot-long pellet tube will hold enough pellets for 4 to 5 hours of smoking.

But considering the length and smoke tube size not only for capacity reasons, you also need to make sure it fits in your smoker. Some electric smokers are small and might be hard to fit a 12-inch tube inside them, so double check your cooker to make sure you have space for a pellet tube smoker before you jump in.

The tube shape of the smoker

This is one aspect of these tubes that, at first, I wasn’t too concerned about until I started testing. I have a large pellet smoker with plenty of space, and I was able to throw the pellet tube right down the middle of the grate and let it rip.

However, I wanted different tubes of different shapes in my Green Egg, my portable charcoal grill, and my electric smoker. That’s when things became more obvious. First, as I mentioned before, make sure you have ample space for the tubes. In my Green Egg Large, the grate is 18 inches in diameter and the grill is round, forcing me to put the tube more towards the center of the grate, taking up space I need for food.

But getting back to the topic of shapes, well, smoking tubes come in at least three shapes: square, round, and hexagonal. You might think that the shape might not make much of a difference, but it does.

When the tubes are hot, move them with a pair of barbecue tongs and try to grab a round tube with tongs.  Yeap, it will not be easy. However, if you roll around the tube, it’s a breeze.

Because they have a large flat surface, the wide-shaped smoking tubes fit well and securely on top of any size grates. The hexagonal-shaped tubes are a cross between a square and a round tube.

Quality of pellet smoke tubes

Quality is something that we all look for when buying anything, but when it comes to a pellet tube, quality matters just a bit more. As you will see, these tubes are not all that expensive, and quite frankly, most are almost identical.

Nevertheless, we “left out” the lower-quality smoking tubes and only included the pellet tubes with good customer reviews and feedback, then tested those top picks.

If you decide to look outside the options provided in this article, just be sure to pick a wood pellet tube that is made out of good stainless steel.

Although these tubes are meant to very slowly burn wood pellets and not really smolder them under direct fire, the smoker tube will be exposed to heat and various temperature changes. Cheap metal ones will not last.

Intended Use of the Pellet Tube Smoker

Ah, intended use. This is important. These pellet tubes can be used for both cold smoking and hot smoking. If you are wanting to use the pellet tube to smoke for long periods and low-smoking cooking sessions, be sure to get either a long tube or more than one.

When smoking large cuts of meat like briskets and pork shoulders, you will be cooking them for eight plus hours, so you can either keep refilling the tubes or have an extra ready and just swap them out when the peels run out.

Cold-smoking cheese, nuts, and other small foods might not need too much smoke infusion, so smaller or shooter tubes will do. Again, this is also up to your preferences. Some people like lots of smoke.

Should you use more than one pellet smoker tube?

It is important to note that these tubes are intended to be small smoke generators, not replacements for the amount of smoke produced by a pellet or charcoal smoker.

A pellet tube smoker will not, in a million years, replace an offset smoker, but it will turn a nothing-but-tasting gas grill into an amazing grill. These inexpensive gadgets can assist in converting your expensive gas grill into a flavor machine.

With that said, I recommend getting more than one tube and using more than one tube if you like the smoke flavor or want to be able to cook with different pellet flavors at the same time.

Two tubes will generate a lot more smoke than a single one.

How to use a smoker tube in your pellet smoker or gas grill

Using these tubes is fairly easy, but some people do have trouble igniting them at first. Pellets need a nice flame with some airflow to ignite. In your pellet grill, there is a powerful electric igniter and a fan to ignite and keep the pellets burning.

With these tubes, everything happens in a more natural way, where pure oxygen and airflow from the tubes’ holes keep the wood burning slowly.

The easiest way to start your pellet tube is to use a flame torch. The power, flame, and heat output of the torch will get the pellets going very quickly. You could use a lighter as well, but it will take longer, and you will need to sit there holding that lighter until the pellets start turning red and amber with a light coat of white ash; that’s when they start to combust.

Using the smoker tube for smoking

Using a pellet tube with a smoker is easy; simply ignite the pellets and find a good place for the tube. You want the tube beneath the food so that as the smoke rises, it can penetrate the food.

Using the smoker tube when grilling

To avoid dampeding the smoking tube, keep the pellet tube away from direct heat when grilling. However, direct fire will burn up the pellets and turn them to ashes in minutes rather than hours.

Maintenance and Care of a Pellet Tube Smoker

The beauty of these tubes is that they require very little maintenance. Still, there are a few things you should do to keep them in top shape and hopefully be able to use them for a few years.

First, after each use, empty all the ashes, grab a rag, and wipe the teapot clean. If possible, add a bit of oil to a rag and wipe the tube with a bit of oil; this will help fight corrosion.

Second, store the tube in a nice, dry place, and make sure you brush the air holes to ensure the tube always has good airflow.

Conclusion

A pellet smoke tube can add flavor to food, especially when using a gas or electric grill. Nevertheless, there are many options, and our goal in this article is to show you those options with great ratings that performed well.

As you might have noticed a lot of these gadgets are pretty similar but LizzQ takes our vote for the best pellet smoker tube because of its performance, but also has been in the market the longest and has gained a lot of great reviews and happy customers. 

Sitting around a fire pit with a nice cup of hot beverage and chatting with friends and loved ones is one of the purest forms of quality time. So how about doing it in great comfort? In this article I talk about fire pit chairs and, through my tests, research, and own experiences, will share with you the best fire pit chairs you can get to sit in front of the fire.

Selecting fire pit chairs

Some of these chairs can cost a pretty penny, so it is important to take a closer look at the quality and materials used to build the chair. I focus heavily on materials and design to measure quality.

To narrow down your choices and find the best, it is important to consider how you will be using the chair. Is this going to be a chair for a patio furniture set? is going to be seen outdoors throughout the year. You also want to consider if the chair is for home use or for outdoor use, such as camping. The answers to these questions will determine the type of chair that might be a good fit for you. 

Later in this article, I go into more detail on what to consider when choosing a fire pit chair and also specifically which ones are best for home furniture and which ones are best for outdoor use, such as camping. I cover both.

Here are the best fire pit chairs we picked

The Polywood Modern Folding Adirondack Chair – our Top Pick

Polywood is extremely popular in the outdoor , grilling, and camping niches. Their Adirondack chairs have earned a reputation for being extremely durable and comfortable. Polywood took a very smart approach by designing chairs that look as if they are made out of wood but are actually made out of polyethylene or HDPE. In simpler words, these fire pit chairs are made out of plastic, but very hard plastic.

What this means for the consumer is that these chairs can be left outside and will not rust or get damaged by water, snow, or UV rays. But here is the cool thing that you may or may not know about this brand and one of the main reasons to consider them. Polywood recycles millions of pounds of plastic containers and manufactures what they call “POLYWOOD LUMBER.” Just as it sounds, these are wood planks made out of plastic. They even look like plastic. They inject color and other stuff for rigidity and usability, but the chairs are plastic.

I have a pair of these chairs and they are unbelievably comfortable; I say unbelievably because they appear hard at first, but something about the angle of the seat and the back support these chairs provide make them extremely comfortable. I picked up my set from a local HomeGoods store where I live here in Florida, and here are two things to keep in mind. They are heavy, very heavy, and although they fold, is not enough to fit in a small car, The fold is flat and good enough to pick up the chair and transport it, but I wouldn’t say these are the chairs you want to take on every trip to the beach, but they are absolutely comfortable to sit around a fire pit.

Although Polywood offers non-foldable models, this specific chair model comes fully assembled and is foldable.

My set is now 6 months old and there is no discoloration or damage. They have been outside during all the hot Florida summer and now the cold weather. I enjoy taking out my pellet grill and doing BBQ outside.

I find the sitting position very comfortable, although the seat of the chair is at an angle and for some it might be hard to get up, but it is a comfortable place to be around the fire pit.

Why our top choice?

First and foremost, the aesthetics of the set are superb and complements modern house decor. This outdoor patio furniture set is ideal for creating the best outdoor design and sitting comfortably around a fire pit.

Foldable: yes

Material: Plastic ( Polyethylene).

Comfort: 5 of 5

Warranty: 5 out of 5

Price: 4 out of 5

What we like:

• Amazing quality
• Folding Adirondack chair
• Low maintenance
• “Made in the USA” 
• Sturdy

 Things to consider:

• Heavy
• Low to the ground
• The holding pings can be hard to push in and remove.

The KINGYES Adirondack Chair

The KINGYES chairs are another good option for comfortable seating around a fire pit. These chairs are built much in the same way as our top pick, but the main difference between the KINGSYES chair and the Polywood is price, and the design is slightly different. These are also made out of recycled plastic and share many of the characteristics of the Poly, but they do add a few features that are nice, especially for the lower price.

First you get a cup holder, which I really like because on my Polywoods I put my beer on the hand rest and when it gets slippery, I end up losing a few ounces of beer.

You also get an adjustable back rest, which is helpful for those who might have trouble getting up from the chair.

When folding these chairs, I found removing the securing pin a bit easier and I like that the pin is attached to a small link chain so you don’t lose it. It does mess with the aesthetics a bit, but not a huge deal to me.

These chairs are easy to put together, but they are heavy. Maybe have a friend nearby to help you. During assembly, you might want to have a small drill bit ready as some of the screw holes might be covered with plastic from the factory.

 What we like:

• Folding Reclining
• Assembling is easy.

Things to Consider:

• You will see a chain

Tyrz Adirondack Chairs – Budget

Tyrz Adirondack Chairs are very close to our top pick, Polywood. The main differences are price and these fire pit chairs are not foldable; they need to be assembled. Other than that, Tryz’s approach is very similar to Polywoods. In fact, they use the same base material, polyethylene, as their main building material. Certainly, there are differences in the manufacturing prices, but the main material is the same.

The quality of these chairs is also very good. Besides the plastic parts, all the furniture hardware is 304 stainless steel, making the design of these chairs sturdy and durable.

Here is where I think the price difference comes into play and is fit and finish. The Poly’s feel very strong. I mean, the foldable models wiggle a hair, but that is because there are joins between the pieces to allow them to fold. The Tyrz chairs are thinner and slightly flimsier.

Then there is the finish, compared to our top pick. These chairs do not share the same finish quality as our top pick does. With the Poly’s, the finish almost looks like real wood. With these chairs, you can tell they are plastic.

Expect some manufacturing flaws, such as holes filled with paste where screws go and a lower quality overall. These furniture companies are in the USA and are an affordable option for comfortable seating around a fire pit.

What we like:

• Adjustable

Things to consider:

• A bit lower quality but still go to sit around a fire pit

The GCI FirePit Rocker Chair

No, we are getting more into the portable options in this article and just as I discussed earlier, there is fire pit furniture for home use and then there are options for outdoor seating around a firepit at the campsite. Options like the CGI Rocker chair are great for camping or outdoor activities because they are designed with portability in mind. These are lighter chairs compared to Adirondack chairs, which weigh anywhere from 30 to 40 pounds.

CGI makes all kinds of outdoor furniture, including tables, chairs, and benches. Their gear helps make camping fun and comfortable while cooking a great dinner with their campfire cooking tools.

Solid Wood Fire Pit Bench ( outdoor sitting bank)

Some might not want just chairs and be looking for an accent piece to create a cozy fire pit area or just something different. What is very cool about this fire pit bench is that it is first made out of cedar, which gives the fire pit seating area a nice rustic feel; second, these benches are curved, meaning that four pieces can make a full circle around most fire pits. So everyone gets an equal view of the fire. 

Unlike with an Adirondack chair, a bench will not give you back support and will not be as comfortable, but it is different. 

Assembly of the benches is easy, and it involves attaching the legs with a couple of allen screws. The allen wrench is included.  

The Solid Wood Fire pit bench set makes a great alternative to and adirondack chair

This beck is made of acacia wood and has a simple design. It makes a great decorative piece for outdoors or even inside the house.

This bench is solid but there are a few things to consider. First it is made out of wood so it will require some maintenance and even refinishing from time to time. If you live in my home state of Florida expect the summer sun to take a toll on this set. Second, the legs are a bit narrow and if you are planning on using this set outdoors, the legs can sink in wet grass or dirt.

Nevertheless, these benches weigh way less than an adirondack chair and are easier to move around, transport, and store. 

What we like:

• Beautiful fit and finish made our of wood

This to Consider:

• The wood might require some maintenance

 

GCI Outdoor Roadtrip Rocker Collapsible Outdoor Chair

I talked about another CGI chair but this model takes portability to the max. The design is very clever; you can completely fold this chair flat and on its side and fit in a small carrying bag. These chairs work very well, are rugged and light. I have a pair of these and my favorite for sitting around a fire pit or taking to food truck night.

These CGI rockers are not as comfortable as an Adirondack, but they are easy to move and don’t weigh much.

This is a good fit for those looking for something light that they can use around the fire pit. These are also good for camping, taking to festivals, and, of course, cooking around a fire or with your portable pellet grill.

Although not the priests these CGI rocker chairs make great fire pit seating chairs.

What to consider when selecting your next chair for seating around the firepit

The first thing to consider is how you will be using fire pit chairs. Is this going to be part of an outdoor area and part of your home decor? Therefore, seating furniture for your patio. Or are these more traveling or camping chairs that will be used around a campfire, at the beach, or wherever you go? So let’s go over the things to consider in more detail.

Foldable and portable chairs

A foldable fire pit chair will be a better option for those wanting a light chair that can be taken camping, to the beach or anywhere in the world where you want to set your fire pit.

Foldable outdoor furniture sets are available and should be considered if you want a set that is easy to store or move around to clean or keep safe, but isn’t necessarily meant to be moved around often.

On the other hand, there are sets that are specifically designed for outdoor fire pit use and are built not only so they can be folded but also light enough to make them easy to transport and throw on the back of a pickup truck or car.

So consider if you need that level of portability on a foldable set, or if a regular affixed set will do.

 Comfortable

Fire pit chairs are part of the experience, and as such, they need to be comfortable. Especially if you intend to spend a few hours hanging out with your friends and family. Some chairs have crazy designs and kind of look good with the ambience, but they are far from comfortable. So consider the materials and shape of the chair to make sure it is a comfortable option.

Contrary to what you might believe, the material of the chair alone will not affect how comfortable the chair is. The chair’s material will impact comfort too. For instance, the sit angle alone can make a chair very comfortable.

Warranty

A warranty is essential for any product we buy, but especially for outdoor furniture.These fire pit chairs are not only exposed to the elements but also the heat of the fire. These chairs will be left outside in the cold, rain, and wind, and even dragged and dropped a few times. This is why I recommend looking for chairs with a good warranty in case something goes wrong, a part fails, or you simply need replacement parts. There are cheap chairs that work well, but when it is time to call customer support, well, you get the point.

Pirce

As with everything we buy, price is always a determining factor, but I have to be real here; quality does come at a price, and some of these fire pit chairs are exorbitantly priced. However, set your budget and try to find the best quality chair you can afford. Some brands use high quality materials, which increases their price, while others are just selling you eye candy, like cup holders and phone holders.

I always like to spend on quality as much as possible, then on the features, which I will talk about below, last.

Features

Not necessarily a deal breaker, but if you are trying to decide between two chairs, for example, look at the features of each of them. Some chairs offer things like cup holders, carrying handles, and some even carry bags. If those things are important to you and you think they’ll come in handy around the fire pit, then make it part of your list. If not, these features are often good areas to save on cost.

Weight of Furniture

Weight is important because it can determine everything from shipping costs to whether you’ll be able to move these things around come fall. Let’s say you are looking for a set to leave all year around a beautiful fire pit outback, then weight might not be that much of a factor. 

But if you are wanting something that you can move around or transport, then pay close attention to weight. Let’s just say, adirondack seats tend to be heavy!

Easy storage

Some sets are foldable and are easy to put in a garage for storage. Others are big, heavy chairs that are almost impossible to move without help. 

Cozy Fire Pit Seating recommendations

I love the outdoors and love cooking on a live fire pit and with charcoal. There are a few things you can do to enhance the experience and make your fire pit area cozier and more enjoyable. First, if you are in a state like Florida, use some sort of mosquito repellent. I cannot tell you how many times our fun gets cut short because mosquitoes are out in full force. 

Second, set up the fire pit chairs so that wood smoke is not going towards it. This might be hard given that once wood is smoking and the wind changes, there is very little one can do, but it helps to try.

Lastly, get nice blankets and pillows to decorate, but also get comfortable. Get some nice snacks and a few drinks and enjoy quality time around the fire, smoking marshmallows and  .

Conclusion

An adirondack chair adds a classic “rustic” look to any fire pit area. If you are looking at Adirondack chairs and are looking for the best option, consider Polywood. They have definitely done a great job with their brand and are absolutely top quality. 

For portable options, CGI offers reliable and quality products. If you are on a budget, then the Tyrz chairs are a good option.

This article will address a question that many of you have been asking: Hector, how do I reheat ribs without drying them out? In addition, I will explain many methods and tactics for reheating ribs using your grill and oven, plus a bonus tip.

Reheating ribs

Using a grill or a smoker is the preferred method for reheating ribs, but it is the slowest. Using the grill to reheat the ribs serves two purposes. Firstly, if you own a pellet smoker or grill, you will infuse the ribs with additional smoky flavor while reheating the ribs. Secondly, indirect heat can be used to warm the ribs. Although this technique is slow, the ribs will remain juicy.

The secret to reheating pork ribs is to do it at a low temperature and gradually. Putting the ribs in the microwave and shocking them with as much heat as possible to get them ready to eat quickly will certainly result in dry ribs.

Instead, follow the steps as follows. Wrap the ribs in aluminum foil first. While the ribs are warming and the internal temperature is rising, the foil will aid in retaining moisture. It is essential to use a quality meat thermometer to monitor the reheating process and to verify that the ribs’ internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the USDA-recommended temperature for reheating leftovers.

Once the ribs reach a temperature of around 160 degrees, remove the foil and let them finish reheating uncovered. This is the time to add additional barbecue sauce or a tiny bit of apple juice to the ribs to make them extra juicy.

The idea is to reheat the ribs to at least 160 degrees and then remove them from the foil wrap to prevent them from becoming mushy or from braising in their own juices.

How to reheat ribs using the grill or smoker

The grill is my preferred method for reheating ribs, but I’ll discuss alternative options later. To warm up leftover ribs, preheat the grill or smoker to 275 degrees, then place the ribs in the grill and monitor their internal temperature.

Remember to reheat the ribs wrapped in foil first, then remove the foil just before the ribs reach 165 degrees and finish warming uncovered. Again, the 165 degree mark is a safety guideline and recommendation by the USDA, but you can get the ribs a tad hotter if you prefer. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they will dry.

Reheating Ribs in the Oven

Suppose you do not want to use your grill or do not have access to one. You may also reheat ribs in the kitchen oven. The approach is identical to using your grill, with the exception that no additional smoky flavor will be imparted. The oven will also do a good job at reheating the ribs evenly. 

Follow the same approach employed in our “grill” warming method and preheat the oven to 275 degrees. It is OK to preheat the oven to a higher temperature since, as I’ve seen, ovens warm a bit slower.

However, you should not surpass 300 degrees, as the sugar in the ribs’s seasoning or barbecue sauce can caramelize and ruin the ribs.

Reheating ribs in an air fryer

Air fryers are another wonderful method for reheating ribs.

Air fryers are gaining in popularity, and manufacturers such as Ninja offer excellent and powerful air fryers.

However, use air fryers with caution while reheating ribs, since these machines can reach high temperatures quickly and dry out food fast. Also make sure that other air fryer functions, such as broil mode, are off.

Preheat the airfryer to between 250 and 275 degrees and set the wrapped ribs on a tray. Use a high-quality meat thermometer and observe the ribs until they reach 160 degrees. Unwrap and reheat to 165° or to taste; enjoy!

Why I use aluminum foil and the wrapping method

There are two main reasons I use aluminum foil to reheat ribs. Some people do it differently, and there are a lot of opinions, but this is how I like to do it and get good, consistent results. 

First, the aluminum foil wrap traps all the moisture released by the meat as its temperature rises. The moisture inside the ribs is turned into steam, which helps keep the ribs moist and reheat them evenly.

Second, wrapping the ribs helps accelerate the reheating process, which means less time the ribs are exposed to heat and lower chances of them drying out.

Conclusion

There are different methods to reheat food, but the aim with reheating ribs is to prevent them from drying out. This is why I only use these three techniques, although you are welcome to experiment with your own methods and equipment.

My recommendation is to begin the warming procedure with the ribs wrapped, and then remove the wrapping to allow the ribs to get to temperature without cooking them in their own juices. This will allow for juice without sogginess in the ribs.

Welcome to the BBQ Grill Academy. Our website is intended to assist newbies and experts alike in the world of grilling and barbecue, including mastering their grills, discovering new recipes, and locating outstanding equipment and accessories.

Getting a decent grill is part of beginning a new BBQ journey; in fact, finding your first grill is the most difficult aspect of beginning your BBQ and grilling learning.

We have written a complete guide on grills for beginners, but in this article I will explain what you should consider and what you should do prior to making your first purchase.

Grills come in a variety of sizes, fuel types, and colors. There are hundreds of brands  and all claim to be of high quality, causing confusion among consumers. There are also two primary kinds of barbecue and grilling cookware: grills and BBQ smokers.

If you want the flavor of true barbecue and want to cook your meats low and slow, a smoker is a fantastic option, but you can also find pellet grills that can function as both grills and smokers. There are several varieties of smokers, so choose one that matches your cooking style. Our guide to different types of smokers is a wonderful place to begin learning about BBQ smokers.

Set A Budget

But because there are so many varieties of smokers and grills on the market, it is vital to begin your search by establishing a reasonable budget for a grill. To assist with budget planning, ask yourself the following questions: How frequently will you grill?, how many features are you willing to give up? Do you need WiFi grill? Do you need all the latest grilling gadgets and toysIn our experience, you can find very good grills in the price range of $500 to $1,000, with exceptionally good grills costing upwards of $1,000. 

Grills made in the United States typically begin at or above the $1,000 mark, but if you are on a very tight budget, you should consider grills priced between $200 and $500. If you spend $200 or less on a grill, these are often small grills or constructed out of thin metal that will not survive more than a year and a half unless you take excellent care of them by keeping them covered and dry.

Choose a fuel type that you feel comfortable using

Selecting the grill’s fuel type is the next step in purchasing your first grill or smoker. It is essential to realize that different fuels will yield different results and flavors. For example, propane grills are easy to use, yet grills burning gas or propane yield no flavor. 

However, nothing tops propane for its simplicity and ease of use. There are also electric grills. These are more conventional “indoor grills” and are also very easy to use. Electric grills are my least favorite type, as their metal heating plates do a good job at cooking food but yield no flavor. In gas grills, a “smoker box” is used, and the heat from the propane burners chars wood chips or wood pellets, imparting a wood flavor to the food.

Then we have charcoal grills. These are my favorite grills because they give the most control, versatility, and taste. Once temperature control is mastered, a charcoal grill can be used to smoke meats, grill foods, and cook anything else you can imagine. 

Mastering how to control the fire and air flow is the hardest part of using a charcoal grill. Once you have mastered these two aspects of a charcoal grill, you can transform it into anything.

The most popular type of grill are pellet grills.  Simply push a button, and the grill’s digital controller will manage temperature and take care of the rest. If you purchase a good-quality pellet grill, it can reach a high enough temperature to sear steak, but it can also function at low temperatures, maintain steady temperatures, and smoke juicy brisket. 

What makes pellet grills special is that they yield amazing wood-fired flavor if you use high-quality wood pellets. One of the reasons these grills are gaining in popularity is because they are loaded with technology, such as WIFI, mobile applications, and several other cooking aids.

Pick a size

When purchasing your first grill, you must also take into account the size of the grill. These are some questions you ought to ask yourself. How large is your family? Do you frequently host parties? How often will you grill? 

If you’re the sort of person who likes to cook for a group of 10 people, you should consider purchasing a grill with a cooking surface area greater than 700 square inches. Grills in the 500 to 700-square-inch range are considered mid size and great for the average person or family. 

Identify a storage area in your home. You want to ensure that you have adequate room to store your grill away from direct sunlight and  from the elements. 

My personal suggestion

I’ve been cooking on grills, smokers, and over fire for over 20 years, and I can assure you that as you develop and polish your cooking abilities, you’ll desire bigger and better equipment. Because of this, I usually tell people who have never used a grill before to start with a small grill that fits their budget. 

I do not advise you to purchase the greatest pellet smoker in the world and spend thousands of dollars to later find out you are interested in learning how to cook over an open flame or on an offset smoker. 

I do suggest you get a grill that meets your budget and cooking abilities. Learn about fire control, meal preparation, and what cooking method best suits you. Learn how you want to prepare your food, and what tastes you like before beginning to hone in on the grill types and fuel types you desire.

Conclusion

I hope this guide helps you find your first grill. If you are new to the world of barbecuing and grilling, my greatest advice is to get started. This is a terrific pastime and a fun way to spend time with friends and family. Remember, don’t overspend, don’t assume your first grill will be your last, and always use what is comfortable for you.

This article will teach you where to probe a brisket using a meat thermometer to get accurate internal temperature readings, hit crucial target temperatures during the cooking process, and get delicious brisket on every cook.

When it comes to BBQ food, smoked whole brisket is one of the most prized meats. It can be a little tricky to smoke properly, but with good techniques and proper temperature monitoring, you can cook one like a pro too.

Knowing where to probe the brisket, how, and why, will help you get better and more consistent results.

Where to Insert a Temperature Probe in a Brisket

Where to probe a brisket is an important question. The best place to probe a brisket is in the thickest part of the meat, away from the fat. You want to make sure the probe is in the center of the densest part of the brisket, which is typically between where the point and the brisket flat meet.

The point is the fattier area of the brisket, and it’s important to avoid probing this area when taking temperature readings. The probe can easily slip into the fat and give you an inaccurate reading. When probing the point, be sure to stick the probe in at an angle so that it’s not touching any of the fat.

The flat is the leaner area of the brisket and is a little easier to probe. However, you still want to make sure you’re in the densest part of the flat when taking temperature readings.

Below is a helpful diagram showing you where to insert the temperature probe.

How to insert the probe into the brisket

Probe the brisket from the side, not from the top. If you pierce the top of the brisket, all of the juices will run out, and your brisket will be dry. Pierce the side of the brisket about halfway through with the tip of your probe.

The probe should go in at a 45-degree angle towards the center of the brisket. Insert the probe until it reaches the center of the brisket. If you insert it too far, you’ll puncture the other side of the brisket and all of the juices will run out.

Probing Brisket Techniques using different thermometers

When using an analog meat thermometer, insert the probe into the densest part of the brisket at an angle, making sure not to touch any fat. Insert the probe until only the metal tip is no longer visible, or about half the total length of the probe. Some manufacturers have different instructions, so be sure to check your thermometer’s manual.

Analog meat thermometers are the most common type of meat thermometer, and they’re what most people think of when they think of a meat thermometer. They’re simple to use and relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for beginners.

Digital meat thermometers or digital instant-read thermometers are a different option. These thermometers usually have a metal probe with a digital display. To use one, simply insert the probe into the thickest part of the brisket at an angle, making sure not to touch any fat. As their name implies, these thermometers give you temperature readings instantly.

If the brisket is not at temperature, continue cooking and check again later.

You might also like:

Brisket Cook Times per Pound, Explained

You cannot leave instant-read thermometers in the brisket while cooking, as they will give you inaccurate readings and get damaged. Instead, check the temperature every 30-60 minutes.

If you want to monitor cooking and internal temperatures while relaxing and enjoying a drink, that’s when wireless thermometers come in. Wireless thermometers eliminate a lot of the guesswork and the need to constantly open and close your smoker every few minutes to check the brisket. You can also set alarms and reminders to make sure you hit critical target temps with accuracy. Like Aaron Franklin says, ” If you are looking, you ain’t cooking!”

The technique for probing and brisket with a wireless thermometer is a bit different but still comprises of the same basic principles. The difference is number one, you will leave the meat probe inside the meat, remember away from brisket fat, and number two, you will need to pair the thermometer with your mobile phone, or with some Bluetooth thermometers, you will use a remote display to monitor the temperature.

When to Probe Brisket

The answer to this question varies depending on the size of the brisket. A general rule of thumb is to start checking the temperature and begin probing the brisket after it has been cooking for at least three hours. Of course, this can change based on the brisket size.

Smoking a brisket at temperatures of 225 to 250 degrees Fahrenheit requires cooking times of one to one and a half hours per pound. Therefore, for smaller briskets, you can start checking the temperature sooner.

You should start probing the brisket meat before it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or begins to stall. At this point, you’ll want to check the temperature every 30 minutes or so or use your smart thermometer to alert you when it is time to warp ( Texas Crutch ), if the brisket stalls, and when is done.

How deep should you insert a meat probe thermometer?

Place a thermometer in the center of the brisket and place it in a position where the meat has the highest density. Some thermometers only require the tip to be inserted or half of the probe, but others require the probe to be all the way in.

Why You need to Probe Your Brisket

You need to probe the brisket to cook it properly, to the right doneness level, and end up with juicy, tender meat. By inserting a probe into the meat, you can monitor the internal temperature and make sure that it is smoked all the way through, yet keep the meat moist.

When cooking brisket, it is important to keep an eye on the internal temperature so that you don’t overcook it or undercook it.

Tips for the cooking process:

Place a thermometer in the center area of the brisket.

Start cooking your brisket fat side down first. Let that fat cap work for you. But if you are smoking the brisket using a good pellet grill ( indirect heat ) fat side up is fine.

Set the probe in the thickest areas for an accurate reading, and set the alarm on your thermometer to notify you when the meat reaches wrapping temperatures and when it is done. Below are images of my thermometer app, I use a MeatStick.

Take it easy; take your time. If this is your first brisket, you might not get the best results, but focus on getting the internal temp right, and with some practice, you will get an amazing, tender brisket.

You can also try our “Easy Brisket” recipe with step-by-step instructions.

How do I know when my brisket is done?

Brisket is a tough cut of meat that benefits from slow, low-temperature cooking. This cooking method breaks down the collagen and connective tissue in the meat, making it tender and juicy. However, if the brisket is overcooked, it will become dry and tough.

So how do you know when a brisket is done? The best way to gauge doneness is to use a digital thermometer and wait until the meat reaches 190 degrees. Again, don’t guess or go by the bark color, always check the meat’s temp, and you will get it right.

Conclusion

It’s important to be diligent about probing so that you don’t overcook or undercook the brisket. Remember that you want to probe or insert the meat probe in the thickest areas of a packer brisket.

Where you place your temperature thermometer will determine how accurate of a reading you get.

Enjoy the process. Enjoy grilling!

Pork butt is a delicious cut of meat that can be cooked in various ways. In this article, we discuss when to wrap a pork butt and the best methods for doing so. Wrapping the pork butt at the right time will help ensure that it is cooked evenly and comes out moist and juicy.

This popular technique, dubbed the “Texas Crutch,” is another way to improve your smoked pork game.

Let’s get started!

When to Wrap a Pork Butt?

When should you wrap a pork butt? As a general rule, you should wrap your pork butt when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is usually reached after about a few hours of cooking at low smoking temperatures ( 225 to 250 degrees ).

However, how long it will take for the meat to reach “wrapping” temperatures depends on the pork cut and its size. There are other factors that can affect the cooking time, such as the size of the pork butt, fat content, and the type of smoker you are using.

Nevertheless, once the pork butt reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is time to wrap it, and one method is to use foil. Wrap the pork butt tightly in the foil, making sure that there are no gaps or holes. Then, place the wrapped pork butt back in the smoker and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 190 degrees Fahrenheit. This usually takes another few hours.

Once the pork butt has reached 190 degrees Fahrenheit, it is done! Take it out from the smoker or grill and allow it to rest for at least 30 minutes before unwrapping and slicing.

At what Temperature do you wrap a pork butt

You should wrap the pork butt when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. When cooking a pork shoulder with smoker temperatures at 225 to 250 degrees, it will take the meat about one to one and a half hours per pound to reach this temperatures.

You can also wrap later in the cook if you want your pork to be dryer, but warping when the internal temperature is in the 160s will help keep the meat from drying and capture the meat’s juices. This process is often called the Texas crunch and is a good way of pushing the meat through a temperature stall and cooking it faster.

Pork Butt – Is Not What You Think, Is a Pork Shoulder

Although the name sounds like it, pork butt is not from the rear end of the pig. It is actually a cut of meat that comes from the shoulder area. Pork butt is a tough cut of meat with a lot of connective tissue and fat. However, when cooked slowly and properly, this tough cut of meat can be transformed into something tender and delicious.

This cut of meat is also often called a Boston butt. No matter what you call it, when it is cooked properly, it makes for some delicious BBQ dishes, including pulled pork!

Pork shoulder ( pork butt ) is a popular cut of meat for smoking because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to find. It is also a large cut of meat, which makes it perfect for feeding a crowd.

So now you know that when we say “pork butt or Boston butt,” you know we are talking about a cut from the pig’s shoulder.

Why wrap?

Many of our readers ask us whether to wrap a pork butt or not, wrapping the pork butt helps to speed up the cooking process and prevents the outside of the meat from drying out. When smoking large cuts of meat, low and slow, it is common for the meat to “stall,” which means the temperature has stopped climbing and it has stopped cooking.

However, if you war smoking a small cut, you might not need to wrap the meat.

This is when the internal temperature of the meat stops climbing for a period of time, usually around the 160 degree Fahrenheit mark. Wrapping the pork butt helps to insulate it and keep the heat and juices in, which will help to prevent the meat from drying out while you push it through the stall and cook evenly throughout.

When you wrap pork shoulder correctly, it will braise and cook in the meat’s natural juices. The internal meat temperature will rise without burning or drying the meat. Heat will be trapped, and therefore it will cook faster. Because it is wrapped, all that tasty and helpful juice will not run off and get lost at the bottom of your grill or smoker.

How to Wrap Pork Butt?

There are a few methods you can use to wrap your pork butt. One common method is to use aluminum foil, but you can also use butcher paper.

If you are using aluminum foil, be sure to tighten those ends very well so that the juices don’t leak through and pool of juices from at the bottom of your smoker. Get help from a friend to assist you with the wrapping process, and start by putting a sheet of foil on a cutting board, disposable roasting pan, or baking sheet.

Use Heavy Duty Foil

Buy a high-quality aluminum foil, cheap aluminum foil will break, and bones will go right through it. Only use cheap foil to create an extra wrapping layer, or if you need to add a thin layer of foil to tighten the ends or cover hole.

To create and nice wrap, place the pork butt in the center of a long sheet of foil and then bring up the long sides, folding them over the meat. Next, take the shorter sides and do the same thing. You should now have a nicely wrapped package with no open seams.

Using Butcher Paper

If you are using butcher paper, it is important to note that you should not use the same type of paper that you would use for smoking ribs. The butcher paper used for wrapping pork butt should be a bit thicker so that it doesn’t tear as easily.

Start by placing the pork butt in the center of the sheet and then folding up the long sides, making sure to crease well so that the juices don’t leak out. Next, take the shorter sides and do the same thing. Once it is fully wrapped, you can tape the butcher paper closed if you’d like.

Again, if you are using butcher paper, you will want to use a heavy-duty variety so that it doesn’t tear when you are wrapping the pork butt. Butcher paper also has the added benefit of being breathable, which helps some steam escape but keeps all the juices in, so the meat will be moist but less soggy.

TIPS: The key to success, Preparing the pork for the cooking process smoker

For the best results when smoking a pork butt, it’s important to start with a good quality piece of meat. Look for a cut with marbling throughout and a nice deep pink color. Avoid any cuts that have excessive fat, although you can always trim the fat cap if you need to.

Once you’ve selected your cut of pork, the next step is to trim it and prep it. You’ll want to remove any large pieces of fat and the tough skin that covers the outside of the butt.

The objective of smoking meat and cooking it at a low temperature is to expose the meat to more smoke, heat, and, depending on the type of smoker utilized, moisture. Removing extra fat from the meat’s surface will help it cook faster and absorb more smoke flavor.

While you don’t need to go crazy with the trimming, removing any large chunks of fat will help to prevent the finished product from being too greasy. Once the pork butt is trimmed and prepped, it’s time to season it.

Tips for Seasoning a Pork Butt

How you go about seasoning the pork butt is entirely up to you, but there are a few things to consider.

First, because smoked pork butt will be cooked for a long time, you’ll want to use a robust amount of seasoning that can stand up to the long cooking process.

Second, because the fat will render out off the meat as it cooks, you’ll want to be generous with your seasoning so that the flavor isn’t lost. As the excess fat “melts” and runs off the meat, it will take some of the seasonings with it.

Third, when smoking a pork butt, you’ll want to use a dry rub rather than a wet marinade, as this will help create a nice crust on the outside of the meat.

To season the pork butt, start by rubbing it down with a small amount of vegetable oil. This will help the dry rub stick to the meat’s surface. Next, generously apply your dry rub all over the pork butt, making sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies.

Once the pork butt is evenly coated, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour, up to overnight. This will give the seasoning time to penetrate the meat and add flavor.

When ready to cook the pork butt, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This will aid in the even cooking/smoking of the meat.

Tips on How to Smoke Pork Butt

Now that the pork butt is prepped and seasoned, it’s time to smoke it. Smoking pork butt is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things that you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure success.

First, when smoking a pork butt, it’s important to use a good quality smoker. There are a lot of great smokers on the market; explore the different types of BBQ smokers and see which will work well for you.

Second, when smoking Boston butts, you’ll want to cook them at low temperatures. A great rule of thumb is to smoke pork meat at about 225 degrees Fahrenheit.

Third, when smoking a pork butt, you’ll want to cook it until the internal temperature of the meat registers 190 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll want to use a good meat thermometer to monitor the cooking progress and eliminate guesswork.

Don’t guess the internal temp of food! Nowadays, good smart thermometers can even tell you the “projected cooking time.” That’s how smart they are.

An instant-read meat thermometer can be useful, but it requires to you be constantly walking up to the smoker to check the internal meat temperature, which can let heat out of the smoker, and well, if you are having too much ( beer ), you can forget to check the meat and miss the stall and when to wrap the pork butt.

Fourth, when smoking Boston butt, be patient! This cut of meat should be cooked slowly in order to break down the connective tissues and fat, making the meat tender. The low and slow cooking process will take a few hours but will result in tender, juicy, and flavorful smoked meat that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Lastly, use good smoking wood to infuse good flavor. You’ll want to use hickory, oak, and even a hint of applewood for a sweeter smoke flavor.

You can also spritz the meat with apple juice or apple cider vinegar to make it extra juicy and prevent serving dry meat. Apple juice is a great way to add a sweet flavor to the meat, especially when making pulled pork, and end up with delicious juicy meat.

If you are smoking a boneless pork butt, the same rules and tips apply. If this is your first pork butt, be sure to start with a smaller one, somewhere in the size range of three to four pounds.

This will give you a chance to get used to the process and ensure that you don’t overcook or undercook the meat.

Let it Rest

Any experienced BBQ chef will tell you that one of the most important steps in smoking pork is to let the meat rest after it has been cooked. This may seem like a counterintuitive step, especially if you’re eager to get the pork on the table so your guests can dig in.

However, there are good reasons for letting smoked rest, and doing so will result in a more flavorful and juicy meat.

When meat is cooked, the muscle fibers contract and squeeze out some of the juices. If you slice into the meat immediately after cooking, all of those juices will run out, leaving the meat dry and tough.

By letting the meat rest, you give the juices a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier tender meat, this is important if you are making, for example, pulled pork.

Other Free BBQ Tips

1. Use good lump charcoal that is natural and has no chemicals.
2. If you are using a gas or propane grill, use a smoke box with wood chips for flavor.
3. Start with clean grill grates; you do not want flare-ups or dirty smoke.
4. Be patient when cooking, don’t keep opening the lid to check on your food. Use a smart meat thermometer to keep tabs on the meat.
5. Onion powder, garlic powder, brown sugar, and cayenne pepper are great condiments for seasoning pork butts. Give it a try!
6. Use olive oil on the meat to help the rub stick and create a nice bark.
7. For extra flavor, inject the pork with your favorite marinade before cooking.
8. Try different dry rubs and BBQ sauces to find your perfect combination.
9. When smoking a pork butt, cook it low and slow for best results.
10. Use a good quality smoker for good results. I like to use a charcoal smoker, but you can use just about anything to cook the best pulled pork of your life. The key is temperature management and smoke.
11. Patience is key when smoking a pork butt.
12. Let the meat rest after cooking to absorb its juices.

How To Get A Nice Bark?

The first key to getting a nice bark on pulled pork is using a dry rub. This will help to create a nice, even crust on the outside of the meat. Be sure to massage the rub into the pork so that it has a chance to really penetrate the meat.

One Last Word

If you weren’t sure or were wanting to learn when to wrap a pork butt we hope you found this guide useful and learned everything there is to know on how and when to wrap, the right way!

Enjoy and Happy Grillin’

If you’ve never spatchcocked a chicken before, now is the time to try it! This is one chicken cooking method everyone should try. This Traeger spatchcock chicken recipe is easy and delicious. The chicken cooks quickly on the grill, and the flavor is amazing. You’re going to love this smoked spatchcock chicken recipe!

Spatchcock Smoked Chicken ( whole chicken )

Here at BBQ Grill Academy, we are big fans of grills and smokers, and for this article, we will use our trusty Traeger pellet grill. We like using our Traeger grill when smoking big cuts of meat like a whole chicken because the grill automates the process and makes it as easy as using a kitchen oven but with a fantastic wood-fired flavor. So we would like to call this concoction “Traeger Chicken.”

Traeger spatchcock chicken is an excellent recipe for quickly grilling up a whole bird. All you have to do is remove the backbone so the bird can lay flat on the grate and grill or smoke. I will get into the details of the cook later in this article.

What is spatchcocking?

Spatchcocking is removing the backbone of a whole chicken, so it lays flat. This allows for even cooking on the grill and also helps the chicken cook faster. You can say it is the equivalent of “butterflying” a chicken.

Spatchcocking a chicken is easy to do and only requires a few minutes and a sharp knife. You can ask your butcher to do it for you too.

Why remove the backbone?

Smoked Spatchcock Chicken cooks faster than a whole chicken because the bird is flattened. The exposed skin also crisps up nicely and evenly. Who doesn’t love crispy skin!

How to spatchcock a chicken

Take the chicken out of the packaging and rinse it using cold water. Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Use a sharp butcher knife or poultry shears to cut along each side of the backbone to remove it.

Once the “backbone” is removed, open up or split the chicken so it lays flat. You may need to break the breastbone so the chicken will lie completely flat.

Now that your chicken is spatchcocked, it’s time to season it. We like to use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic.

Seasoning

We like to use a simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic. Rub it all over with olive oil Oil helps crisp skin. Then season each side with your favorite dry rub.

But this is where your creativity and culinary skills come into play. Some folks like pepper, while others don’t; some people like the taste of pasta, while others don’t. The point here is to experiment and see what you prefer in terms of seasoning.

Season chicken with Traeger’s Chicken Rub

Traeger’s chicken rub is a great way to add flavor to your spatchcock chicken. It’s a simple mixture of salt, pepper, and garlic, and it pairs well with just about any type of chicken seasoning. If you’re looking for a good all-purpose rub for your Traeger spatchcock chicken, Traeger’s

I like using Traeger’s Chicken Rub; it keeps things simple, but any dry barbecue rub will do.

Traeger Chicken? Yes, but you can spatchcock chicken with a gas or charcoal grill too.

Even though I use my Traeger smoker for this while chicken cooking method, you can use a gas or charcoal grill or even another brand of pellet grill. As I mentioned before, the reason we enjoy the Traeger is that thanks to its advanced features and automation, it makes our lives easier, and we use the app to live free and go about our day while testing and cooking these recipes.

No Traeger? No problem!

If you use a charcoal or gas grill, set the grill to indirect heat, so the chicken does not come into direct contact with direct flame. You can achieve this by setting the coals over one side of the grill or, in the case of the gas grill, only using burners on the opposite side of the chicken, turning off the burners underneath the chicken.

The Recipe: Smoked Spatchcock Chicken, Tools, and Ingredients:

• Traeger Pellet Grill or any grill
• BBQ Brush
• Meat Temperature Thermometer
• Your Favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 (4 to 5-pound) whole chicken
• 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme leaves
• Garlic Salt or garlic powder
• Traeger Chicken Rub or any Rub You Like

(BBQ Grill Academy’s signature chicken rub recipe)

Directions:

1. Preheat Traeger to 375 degrees F.

2. Remove the bird’s backbone by cutting along both sides of the backbone with poultry shears or a good knife. Be careful not to cut yourself. If you don’t have poultry shears, a sharp knife will do. You can also beg your local butcher ( just kidding ) to spatchcock the chicken if you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself.

3. Don’t forget to season the inside of the chicken too! You can use salt, pepper, thyme leaves, or whatever seasoning blend you prefer. In our case, we are using Traeger’s Chicken Rub.

4. Next, rub Traeger Chicken Rub all over the outside of the bird. You can’t have too much! Be generous with the rub.

5. Place chicken on the Traeger grill grate breast side up and smoke it for about one hour per pound until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. You can push the temperature a bit higher but don’t overdo it.

6. Remove from the chicken grill and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Smoking

Once the grill is hot, place chicken on the indirect cooking side, breast-side up. Smoking temperatures are lower than grilling temperatures so you can expect the bird to be in the smoker longer. 

The cooking process for smoked spatchcock chicken is the same as grilling. Expect you will cook it at lower temperature and use more wood smoke to add even more flavor to the meat.

Cooking the meat at lower temperatures, “smoked meat” yields a good smokey flavor. It allows the entire chicken to absorb more smoke and flavor. 

However, you need to grill the chicken or smoke it at higher temperatures to get a nice crispy skin. Spraying apple juice can help crip the skin of the chicken when smoking it.

Keep chicken as wide as possible. Smoke for about an hour per pound or until it reaches 165 degrees F.

Grilling

Getting chicken prepared for the grill is relatively easy — just be sure to set the legs pointing away from the fire to avoid burning them.

If you want to add smoke flavor without using a smoker, you can use wood chips and a smoke box in your charcoal or propane grill. 

Make sure the bird breast side is on the grill, and if using a pellet cooker, turn up the heat and make sure you have plenty of wood pellets.

If using a charcoal grill, bank the coals on one side and place the chicken over indirect heat. If using a natural gas or propane grill, turn off burners directly underneath the chicken and light only on the opposite side.

Grill the chicken breast side down first to crisp the chicken skin. Then, flip the chicken with the lid closed until your wireless thermometer registers 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the bird, away from the bone. Make sure the chicken is evenly cooked.

Oven

If you’re in a hurry, don’t have a grill or smoker, or the weather’s not permitting, you can cook your smoked spatchcock chicken in the oven, well without the “smoked” part, that is.

Your kitchen oven will not produce that BBQ smoky flavor, but it will still turn out a delicious bird. Preheat your kitchen oven to 375 degrees F and place the spatchcocked chicken in a baking dish. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Saucing the bird

While the chicken is cooking, you can mix up a bowl of sweet heat sauce or whatever sauce you like. We like to use our Homemade BBQ Sauce, but any store-bought or homemade sauce will work.

When the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and brush it with sauce. Let is rest and enjoy.

Resting

For a more tender bird, let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. Carve and serve as you would any roasted chicken.

The Traeger spatchcock chicken is a quick and easy way to cook up a whole bird, and the end result is delicious, crispy-skinned chicken that is moist and flavorful. 

Traeger and Z Grills smokers are perfect for this type of cooking, but you can also use a gas or charcoal grill if you prefer.

What to serve with smoked chicken?

Smoked and grilled chicken pairs well with typical BBQ sides like mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, and BBQ beans. 

There are different types of pork ribs, and each one has its unique flavor and texture. In this article, we will discuss all the different types of pork ribs and explain how to cook them. We will also provide recipes for each type of rib so that you can try them at home!

What are Pork ribs?

Pork ribs are cut from the rib section of a pig’s torso. They are meaty and can be cooked in a variety of ways. There are several types of pork ribs, each with its unique flavor and texture.

Pork ribs are a popular food because they taste great, are easy to make and can be cooked in many different ways. Pork ribs are cut from the rib section of a pig’s torso, which means that they have lots of meat on them and can be seasoned with various types of sauces or dry rubs.

The types of pork ribs vary by region and country, but the most common types are Baby Back Ribs, Spare Ribs, and St. Louis ribs.

The different types of ribs for Smoking, grilling, Baking, and Braising

Baby Back Ribs

Baby back ribs are the most popular type of pork rib. They are cut from the loin section of the pig and are shorter and more curved than other types of pork ribs. Baby Back Ribs Cut from the top portion of the rib cage, baby back ribs are shorter than spare ribs (hence, the name “baby”) and are the leanest and tender ribs. They’re curvier and shorter than spareribs with lots of lean meat between and on the bones.

To prepare baby back pork ribs, start by trimming the ribs, any extra fat, or small pieces of meat that are dangling and will burn. Use a knife to remove the membrane.

The member is a piece of tissue underneath the ribs ( bone side ). You can cook baby back ribs in the oven or on the grill.

Pork Spare Ribs

Pork Spare ribs are the most common type of rib. They are cut from the belly section of the pig and are longer and straighter than other types of pork ribs. Pork spareribs yield more meat than baby back ribs, but they are not as tender or lean.

Spareribs are longer and flatter than baby back ribs, which allows them to cook and brown more uniformly. The marrow of the bones may be seen on one end of the spareribs, where they have been sliced away from the baby back ribs. The opposite end, closer to the pig’s breast, will be tapered. There will be a bigger portion of flesh, cartilage, and gristle at this tapered end.

Spareribs are much fattier flesh with greater marbling around the top and between the bones, which is one of the most noticeable differences. As a result, these ribs take longer to cook and are frequently a better choice for low and slow smoking. Cooking time for spare ribs can vary depending on the spare rib cut and size but is typically 5 to 6 hours.

Louis Style Ribs

St. Louis ribs, another famous variant of ribs, are just spareribs that have been trimmed further. Both the cartilage and gristle-filled section and the tapering end of the ribs have been removed. This gives the rack of ribs a more rectangular, symmetrical appearance. As a result, many pitmasters favor St. Louis-style ribs. Both for their look, meat yield, and flavor.

Louis Style St style doesn’t refer to the way the ribs are cooked. They get their name from the way meatpacking plants in St. Louis would cut the ribs. Ribs chopped this way were popular in St. Louis during the mid-20th century when meatpackers began doing so, hence the name. St. Louis ribs are longer than baby back ribs but shorter than regular spareribs due to the way they are cut.

This style of rib cut is not commonly found in your local big-box supermarket. Unless you cut the spare ribs yourself in the St. Louis way, the best source for these sorts of pork ribs is your local butcher or a quality online meat store.

St. Louis style ribs can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, baking, smoking, and braising.

Country Style Ribs

Country-style pork ribs are not, well, ribs, but rather boneless or bone-in pork chops cut to look like ribs and carved from the front of the baby back ribs around the shoulder. However, this cut is not actually from the ribs and instead is more of a pork chop.

Country-style boneless ribs are lengthy strips of loin muscle coupled with meat from between the rib bones.

They are typically cut from the shoulder area of the pig and are cheaper than other types of ribs. Boneless country-style ribs are also tougher and fattier than other ribs, so they require longer cooking times.

Country-style ribs can be cooked in various ways, including grilling, baking, smoking, and braising.

When choosing country-style ribs, look for ones that are well-marbled with fat and have a pinkish color. Avoid ribs that are too lean or have too much white meat.

Kansas City Ribs

Kansas City-style ribs are a type of sparerib that has been coated in a thick, sweet and smoky sauce before being cooked. The sauce is usually made with ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and various spices.

Kansas City ribs are comparable to St. Louis ribs but are not as neatly trimmed. St. Louis style ribs are cartilage-free, but Kansas City style ribs retain the cartilage part.

Kansas City-style ribs can be grilled, smoked, or baked.

Rib Tips

Rib tips are the small bones and cartilage that connect the front ribs to the breast bone and are the small, triangular end of a rack of ribs. They are not ribs, but rather a cartilage, bone, and connective tissue. You can say that tips are the leftovers of trimmed St. Louis-style ribs.

Rib Tips are ” chewy” but make a great appetizer or snack and require longer cooking time to become tender. They are seen in dishes such as soup or stew, or chopped up and served as an appetizer.

How to prepare rib tips?

You’ll have to find good butchers who will cut you some good rib tips. Smoked rib tips provide an easy appetizer and cook in about 2 hours.

Tips for Choosing Good Ribs

When choosing ribs, look for well-marbled cuts with fat and have a pinkish color. Avoid ribs that are too lean or have too much white meat.

Look for ribs that are well-marbled with fat and have a pinkish color. This indicates that the ribs are fresh and will be juicy. Avoid ribs that are too lean or have too much white meat. These ribs will be tough and dry.

The best way to cook ribs is by grilling or smoking them. Slow cooking methods such as braising or oven-roasting will also work, but it will take longer for the ribs to become tender.

When grilling or smoking ribs, cook them on low heat for a long period of time to prevent them from drying out. If you are using a sauce, apply it towards the end of cooking so that it does not burn or caramelize on the meat.

Other ribs

Several meat products were listed in USDA’s meat guidelines. Still, many different names and cuts are re-used in the years and can vary from location. These are some commonly heard names.

Flanked-style ribs

Flanked ribs are framed by long slabs positioned parallel to many ribs. Because this technique has been used, flanked ribs have more meat than short ribs. It’s recommended to cook flanked ribs using a braising technique.

Lamb Ribs

Lamb ribs have a very distinctive taste; their flavor “pops” when they are grilled slowly or braised. Butchers remove riblet lamb from its breast because its meat contains the most flavor in its body.

Lamb Riblets

These ribs come from the rib section and are very small. Riblets usually contain 11 to 13 bones in each rack and are ideal for grilling, smoking, or roasting.

Most people love making these ribs since they react nicely to many cooking methods. Some people prefer to dry the meat, while others add moisture to improve the taste profile and overall tenderness. Marinating the lamb riblets is advised since the procedure increases taste. Use incidents such as garlic, red wine, salt, pepper, vinegar, and even olive oil.

Pork belly ribs

Pork belly ribs are taken from the same area as spareribs but are smaller. They are fatty and have a strong pork flavor. Pork belly ribs are best cooked using the slow cooking method, such as braising or oven-roasting.

Short ribs

The term “short ribs” refers to the fact that they are normally cut much shorter than pig spare ribs—3 to 4 inches in most cases, and occasionally even shorter—which, of course, is because the beef carcass is so much larger than pork that cutting them much longer would render them unmanageable.

While it is possible to slow cook them on the grill or in a smoker, which many people do, the most popular method of preparing beef short ribs is to braise them.

Plate short ribs

Beef short ribs, sometimes referred to as plate short ribs, are a slab of meat from the lowest portion of the cow’s rib cage (the short plate), behind the brisket. Beef short ribs have dense flesh that tends to cling to the bones.

Conclusion

It is beneficial to be familiar with the various cuts of ribs so that you can select the appropriate cut for your taste and preferences, as well as for your own recipes. Bear in mind that certain rib cuts fare better on the grill than others. However, experiment with a few recipes until you discover one you enjoy.

What is a pellet gas combo grill? A pellet gas combo grill is a type of grill that uses both wood pellets and natural gas or propane as fuel. These grills feature heating and cooking components from both pellet and gas grills, integrated into a single frame. So you get a pellet grill and a gas grill in one grill.

This type of grill is becoming more and more popular because it offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a pellet grill. In this article, we will list the 3 best pellet gas combo grills on the market right now. We will also include a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

What is a Pellet Gas Combo Grill?

A pellet gas combo grill is a type of grill that uses both pellet fuel and natural gas or propane. These grills are not to be confused with other combo grills like charcoal and propane combo.

This type of grill is becoming more and more popular because it offers the best of both worlds: the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a charcoal grill. In this blog post, we will list the 3 best pellet gas combo grills on the market right now. We will also include a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right one for your needs.

When it comes to grills, there are a lot of different options to choose from. But if you’re looking for a good pellet and gas combo grill, then you’ve come to the right place.

We did our research and looked for brands offering this level of versatility, and combining that with customer feedback, we came up with the list below.

Benefits of a Pellet Gas Combo Grill

There are many benefits to buying a pellet gas combo grill. First, pellet grills are very easy to use. You simply set the temperature and let the grill do the work for you.

However, some of us like to grill and sear steaks or cook side dishes using our grills. This is why many consumers are looking for this type of combo grill smokers.

There are some really cool benefits of pellet grill smoker combos. One is that you technically get two grills in one, allowing you to cook a wider variety of foods and recipes.

Second, you have two fuel sources, which means if you run out of one fuel source, your grill is not totally out of commission. In fact, sometimes you will find yourself only using one side of the grill.

Lastly, versatility. Having two different fuel sources is ideal for individuals who desire endless cooking possibilities with their barbecues and also have a whole outdoor kitchen.

Our Three Best pellet and gas grill combo Picks

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of pellet gas combo grills, let’s look at three popular and top-selling modes.

1. The Camp Chef WOODWIND 24 – Best Overall

Available at:

The Camp Chef WOODWIND 24-Inch pellet grill is our top pick for the best pellet combo grill. This grill has a large grilling area, and it comes with a variety of features that make it perfect for both home and on the go.

The Camp Chef does not offer a second or separate gas cooking space, but the reason is our top pick is because, first and simply, it is a good pellet grill.

Woodwind offers the latest innovation in pellet grills. It has a Digital PID and WIFI-enabled controller that lets you change the temperature, set timers, and receive notifications when your meat reaches your set temperature—all from the palm of your hand!

The Camp Chef WOODWIND offers a variety of features to make your grilling experience more enjoyable. It offers 811 sq in total rack surface area, plenty of space to cook all your food, plus the lower and upper racks are also adjustable.

What makes this grill a good pellet smoker grill combo is its SideKick grilling system. Simply put, the Sidekick grilling system is a removable side burner that attaches to the side of the grill. The side burner can operate different accessories, including a grill, a pizza box, a searing box, and even a griddle. This level of versatility is what makes this grill our top pick.

This grill is more of a pellet grill smoker with a “side” gas burner. If you are not using the “gas” side table, you can remove it and not have an empty and wasted cooking chamber space.

True, you don’t get a “full-on” gas grill like in the Pit Boss below, but the CampChef is a good grill and smoker.

What we like:

• With Camp Chef’s unique Sidekick system, you can add on multiple propane-powered cooking accessories.
• Camp chef makes good pellet grills with good technology and app.
• Reasonably priced.

What to Consider

• The gas/propane add-ons have to be purchased separately.

2. PIT BOSS SPORTSMAN PELLET/GAS COMBO GRILL – Runner Up

Available at:

If you are looking for a more “complete” combo, then the Pit Boss smoker grill combo is a good choice.

The Pit Boss Sportsman Pellet Combo Grill is our second pick for a pellet gas combo grill. This grill is perfect for those who want to have both a pellet grill and a gas grill completely independent from each other in a single frame.

The Pit Boss is more of a “full-on” pellet/gas grill smoker combo. You get a small pellet grill and a small gas grill with three burners. What this all means is that you get two separate cooking chambers, one powered by pellets and the other by propane, all in one frame. So, unlike in the Woodwind, the gas grill in this unit is a full and actual grill.

When it comes to pellet gas combo grills, the Pit Boss Sportsman Series is definitely a top contender. This grill offers 8-in-1 cooking versatility, so you can smoke, bake, braise, roast, grill, barbecue, char-grill, and even sear—all in one machine using wood pellets and gas.

The Pit Boss Flame Broiler system also allows you to achieve instant direct or indirect cooking and temperatures ranging from 180° to 500°F. This feature is simple to use, pull a lever, and the heat shield above the firepot opens up to allow direct flame grilling.

With the digital control board and meat probes, you can easily monitor your food and keep an eye on the cooking progress.

Other notable features of this grill include three stainless-steel gas burners, two meat probes, a large hopper capacity, a hopper viewing window, a built-in spice rack, and a bottle opener, plus a high-temperature powder coat finish.

It also includes a removable side shelf and a foldable front shelf—great for meal prep and placing all your cooking tools.

What we like:

• Great cooking versatility
• Pit Boss Flame Broiler system
• built-in spice rack
• bottle opener
• This pellet grill/gas grill combo comes with a five-year warranty.
• Five Year warranty

What to consider

• You will spend a little more time cleaning and maintaining two grills.

3. Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet/Gas Combo – Large

Available at:

This grill does not offer the technology and quality found in the Camp Chef, but you do get a large grill at a good price point. This grill is also a full combo grill, which means you get two separate cooking chambers in one.

The Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet/Gas Combo is a great option for those looking for a pellet grill and gas grill smoker combo but want it at an affordable price. It has a cooking surface area of 900 square inches, making it perfect for larger gatherings, and a wide temperature range of 180° to 500°, ensuring that you’ll be able to cook a good range of foods.

The pellet hopper holds 30lbs of pellets, so you won’t have to worry about running out during a long cookout.

The PID control panel ensures precise temperature control. Plus, it comes with Bluetooth capabilities so that you can monitor your cookout from your phone or tablet.

At 207.34 lbs, it’s on the heavier side but still manageable. All in all, the Cuisinart Twin Oaks Pellet/Gas Combo is a great pellet gas combo grill for those who want the best of both worlds.

What we like:

• Large Cooking Area of 900 Square Inches
• Great temperature range: 180° to 500°
• Large Pellet Hopper Capacity: 30 lbs.
• Bluetooth Enabled

What we don’t like:

• Is a heavy fella at 207 pounds

What to Consider When Buying a Pellet Gas Combo Grill

Grilling Space

When buying a pellet propane combo grill, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the size of the cooking area. If you’re planning on cooking for large groups, then you’ll want a pellet grill with a larger cooking surface area.

If you are mostly doing pellet grilling, then something like the Camp Chef with just the one-side burner will be good enough.

Temperature Range

Next, take into account the temperature range. You’ll want to make sure that the pellet grill can reach a broad temperature range to cook your food properly. Don’t get too caught up on temperature range. Most modern wood pellet and gas grills offer appropriate cooking temperature ranges.

Unless you are looking at small and portable smokers or grills, the temperature range is not that much of an issue in larger grills.

Hopper Capacity

Finally, consider the pellet hopper capacity. If you’re going to be cooking for long periods of time, you’ll want a pellet grill with a large hopper, so you don’t have to worry about running out of pellets. A pellet grill will burn about 1 and a half pounds of pellets per hour, so you don’t need a 50-pound pellet hopper, 10 and up is good enough.

Construction, Build, and quality

Having a large cooking space is great, but if the grill won’t last past a season, then what’s the point. Build quality and sturdy construction are important, and things like thick steel construction and stainless steel construction components will contribute to the longevity and lifespan of the grill.

However, nothing beats getting a good cover for your grill.

Warranty

Oh, warranty. Here is our case. These grills have many moving parts and components. The more parts, the more things that can go wrong. Especially with grills with two separate cooking chambers. This means you have augers, electronic fans, and a digital board, but also gas burners. The chances of something breaking, going bad, or malfunctioning well are doubled when you combine two grills into one.

We are not saying the combo grills are less reliable. We are saying that there is more in the pot to go wrong.

Pors and Cons of Combo Grills

Like everything in life, there are Pros and Cons to combining a wood pellet grill with a gas grill.

Pros

• Versatility
• Two different types of fuel to cook food available at your fingertips.
• Pellet grills are easy to use and pack a lot of technology to help you cook and monitor the food.

Cons

• More components need to make these grills work.
• You will spend more on fuel since you need both pellets and propane.
• More maintenance, you will need to clean a pellet grill and a gas grill.

The conclusion

Pellet gas combo grills offer the best of both worlds: the convenience of a gas grill and the flavor of a charcoal grill. When shopping for one, be sure to consider your budget, cooking space, pellet hopper size, features, convenience, and warranty.

However, what’s most important is to decide whether you need a full-on pellet and gas grill combo or a pellet grill with a side burner.

If only having a side gas or propane burner, then our top choice is the Camp Chef. This is because this grill is, first, a great pellet grill, and its propane SideKick system gives you more than just a side burner. You can use it to bake pizzas, as a griddle, and more.

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, the Pit Boss Sportsman is another great option. If on a budget but still want a full combo, the Cuisinart can fit the bill.

Happy grilling!

There are many types of BBQ smokers in the market today, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. If you’re looking for a smoker, you need to know about the different types of smokers out there.

This comprehensive guide will break down all the different types of smokers and help you decide which one is best for your needs and cooking style. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced BBQ food backyard hero, we have something for everyone!

What is a BBQ smoker grill?

BBQ Smoker Grills are purpose-built cooking appliances and an important tool for anyone wanting to cook authentic BBQ. They allow you to cook food at lower temperatures for longer periods than standard grills, which helps assure that your meat will be tender and juicy with no loss in flavor.

I was so excited when I finally bought my first smoker. I couldn’t wait to start cooking up some delicious meats. But I quickly realized that I didn’t know what I was doing. The first few times I tried to smoke meat, it turned out terrible. My meat was dry and flavorless.

I learned that you don’t need an expensive smoker to cook good BBQ. In fact, a lot of the best BBQ is cooked on simple grills or smokers.

What’s important is to find the type of smoker you feel comfortable using. Box smokers, barrel smokers, cabinet smokers all have their Pros and Cons, and we will discuss them in this article.

How are BBQ grill smokers grouped, named, and categorized

By Shape

Smokers are primarily classified by their shape, and their names are frequently derived from that shape and style.

For example, a BBQ smoker with a side firebox and a horizontal cooking shaped chamber is called a horizontal offset smoker. Now an offset smoker can be purchased with different fuel configurations, including charcoal, wood, and pellets.

By Fuel

BBQ smoker grills are frequently classified by name as well as fuel type. The term incorporates the shape of the smoker and the type of fuel used to fully categorize it. A vertically shaped smoker that burns propane, for example, is classified as a vertical propane smoker. In contrast, a vertically shaped smoker or upright smoker that burns pellets is classified as a pellet vertical or cabinet smoker.

In this post, we categorized different types of smokers based on shape and fuel, so you can determine which shape best suits your needs and then which fuel you prefer and find the right smoker for you.

Types of Smokers By Shape

Offset Smokers

Offset smokers are very popular among BBQ pitmasters, and for some, these are the real wood smokers and the best tool to great smoked meat.

An offset smoker is a type of smoker that has two chambers: one is the cooking chamber where the food cooks, and the other is the firebox, where wood and charcoal burn to generate heat.

The chamber for the wood or charcoal is offset from the cooking chamber t, which allows only smoke and indirect heat to travel around the cooking and cook without exposing the food to flames.

Offset smokers get their name because their firebox is positioned to the side ( offset ) of the main cooking chamber—heat and smoke flowers around the main cooking chamber and out of a chimney.

In a conventional offset smoker, the chimney is located opposite the firebox. Reverse flow offset smokers, which use baffles to move the smoke and heat more evenly around the food, are another type of offset smoker.

Reverse flow offset smokers are easy to identify because they have a chimney that is mounted above rather than on the opposite side of the firebox.

Available in these Fuel Types:

Wood and charcoal: Offset smokers are traditionally large smokers and are meant to cook large cuts of meats. Offset smokers are traditionally fueled by wood and charcoal.

Wood Pellets: Pellet grills are often considered offset pellet smokers because they use wood pellets as fuel, their design is very similar to an offset smoker, and they cook using indirect heat. Although the fire or burning put is not always offset, a pellet grill can operate at low temperatures, and its design allows for indirect heat cooking.

Wood pellets are a popular choice for BBQ enthusiasts because they are easy to use and produce a good amount of smoke and good taste.

Pros:

• Offset smokers are traditionally larger and can handle a lot of meat.
• Indirect heat cooking means the food is not exposed to direct heat cooking with only smoke, heat, and steam from the meat juices, rendering tender meats.
• You get good flavor since only good smoke from the wood and charcoal cook the meat.

Cons:

• Horizontal offset smokers need a lot of fuel. Since the heat source is offset and outside the main cooking chamber, you need to generate a lot of heat. By the time heat travels to the main cooking chamber, it is at a lower temperature than in the firebox.
• Because horizontal offset smokers are fueled by wood and charcoal, these smokers require a lot of work and skills to manage the fire and keep them going. However, with some practice, you will quickly begin to enjoy the benefits of cooking in a horizontal offset smoker.
• These smokers are large and heavy. Be sure to have plenty of space.
• These smokers will not get hot enough to grill burgers and steaks, but some include a small grill grate in the firebox.

Recommended for: People who like to cook big cuts of meat and what the ultimate flavor.

Note: Offset Smokers are also available with vertical cabinets.

Vertical smokers / vertical water smokers ( cabinet )

Vertical smokers are very popular and the most recognizable smoker type. They are also popular due to their “more” compact size and can fit a lot of food because all the cooking grates are stacked vertically.

They are ideal for people who don’t have a lot of space or for those who want something a little more portable to take with them on camping trips or tailgating parties.

Vertical smokers come in a variety of sizes and can be used to smoke a variety of different types of meat. They are also a good option for beginners, as they are relatively easy to use. In this category, you will also find what’s called a bullet smoker.

Vertical smokers are often called water or bullet smokers. Let me explain. Most verticle smokers, thank to its cabinet shape, include a water pan that seats right above the heat source. Steam and smoke cook your food as the water heats up, rendering very moist and tender results.

A vertical smoker is ideal for cooking leaner kinds of meat that require additional moisture to maintain their tenderness. These smokers are great at building a very moist cooking environment.

Available in these Fuel Types:

• Charcoal and wood chunks: For those who want to combine the benefits of vertical cabinet smokers with authentic BBQ flavor.
• Propane: These smokers are also available with propane burners. Propane vertical smokers are easier to use since you don’t have to deal with charcoal fire management, airflow intakes vents, or any of the fire quirks found in charcoal grills. Simply set the burner temperature knob to whatever temperature your want, and that’s it. For flavor, you will need to use wood chips.
• Wood Pellets: These smokers are also available with wood pellet burners. These are the easiest to use. Wood pellet vertical smokers combine the flavor of a charcoal vertical smoker and the ease of use of a propane vertical smoker.

Pros:

• A vertical smoker can fit a lot of food, and all the cooking grates are stacked vertically.
• Indirect, steam cooking, and most include a water box.
• Easier to transport and move around.
• Available in charcoal, propane, and pellets

Cons:

• There isn’t much negative to say about vertical smokers. Sure, they can be large, but vertical smokers are great, especially for beginners.
• These smokers will not make good grills. So if you want to grill burgers and hotdogs, you will need a different appliance for that or a dedicated grill.

Recommended for: Beginners and those who want a smoker with a lot of cooking space but easy to fit in any corner around your house. These smokers are also recommended for those wanting to use water bowls for smoking meats.

Types of Smokers By Fuel

Pellet Smokers

Ahhh, pellet smokers. Everyone is talking about pellet smokers these days, and there is a reason for that, they are easy to use and produce great wood smoky flavor.

Pellet grills and smokers are a type of smoker that uses wood pellets made from wood dust which is compressed into pellets. The pellets are mechanically fed into a firebox, where they are burned and create the heat that cooks the meat.

Pellet smokers are a popular choice for people who want the convenience of an electric smoker with the flavor of a charcoal BBQ smoker.

Just to clarify, there are actually purpose-built pellet smokers like the vertical smokers we spoke about above, and then there are pellet grills which are also considered pellet smokers. A pellet grill is also categorized as a pellet smoker because it can cook at low “smoking” temperature and produce good amounts of smoke-burning wood pellets.

Available in these Fuel Types:

Wood Pellets

Pros:

• Pellet grills / smokers are simple, very easy to use, and produce smoke for low and slow cooking.
• A pellet smoker burns natural wood pellets yielding amazing flavor.
• A good pellet smoker will retain heat and be able to cook at constant low temperatures.
• Many pellet smokers are packed with many technologies and cooking aids like meat monitoring probes and WiFi, so you can see evening to that happening right on from your mobile phone.

Cons:

• Due to the amount of technology crammed inside these grills, they can be quite expensive.
• A pellet smoker has many moving parts, including an auger, fans, and other tech that can, well, break. So is important to find a pellet smoker with a good warranty.
• Wood pellets are compressed wood dust. Pellets do not appreciate humidity and will deteriorate if exposed to the elements. To store this fuel source properly, you will need a proper wood pellet container.

Recommended for: People who like the conveniences associated with a gas grill with the flavor of a charcoal grill. These smokers are simple and easy to use plus include many cooking aids, making them great for beginners. Great for those who want and pellet grill and a pellets smoker in one appliance.

Electric smokers

An electric smoker is a type of smoker that uses an electric heating element to generate heat which then cooks your food. An electric smoker operates very similarly to your kitchen oven.

Electric smokers come in numerous sizes, so you can choose the size that best fits your needs. Electric smokers also have different features, such as temperature control and timers. Some electric smokers even have a window so you can see the food cooking.

Electric smokers are really simple to use. As an electric smoker is essentially an oven, all you need to do is set the temperature and walk away. They are pretty simple to use!

However, one of the biggest drawbacks of an electric smoker is a lack of taste. Even though you can use wood chips in electric smokers, the absence of charcoal or wood combustion means you don’t get that “smoke ring” in meats and flavor.

Available in these Fuel Types:

Electric heating element:

Pros:

• Most electric smokers are simple and easy to use plus require little to no maintenance.
• Most are very light and easy to transport.

Cons:

• Lack of flavor
• If you take them camping or traveling, you need a reliable power source.

Recommended for: For those who don’t care too much about “smoke flavor” and want the absolute easiest and maintenance-free smoker.

Charcoal Smokers

A charcoal smoker like charcoal grills burn charcoal to generate heat. Charcoal BBQ smokers are a popular choice for people who want the ultimate and most authentic BBQ flavor are not afraid of getting their hands dirty.

A charcoal fire alone produces good flavor when combined with wood chips or wood chunks; the results are amazing BBQ flavor.

Charcoal grill smokers come are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the size that best fits your needs.

You can find offset charcoal smokers, as mentioned above, vertical charcoal smokers, and even traditional charcoal grills that can be used as a charcoal smoker.

Then there are other types of smokers which we will cover later below, that are also categorized as a charcoal smoker.

Charcoal smokers provide not only the best BBQ flavor but also the best cooking experience. You will learn about fire management plus develop skills that will allow you to have complete control over your cooks.

Sure, other smokers packed more technology, have better temperature control aids, and may be easier to use, but lack the flavor that can only come from a charcoal smoker.

Charcoal smokers are also lighter and more transportable than other smokers on this list, so if you are looking for a smoker that can go with you on camping trips or to the park, then a charcoal smoker is a great choice.

Since these smokers don’t require any electricity, it is a great option for those who want to enjoy smoked food while enjoying the great outdoors. Also, because charcoal smokers are so simple and don’t have components like burners, pellet hoppers, fans, augers, or controllers, these things are light.

Available in these Fuel Types:

Charcoal

Wood chunks or wood chips (for added flavor)

Pros:

• Provides great BBQ flavor.
• Offers a more authentic cooking experience.
• Easy to transport and cook anywhere.

Cons:

• You will need to learn fire management skills.
• Can be messy.

Recommended for: Those who want the ultimate in BBQ flavor, ultimate control, and are not afraid to get their hands dirty. Get ready to work a little harder and manage that fire all day long!

Propane / gas smokers

A propane smoker is a smoker that uses propane as its heat source. This type of smoker is popular because it is easy to use and produces great results.

Most propane smokers have a built-in temperature control, which makes it easy to regulate the heat. A propane or gas smoker, just like your gas grill, has a built-in burner that, when it burns fuel, whether liquid propane or natural gas, generates heat.

One of the drawbacks of a propane or gas smoker is that it can be difficult to get the smoke flavor just right. Like in gas grills, the lack of wood and charcoal combustion limits the amount of smoke thus flavor, but you can use wood chips to add flavor.

Pros:

• Gas smokers are easy to use.
• Most gas smokers are very transportable since only a propane tank is needed to cook.
• Easy to lean on.
• Easy to transport and cook anywhere.

Cons:

• Lack of flavor but still better flavor than an electric smoker.

Recommended for: Those who want more flavor than an electric smoker but still something easy to use.

Other Types of Smokers

Ugly Drum Smokers ( UDS )

The Ugly Drum Smokers, or UDS is a category of smoker grills that are well known for being, well, ugly, but also very simple to use. They are simple—a steel drum with a charcoal basket, a few grates, and, in some models, hanging hooks.

Air vents are placed around the charcoal basket and in the lid to regulate air and control temperatures. The cylindrical shape of these smokers allows for a good convection cooking effect to render good and tender meats.

These smokers are also versatile since their shape and design allows for grilling and are capable of searing hot temperatures.

Pros:

• These smokers are affordable, simple, and easy to use.
• Produce good flavor.

Cons:

• Well, they are kind of ugly.

Reconded for: An ugly drum smoker is recommended for those wanting good BBQ flavor; use charcoal but with a little less work.

Kamado Grills / Ceramic Smokers

A Kamado smoker is a type of smoker that is made out of ceramic and traditionally burn charcoal, but there are now kamado grills models that burn pellets. These type of smokers are very popular because kamado grills are able to hold consistent temperatures and are very efficient at reading heat evenly which results in evenly cooked food.

Kamado grills are excellent for smoking meats due to their sealed cooking chambers that can maintain heat better than conventional steel smokers. This makes them incredibly efficient, as they do not use much fuel during cooking.

A good kamado grill will also outlast most grills because ceramic won’t rust, and these grills are simple. You get a ceramic tub, a ceramic charcoal basket, and a lid. That’s it.

Kamado grills also offer large cooking areas, which allows for cooks to smoke multiple types of food at once. These grills are also versatile; they can grill, smoke meats, bake pizza, and even bake cookies if you want. Popular brands like the Big Green Egg and Kamado Joe are two high-quality brands.

One of the drawbacks of Kamado grill is that they can be expensive. Additionally, because they are made out of ceramic, they can be fragile and difficult to transport.

Pros:

• Kamados hold a consistent temperature, resulting in evenly cooked food.
• Kamados offer large cooking spaces.
• A kamado grill is the Swiss knife of BBQ; they can bake, grill, smoke meats, you name it, they can do it.

Cons:

• A Kamado grill can be expensive.
• Not all kamado grills are built the same. Cheap Kamado grills can be fragile and difficult to transport.

Recommended for: Those who are willing to spend the money on a Kamado smoker and who do not mind being careful with it. Kamado smokers are perfect for those who want to smoke meats but also grill, bake and have a good all-in-one grill.

Wood-fired oven (WFOs)

Wood-fired ovens are usually used for cooking pizza but can smoke meat too. These wood smoker ovens are becoming very popular because of the incredible flavor that they produce.

The key to a good wood smoker oven is heat management, and if you can control the heat, then you can control how you cook meat. WFOs use a combination of convection and radiation cooking to produce succulent meats with an amazing smoky flavor.

Wood-fired ovens are not as popular as the other types of smokers because they are expensive, require a lot of work to maintain, and can be difficult to use.

Pros:

• The flavor that wood smoker ovens produce is incredible.
• WFOs use a combination of convection and radiation cooking to produce succulent meats.

Cons:

• Wood-fired ovens are expensive.
• WFOs require a lot of work to maintain.
• Wood smoker ovens can be difficult to use.

Recommended for: Those who are looking for an incredible smoky flavor and are willing to put in the extra effort. Wood-fired ovens are perfect for those who want to cook pizza and smoke meat. If you are more of a pizza guy or gal, consider a WFO.

SO, What type of smokers are best?

Nice try, amigo, but here is the answer.

No types of smoker are necessarily better than others. On the contrary, they all have their pros and cons, which make some types more favorable in certain situations than others.

It is up to you to decide what type of smoker best suits your needs. For instance, if you don’t have a lot of space in your backyard, a vertical smoker will work great.

If you want easy but good flavor, then pellets all day but if you want the ultimate in BBQ flavor, then grab a charcoal and wood smoker.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider a BBQ smoker:

1. Variety of types and sizes – There are a variety of different types and sizes of smokers to choose from, so you can find one that best fits your needs.

2. Authentic BBQ flavor – These are purposely built cooking appliances to smoke food. The flavor is unmatched by any other type of grill or cooking appliance.

3. Easy to use ( to smoke meats ) – Most smokers are easy to use, so you can get started smoking meat without and BBQing the right way.

In Conclusion

There are three main types of smokers: charcoal, gas, and electric. Each type has its own set of pros and cons and are available in different styles and shapes.

Each type has its own set of pros and cons, so it is important to choose the smoker that best suits your needs. Charcoal smokers produce good flavor that is unmatched by any other type of smoker, while gas smokers are easy to use and electric smokers are convenient.

If you want something a smoker that is as easy to use as a gas grill but produces the flavor of a charcoal grill and then some, then consider a pellet grill.

Once in a while, we come across a cool BBQ gadget to help us become better pitmasters. This is the case with the Meatstick.

The Meat Stick is a high-quality, wireless thermometer that makes cooking meat simple and easy.

The main feature of these new-age thermometers is that they are truly wireless. There are many “wireless” thermometers, but many of those still use cables to transfer temperature readings from the probes to a monitor or receiver; you then wirelessly connect to the monitor via a smart device app or another monitor.

The Meatstick thermometer takes this concept to another level and brings it to this century, and adds true meaning to the term wireless meat thermometer. How? Well, the MeatStick uses no cables, at all!

Having no cables means this thermometer is highly versatile. It can be used in almost any cooking setting, including rotisseries. This is the true meaning of wireless! In fact, all the electronics components are packaged inside the probe and the stick’s ceramic head.

We’ll get more into how these little gadgets work further below and talk about the different MeatStick models.

The MeatStick

With its many features, such as the ambient sensor and internal food sensor in one “stick,” this smart wireless thermometer works great in many cooking settings, including roasting, baking, grilling, and smoking meats.

While with some “cabled probe” wireless thermometers, you need to clamp an ambient thermometer to the grill’s grate and then the probe into the meat. 

The MeatStick sensors are all embedded in the probe’s ends. The stainless steel probe houses the food temperature sensor, and the ceramic head on the opposite end houses the ambient temperature sensor. 

This means this little stick can read and monitor both the grill and the food temperature with only one device and, yes, no cables at all.

The stick’s design is sleek and contemporary. It has a high-tech appearance and feels quite durable.

It is worth noting that thanks to its design, it is easy to clean design and dishwasher safe.

The MeatStick Models

Meatstick currently offers a variety of bundles and accessories for their thermometers, but the wireless meat thermometers are split into two options, The MeatStick and the MeatStick Mini.

Both models share many of the same characteristics, quality, and features. But there are differences between the two and cooking scenarios for both. Both Meatstick models are Bluetooth compatible for up to 30 feet or six feet in closed-lid grills or signal-restricting grills like the thick walls of a ceramic Kamado. They both can function wirelessly with the Meatstick app. So if you only purchase the stick with the base ( charger ), your range will be 6 to 30 feet.

However, combined with the Meatstick extender, both the Meatstick and the Meatstick MINI can operate at a range of 260 feet over a Bluetooth connection.

Meatstick also offers a WIFI Bridge, which links the Bluetooth base to a WIFI network. Then your home WIFI range is the only limiting factor, my friends.

The MeatStick Mini

The Mini shares the same DNA as the larger stick with some minor differences. The main difference is that the Mini does not have an ambient temperature sensor. There are other compromises in other to reduce its size and weight.

For example, the Mini stick can only safely operate up to temperatures of 185 degrees Fahrenheit before the App starts alerting you to remove it and let it cool.

Another noticeable difference is its size. The Mini is only about three and a half inches long small enough to fit in smaller cuts of meat. A smaller frame also means a smaller battery, which offers a shorter running time.

MeatStick vs MeatStick Mini

	MeatStick	MeatStick Mini
Length:	5.3 inches	3.7 inches
Running Time:	24+ hours	8+ hours
Sensors:	Ambient Temperature – up to 572 Degrees F Probe ( food sensor ) – up to 212 Degrees F	Probe ( food sensor ) – up to 185 Degrees F
Good For:	Larger Meat Cuts ( Pork Butts, Briskets )	Smaller Meat Cuts

First Impressions – Unboxing the MeatStick

The MeatStick wireless thermometer arrives in a nice box where you greet the stick and its base. If you opted for the Stick X or Mini X, you get the stick and the Bluetooth extender.

Unboxing the stick feels like getting a new iPhone. You get a simple set of instructions and can be ready to use in a few minutes.

The MeatStick base or extender, depending on the bundle you get, does require two AA batteries. The base will charge the stick once it is put in place and you press the power button.

Setting up the MeatStick

Once you get the Meatstick out of the box, the next step is to download the MeatStick app. You’d think you need to read a manual to set this thing up, but you’d be wrong my friends.

The App is one of the best features of this product, and we found the App to be very intuitive, interactive, and user friendly. We have had many “smart” gadgets here at BBQ Grill Academy, and many of those products fail to deliver good and easy to set up apps.

Setting up the MeatStick is easy. First, place the stick in its base and press the power button. The LED light will turn on GREEN, indicating it is charging the stick. While the stick is charging, the light will remain “solid green,” and it will turn off once it is done charging.

Download the MeatStick App from either the AppleStore or GoodPlay. Open the App you will be prompted to create an account. That process only takes a minute, and it requests your email address, password, user name, and that’s it.

You can use the App without setting up an account. However, you will not have access to all the App’s features, including historical data about your cooks and the setting you used for specific cooks.

Once the App is installed on your smart device is time to pair the stick with your device. The process is simple, open the App, press down the power button on the base until the GREEN light starts flashing, and the App will discover the stick. Once it is paired, it will display in the App.

Using The App

Once you have the Meatstick set up, it’s time to start cooking. The App is easy to use and interactive. You can monitor both the meat temperature and the ambient temperature all in one place ( except with the Mini ).

The most noticeable feature of this App is its built-in interactive guide. The App has a smart pop-up guide that holds your hand through the setup, configuration and it shows your features and tips throughout the cook.

The MeatStick App Features

The App has a simple design and is easy to navigate. The main screen includes a color-coded probe indicator showing the probe’s temperature reading. Tab in the probe temperature circle, and you access a detailed window with more information about the cooking progress.

One cool feature of the App is its “remaining time” calculator. The App builds a historical graph plotting the cooking progress. It then uses that same pattern to predict when your food will be ready. The feature works great and constantly monitors the temperature rising rate to adjust its estimations.

The App also gives you access to all the basics, settings, set up a Cook, and share your awesome cooks on social media, plus alerts. Under “Settings tap,” you can change your user name, password, email address, and toggle between imperial and metric measurements. The App also offers a nice feature that allows you to pause your cook if you need to work on the grill or let the charcoal die out on your smoker. ( come on, we all have done that )

Two noticeable features are Setup Cook and Alerts. When it is time to cook, you can click on SETUP COOK and choose the type of protein you want to monitor. The App automatically determines the recommended USDA temperature for different doneness levels based on your selected protein.

You can customize the pre-programmed doneness levels, change the temperature levels, and add your own titles to the cook. The App will save the cooks, and you can access these cooks and settings on later cooking sessions.

In the alerts menu, you get two options: a pre-alert and a ready alert. The pre-alert lets you set an alert at whatever temperature you want before reaching your final temperature. Say you want to wrap the meat at a specific temperature, you can use the pre-alert for the wrapping and the final alert for when the meat is done.

It is worth mentioning that the App is always helping and guiding during the cook. The help area in the App is handy if you run into any troubles. Still, we found the interactive guide is good enough to teach everything you need to know to use this product in a matter of minutes.

The Cook – We took the MeatStick for a Test Ride and Here is What we found.

We got our hands on a MeatStick MINI and immediately opened the box, and well, it is “Mini.” We knew it would be small but were quickly impressed by how simple and small the device is.

For our first test of the MeatStick Mini, we decided to test it by smoking a small bone-in pork butt in our kamado. We charged the stick while prepping the pork and got the smoker ready.

We followed the instructions and opened the App. We pressed the power button with the stick in its base, and the App found the device right away. 

Meatstick nudges you to be sure to insert the stick all the way into the meat until the ceramic head is touching the meat. Again, there is a reason for that. The meat will act as a “protector” for the internal components in the probe.

We fired up the grill, threw the meat in, and started smoking. We played with the App and watched how the temperature slowly but surely started climbing. The App was steering us all the entire time.

We pushed the range a bit and walked around to see how well the extended worked, and we were impressed. We had no issues with the extender losing connection with the App. The extender also blinks green to let you know it is monitoring and connected to the stick and the App.

We looked for any signs of damage or reading latency during the cook but did not see any. The stick did its job well and gave us full confidence, so we stopped using our instant-read thermometer.

Things we enjoyed and liked about the MeatStick 

The app works! There are many good thermometers in the market, but they always fail in the app design. Setting up the App was easy, and the App never crashed or stopped communicating with the Mini.

After we were done with the cook, we retrieved the stick and threw it in the dishwasher. Meat sticks do emphasize keeping the stick clean.

Using this device and cleaning the device is easy, and we give it a 5 out of 5.

We received an alert and noticed we had lost connection with the stick. One issue we ran into, and likely a user error, was when we wrapped the meat we covered the stick, it didn’t like it. We opened the aluminum foil, removed and poked the meat through the foil, and all was good. 

Accuracy was good, and we didn’t notice any issues in trusting the stick, but during certain parts of the cook, we noticed a slight temperature difference of about 1 to 3 degrees when compared to our Tel True.

We had the pork butt in the smoker for about five hours, and although the battery in the stick is related to 8 hours, we still had over 50 percent battery left in the stick.

Things we did not like:

The stick works. Plain and simple, we had no issues with the device and truly enjoyed its versatility. Not having to deal with cables and just sticking a stick to the meat makes monitoring as easy as it gets. 

However, and this is only related to the Mini; it is only rated to reading internal temperatures of up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. If these temperatures are exceeded, you risk damaging the stick and voiding the warranty. Again, this limit only applies to the Mini, but it left us wanting more in our case. We cook our pork butts at about 190 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, so we had to finish the cooking without the stick.

The Mini has a temperature sensor resistance of up to185 degrees, so it will not work well for smoking large cuts of meat like pork butts and briskets. Sure, you can still use it to monitor the process of the cook, but you will need an instant-read to fine-tune the end of the cook.

We recommend the bigger MeatStick for larger meat cuts since it is also longer and allows you to monitor the temperature of the meat deeper in its center.

Some worth mentioning notes

The ceramic head of the sticks can only withstand temperatures of around 572 degrees, so one has to be careful with flare-ups as it can potentially damage the ceramic head and the components inside.

The battery and other components in the probe can withstand temperatures of 185 degrees F in the Mini and 212 degrees F in the regular ( larger ) stick. However, Meatstick urgers the importance of inserting the stick fully into the meat to avoid leaving parts of the probes exposed to higher temperatures.

During the initial setup, the App will ask you to set the location services on your phone for the MeatStick app to “always on”. I changed the locations settings ( just for the MeatStick app ) to “only while using this app” and when the phone went to sleep it would disconnect from the extender. So the lesson here is to follow the instructions.

What could be improved?

It would be nice to see a recipe area in the App for those always looking for the next best dish to cook. I also would like to see the ability to set up different sounds for the two separate alerts in the App. This way is easy to know which alert is which and not panic thinking you overshot the final temp.

Q & A

Final thoughts

The MeatStick is a great thermometer for anyone looking for devices that are easy to use and get the job done. There is always room for improvement, and nothing is perfect in this world, but the Meatstick is one of those products that performs as advertised. We had no issues using this probe, and it did what it was supposed to do. 

Its temperature range makes it versatile for most cooking conditions. Its wireless capabilities make it easy to use in almost any appliance. The only downside is that you have to be careful with temperatures not to exceed the maximums set by the manufacturer. 

Now, this is a true wireless thermometer. 

If you’re a barbecue enthusiast, then you know that having the best grill light by your side is key to making your nighttime and outdoor cooking grilling experience easier. That’s right, some of us cook at night too!

In this article, we’ll talk about the best grill lights on the market and which ones work well for grilling at night or when doing outdoor grilling in low visibility.

Grilling or cooking in low light can not only be dangerous, but you will also have a hard time seeing your food. If you are smoking meat, it will be hard to see the color of the bark and how the meat is cooking.

A good grill light will make grilling in the dark easy and safe.

In this article, we will cover a few topics:

• What is considered a “barbecue light”?
• What should you look for in a good grill light?
• Our top 7 grill light choices

What is a grill light?

A grill light is a great tool to have for nighttime grilling or cooking outdoors. A grill light can provide extra illumination, so you can see what you’re doing and where your hands are going.

An LED grill light is designed to attach to surfaces like a grill handle or, if magnetic, most metal surfaces to your hands-free so you can safely see and work on cooking your food. There are many different types of barbecue lights available, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs and your grill model.

Barbecue Grill Light Types

There are three different types of grill lights: LED, halogen, and incandescent. Each has its own best uses, but in this article, we will focus on LED lights.

LED lights are best for grill lighting because they give off the most light and don’t get hot or make a lot of glare like other grill lights do.

Halogen lights give off a bright white light that is great for illuminating large areas or a large grill. The downside of halogens is that they put out an incredible amount of heat, which can make it difficult to work near them.

For example, if you let any fat drippings hit the bulb, it will start to smoke, overheat, and possibly fail. Incandescent lights are good for lighting up larger areas, which is why they are common on range hoods and other cooking appliances.

One downside of incandescent lights is that they don’t last long.

What Should You Look for in a Grill Light?

A grill lights feature such as magnetic base or gooseneck can help add to versatility and usability of these lights but there are other features that contribute to quality and plan and simple, make a good light and more than just a lighting device ( or paper weight ).

BBQ Grill Lights should be heat resistant

This might sound obvious, but it needs to be said: anything sitting close enough to your grill will get exposed to hot temperatures. While you might think that your night table light might be good enough to shine some light on your grill, think again, amigo, it might melt.

This is why there are grill-specific lights that are not only easier and safer to attach to your grill but can also withstand some levels of heat. Most grill lights are built and designed to withstand some degree of heat.

Most grill lights are also weather resistant and will handle the punishment associated with your outdoor cooking adventures better.

Grilling Lights should be easy to install, attach and detach

Whenever I think of “easy to install,” for some reason, I think about the Griswolds. The guy always found a way to overcomplicate things. Anyways, yes, make sure that the light mounting option will be compatible with your grill or the type of setup you want to achieve.

Handle-mounted lights attach securely to most grill handles, but if you have a custom handle on your grill, then a handle-mounted light might not be a good choice.

For instance, for a Kamado, certain clamp lights and even magnetic lamps will not work. Sure, you clamp a light on a side shelf, but it might not light the entire grill and cooking surface.

Types of attachment and mounting options

A magnetic base – A magnetic light is the easiest type to use and mount on your grill. Find a metal surface and let it rip. However, if the magnet is not very strong, you will find yourself picking up the light from the floor often.

Clip Clamp – BBQ Grill Lights with clips are also easy to use and attach to your grill. Press open the clip to find a spot and clip-on. Clip lamps are quick to attach and move on and off the grill. You can also find various spots to attach to as long as the clip can hold on.

Pressure Clamp Mount – This type of mount is my favorite. First, most pressure clamp mount lights are aluminum construction because plastic adjustable clamps don’t work that well.

Pressure clamp mount lights are adjustable and you can attach the clamp to a side shelf or handle. The plus here is that once these clamp lights are tightened, that light ain’t going nowhere.

It needs to be weather resistant

A weather resistant light is a plus. Sure, you might not cook while it is raining outside, but that doesn’t mean that the light won’t get wet or that you’ll forget and leave it outside.

Light brightness and brightness settings

Not all grill lights on the market are powerful enough to illuminate the grilling area and are good enough to see what you are cooking. Some lights are sufficient to cast a small amount of light on your grill, while others are powerful enough to allow you to see the color of the meat, the color of the skin, and what is happening with what you are cooking.

This is the most important characteristic of a barbecue light and a crucial consideration when purchasing one. 

The power of a light bulb or how bright it is is measured in lumens. We will include the lumen rating of each light included in this article. Since the brightness of any light is important when deciding how good, strong, or effective it is, and a bright light is a good light, we included below a lumen to watts conversion chart to help you get a clear idea of what these lights translate into watts. We are all more familiar with watts.

Lumens to Watts equivalence table

Lumens Rating	Incandescent Watts Rating	Halogen Watts Rating
100	7	6
375	25	20
450	30	25
800	60	45
1100	75	60
1600	100	90
2600	150	145
3000	200	175

The Best Grill Lights We Reviewed and Tried

1. LED Concepts 12 super bright led Grill Light – Best Overall

When it comes to grill lights, LED Concepts’ BBQ Grill Light with 12 super bright LEDs is definitely a top choice. Its heavy metal aluminum construction and 360-degree adjustable gooseneck make it durable, heat-resistant, but most importantly, versatile. Its 12 super-bright LEDs provide enough light to illuminate a decent-sized area.

What’s really cool about this grill light is that it can be clamped to metal surfaces with the pressure screw, and an adjustable clamp gives you a few inches of play. This is also a magnetic grill light, giving you the option to just place it on a metal surface.

The best part about this grill LED light is that it can withstand various types of weather thanks to its heavy-duty construction, but what makes it easiest to use and most effective is its base and gooseneck which is helpful to point the light to the right spot.

Lumen Rating: 210

Mounting Type: Adjustable Clamp or Magnetic Base

Bulb Type: LED Bulb (12 LEDs)

Power Source: 3 AAA batteries

Pros

• LED provides good illumination without heat or glare.
• Durable metal, heat resistant, and versatile option.
• 12 LEDs provide ample illumination for grilling in any condition.
• The magnetic base offers multiple mounting options. You can clamp it to your grill or use the magnets at its base.
• An adjustable screw clamp can be used on other areas, like a woodworking table.
• The 22 inches long gooseneck allows for reaching almost any area on large grills.

Cons

• Metal can get hot, but it is built strong.

2. The NextLED Ultimate BBQ Grill Light – Runner Up

The NextLED Ultimate BBQ Grill Light is a great option because it has a long gooseneck, making it easy to position the light exactly where you need it. It also has a warm 3,200k of natural light with a wide light beam, making your food look as good on the grill as it does on your plate.

And if that’s not enough, the heavy-duty steel frame ensures maximum durability, light longevity, and heat resistance up to 230 Fahrenheit.

Plus, you can switch between 210 lumens (highest in its category) and 60 lumens depending on your needs. Finally, the magnetic base measuring 2 1/4 inches gives you 2 times the strength of other grill lights.

Lumen Rating: 210 Lumens

Mounting Type: Magnetic Base

Bulb Type: LED Bulb (12 LEDs )

Powered By: 2 AA batteries ( 6 to 12 hours )

Pros

• The longest gooseneck light on this list at 24 inches, making it easy to reach the middle of the grill.
• A heavy-duty steel frame ensures maximum durability and heat resistance up to 230 Fahrenheit. The frame feels sturdy and strong.
• Bright Light – You can switch between 210 lumens (highest in its category) and 60 lumens.
• The light attaches firmly. The strong magnetic base measures over 2 inches and is stronger than other magnetic lights I have tested.

Cons:

• Because it is powerful, it consumes batteries faster, but you do get a bright light. 
• It is hard to use this light with grills like Kamados, as the magnet, of course, won’t work on ceramic surfaces.

3. Chef Buddy Adjustable LED Grill Light – Great for Gas grills

The Buddy Adjustable LED Barbecue grill light is a good LED for most barbecue backyard warriors with gas grills. Gas grills have long handles and side tables to “clamp” these lights on.

This light features six LED lights in two bulbs that can be adjusted to best fit your grill. The neck of this light rotates up to 180 degrees, meaning you can easily get more lighting where is needed.

The batteries add weight to the base and is fine to just place the light on a flat table or surface but it will work best clamped down to a handle or mounted on side table.

Lumen Rating: Not Listed

Mounting Type: Clip Clamp and Magnetic Base

Bulb Type: LED Bulb (6 LEDs )

Powered By: 3 AA batteries

Pros

• Six LED lights in two bulbs for better illumination.
• The light head mount is rotatable for adjustment convenience.
• Flexible 15-inch neck for increased reach
• Easily adjust the light and clamp around the grill.
• A magnetic clip makes it easy to mount on any metal surface.
• Very easy to change the batteries

Cons

• The clamp is a bit small and during testing, I had a hard time “clamping” the light on large side tables.

4. Aloveco Re-Chargeable Grill Handle Light – Good for Attaching to handles

If you’re looking for a robust grill light with a good warranty, the Aloveco Chargeable Barbecue Grill Light is a good choice. This light is made of high-quality reinforced nylon glass fiber and features 10 LED bulbs that output 120 lumens.

This grill light is waterproof and comes with a 3-year waterproof and no melt guarantee. This is a grill handle light, meaning there are no magnets and it needs to be mounted on a handle.

Lumen Rating: 120 Lumens

Mounting Type: Adjustable Screw Clamp

Bulb Type: LED Bulb (10 LEDs )

Powered By: Rechargeable battery

Pros

• Robust glass-reinforced nylon body
• 10 LED bulbs with a total output of 120 lumens.
• 3 years waterproof and no melt guarantee
• Enjoy the convenience of a rechargeable battery.
• I was able to install the clamp on my kamado and pellet grill.

Cons

• This is a great light, but it works best on grill handles. I tried clamping the light on my grill’s side tables and it didn’t work too well.

6. The KOSIN Barbecue Grill Light – Strong Magnetic

The nine bright LEDs on the KOSIN Barbecue Grill Light are enough to light a smaller grill. The magnetic bottom attaches easily to any grill metal surface, and the four-and-a-half-foot flexible gooseneck lets you position the light exactly where you need it.

The Kosin barbecue grill light is water-resistant and works for up to 20 hours on three AAA batteries (each lamp).

These grill lights are not as good as the top two lights on this list, but they are affordable and you get two separate lights pretty much for the cost of one good one. You also get a carrying case and one set of six AAA batteries.

Lumen Rating: N/A

Mounting Type: Magnetic Base

Bulb Type: LED Bulb (9 LEDs )Powered By: 3 AAA batteries ( 20 hours )

Pros

• lightweight and small
• Nine bright LEDs make up the bulb.
• A magnetic base with a four and a half-inch flexible gooseneck
• water-resistant
• You get two lights for the price of one.
• Soft-touch on and off switches are great for those with weak little fingers
• With two lights, is easy to set up around the grill and cover the entire cooking surface.

Cons

• These lights are not extremely powerful but you do get two.

7. RVZHI LED barbecue grill light – Great for smaller grills

Because this grill light is waterproof, you can use it in most weather conditions. It also has 10 bright LEDs that are mounted on a rotating head, which allows you to adjust the angle of the light however you want.

The best part about this grill light is that it comes with an adjustable c clamp, which you can use to attach it to grill lid handles. It’s lightweight and easy to install

Lumen Rating: N/A

Mounting Type: C Clamp

Bulb Type: LED Bulb (10 high density led lights )

Powered By: 3 AAA batteries ( 20 hours )

Pros

• Weatherproof
• Swiveling head and adjustable clamp
• Batteries and even a screwdriver is included, so you can start using this light right away.

Cons

• The C clamp only works on handles. It will not work on side tables.

8. BBQ Grill Light LED for Big Green Egg – Great for Kamado Grills

Do you need a grill light for your kamado? This light works and is a great fit for kamado grills. It has 24 bright LEDs that will really light up your grill and make it easier to see what you’re cooking. It also has a hook that attaches to the side of your Big Green Egg and makes it easy to hang from the inside or outside of your smoker.

The best thing about this BBQ Grill Light is how well made it is as the material is high-quality ABS plastic, which won’t melt if it contacts hot items such as spatulas, tongs, knives, etc.

In addition, it has a motion sensor that will automatically turn on the light when it is nighttime and turn it off during the day, which saves batteries.

Pro

• Ample light for your grill with 24 LEDs.
• It works as a flashlight.

Cons

• It pretty much only works with kamados.

Conclusion

We’ve talked about some of the best grill lights on the market, and we hope that this information has helped you make a decision about which one is best for you.

A good grill light should be easy to set up, weatherproof (but not too weatherproof), light, and let you change how bright it is.

The LED Concepts BBQ Grill Light 12 Super Bright Led is our top choice because of its high-quality construction and long-lasting bulbs. This grill light is built with a heavy-duty metal frame that can withstand heat up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, making it great for most grills.

And unlike other grill lights that have to be replaced frequently, the LED Concepts BBQ Grill Light 12 super bright led has a long lifespan and, again, its metal frame should last a lifetime of nighttime grilling.

The NextLED is our second best grill light because of its long neck and strong magnetic base. Nevertheless, when it comes to grill lights, it’s important to look for a barbecue grill light that will fit your grill.

This article is about wood pellet storage containers. We all love cooking with pellets. Wood pellets give food a smokey, wood-fired flavor, and the grills are easy to use.

But there is one downside: pellets can be expensive, and you’ll likely want to have different flavors on hand to grill or smoke different cuts of meat. You do not want to waste pounds of pellets by letting them lie around. If they absorb water; they are garbage.

This is why it’s important to make sure you store your pellets in a way that keeps them fresh, dry, and ready to use when you need them.

There are a few things you should look for in good Wood Pellet Storage Containers:

Wood pellet storage cases and boxes are a great way to keep your pellets fresh and dry. They’re also easy to use and inexpensive, which is why they’re perfect for anyone who has a lot of wood pellets lying around their house or garage.

You can find pellet storage options in different sizes, shapes, and colors and even with features that, well, no one really needs, but storage containers should include the characteristics listed below.

1. Wood pellet storage containers should be easy to use.

2. Wood pellet storage containers should be inexpensive. You are not storing gold, so there is no need for an iron safe.

3. It should have a seal or gasket to keep water out and retain the quality and freshness of the pellets.

4. A way to label the containers. You want to know what flavors you have available.

We wrote an article to teach you how to properly store your pellets using any of the containers below.

Looking for the best way to store your wood pellets, Here are 5 wood pellet Storage Options, Ideas, and Reviews

Wood pellet storage containers are a great way to keep your pellets fresh and dry. They’re also easy to use and inexpensive, which is why they’re perfect for anyone who has a lot of wood pellets lying around their house or garage.

You can find them in different sizes, shapes, and colors, so you can choose one that matches your needs. If you want something more personalized, there are even options with custom labels.

Wood Pellet Fuel Storage Container is a great solution to store the wood pellets without taking up too much space in your house.

1. Oklahoma Joe’s Pellet Bucket Kit

Oklahoma Joe’s Pellet Bucket Kit is a good way to get everything you need to get started storing your grill pellets the right way. The kit comes with a durable 5-gallon bucket, an airtight lid, and a wire mesh basket. The mesh basket does two things for you.

First, it acts as a filter and lets all the broken down pellets and wood dust fall down to the bottom of the bucket, and second, the basket comes out of the bucket to pour only good pellets into the hopper.

What we like:

• These buckets pellet storage containers can store up to 20 pounds of pellets.
• These storage containers include an airtight lid to keep moisture out.
• A wire mesh basket separates wood dust and broken down pellets from good pellets.
• It includes a pellet scoop.

What we didn’t like:

You will definitely need stickers to label these buckets.

2. The Bag Buddy Clip

The Bag Buddy Clip is the simplest option for storing wood pellets. is basically a large plastic clip that clips onto the packaging bag, sealing it.

The concept is much the same as how you put a clip on your salt and vinegar bag. This is a good way to store your wood pellets without taking up too much space around the house.

The Buddy Clip is a strong clip with a handle that makes it easy to use and carry pellet bags around. It is manufactured in the USA. I would add that I would not recommend the Bag Buddy clip for long-term storage when leaving the pellets outside in very humid climates.

What we like:

• Simple to use.
• Manufactured in the USA.
• Can help carry a 40-pound bag of pellets.
• Keep your pellets fresh and dry without taking up too much space around the house ( buckets take up more space)

What we didn’t like:

• It is a large clip, but over time, moisture can get into the bag.

3. The Kingsford Pellet Dispenser

The Kingsford Pellet Dispenser is another great product for storing pellets. It’s made of durable food grade clear plastic, is durable, and its narrow shape saves space in your home or garage. The container holds up to 20 lbs of pellets and has a hinged lid that swings open to a spout for easy pouring of pellets.

The Kingsford Pellet Dispenser also features a large handle on one side for easy lifting. There is a handle and a pour spout for pouring pellets easily into the pellet hopper. The Kingsford Pellet containers are stackable.

What we like:

• Durable food-grade plastic and convenient for storing pellets.
• Spout and handle for easy pouring of pellets.
• Stackable saves space in your home or garage.
• Comes with a label to write the flavor pallet bags inside the container.

4. TRAEGER STAYDRY PELLET BIN & LID – Traeger Pellet Storage

By now you know it is important to store your pellets in a container that will keep them dry, fresh, and away from moisture.

The Traeger Staydry Pellet Bin & Lid is a great accessory for your Traeger and also a good wood pellet storage container. Featuring an airtight lid with a plastic lock, this container stores up to 22 pounds of pellets.

It also includes both blank and pre-labeled stickers to label different wood pellet flavors. This product is stackable so you can make the best use of space.

What we liked:

• Keeps pellets dry and fresh and creates a nice seal using the plastic lock.
• The lid plastic lock design also helps keep little hands away from accessing the pellets.
• It holds up to 22 pounds of pellets.
• Stackable on top of each, stackable means you can save space in your garage or storage area.
• Blank and pre-labeled tickers are included and can be used to label different wood pellet flavors.

What we didn’t Like:

• No handles to pick it up and pour.

5. Traeger Grills Bucket Lid and Filter Kit

If you’re a Traeger Grills fan and want to keep things in the family, this pellet storage bucket kit might interest you. This kit includes an airtight lid for a 5 gallon bucket, as well as a dust filter to separate wood pellet dust from good wood pellets.

Plus, it’s made in the USA, from strong plastic.

What we like:

• Keep your Traeger Grills pellets dust-free using the bucket filter.
• Store your pellets in a regular 5 gallon bucket with an airtight lid.
• Made in the USA from durable plastic.

The Last Word

We all love our pellet grills, but it’s a pain to have to store all the pellets, especially if you buy multiple bags of different flavors. Unlike charcoal, pellets are instantly ruined the second they are wet. Using moist or wet pellets can also damage your grill or get stuck in the grill’s auger.

It can also be tough to keep track of what flavor of pellets you have, and if they’re getting too old.

A simple container like the Kingsford Pellet Dispenser is a great way to store your pellets. This container has a hinged lid that swings open to a spout for easy pouring of pellets, and also comes with handles on both sides. Plus, it’s made in the USA from durable plastic.

With the Oklahoma Joe’s Pellet Bucket Kit and other pellet storage containers, you can store up to 20 pounds of pellets. The Kingsford Dispenser is another great product for storing your wood pellets as it features a hinged lid that swings open to a spout for easy pouring of pellets (it also has handles on both sides).

Another option would be the Traeger Staydry Storage Bin & Lid which includes a plastic lock and comes in different sizes to fit your needs. This container stores up to 22 pounds of pellets but do not have any type of handle making it more difficult if you want to carry this around or move it from one place to another.

If you’re looking for something that will look nice in your pantry, consider the Kingsford Pellet Dispenser to store pellets.

The Traeger Grills Bucket Kit might interest you if you like the Traeger and want to keep things in the family but it also offers a better way to change a cheap bucket into a nice storage moisture free storage.

FAQ and Frequent Questions

Looking to cook your chicken thighs to juicy, delicious perfection but unsure of what chicken thigh temp you need to reach? You’ve come to the right place. 

The temperature at which you cook chicken thighs can significantly affect their flavor and juiciness. To help you, in this guide, we’ll break down the science behind food safety and give you all the best culinary tips. So let’s explore everything you need to know to make the mouth-watering meal of your dreams.

Cook Chicken Thighs: Temperature Basics

So you’ve bought your chicken thighs from the local supermarket or butcher (tip: the meat of a free-range chicken thigh from a butcher can taste much better!). Now it’s time to get cooking. What do you need to know first?

Whether you grill, bake or fry your chicken thighs, the process of cooking your chicken has one constant you must keep in mind in the cooking process: reaching the right temperature.

The minimum internal chicken thigh temp you want to bring your chicken thighs to is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Reaching this mark is important for making sure you and your family or guests enjoy a safe, healthy, and delicious meal.

However, many people don’t know that chicken thighs are best at a higher temperature. We’ll describe this culinary secret in more depth later in this article.

Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts

First, let’s get into the details and different parts of a chicken. Between chicken thighs and chicken breasts, many people have a strong preference one way or another. But what are the main differences between these two cuts? And what does this mean for how you will approach cooking your chicken thighs?

Low in fat and high in protein, some people prefer chicken breast over dark thigh meat. Yet, due to the extra fat, chicken thighs don’t stick as much to cooking surfaces, so you can cook them with less oil. The fat can also tenderize the thighs as they cook, creating a silky feel.

Chicken thighs are also a good source of zinc, which helps you maintain healthy hair, nails, and skin. Another benefit is that they are typically less expensive than other cuts of meat.

Chicken Thigh Nutritional Value

Due to its leaner meat, chicken has a higher nutritional value compared to other meats. Different parts of the chicken also offer different nutritional values.

Here’s a comparison of the nutritional value of both.

Chicken Thigh – 100 grams

• Calories: 177
• Protein: 24g
• Fats: 8g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Saturated Fat: 2.3g

Chicken Breast – 100 grams

• Calories: 165
• Protein: 31g
• Fats: 2.6g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Saturated Fat: 1g

Tips for Cooking Chicken Thighs 

Based on their make-up and nutritional value, you’ll want to cook thighs with this in mind. 

As a leaner meat, chicken breast cooks faster and often needs either oil or butter to cook with. When cooking chicken breast, you’ll want to avoid overcooking the meat or the texture can become too dry and leathery. 

In contrast, due to their higher fat content, cooking chicken thighs longer allows the juicy thighs to release more of their poultry flavor. With a longer cooking time, thighs also become more tender. Thus, patience is key. For example, when grilling a chicken thigh, you’ll want to take time to rotate the chicken over time so the fat doesn’t cause a flare-up on a part of the thigh. 

roasted chicken thighs can be put on the oven at low temperatures to melt away connective tissue and end with delicious juicy tender chicken.

When cooking either kind of meat, make sure to add your sauce at the end so it doesn’t burn. To season, you can partner your chicken with a spice rub, marinade, or herbs.

Salt and pepper are a must but don’t stop there. Take your inspiration from an Indian chicken recipe by adding curry powder and peanut sauce. Or perhaps infuse your chicken with a Mexican style with lime and chile powder. The kitchen is a place for your creativity to thrive!

cooking boneless skinless Chicken thighs

Add salt to your boneless skinless chicken thighs about 15 minutes before they’re done cooking. Salt can help absorb some of the moisture in the chicken, but it will retain its natural juices better when served.

I like to use olive oil, so the seasoning sticks better, but it also helps get juicy meat.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are leaner, but the lack of skin will affect flavor. The skin on chicken thighs does contain fat, and well, as you know, fat equals flavor. For this reason, it is important to get creative with the seasoning blend.

Cooking Skin-on Chicken Thighs

Cooking skin-on chicken chicken thighs is not that much different but I always recommend cooking at higher temps to crisp the skin.

cooking Thighs with the bone

Not everyone likes skinless chicken thighs. The skin adds flavor and fat juices to the meat. Also, crispy skin is a treat. Here are some simple steps to cook bone in chicken thighs.

1. preheat oven to 375 degrees. Feel free to experiment with the oven temperature. I like to crack up the hit a bit to crisp the skin.

2. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, or your favorite spices. Keeping things simple is a good thing, but feel free to experiment with more than one seasoning blend.

3. Place chicken thighs in a baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through. Always cook white meat or dark ( darker meat ) to the recommended internal temperature.

Oven baked chicken thighs taste great but if you want a boost in flavor, try grilling the meat in your grill to add a hit of smokey flavor.

4. Let the thighs rest, serve hot, and enjoy!

Oven Bake chicken thighs

One of the best, most common, and easiest ways to make chicken thighs is by baking them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken thighs on a cookie baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 25 minutes, or until fully cooked. You can serve these delicious chicken thighs with your favorite dipping sauce, BBQ sauce, or a side dish like mac and cheese. Enjoy!

Oven baked chicken thighs taste great but if you want a boost in flavor, try grilling the meat on your grill to add a hit of smokey flavor.

Chicken thighs in the grill

Ok, this is my favorite way to cook chicken meat, and although many chicken recipes will instruct you to bake chicken thighs, one of the best ways to add flavor to chicken thighs is to grill them. Baking chicken thighs is easy. Whether you are baking a whole chicken, bone in thighs, boneless thighs, dark meat, white meat, you get the point.

I recommend using a smoker grill but if you only own a gas grill, use a smoker box to add wood chips and thus smokey flavor to the meat. The smoke flavor will penetrate the chicken, and you will love the taste.

Quick and easy chicken recipe

Baked Chicken Thighs with Rice and Vegetables

Ingredients: 2 lbs. chicken thighs, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 2 cups rice, 2 cups water or broth, 4 carrots, peeled and diced small, 4

Desired Chicken Thigh Color

Next, let’s dive more deeply into chicken thigh-specific tips. Now that you know you should cook chicken thighs slowly, you may be wondering about what it should look like when done.

Many chefs and cooks of all ages assume that pinkness is the ultimate sign of a chicken’s doneness. 

However, we recommend relying more on the chicken thigh internal temp and less on the appearance of the chicken. No matter how trained your chef’s eye is, the best way to guarantee your chicken is completely cooked and at the right doneness is by using a meat thermometer.

A (working) meat thermometer won’t lie, and you can rely on it when cooking all kinds of chicken. For example, this is especially important when smoking meat. Smoked meat will always have a pinkish-red color—even when done—which can be tricky to judge without a thermometer.

Thus, relying on the actual chicken thigh internal temp is crucial to making sure your food is safe (and delicious) to eat. 

Food Safety: Chicken Thigh Internal Temp

So, why exactly is it important to ensure your chicken reaches a minimum temperature of 165?

The USDA recommends cooking, baking, or grilling poultry to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit because, at that point, the heat kills off the campylobacter or salmonella bacteria that cause illness. 

Thus, with proper food safety techniques, you can eat your chicken without fear of getting sick from food poisoning. 

When are the Thighs Done?

Your stomach is growling, and your friends and family are ready to eat—so when do you know when your chicken thighs are done?

Depending on how you’re cooking it, e.g. with a smoker or grill, the preparation time will vary. You will know your chicken is safe to eat when the chicken thigh internal temp reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. An important tip: Make sure to stick your thermometer in the thickest part of the chicken thigh. 

When is Chicken Thigh Done: 165 or 180 Degrees?

For best results, if you’re cooking your chicken thighs alone, it’s actually better to let them reach a temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Typically, this will only take a few extra minutes that are well worth the effort. Here’s why.

If you cook your thighs for longer, the meat will be juicier and more succulent. This is because of the high concentration of connective tissue (collagen) that’s found in chicken thighs. As this tissue cooks, this fat turns into gelatin which tenderizes the chicken. The outcome is a juicy and tender chicken thigh that’s worth the extra effort. 

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the internal temperature of the chicken. First, make sure that your thermometer is reliable and accurate.

Second, be sure to take the chicken’s temperature in the thickest part of the meat, not near the bone.

And finally, be patient – it can take a while for the chicken to reach the correct internal temperature.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, chicken thighs can be the center point of a delicious and nutritious meal, especially if you take the time to bring out the juices and flavor within the thigh. Anyone who eats your yummy meals will appreciate the taste and texture of a well-cooked chicken thigh.

And for you, the chef, unlike chicken breasts, the process of cooking a chicken thigh is easy as long as you keep your meat thermometer handy.

Enjoy the scrumptiousness that awaits you!

When throwing a tailgating party, you want tasty food that will please a sports-loving crowd. For your next tailgate, obviously, foods like buffalo wings and having an easy snack for everyone to eat while holding a cold beer in the other hand is a no-brainer.

You’ll want a variety of different foods, including simple sandwiches, to satisfy a hungry crowd. It’s not a time for super healthy eating, but rather indulging in foods that will tickle anyone’s taste buds while getting ready to watch the big game. Plus, all of these ideas can easily be taken to a parking lot for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Here are 25 tasty tailgate culinary ideas that are going to make your festivities on game day a big win during the football season. Keep in mind that the best tailgate food ideas don’t need a fork.  

Tailgating Recipes for Dips

Dips. Dips. And more dips. You can’t have too many dips on hand for a tailgate party. The tailgating menu needs to include at least three of these dips at the minimum, in our humble opinion. 

Come game day, everyone will be looking for at least cheese dip.

Onion Dip

Classic onion dip made with sour cream is a crowd-pleaser when served with crunchy chips and vegetables, like carrots, red peppers, and cucumbers, for those Keto following friends of yours that are watching their carbs. 

Cowboy Caviar 

Cowboy caviar or “Texas caviar,” as it’s sometimes called, is a combination of black-eyed peas and chopped-up veggies in a vinaigrette-style dressing that is used mainly as a dip. Make it yourself with this cowboy caviar recipe that is a tangy and spicy delight with pickled jalapenos. 

Beer Cheese Dip

Doesn’t the sound of beer cheese just make your mouth water? This is a great beer cheese dip recipeby the Pioneer Woman herself, Ree Drummond, that uses a bread bowl as the serving vessel. Serve it with the extra bread cubs, carrots, and celery, and don’t be surprised if one of your party guests eats the bowl. One of the best tailgate foods ever! 

Spinach Dip With Pita Chips 

Spinach dip adds a little bit of green for a bright and yummy dip that everyone loves. There are many different ways to make a spinach dip, but this spinach dip recipe has some Mediterranean flare with the addition of artichokes and briny Kalamata olives. Serve it with crunchy pita chips. 

Buffalo Chicken Dip With Tortilla Chips 

A creamy dip made with shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken, and cream cheese, with buffalo sauce as the base of this recipe. This is a dip that you can also make in a slow cooker at home before you take it to the tailgating site. Use the Frank’s Red Hot recipe for buffalo chicken dip that will have zero leftovers. 

Some Tailgate Recipes Featuring Chicken

Chicken is a favorite simply because you can’t tailgate without wings. It’s practically illegal, but there are other amazing chicken recipes for tailgating that work just as well. Or at least close to it. 

Classic Wings

Some of the best football foods revolve around classics that are always going to be expected at this type of gathering, like classic wings with buffalo sauce. Or go crazy and make an unexpected sauce like teriyaki, parmesan garlic, spicy bbq sauce with signature sweet heat, or Jamaican jerk rubbed wings.

Just make sure you have enough wings to go around. This is also a crowd favorite, so that instead of making yourself, it’s probably just easier to order a bunch from your best local wing joint, as the ultimate game day snack. 

Chicken Nachos With Pico de Gallo

Have this chicken nachos recipe that is made on a sheet pan with desired toppings and already melted shredded cheese on hand for everyone to dig into. Don’t forget a side of hot sauce and guacamole with this perfect finger food. 

Fried Chicken Bites 

Popcorn fried chicken bites are easy food for a crowd to eat with their hands. Grab a bucket of these little chickies from your favorite fried chicken place, or make them yourself at home with this baked chicken bites recipe that is just a bit healthier, since it’s not actually fried. 

Recipes for Meat Lovers

Meat lovers rejoice! All of these handheld sandwich ideas are going to be platters of greatness in foods that are easy to eat while chatting about the stats of your favorite players. Who is the G.O.A.T? Tom Brady, of course! Go ahead and argue about that with your buddies. 

Sweet Heat Hot Dogs With Homemade Pimento Cheese Sauce

A hot dog is a classic game day food. Go with an Angus hot dog that has some sweet heat and add on a homemade pimento cheese sauce for a tasty pairing that everyone is going to love. 

Ham and Cheese With Apricot Preserves

Using thick-style country ham and soft Hawaiian buns for this recipe is a great idea. Then slather each sandwich with Rachel Ray’s apricot preserves recipe and add a nice gouda cheese slice on top. 

Mini Sliders With Crunchy Slaw 

Get juicy meat by adding Worcestershire sauce to your ground beef when making this mini slider recipe by chef Bobby Flay. His Crunch Burger Recipe is to die for! Serve it with some crunchy slaw right on top of each burger, so it’s a total finger food. 

Plant-Based Friends Need Tailgate Food Options Too

Okay, so you have some vegetarian and vegan friends. They deserve some tasty treats to eat on Sunday tailgating too. 

Crinkle Fries With Chili Powder

Any deep frying needs to be done at home and brought to the location. This crinkle fries recipe gets a boost of flavor with the addition of chili powder. Serve it with spicy ketchup, which will surely be a big hit. Have them in individual portions in small cups or paper cones that people can easily grab. 

Pretzel Bites With Cheesy Dip 

Serve this snack with cheese dip that has tangy blue cheese as the perfect accompaniment to pretzel bites. A big soft pretzels bite recipe is a great one delicious bite finger foods, and if you have any kids at your tailgating festivities, expect big smiles about this favorite.  

Mini Chocolate Chips Pancakes 

This is perfect for morning tailgate foods, when you are about to watch a 10 am football game on the west coast. Here is the ideal mini chocolate chip pancakes recipe that is so delicious, it doesn’t even need syrup because this food recipe makes breakfast fun. 

Decadent Dessert Bites 

Everyone wants a little sweet treat before the big game. Serve up these handheld favorites that will be gone before you know it.

Brown Sugar Roasted Pecans 

Roasted nuts are ideal and perfect for cold weather tailgating during the season. Have this brown sugar roasted pecan recipe on hand and warm it in a slow cooker to stay hot. 

Pretzel Marshmallow Bites

A s’mores recipe that’s inside of a square pretzel? Yes, please! This tasty pretzel marshmallow bites recipe is ooey-gooey fun, but less messy because it’s dipped in chocolate that dries to a hard candy-like finish. A tray of these isn’t going to last long!

Football Shaped Cookies 

Make some football-shaped decorated cookies in your favorite NFL team’s colors. These cutout cookies are frosted and fun to eat. Here is a basic sugar cookie recipe for football cookies that works and you’ll need to order a football cookie cutter. These are just too sporty and cute to pass up in this crowd pleasing snack. 

Other Tailgating Recipes ideas

Tostitos with cream cheese, sour cream, Mexican shredded cheese and ground beef

This dip is a deliciously easy snack to prepare even at a parking lot with a tailgating grill. Prepare some ground beef in a pot and serve it on a deep plate. Add a bit of cream cheese, chopped onions, and shredded cheese. Grab your favorite chips and dig in.

Shredded chicken, pico de Gallo with tortilla chips

You can even use leftover chicken or stop at your favorite local grocery store and grab a whole roasted chicken. Shredded using some bear claws and server it on a large plate. Throw some pico de Gallo on the top of the chicken and go all in.

You can also add cheese and other ingredients. Don’t be afraid to add some onions.

Italian Pinwheels

Ok, this is an easy recipe, stop at your favorite grocery store and grab a tray

Boneless buffalo wings dip tray

Ok, so this is one of the easiest finger foods to serve at a tailgate party. Buffalo chicken is one of the best tailgate food picks and popular. Grab some boneless chicken wings and dip them in your favorite hot sauce.

Server with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, BBQ sauce, and sweet or honey sauce.

Baked Garlic Bacon Potatoes

This is a family trick and a simple plate to prepare on game day. Boil some potatoes until cooked. Then chop the potatoes in about half-inch chunks.

Place the potato chunks in a baking pan and add bacon, some garlic, and olive oil. Place in the oven for a few minutes and serve.

Pulled Pork Sliders

Pulled Pork sliders will require some work but they sure beat hot dogs and are an amazing tailgate food. But let’s say you smoked a pork butt the night before and have some leftover meat, well my friend, that means that you have meat for pork sliders on game day.

You can use a slow cooker to warm up the pork once shredded and keep it warm. This is an easy tailgate food to serve. Grap and a nice serving of pulled pork, pour some BBQ sauce on the pork, grab some bread and you are ready to go.

Home Made Beef Tacos

Keep it simple. Grab some ground beef, add some shredded cheese, cream cheese, or sour cream, and a soft tortilla, and serve. I like to add onion to everything, so yeah, add chopped onions too.

Smoked Mac and Cheese

This is one of my favorite tailgate good side dishes. Mac and Cheese is easy to prepare, yields good portions, and goes well with anything.

I like to throw the mac and cheese in the smoker and let it absorb that nice smokey flavor before serving it.

One last word

Whether you bring hot dogs or beer cheese dip to the party, tailgate food is all about convenience and fun. Every year we all look forward to football season and sure we all want our teams to win and enjoy the sport but is also about having fun and spending time with friends and family.

You definitely don’t want to spend too much time cooking and cleaning and miss out on all the fun. So keep things simple, sometimes ham and cheese sandwiches are good enough but the best tailgate food and tailgate recipes sure up the fun.

If you want to know how much pulled pork per person you should cook and serve, this guide will help you plan and learn the right amounts. We will show you how much pork you’ll need and how to calculate the amount of raw and cooked pulled pork you’ll need per person.

Although hamburgers and hot dogs are great and quick “grill foods,” pulled pork is always a hit. Pulled pork is delicious, relatively easy to make, and an inexpensive meal per person. Some people hesitate to smoke pulled pork because of portion size and quantity.

While calculating pulled pork portions is not as straightforward as counting burgers and hot dogs, the equations are straightforward and eliminate the guesswork. You have arrived at exactly how much pulled pork each serving person needs.

How many pounds of pulled pork per person? [Quick Guide]

Allow roughly a third of a pound of cooked pulled pork per person. If the gathering takes place during the day, if there are a lot of youngsters on the party list, or if there will be a broad range of side dishes available, you may be able to serve a little less.

However, don’t be afraid to prepare extra pulled pork. Leftover cooked pulled pork can be reheated and makes a great side dish.

You calculate how much raw pork you will need using the 2/3 rule. After you cook the meat, it will lose some of its fat and moisture content, thus why the raw pork calculation is 2/3, and the serving calculation is done using the 1/3 guideline.

About Pulled Pork: Which cut of pork should be used for pulled pork?

Pulled pork is usually prepared from the top cut of the pork shoulder, also called Boston butt. Usually, the pork shoulders weigh 4 oz or 8 lbs, depending on the pork cut. The lower part of the shoulder is called a picnic shoulder or picnic ham. If you buy them together, then the proper name for the cut is a “whole pork shoulder.”

The picnic shoulder has more bone and fat content than the Boston butt, making it harder to calculate how much meat it can yield. However, because of its fat content, it is unbelievably tender and does well for smoking low and slow.

Good butchers and stores often sell whole pork shoulder. Other butcher shops offer both top and lower cuts separately.

Top pork shoulder or pork butt ( Boston butt ) is also tender and rich in fat, perfect for smoked pulled pork. The upper half of pork shoulders is leaner, which makes it great for making pulled pork.

How To Calculate How much Pulled Pork Pulled Per Person: Things to consider

You always want to consider how much pulled pork you will need and calculate how much raw pork is necessary. Generally speaking, you want to plan for 2/3 pounds of raw pork required per person. This will translate to about 1/3 of a pound of cooked pork. ( when cooked pork will lose moisture and weigh less )

How many pounds of raw pork you’ll need depends on not just how many people will join your sit-down dinner but also on the factors below.

Leftovers pulled pork

Pulled pork reheats well and is an excellent dish for sandwiches and many recipes. If you want to take a little vacation from the kitchen, cook a little extra and reheat pulled pork for the next few days.

Stored pulled pork leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator Boston butt is also an affordable meat cut and is inexpensive to cook a little extra.

How to store pulled pork leftovers?

Refrigerate leftover pulled pork in airtight containers. Refrigerated pulled pork can last up to 7 days, but you can also freeze the pork for longer periods. You can vacuum seal a plastic freezer bag.

The rest of the menu

You will not need much pulled pork if you are attending a potluck and others are bringing other side dishes. Sure, smoked pulled pork is always a hit, but if there are other side dishes like wings, hot dogs, and burgers, people will grab from the other dishes too. So keep that in mind.

Bun Size ( if you are making pulled pork sliders )

This is an important factor when deciding how much pulled pork per person to prepare. Serving pulled pork in bread buns with a little barbecue sauce makes an amazing dish.

However, it is easy to put about 5 ounces of pulled pork per person on a typical hamburger bun. So if your plan is to make sliders using hamburger buns or another type of bread, calculate your raw pork, meaning use the bun’s serving proportions to calculate how much pulled pork per person you will need.

The setting of your event

If you are preparing pulled pork for a dinner event, you might want to increase your portions. People eat more at a sit-down dinner than at casual backyard parties where people play, talk, and watch football games.

Time of the event

Another thing to consider is the time of your party or event to calculate how much raw pork per person you will need. If you are cooking for a late-night game night, your guests might not eat a lot but make sure you have plenty of drinks.

However, if this is a lunch event or company party, you will be serving pulled pork like it is the fourth of July.

Age of the guests

If you use the 1/3-pound-per-person rule, you’ll have enough leftover food for children under 12, but it is best to plan an extra half-pound of raw meat per child.

People tend to forget that kids eat less, and serving small portions to the kiddos is ok.

Other considerations to make sure you have enough pulled pork per person

Allow for Second Servings and takeaway boxes

Several will take their food home or pack a “doggy bag.” You need enough pounds of cooked pulled pork to ensure your guests have seconds.

It is always a nice gesture to offer guests to take food home with them, and many of your guests will take you up on that offer. These will generally be smaller portions and may even be combined with other meats.

What’s the Occasion?

OK, this might sound obvious, but let’s hammer it out anyway. Suppose you are preparing pulled pork tacos or hosting stand-up socials. In that case, you might not need to go crazy with servings, but if you are cooking for a large event, company picnic, or birthday, you might want to up those pulled pork requirements slightly.

Who are your guests?

Too much pulled pork is not a bad thing. You can always save it for later. Too little, well, your name will never be forgotten.

If you are cooking for a small family or children, the 1/3 guide should keep everyone’s plate full. However, if you invite Dwane the Rock Johnson to your house, well, more pulled pork, and maybe “uping” the raw meat calculation to half a point might not be a bad idea.

What else will you serve?

Pulled pork always is a crowd favorite. But often is accompanied but other dishes and meat. Side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, and baked beans are often in the mix. If there are other large cuts of protein being served, you can be modest with your servings.

Here is Our Pulled Pork Calculator

The Amount of people x 2/3= equals to the amount of raw pork you’ll need.

How much pulled pork for 20 adults?

20 people x 2/3 = 13.5 pounds of raw pork

How much pulled pork for 25 adults?

25 people x 2/3 = 17 pounds of raw pork

How much pulled pork for 30 adults?

30 people x 2/3 = 20 pounds of raw pork

How much pulled pork for 40 adults?

40 people x 2/3 = 27 pounds of raw pork

How much pulled pork for 50 adults?

50 people x 2/3 = 33.5 pounds of raw pork

How much pulled pork for 100 adults?

100 people x 2/3 = 67 pounds of raw pork

How much pulled pork for 150 adults?

150 people x 2/3 = 100 pounds of pork raw

How much pulled pork for 200 adults?

200 people x 2/3 = 133.5 pounds of pork raw

Once the pork is cooked, the 2/3 becomes 1/3 pounds of cooked pulled pork.

How Can Pulled Pork Keep Warm When Cooking For Crowds?

Leaving pulled pork and cooked meat at room temperature for long periods is not a good idea. You can keep pulled pork warm using a crockpot in low or using its “keep warm” setting.

Keeping the meat warm will help prevent bacteria growth and keep the meat hot, juicy—another option is to leave meat wrapped in aluminum foil.

How can I make my smoked pulled pork better?

Season the pork shoulder the night before. This helps it absorb the seasoning and moisture, keeping it moist during cooking.

Pork shoulders are large cuts of meats and require long and slow cooking times. Depending on the weight of the cut, you should plan on cooking times between 10-12 hours.

Try cooking less meat or a smaller pork shoulder if you don’t have the time.

How much Pork Pulled Per Person For Sliders?

Serving pulled pork as sliders is a popular dish and a crowd-pleaser. The same guidelines apply, but to more accurately calculate how much pulled pork per person, you’ll need to consider the size of the buns and how many service ounces it holds.

If Sliders are the main dish, plan for up to half a pound of meat per person, especially if we are talking lunch portions.

Tips on buying pork for the Smoker

Start by getting a good-quality raw pork shoulder. Try to avoid supermarkets when you can. Pork grown for industrial purposes has less fat and hence less flavor and tenderness. Get in contact with a good meat dealer and get quality meat.

Also, use a suitable cooking process, a good smoker, and appropriate smoking wood to get the best taste possible. Pulled pork makes an amazing party dish and is also a great way to showcase your BBQ skills.

Final thoughts on How much pulled pork per person

It’s important to keep in mind that food calculations and how many pounds of food to cook are done using raw meat weight, in this case, raw pulled pork. Never be afraid to use more meat and cook enough meat for proper dinner portions or backyard BBQ.

For your next cookout, try the one-third rule, but if cooked pulled pork is the main course, don’t be afraid to add a little more food.

Enjoy prepping your pulled pork and if you end up with extra pounds of cooked pulled pork, you can always share.

Pellet grills are becoming increasingly popular and are selling well. Some of the reasons are their simplicity, convenience, technological advancement, and also that awesome wood-fired flavor from burning pellets.

Gas grills have long been the go-to for those who wanted a grill that was easy to use, fast to get going, and easy to cook on. However, gas grills have one drawback: a lack of flavor. Before pellet grills came into the picture, charcoal grills were the king of flavor. 

Still, many compromised and opted for gas grills as an easy-to-use option. You can still get a smoky flavor out of your gas grill by using a smoker wood chip box, but you will still lack the wood-fired flavor produced by a wood pellet grill.

The emergence of pellet grills has not only taken over the most significant advantage of gas grills, ease of use, but with better technology, added flavor, and technology, many consumers are buying wood pellet grills.

So maybe you are on the fence and not sure which is for you, are ready to upgrade, or are on the hunt for your next grill. In this article, pellet grill vs gas grill comparison, we will show you the major differences between these two types of grills and help you decide which type is better for you.

Which is better, gas grill vs pellet grill?

The answer to this question can be subjective. For some, the simplicity of gas grills, their low cost, clean-burning fuel, and ease of use remain king and their only option.

However, many more people have realized that pellet BBQs are just as simple to operate as gas grills, but they yield far more flavor. Not to mention the sophistication and automation inherent in pellet BBQ smokers and grills.

Let’s go over a few factors, similarities, and differences between these two types of grills and see which is better.

Gas Grill Overview

A gas grill is very similar to a gas stove. Liquid Propane or Natural Gas is fed to the burner and ignited. This process produces heat, which cooks the food. Both stoves and gas grills are available in natural gas and liquid propane, and yes, there are differences between LP and natural gas.

A natural gas line can be connected to the grill, whereas with LP grills, a liquid standard propane tank holds the fuel under pressure for the burners.

What made gas grills so popular was the fact that, like a kitchen stove, you turn a knob, push a button or an igniter, and you are ready to cook food. With Charcoal grills, you have to light charcoal and control the temperature using air vents; the cooking process in a gas barbecue is much simpler.

The biggest drawback of gas grills is that gas has no taste, flavor, or aroma. Some gas grills put out high temperatures, which some prefer for direct cooking and searing. However, gas and propane are inexpensive fuels for gas grills but, no flavor.

Pellet Grill Overview

Pellet grills use indirect heating for cooking food using a convection fan similar to a kitchen oven. Pellet grills must be connected to electricity for powering fans and other various features but do not need a gas line.

Because of the smoke generated when wood pellets burn and the way pellet grills work, these grills are often called smokers. A charcoal smoker cooks at a slow and low temperature, and a pellet grill can too.

The pellet grill market has exploded in recent years. Brands like Traeger, Z Grills, Yoder, and Rec-Tec dominate the market. Pellet smokers and grills have a lot going for them.

First, they are as easy, if not easier, to use than propane grills. In many models, all you have to do is push a button, and the cooking process starts. Second, they render good and juicy meats due to their indirect heat cooking method.

How pellet grills work

Pellet cookers burn wood pellets in a fire pot where a convection fan agitates the flame and sends heat to the cooking areas. Flames are kept at bay by a heat shield over the fire pot, and only heat and smoke enter the cooking area.

Set the temperature and enjoy the slow cooking process and smoky flavor. You raise the temperature to grill a few burgers. The point is, these grills are great at keeping a consistent temperature.

Lastly, these grills are great and maintain heat well since a digital controller controls the temperature. The biggest advantage of these grills is the smokey taste from burning pellets. Wood pellets are compressed sawdust recycled from lumber mills and other resources in natural ways.

The pellets are made from hardwoods like hickory and oak, which, when burned, well, you enjoy the taste. Smoking pellets are different from heating pellets. One drawback is that pellet grills require electricity to run their electronics, fans, and augers, unlike most gas grills.

Gas vs Pellet Grills – Similarities, Differences, and more

While gas and pellet grills have many similarities, they’re still two different types of cooking equipment. Both types of grills are easy to use, but the biggest gap between the two is that natural smoke flavor. Simply put, burning pellets equals to smoke flavor.

Operating costs of pellet grill vs gas grill

Wood pellet grills only work with cooking pellets. Wood pellets are available to almost everywhere, online, and in your nearest local big box store. The price of a 20-pound bag of wood pellets is slightly higher than the cost of refilling or exchanging a 20-pound propane tank. Some argue that the price of either natural gas or propane is less than pellets, but with more brands joining the market, the price of pellets has dropped considerably and, in some cases, is less.

However, smoking pellets need to be stored properly for them to last, whereas a propane tank, provided it has no leaks, can hold propane for long periods. Pellet grills burn about a pound of pellets per hour, and so do gas grills.

The larger the cooking surface and cooking at higher temperatures will impact fuel burn rates. Both a good gas or pellet grill will be pretty efficient at lower temperatures.

Another thing to consider is that, like electric grills, pellet grills need a power source to operate, whereas gas grills only need gas. This means that you will consume two types of fuel when using your pellet BBQ smoker or grill.

ease of use and grilling

As explained in our review of the best pellet smoker and grills, we also covered the benefits and disadvantages of these grills. Both types of grills offer easy-to-start and stop functionality and are easy to use, but pellet smokers start with the switch of a button.

Most pellet smokers ( and grills ) start with by pressing a “power button,” and brands like Camp Chef and Traeger even a remote mobile app giving you the ability to control every aspect of , and gas grills are lit using a push igniter ( Piezo Igniter ) or battery-powered operated igniter.

However, pellet grills are easier to use than gas grills when it comes to temperature control. This is primarily partly due to how pellet grills are designed. A PID controller manages the feeding of pellets, pellet ignition, and the fan. This means that you set the desired cooking temperature on a pellet grill, and the grill does the work.

In a propane BBQ grill, you must still open and close the gas burner to increase or decrease the fire.  In a gas grill, the temperature knobs control the grill.

In both pellet and gas grills, adjusting or controlling the temperature is relatively easy, but in a pellet grill, the process is automated.

Temperature Control

Pellet grills provide accurate temperature control. Customers can find quality pellet models with a five-degree accuracy rating in temperature control managed by a digital controller. Pellet grill temperature control is a standout feature. A quality pellet grill can not only be accurate but can also maintain heat well.

Higher-end gas grills can retain heat well and cook at a steady temperature but lack the digital technology to detect heat fluctuations and adjust accordingly.

Temperature control is an issue in most gas and charcoal grills, and it can be difficult to cook low and slow in some. However, direct heat and open flame cooking are where gas grills shine. It is easy to sear meat on a gas grill, although most grills can’t operate at high temperatures for long.

Unlike gas grill models, pellet grills are more suited to low n’ slow cooking because they do much better at keeping low temperatures consistently. Therefore, if you want to smoke meat low and slow and add natural wood flavors, a pellet grill is the right grill.

Available Accessories – Pellet grill vs gas grill

Most manufacturers have accessories available for both their pellet and gas grills. But you will quickly realize that more accessories are available for pellet units. Many manufactures offer accessories and tools such as pizza stones, searing boxes, and versatile cooking grates to aid in the slow cooking process of ribs, briskets, and pork shoulders.

A pellet grill is a versatile grill which brings me to my next point, versatility.

Versatility

A wood pellet grill can smoke meats, bake, and grill, and with so many pellet flavors, the results are more often than not amazing. A gas or charcoal grill can be as versatile and offer the same cooking options, but not without some sort of modification and certainly not as easy as a wood pellet grill.

The only input you give a pellet grill is the desired temperature; everything else is handled by the grill itself, making it easy to cook meat, vegetables, and everything else that you can think of.

Generally speaking, most gas grills have adjustable temperature settings, but some models cannot operate at constant low temperatures for smoking, and yeah, no smoke flavor.

Technology – The Gadgets

When comparing a pellet grill to a gas grill, technology is the biggest difference between these two types of grills.

No good article can compare the two without talking about technology. The reason why is that pellet grills are packed with technology. Temperature control is managed by smart controllers capable of monitoring the temperature inside your grill cooking area and adjusting the desired temperature accordingly. This means you can spend more time away from your new grill and more time with your friends and family while cooking.

Smart technology in pellet grills has advanced to the point where some of these grills can integrate with other smart devices and offer mobile apps. Companies like Traeger offer grills that can be controlled using mobile apps and even integrate with Alexa.

There are gas grills with good technology, but none come close to the technology and automation found in a pellet grill.

Impact on Flavor – Another Huge Difference

Ok, This is obvious, but I need to emphasize this point a lot. Smoking pellets yield amazing flavor. Something needs to be added to get wood-fired flavor when cooking on gas or charcoal grills. Either a smoker box, wood chips, or wood chunks, something needs to be added to get the smoke flavor.

A propane grill without added wood chips yields zero flavors, and all the meat’s taste will come from its seasoning.

Wood pellet grills are all about flavor. When it comes to flavor, pellets all day.  You have complete flavor control since you have a variety of wood pellet flavors at your disposal. You can even mix wood flavors and get whatever taste you want. With a propane grill, well propane…

Most wood pellets are made out of natural wood, so you are burning a natural product, avoiding adding foul smells and toxins to your food. In a charcoal grill, charcoal briquettes are a source of fuel, and something like wood chips still needs to be added for flavor. Some lump charcoal brands use hardwoods that do yield smokey flavor.

Running Times (before refueling)

Running times are pretty equal between these two types of grills, especially when comparing grills of the same size.

A pellet grill can burn about one pound and a half of pellets per hour depending on the cooking temperature and other environmental factors like weather. If it is freezing outside, your propane or pellet smoker will work harder to keep the temperature, and so will your gas grill.

You can get to up to two pounds of pellets per hour if you set the temp low to smoke meat.

Cost of Grills

Factors impacting the cost of grills include their size, building materials, technology, and quality. But when talking about pellet grills, this is one area where the propane grills win. Manufacturing propane grills is much cheaper than pellet grills.

The digital controllers in pellet grills alone add to the cost of a grill. Smart technology, WIFI, and other tech can add to the price tag very quickly.

User-“friendliness”

Ok, many of us are die-hard fans of charcoal grills, and for some, charcoal is the only way. However, charcoal grills are not very user-friendly. There are a few skills you need to master to operate a charcoal grill well.

Pellet grills are as easy to use as your kitchen oven. Turn it on, set the temperature, and let it cook. This is one of the reasons these grills are taking off and selling so well.

Fancy features

Both a high-end Gas Grill and Pellet Grill can include many fancy bells and whistles. But pellet grills have more tech features and automation.

Pellet grill companies have incorporated features ranging from Bluetooth and Wireless capability to embedded meat probe sensors and LCD display screens. Companies like Traeger even have “keep warm” functions in their grills.

Gas grills have no automatic temperature controls. Generally, a good gas grill includes traditional features such as side burners and rotisseries. Several models also feature little extras such as LED lighting but do not come close to the technology and automation in a pellet grill.

Grill Cleaning and Maintenance

Grill cleaning and maintenance can help preserve grill performance and durability. You should clean the grill grates and cooking chamber as often as possible.

A good grill cover can help prevent corrosion and coating damage from UV light and weather elements.

Wood pellet grills have grease trays that have to be regularly cleaned. It’s possible to cover them with foil for easy cleaning. Also, ash accumulation in the fire cup and around the grill is common as the wood pellets burn.

This requires you to use a small shop vac and clean the ashes, although some grills models have removable ash cups making it easier to clean.

Besides cleaning wood pellets ashes, both grills cleaning procedures and amount of work are relatively the same.

Fuel sources

Wood Pellet is an organic, natural product specially produced for use in pellet grills. Propane is derived from natural gas refining.

Cooking Automation

Cooking auto nation is an area where a gas grill cannot compete with a pellet one. Pellet grills use meat probes to monitor meat temperature and cooking chamber sensors, plus a smart PID controller to keep everything in order.

Gas Grills vs pellet grill vs charcoal – which I would choose

Ok, I currently do most of my cooking on my Z Grills 450B and my Green Egg. Charcoal grills are a lot of work, but I enjoy them. Whenever I want to spend the day “playing” with charcoal and having a few beers, I use the Green Egg.

However, whenever I have friends over and want less of mess and work less, then am pellets all day. My go-to grill is a pellet grill. I even got rid of my gas grill because, sure, it was easy to use, but I am always adding wood chips for flavor, and it was not as easy to use as my Pellet grill.

If you want a grill that is easy to use and yields great flavors, try a pellet grill. If you occasionally want to grill a few hot dogs and burgers, then a gas grill can be a good fit.

What is a gas grill? Are they extinct?

A gas grill is one of the most common grills in the market. Simply put, natural gas or liquid propane is fed to burners where the fuel is ignited. The combustion of the gas generates heat which cooks your food.

Gas grills are not going anywhere. Some are going down in price, and for someone that just wants to grill burgers every once in a blue moon, these grills are still a good fit.

Even for the hardcore enthusiast, a gas grill can yield good results if you know how to use it. Gas grills are also clean; there is less mess or pellets ash to deal with, so many people love them for their outdoor kitchens.

A note on Charcoal grills

If you cook on a charcoal grill, it generates heat using charcoal briquettes. Charcoal Grills are cheap, and charcoal can be found just about anywhere. The temperature in charcoal grills can be incredibly tough to control if you are new.

Charcoal grills can be a bit harder and messier to use than a gas grill and a pellet one. Keep in mind that charcoal alone does not produce wood-fired smoke flavor. For that, you need wood chunks or wood chips.

What can pellet grills be used for?

If you like to smoke meat, these grills can be a good choice. The aroma and taste that burning wood pellet produces beats a gas BBQ. Even when grilling something simple like hot dogs, these grills deliver. These grills can bake, grill, and smoke meat. An easy way to get well cooked meat.

Popular Pellet Grill Brands

Alright, there are a lot of new pellet grill brands, but here are the most popular. Trager is the original pellet grill and has been selling pellet grills for decades. Z Grills is another popular brand that is well known for offering amazing grills at very low prices. Other brands include Rec Tec, Yoder, Mak Grills, and Pit Boss.

There are brands offering well-built grills but are small compared to larger brands like Trager, Z Grills, and Pit Boss are small and other areas of the grill fall behind.

Trager leads the way when it comes to technology and innovation. Z Grills and Pit Boss offer well-built grills at affordable prices.

Conclusion

A gas grill still remains one of the cleanest and easiest ways of barbecue, but if you are looking for great flavor and a grill that is easy to use, then I would recommend trying a pellet BBQ Grill or smoker. The automation, smart technology, and wood-fired flavor are hard to beat.

Regardless of which route you go, look for a grill that offers the space and cooking surface your need and from a brand that you like.

Welcome, you are in the right place. You are in the market for a new grill and are comparing Z grills vs Traeger. In this article, we take a deep dive into these two excellent pellet grill companies and compare the two.

We will cover the differences between Z Grills and Traeger grills, how they compare, where they differ, their top-selling models and series, and which one wins.

Z Grills Overview

In spite of the fact that Z Grills is a relatively new company when it comes to selling directly to customers, but they have been making pellet grills for 30 years. I know, how come? Well, a lot of the grills you’ve come to know and love are or were made by this manufacturer.

When they launched, their plan was simple; they wanted to introduce a solid, budget-friendly pellet grill and compete with well-seasoned pellet grill brands in the market. After a successful crowdfunding campaign, Z Grills launched in 2016.

Even with its short history, the brand has grown quickly, becoming a well-known household name in the BBQ world. Many pellet grill brands are offering good pellet smokers, but few come close to the price range offered by Z Grills.

Related: Z Grills VS Pit Boss

Z Grills – Why Should you Consider a Z Grills pellet grill

Well, the first thing you will hear in the Interweb is that Z Grills are not made in the US, but very few pellet grills are. Traeger’s pellet grills, for example, used to be made in the US, but as the company expanded and grew, they too moved their manufacturing overseas. 

Both companies offer excellent grills and quality, but we will get to the main differences later in the article.

Z Grills manufactures good wood pellet grills at an affordable price range, meeting the budgets of a larger consumer base. For those learning grilling techniques, it’s great to start with something inexpensive.

With Z grills, you get a good product and solid grills without the bells and whistles found in other brands, which drive the costs up and many don’t even need. So if you are looking for a good wood pellet grill at a reasonable price without all the expensive glare, in other words, you just want a grill, consider Z Grills.

Traeger Overview

Traeger pellet grills are the original pellet grills. Yes, that’s right. Traeger was the first pellet grill in the market.

Traeger grills launched in the 1980s, and Traeger quickly patented the pellet grill technology. Traeger is recognized throughout the industry for its advanced technology, PID controls, and quality. It is known as the “original” wood pellet smoker.

Traeger’s patent expired in 2006, opening the door to other grill manufacturers to launch their own wood pellet grills. Not many people know that Joe Traeger started his company selling pellet stoves before Trager Grills was born.

Where Traeger shines is its quality and advanced features. The company’s headquarters are now in Salt Lake City.

Related: PitBoss VS Traeger

Why ( or when ) Should you consider Traeger pellet grills

Well, let’s go straight to the point. Quality and features come at a cost, but if you want the latest tech, advanced PID controllers, quality, and features, Traeger will deliver, but at a price. 

If budget is no issue and you want a good pellet grill from a company that has been around for over 30 years, the Traeger grills will deliver.

A Traeger pellet smoker sets the standard for quality, fit, and finish. You get elegance while plus the best performance, technology, and temperature control. 

Traeger customers love their grills, and besides the high price of admission, there is very little wrong that can be said about Traeger grills. Sure, there are better brands, hand made and even better built, but those brands do not produce in the numbers Traeger does nor can match Traeger’s technology. Niche brand prices also tend to be very high.

Traeger does offer three different series at a wide range of prices, including the Pro series, the Ironwood series, and the Timberline series being their top of the line.

Now, Let’s Get Busy: Z Grills VS Traeger Pellet Grill Comparisons

Now that you know a little bit about each company and what type of product they build, let’s compare the two. 

Now, comparing these two grill companies is a bit difficult because these companies target different goals. Z Grills want to offer the best pellet grill possible at the most affordable price. In contrast, Traeger aims for raw performance, features, and quality, and price, well, not so much. We will go over the main differences and help you decide which is for you.

Some people have the means to buy a Traeger but wonder if they should spend the money on a Traeger. Others wonder if it is worth pushing out the extra cash to get one. Knowing the differences between these brands will help you make an informed decision regardless of your situation. So here it is folks, Trager vs Z Grills. Roll the tape!

Z Grills vs Traeger Grills Similarities

Well, let’s start with the obvious; both brands focus on pellet grills, and both wood pellet grill brands offer a wide range of models, from portable smokers and portable pellet grills to giant grill models. Both companies have focused heavily on introducing new wood pellet grill technology like WiFi and mobile apps.

Their shapes and cooking chamber are similar, and both brands offer models in all square inches ranges. With both Traeger and Z Grills, you get convenient features like ample cooking space, automation, and digital temperature controllers with at least one meat probe.

Z Grills vs Traeger Grills – Where the Similarities End

Price – Z Grills wins

Let’s start right off the bat and address the elephant in the room, price. There is no if, but, or what; Z Grills are less expensive than Traegers. Now hold your wood pellets and don’t throw them at the screen yet.

The fact that one brand is cheaper than another or vice-versa doesn’t make them better or worst than the other. Z Grills is in a favorable position and can afford to sell their grills for less. First, Z Grills started as a grill manufacturing company, meaning they had a lot of knowledge and equipment to build their grills themselves, eliminating the middle man and reducing costs. 

Second, Z Grills, is mainly an e-commerce brand needing fewer resources to run the company.

Lastly, Z Grills can offer grills at very competitive prices by using less expensive components and building simpler grills but good construction.

Z Grill’s core values include delivering affordable and premium pellet grills. Traeger offers an amazing variety of grills and is the most popular manufacturer, with record sales each year. At their price range, they offer the best quality and features and are arguably well priced for what you get.

You can visit their website and see the bundles and models. They constantly run a deal called the “blind box offer,” in which you pretty much pay 399 dollars, get free shipping, and get one of their grills, It could be a 499 or 799 grill, or even more, but the point is you will get something nicer for the 399 you spend on the blind box.

I have checked their facebook page and people seem very happy with the grills they’ve been getting.

Temperature Control – Traeger wins

Here is one area where Traeger dominates and outperforms even some of the best hand-made USA-born grills. The reason is Traeger’s D2 digital controller, which is smart enough to control a variable speed fan, igniter, and auger accordingly when it senses temperature drops or events such as opening and closing the lid door.

Sure, pellet grills made of full 304 stainless steel might do better at heat retention, but double-wall steel with an intelligent brain can outperform it and be more efficient at grilling and smoking while burning fewer wood pellets. 

For instance, the Traeger Timberline series grills feature double insulation throughout the cooking chamber, making a solid pellet grill. There are other grills in this price range that are exceptionally well built. However, they still rely on older technology and a cyclic auger system to control pellet feeding and temperature.

Most Traeger temperature controllers have built in wifi and also have a larger lineup of wifi grills.

Z Grills temperature controllers, or PIDs, are simpler and offer simple functionality, check the temperature, feed wood pellets, rinse and repeat.

While Z Grills and Traeger provide suitable temperature controllers, Traeger controllers are incredibly good and precise. Using digital technology and sensors gives you a much more accurate temperature.

Warranty – Equal – well, sort of

Both companies offer a three-year warranty to the original owner. Traeger doesn’t point out limitations in the warranty towards corrosion and paint failure, but Z Grills website mentions explicitly that their warranty does not cover paint defects and corrosion, So if you run the grill too hot and the paint chips off,,, tough luck.

Cooking surface area – a dead heat.

Both companies offer grills in a variety of sizes, from portable pellet grills to massive 1k plus square inches grills.

Both companies offer grills comparable to two, three, and four-burner gas grills. Their larger grills feature warming racks and plenty of space to smoke turkeys and big pork shoulders.

Temperature Range- slight edge Traeger

Both Z Grills and Trager put out good heat for cooking, baking, and grilling. Most pellet grills do not get above 500 degrees in part because their fire pot is covered with a heat shield. A charcoal grill can easily get above 500 degrees, but most Traeger pellet grills and Z Grills will struggle to match the heat output of, say, a kamado grill.

There are grills from brands like Camp Chef and Pit Boss that feature slidable firepot heat shields allowing the direct flame to reach the grilling surface for searing and grilling, reaching higher temperatures.

Most Traeger grills can sustain high temperatures with little effort, and the top Z grills models can too. However, due to Traeger’s high-quality cooking chamber insulation and constriction plus precise temperature control, I give the edge here to Traeger.

It is not just about temperature range is also how safely and efficiently the grill can sustain and retain heat.

Hopper capacity Potato Potato

The pellets are stored in the Pellet Hopper so that gravity pushes them towards a rotating auger and towards the fire cup, where they are ignited. The size of the hopper will not make a difference in cooking, temperature control, or anything that can make a grill better or worst. The sole purpose of the pellet hopper is to hold pellets.

Now, suppose you are planning on cooking for long periods. In that case, a larger hopper might be beneficial because you are less likely to need to refill the hopper during the cook. If you are smoking meats, a 20-pound hopper can easily handle 16 hours of smoking.

Pellet grills burn about a pound to a pound ad half of pellets per hour. Both Z Grills and Traeger offer grills with good pellet hopper capacity and sizes. Don’t expect big hopper capacity on either brand portable pellet grill models.

Features Apps and WIFI – Definitely Traeger

Ok, this is where the significant differences begin, and the similarities stop. The most significant gap between these companies is their technology offerings like mobile apps, WiFi capabilities, and automation when comparing Z Grills vs Traeger grills.

Traeger has one of the best, most “mature” mobile apps among the top grill brands. I have read grill reviews where customers rave about the grill, oh is 304 stainless still, and the horns are cool but could you fix your app? Hum hum, rec tec

The bottom line is that Traeger is a huge company with the resources to employ a talented ground of developers and engineers, spend millions and research and development, and put out crazy tech. The downside is, this comes at a cost.

However, if you want good tech with your grill, and you should, this automation not only is great but also allows you to enjoy more your time with friends and family.

Z Grills is not there yet when it comes to technology. Some of their older models seemed to be a step behind other pellets grills when it came to technology, but the grills have always been solid.

However, Z Grills’s new models are catching up and are offering WIFI-enabled controllers, mobile apps, and all at, you guessed it, cheaper prices. Sure Z Grills app is not on par with Traeger’s, but you get cooking temperature monitoring and grill’s temperature control right from the app.

Last but certainly not least, Construction and Built Quality – Traeger Wins

Okay, so probably you guessed by now that the Traeger would take this one, but since this is a Z Grills vs Traeger comparison article, this topic has to be discussed. When comparing pellet grills, many talk about metal thickness and useless inches, and 304 stainless steel, pretty welds this and that.

The button line is for most users, non of this BS will matter, but it is a good sales point and a way for grill brands to brag about their grills. Is like talking about horsepower in SUVs; a 1000 horsepower SUV in carpool sure is useless.

No, I am not saying that construction and build quality aren’t important. After all, both elements play a role in the longevity and durability of the grill, but for the average person is not that important. Many spend unnecessary money on a grill because it has two stainless steel layers and shiny screws.

Here are two things to keep in mind regarding build quality and construction. Construction and quality are important, especially if you intend to use your grill often. The temperature range at which pellet grills operate can be hard on parts, and eventually, something can fail. So the better the grill is built, the more likely it will outlive your car.

Second, double-wall cooking area ( main cooking chamber ) construction like Traeger’s is ideal for smoking meats and consuming less wood pellets; why? Because they can retain heat better. Powder-coated steel is very durable and standard in good quality grills. That said, stainless steel material parts and components can be found in both Z Grills and Traeger.

Traeger takes extra care and puts more details into constructing their grills. The fit and finish in a Traeger grill is better, but Z Grills consultation is not far behind. Where the Traeger nails it is with its double-sided wall construction.

Regardless, if you are burning wood pellets, you get wood-fired flavor and a wide temperature range for every cooking method.

Z Grills and Traeger models and Series comparison

Z Grills and Traeger have different grill collections with varying price ranges and features. We will show both brands’ entry models and work our way up to their top offerings. Both companies offer a portable pellet grill model, but their top-selling is their free-standing grills.

Traeger Pro Series | Z Grills 450 / 550 Series

Both of these series are both vendors’ entry-level grills. The Trager includes more features, including WiFi, but Z Grills entry models are about half the cots of Traeger’s Pro models.

Traeger Ironwood Series | Z Grills 600-700 Series

The Traeger Ironwood Series is the mid-entry-level Traeger grill. It offers a bundle of features, including double sidewall construction, top lead heat seal/gasket, and of course, WIFI.

The Z Grills 600 -700 series introduces better temperature control with digital PID controllers. The construction is upgraded using stainless steel components, stainless steel lid, and handles. You also get excellent storage space and meat probes. Still, you miss some of the features found on the Ironwood wood-like Alexa integration and WiFi, but again, you get a good quality grill at half the cost. And yes, for less.

Trager Timberline | Z Grills 1000 Series

These are both Traeger and Z grills top-of-the-line grills, and if additional cooking space is at the top of your priority list, these grills are large. At this level, you get the best both companies have to offer. Z Grills will treat you to stainless steel components, WiFi, and ample storage.

Traeger will give you every gadget you can think of, a large cooking surface area and a FULL double-wall insulated cooking chamber.

A new Z Grills model is available with WiFi in this series, called the Multitasker.

Popular Models from each Brand

Traeger

Traeger Grills Pro Series 575 Grills

Traeger’s Pro 575 is the brand’s most popular grill, and for good reason. The Pro 575 is Traeger’s least expensive grill, but you still get their new D2 controller, WiFi, and mobile app controls with Alexa integration. The mobile app lets you set up alerts and sends you notifications if the auger jams. Needless to say, you get Traeger’s quality and well-built grill.

Traeger’s D2 controller can control a variable speed fan and auger for more precise control throughout every temperature range.

Traeger Grills Ironwood Series 885 Pellet Grill

The Ironwood line includes all the technology found in the PRO models with the addition of double-side walls construction, better complements, construction, and finish. This pellet grill series takes the PRO and boosts it to the next level.

Z Grills

Z Grills 450B Wood Pellet Grill – Budget Friendly

The Z Grills 450B Wood Pellet Grill is Z Grills’ newest version of their top-selling 450A. The most significant change is that the PID controller in the 450B is brand new and digital. You also get a see-through window to see the pellets level and a pellet door.

The cooking space remains the same.

Z Grills FLAGSHIP 700D4E Wood Pellet Grill

The Flagship 700D4E is a new grill model for Z Grills. This pellet grill is doing very well because it features high-end stainless steel components, offers ample cooking space, a warming rack, good storage, and a digital PID controller. This pellet grill is still half the price of a Traeger grill.

We conducted a comprehensive review of the 700D4E, and the findings were quite good considering its price. Overall, we discovered that this grill performs all of its intended functions well.

FAQs

Where are Z Grills manufactured, are they made in the USA?

Z Grills are built in China, but they have customer support and other operations here in the US, with their central warehouse in California. There are pellet grills made in the US from brands like Smokin Brothers, Yoder Smokers, and Mak Grills.

Why do people love Traeger Grills?

Traeger offers great well-built grills with great technology and features. It is easy to cook in a Traeger. The company keeps its customers happiest by providing extraordinary support and customer service.

Is Z Grills a good smoker?

Z Grills are great smokers and can operate at low temperatures to smoke meats. Sure some people are die-hard fans of traditional grills and will never abandon a wood smoker. But with Z Grills, you get a lot more than just a smoker for your money.

Z Grills vs Traeger – The Winner

Well, Traeger takes the win but not by much. As learned in this article, Traeger offers superior technology and slightly better construction quality, but it comes at a cost. Z Grills are not far behind, and if you want a good grill, Z Grills will not disappoint.

Z Grills are quickly catching up, and already you buy Z Grills with WIFI and better build quality. Remember that Z Grills is only a few years old company. A Z Grill is budget-friendly and a good all-around grill for most. If budget is not an issue a Traeger grill will not disappoint.

The takeaway here is simple, Traeger makes high-quality grills and is an amazing grill brand, but if you are looking for good quality and an affordable pellet grill, look at a Z Grill.

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With many grill brands and models, ever wonder which pellet grills are made in the USA? Welcome to the most current list of pellet grills made in the USA. We know that many brands have chosen to move manufacturing overseas in an effort to reduce costs and bring affordable products to the consumer.

To make matters more confusing, savvy marketing has enabled some grill manufacturers to claim to be American companies although their products are manufactured overseas. In short, yes, a company can call itself a US company, although every product is imported. However, they should note and let the consumer know where the product is made.

Then there are those manufacturers that import components (globally sourced components) for their products and assemble the grill in the US. You could say these are USA products, but this article will focus on US manufactured pellet grills.

Lastly, USA Pellet Grills. These are manufacturers that design, build, and assemble their grills in the United States of America. This article will show you a list of these “made in the USA” wood pellet grills and where you can find them.

Are there pellet grills made in the USA in 2022?

Yes, there are, and it might surprise you to learn which pellet grills are made in the USA and which ones are not. We are not implying that grills made overseas are inferior to those manufactured in the USA. Most companies have good relations with their overseas factories and can control quality.

But there are many “off the shelf” overseas brands with a pretty label making it to the market (private or white label brands), and well, those brands leave a lot to desire as far as quality.

Many pellet grills and smokers are manufactured in China, but some are still manufactured in the United States. Making things overseas is a common way to increase profit margins, lower the cost of manufacturing, and keep prices low for customers.

I understand why people want to buy pellet grills made in the USA. Not only are you supporting the brand, most likely a small business, you are also supporting the pellet grill companies’ workers and US manufacturing jobs.

Typically, the quality of pellet grills made in the United States is superior. This is not always the case, though. Companies in the United States that have strong control over the production processes in other countries are able to define how the product is built and maintain high quality standards.

Below you will find the pellet grill brands made in the USA today.

What is a pellet smoker?

Of almost all the different meat smoking and grilling methods available, pellet smokers are the easiest to use because they are thermostatically controlled. You just choose the temperature you want to cook at, and a digital controller keeps the cooking chamber at that temperature by feeding wood pellets as needed.

Wood pellet grills offer the convenience of an electric smoker, that “set it and forget it” ease of use, but the flavor of a charcoal or offset smoker since you are burning wood pellets.

Our detailed pellet grill guide explains how these pellet smokers work and how the top pellet grills operate.

Who Invented the Pellet grill, and Where did the Pellet Smokers come from?

Joe Traeger first invented pellet grills in the mid-1980s and also patented his design. Traeger is the original pellet grill and the first pellet grill available to consumers. Joe Traeger started his company making pellet stoves and then used all his knowledge to develop the pellet grill we know today. [1]

In 2006 when Traeger’s pellet grill patent expired, other grill manufacturers jumped to the market and manufactured their own pellet grill brands and models.

In the early days, most pellet smokers had simple controllers with few settings, and the technology was simple. Digital thermostatic controllers dictate pellet-feed cycles using temperature sensors inside the cooking chamber.

Some pellet controllers, referred to as PID (Proportional, Integral, Derivative) controllers, also feature integrated meat probes for reading internal meat temperature and helping monitor the cooking process.

These grills have come a long way, and new technology can be found in new models. Wireless remote operation, monitoring, and integration with mobile devices are common in new wireless pellet grills and smokers.

Now you can monitor cooking and meat temperatures from your smartphone, allowing you to cook delicious dishes while enjoying time with friends.

Is it a smoker or a grill?

Manufacturers market pellet cookers as both grills and smokers. Due of their versatility, these grills can do both. Depending on the manufacturer, a quality pellet grill has the bulk of the characteristics of a big offset smoker, including indirect fire cooking and low-temperature cooking.

These grills can also achieve temperatures high enough to cook hamburgers, and some can even sear steaks.

Some manufacturers offer pellet smokers designed specifically for smoking meat, which typically operate at lower temperatures and do not reach high enough temperatures to grill hamburgers or steaks.

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Read More:

Best Pellet Smokers and Grills Guide

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List of Pellet Grills Made in USA – American Made Pellet Grills Brands

Here is the long-awaited list of pellet grills made right here at home in the USA. We will also share some brands that might have started manufacturing here in the US and later moved manufacturing overseas.

Keep in mind that we are not criticizing any of these companies, and that the fact that certain companies manufacture their products abroad may not have an effect on the quality of their products.

Many pellet grills brands are moving production plants overseas to reduce manufacturing costs.

1. MAK Grills Wood Pellet Grills

Meet Mak Grills. An amazing company located in the small town of Dallas, Oregon, USA.

The MAK Grills brand was brought to life by Bob and Kerry Tucker and is a family-run business. This company is veteran-owned and has a long history. Like many small businesses, their businesses had to adapt and transform during challenging economic times.

Their hard work, persistence, and ethics turned this metal fabricating company into a pellet grill manufacturer. The company still manufactures components for precision tools and equipment. That same precision and attention to quality go into their grills.

They adhere to rigorous standards and manufacture high-quality products. From the meat probe to the auger, every component is made in the United States. Design, production, testing, and customer service are all performed by US workers.

This company employ a large number of people in production design, customer support, and delivery. Not only do they hire veterans, but they also treat their staff like family. MAK grills are truly 100 percent made in the USA.

Things you will find in these high-quality grills are components build-out of 304 stainless steel, hand-made parts, and excellent customer support. A Mak Grill is a product of hard work and American ingenuity.

2. Yoder Smokers

Yoder Smokers is an established brand in Kansas that manufactures heavy-duty pellet grills in the US. They use 14 or 10 gauge steel, making their pellet grills extremely sturdy and heavy. Yoder Smokers look like tanks.

The YS480s model is one of Yoder’s popular models. It features stay-cool handles, integrated meat probes, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Yoder smokers are built to last, which also means these grills are heavy. Yoder claims to have an industry-leading warranty of 10 years on the cooking chamber and three years on other electrical components.

We like to call these grills “BBQ tanks on wheels.”

3. Blaz’n Grill Works

Blaz’n Grill Works is an American manufacturer based out of Beatrice, Nebraska. In 2011, they started an American-made pellet grill project at their manufacturing plant. Since then, their barbecues have won multiple awards at BBQ contests worldwide.

Blaz’n Grill wood pellet grills are competition grade and made of heavy gauge steel for better heat retention and durability.

4. Smokin Brothers Inc.

Smokin Brothers is another family-owned business that started in Southwest Missouri in 2008. It started out as a family affair, competing in local BBQ competitions and later developing their own sources and robs. It wasn’t long before they decided to weld together their own grills for better outdoor cooking and better results.

Temperature control is everything when it comes to cooking good BBQ. In 2011, Smokin Brothers designed and built their first pellet grill; later adding a few models to their product line. These grills are manufactured using heavy-gauge steel.

When developing and manufacturing their first pellet grill at home, this company drew on its own expertise in BBQ competitions for their designs.

Who came up with the name Smokin Brothers?

5. Pitts & Spitts Grills

One noticeable trait of Pitts & Spits ( say that fast three times ) is their high quality stainless steel and carbon steel construction. These grills look good and are built for use and abuse, plus they offer good heat retention.

These grills are like something you’d see in a commercial kitchen but are built for competitions and people like you and me.

Texas has some of the best BBQ and also one of the best grill manufacturers. Pitts and Spitts manufactures their grills in Texas. Their designs are traditional, but these pellet grills deliver performance and quality. They also make charcoal grills using the same quality standards.

6. Twin Eagles Pellet Grills

Twin Eagles set its sights on users’ grilling experience and use the finest materials to create luxurious-looking grills and high-end products. Twin Eagles pellet grills can be called the Mercedes Benz of grills. These grills look and feel like top-level gas grills, but Twin Eagles’ pellet grills are fueled by wood pellets.

A Twin Eagles pellet grill will set you back a few bucks. Still, no other grills come close to the elegancy, fit and finish, and technology included in these grills. This company’s primary focus is enjoying outdoor living in style.

While other brands in this list cater more to the commercial or completion BBQ enthusiasts, this brand niche is stylish outdoor living.

Twin Eagles makes all its pellet grills in California, USA. This company has set its focus on luxury pellet cooking grills and outdoor home appliances. The engineers emphasize on precision, superior performance, and elegant finishing.

7. The Cookshack Pellet Grill Co

I love brand stories like Cookshack and Fast Eddy. The Cookshack, then a small company started as a husband and wife team, Gene and Judy Ellis, found a shared passion and developed a line of BBQ rubs and sauces still in the market today.

Eventually, and a common trade among the top pitmasters, Gene realized that the best cookers available in the market weren’t good enough for his craft and built and designed his own. This was the beginning of Cookshack, but then Eddy joined the story.

In 1986Ed Maurin joined a BBQ completion team. Later, in the 1990s, he started his BBQ catering business using a pit he built himself. It wasn’t long when, in 1997, Eddy showed the world the FEC100, a top-quality competition and commercial-grade smoker.

Commercial kitchens at the time saw their answer when Cookshack and Fast Eddy joined forces, and the FEC750 was released. The FEC 750 is a common sight in commercial kitchens in the US and at BBQ competitions.

Eddy is still involved in the development of the Fast Eddy’s grills from his hometown in Ponca City.

The Fast Eddy’s Pellet grills combine commonly found features of a high-end grill and smoker. Pitmasters and BBQ enthusiasts use these pellet grills in BBQ competitions and have for years.

Cookshack PG500 Fast Eddy’s Pellet Grill

Cookshack PG500 is a popular wood pellet grill. It works as both a BBQ grill and a smoker, all in one package. This grill is designed to work as a mini commercial kitchen offering four cooking zones for all types of grilling. The PG500 is made using stainless steel for durability, temperature control, and efficiency.

8. The “Original” PK Grill & Smoker ( not a Pellet Grill but still made in the USA )

The Original PK grill is the industry standard on no-fluff grilling at an affordable price. This company has won many awards and is used by many pitmasters. It is a lightweight hand-poured cast aluminum grill similar to those made in the 1950s and 1960s.

The key is mainly the aluminum body and its 4-point ventilation system, which is entirely adjustable. The frame is rectangular, making it easy to set coals for direct or indirect cooking. The grill is known for perfect airflow, heat control, and even heat distribution.

Sure is not a pellet smoker, but this specific model is not made in other countries and is a fantastic camping grill or portable smoker made in Arkansas, USA.

9. Hasty-Bake Legacy 131 Powder Coated Charcoal

Hasty-Bake has specialized in charcoal grills in the United States since 1948 (headquartered in Tulsa, OK).

Other Great American companies making their grills overseas

It is important to remind you that a good pellet grill is the one that cooks well, works best for you and your budget. There are hundreds of brands, and the truth is that the majority of them build their grills overseas.

This is not necessarily a bad thing. There are excellent brands like Traeger and Pit Boss that have been offering customers high-quality, affordable products for years. Most of the grills in the list above serve a very small niche of consumers, including die-hard enthusiasts, competitors, and commercial users.

Leading brands or household brands might outsource their manufacturing, but they can also mass-produce affordable products for the masses, including the average BBQ backyard warrior.

Here is a list of other American companies that make excellent wood pellet grills, but some aspects of manufacturing are done overseas.

1. Traeger Wood Pellet Grills

Traeger is the original pellet grill and the brand that started it all. Traeger grills were originally built in the US. However, after a few changes and company changes, the decision was made to manufacture the grills overseas. Still, you can expect exceptional quality and innovation from a Traeger. Their grills are packed with convenient features and advanced technology, making them a leading brand in the pellet grills market.

2. Z Grills – Affordable Quality and Performance

Z Grill is another brand gaining popularity and has built a large following over the last few years. Many people do not know that Z Grills used to make and manufacture pellet grills for other very well-known brands.

This is a common approach in which some businesses bring a product to market by outsourcing manufacturing and private labeling it. The Z Grills company knows a lot about building good grills. Z Grills provides high-quality grills at half the cost of Traeger and many other brands. You don’t get the technology of a Traeger grill, but you also don’t get their sticker price price.

3. Pit Boss – The People’s Grill

Pit Boss is another popular brand. These grills are affordable and built for the average backyard warrior. With Pit Boss, you get a lot of grill for your money without any fancy gadgetry ( although new Pit Boss models incorporate cutting-edge technology ). Pit Boss also offers a few propane models if you are looking for a gas grill.

4. Camp Chef

Camp Chef is another excellent brand known for offering a wide range of outdoor products. Their grills are not made in the US but are good quality and offer many features. For example, Camp Chef offers a bolt-on sear station for their pellet grills.

5. Grilla Grills Pellet Smoker Serires

Grilla Grills make good products and are a mean pellet smoker. Grilla Grills moved its manufacturing operations to China to reduce its production costs. Grilla Grill says it has become harder to compete with cheap imported pellet grills.

Why are Pellet Grills Made Overseas?

Simple kids, is all about the money. You see, grills made in the US mainly cater to commercial clients, BBQ competitors, and commercial use. It costs money to mass-produce a grill and try to sell it to every American. Also, making these grills affordable so companies can sell thousands instead of a few hundred requires grill manufacturers to price their grills cheaper than a cellphone and not more than a used car.

Are Traeger pellet grills made in China?

Traeger grills are manufactured in China and are imported into the US. Traeger produced its grills in Oregon until 2010, when the grill company commenced outsourcing to China.

Are Pit Boss pellet grills manufactured in the United States?

Pit Boss Grills are manufactured in China and then imported into the US market. However, Pit Boss does offer good quality grills at competitive prices. 

Is Camp Chef made in the USA?

Camp Chef pellet grills are manufactured in China and imported in the United States. Amazon or Camp chef doesn’t specify the origin of their grills on their website. Camp Chef doesn’t explicitly list the origin countries on its website.

Regardless of where the grill is made, here are a few things you should look for in a good pellet grill

Durability

We look for grills, brands, and models constructed out of good materials like stainless steel, carbon steel, and other heavy gauge metals. Suitable materials will add to the grill’s weight, but they will last longer. Typically, grills made in the USA are built using top-quality materials.

Warranty

Some warranty policies cover both components and labor for anywhere between one year and five years. There are exceptions, and some manufacturers even offer lifetime warranties. Be sure to read the fine print of a grill’s warranty. Some manufacturers only cover certain parts, while others cover specific components for more years, but parts are prone to failure for less.

Heat Control and Retention

Heat control and retention have always been important aspects of any grill. The grill’s construction and design will affect its ability to control and distribute heat.

High heat cooking does not require good heat retention, but meat smoking and cold smoking does.

Value

Sure, we want the greatest gadgets and quality, as well as the largest cooking area for the least amount of money. This is why so many grills are manufactured outside of the United States. Many companies have outsourced production due to consumer demand, which is unfortunate for many American workers. A grill built in the United States will help the local economy.

Wood Pellet Grill/Smoker Guide

If you want to learn more about all types of wood pellet smokers, our pellet grills guide is an excellent place to find the top-performing models. A good pellet grill goes beyond a shiny stainless shell.

One Last Word

This list is great for people looking for a pellet grill manufacturer based in the US. Your support of these brands not only helps sustain the American economy, but you will also get a grill built with excellent materials and local USA customer service. 

Refrences:

[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveknox/2021/01/05/how-traeger-grills-relaunched-a-26-year-old-business/?sh=69008cd818ac

When shopping for gifts for meat smokers or BBQ lovers like me, the sheer variety of ideas and options is overwhelming. This shopping guide will help you find unique, original, and even funny meat smoker accessory gifts and ideas to impress your friends, loved ones, and grilling enthusiasts.

I broke down the ideas into grilling and smoker accessories gift categories, so it is easy for you to jump right into the best grilling gifts for the enthusiast in your house. This guide will help you expedite the grill gifts search for those barbecue aficionados in your list .

Great Grilling Gifts for Everyone who loves BBQ

Beef and Meat – High quality cuts

One of the BBQ gifts that keeps on giving is meat—lots and lots of meat. After all, that’s all we cook and smoke. Smoking meat is our sport, and a nice cut of beef is the center piece of our art. Anyone who truly loves smoking meat or grilling knows that a cut of meat makes a huge difference.

Skills matter, sure, but any pro will tell you that a good meat can sure help with, well, less than perfect skills.

A little-known secret to some is that Crowd Cow supplies high-quality meats to many top-level restaurants, but they also sell and deliver fresh meat directly to consumers. You can get any cut of meat you want delivered to your doorstep. Some dress to impress; I cook to impress—with the best meat, that is.

An Amazing BBQ Class Training Course from MasterClass

This is an excellent gift for anyone, including BBQ enthusiasts of all skill levels. MasterClass.com has developed an incredible BBQ training course created by none other than the maestro himself, Aaron Fraklin. If you are unfamiliar with Aaron Fraklin, he is a world-renowned, highly regarded pitmaster and owns a restaurant in Austin, Texas.

Among the celebrities who have dined at his restaurant are former presidents of the United States, as well as other high-profile figures. Learning from one of the best guys in the BBQ game is one of the coolest gifts for a guy who smokes meat and loves his smoker grill ( or gal ; ) ).

The course dives into lots of theory knowledge general for any skill level plus advanced methods.

Barbecue Meat Thermometers – Temp Check (Everyone Needs One)

If you have a friend or a loved one who loves BBQ but often end up burning or overcooking smoked meats, a meat thermometer is a nice way of saying, “I love you honey, but you need a little help.”

Don’t worry, a meat thermometer is an amazing gift for meat smokers and some of these gadgets are super cool to play with. Don’t worry, gifting a thermometer won’t create any “beef”, get it! The trough is that anyone serious about serving properly cooked and high quality meals needs a reliable way of monitor temperature.

I highly recommend the MeatStick. Is the where the world of thermometers is going, and in the barbecue world, these things are catching on very quickly.

Thermometers are always on my wish list for accessory gifts. Here are some excellent options with great reviews.

The MeatStick

The MeatStick is a high-tech, cordless thermometer perfect for checking the temperature of your meat. Not only does this thermometer sync with your smartphone over WiFi, but there are also no cables connecting the probe to a receive; rather, the probe itself serves as the receiver. Here you have the cutting edge of temperature monitoring technology. I talk discus everything there is to know abut this cool little gadget in my full dive guide on the MeatStick.

The Chefstemp

The Chefstemp is a popular instant-read thermometer. What makes it popular and liked by BBQ lovers is its simplicity, speed, and accuracy. The Chefstemp meat thermometer can read the meat’s temperature in 2 seconds, has a long battery life, and is waterproof ( beer spill-proof).

There are different options, sizes, and colors to choose from. My recommendation is to go with something small and easy to use. There are many thermometers in the market with so many bells and whistles, but at the end of the day, all you need is to be able to walk up to the smoker, poke the meat, and check its temperature. This should not take more than a few seconds.

A Thermo Pro

The ThemoPro is a favorite stocking stuffer. This instant-read thermometer is simple to use and quick. Simply picking it up activates the thermometer’s motion sensor, and it is ready to use.

The display in this thermometer is easy to read and is backlit. Reading the temperature of meat only takes about three seconds.

Meater Plus – Smart Thermometer

Meat smokers and techies alike will appreciate this gift. The Meater Plus is an excellent option if you are searching for a gift for someone who is into smart devices and likes their gadgets.

This thermometer is suitable for use on a gas grill, a pellet smoker, or any other BBQ smoker.

You get two dishwasher-safe meat sensors and one meat probe, and you can wirelessly monitor the meat temperature from up to 165 feet away!

Inkbird WI-FI thermometer – For the more advanced ( hardcore BBQ Meat Smokers )

This is one of the best gifts for meat smoker lovers like me. Meat smokers with large grills and offset smokers usually smoke more than one cut of meat or more than one protein. This thermometer allows you to connect multiple meat probes and monitor multiple types of meat simultaneously.

You can wirelessly monitor up to 4 color-coded meat probes right from your phone.

Charcoal and Fire Starters

If you own a charcoal grill or a charcoal smoker, then you know that lighting up charcoal can be a nuisance without the right stater. New gadgets have made it to market in recent years, and better and safer ways of starting charcoal are now available. Charcoal staters are a very useful BBQ smoker gifts and always good to have around.

charcoal chimney starters

A charcoal chimney starter is a great tool for those with charcoal smokers. Starting charcoal can be a tedious task, but using a charcoal chimney starter makes it a lot easier and faster. 

Weber makes a good charcoal chimney starter.

LOOFLIGHTERs- Very Popular

If you dislike the taste and smell of charcoal starter lighter fluid, looflighters are a terrific chemical-free option for lighting charcoal.

Looflighters operate similarly to hairdryers, except they get considerably hotter. The hot air ignites the charcoal, and you get a good, healthy, clean fire in just a few minutes.

HomeRight Electric Looflighter

The HomeRight looflighter is a top rated charcoal starter that comes with a two-year warranty. It can generate 1500 degrees of hot air to ignite wood or charcoal.

BBQ Knives – In the world of bBQ, a good knife is key

It is a lot of fun to smoke meat, and we all take pride in our culinary masterpieces. Nothing, however, is worse than having to slice a brisket with a crappy knife. A meat lover and meat smoker can always benefit from having a quality brisket knife in their arsenal. Knives are great gifts for smokers and grillers.

Mercer Culinary Granton Slicer

The Mercer Culinary Granton Edge is a top-rated slicer. Its blade is made from premium Japanese steel. It is resistant to stains, rust, and corrosion. In the barbecue world, these are the go-to knives for slicing meats like briskets.

CUTLUXE Slicing Carving Knife

The Cutluxe knife is another great option, slightly more expensive but great quality. It comes with a nice carrying case and I found it at a great price on Amazon.

MAIRICO Slicing Knife

The Mairrico is also a top rated slicing knife but is a bit shorter at 10 inches long.

TUO Knife Set

Everyone needs a proper knife set around the house, including a high-quality chef’s knife. But at the very least, a good knife set is always welcome. Not only can a good set of knives be used in barbecue but also be shared around the kitchen.

Ken Onion Knife Sharpener – I can not get over how awesome this is

All I can say is this is a knife sharpener with a “WOW” factor.

This electric sharpener has an angle guide that can be adjusted by turning the knob. It’s not just a barbecue tool; it’s also a great gift for tool enthusiasts. This is one of these out-of-the-box BBQ gift ideas.

The Ken sharpener is professional grade, so this thing can be used at home, but pros can also use it.

“Cool” Meat Smokers and Grills

The Pit Barrel Drum Barrel Smoker (AKA UDS)

The Pit Barrel Cooker is an amazing gift and one of the best BBQ smoker gifts on this list. If you or your loved one loves smoking meat, you can say this is the perfect gift. We reviewed the Pit Barrel and found that the number one reason people love this smoker and why it sells so well is due to its simplicity.

Drum smokers are very easy to use, and due to their shape, they produce amazing smoked meat. By the way, UDS means “Ugly Drum Smoker”

Simple, Yet Useful Presents and Accessories

The simple things in life. Some people do not need a new smoker, but there is a variety of accessories that can enhance the experience when grilling and smoking meat. Even though these are simple gifts, they are thoughtful and practical grilling tools.

The Pit Boss Barbecue Grill Light

Pit Boss clamping barbecue grill light provides clear light at night and can clamp on virtually all surfaces. Its flexible 12′′ neck allows adjustment and can be bent in a variety of ways. Pit Boss LED Flexible Grill LED Light can be used with any grill and is perfect for outdoor smoking.

If you or your loved one enjoy grilling at night, a good LED light should be part of your grilling accessories.

Silicone BBQ Gloves

Stop burning your hands and handling a hot smoker or hot grill without heat resistant gloves. Every grilling aficionado needs a pair of good gloves. These gloves provide superior comfort and allow you to handle hot food and gear with ease. These heat resistant gloves are made out of cotton and silicone and are heat resistant to up to 400 degrees f.

Grilling baskets

If you’ve ever had grilled vegetables, you know that their flavor is exquisite. However, grilling or smoking vegetables is not always simple because smaller vegetables can fall through the grate and become ruined. Here is when grilling baskets come into play. You can put all of your vegetables in these baskets to keep them from falling through the grill grates. They also give you a place to stir and shake the vegetables as they cook for tasty grilled vegetables.

Wood chips smoker boxes

These boxes a nice “life-hack” in the barbecue game. A smoker box is a metal box that holds wood chips and heats them to produce smoke. These smoker boxes are ideal for gas grills and smokers since on their own, the don’t produce wood-fired smoke flavor, but add one of these boxes and done.

These are straightforward to use, and our in-depth article on smoke boxes can assist you in finding the right one and show you all the different types.

barbecue rubs, seasonings, and sauces

The Traeger Meat Injector

If you are smoking a whole chicken, pork shoulder, or turkey, and meat injector is a great grilling tool to have. By injecting liquids deep inside the meat, you can infuse more marinade and hence more flavor.

Made from stainless steel, this knife meat injector has multiple holes in its needle, increasing the amount of marinade that enters the meat.

The needle is three inches long, and because it is stainless, it is easy to clean.

Traeger Seasoning

Traeger makes amazing grills and smokers, but their BBQ seasoning is very popular too. This is a great gift idea, and you know it will be used.

Traeger seasoning is available in different blends for seasoning pork, poultry, beef, and more. We have a full article on barbecue rubs that explains and teaches you everything about barbecue rubs.

Meat Smoking Barbecue Books

One of the best grilling gifts for BBQ enthusiasts is a book about smoking techniques and recipes. There are many great books to teach you how to prepare BBQ recipes and smoking techniques. Every grilling fanatic can learn a thing or two and improve your grilling game.

The books below are very popular and all about meat smoking and making great barbecue.

Meathead

Meathead Goldwyn is a well-known pitmaster and the author of Meathead: The Science of Great BBQ and Grilling. Meat smoking is all about techniques and this book is full of them.

The book goes beyond the basics of meat smoking culinary skills and uncovers many tips and techniques. It’s the perfect gift for BBQ lovers and smokers who want to up their smoking game and learn how to make food tasty.

Project Smoke

Project Smoke has lots of tips and tricks to improve your BBQ smoking skills using BBQ smokers. The book contains 100 recipes to please almost every taste. The book features many unique meat smoking methods.

A wide range of approaches and ideas are covered in this book.

Master of the Grill

All recipes are developed using a scientific approach and technical results.

Grilling and BBQ Accessories

meat claws

Meat claws are a meat preparing tool that is used to shred meats apart, like when pereapring pulled pork. 

Grill Brushes To Clean Grill Grates

Cleaning Grill grates is part of grilling and BBQ smoking, and a good grill brush is a must. As long as you own a grill or smoker, you will need to use one to keep your smoker clean. A good grill brush can help keep your grill in good shape.

The Grill Rescue Bush

The Grill Rescue grill brush is an excellent alternative to traditional metal bristle brushes. Metal bristles can become off the brush and become lodged in your food, which you will subsequently ingest. This can be hazardous.

Grill Rescue uses a strong type of nylon cloth that cleans your grill when combined with heat and steam.

BBQ Apparel Ideas

Funny hats and t-shirts are great gifts and very popular. BBQ Grilling is all about having and fun and spending time with family.

I love gifting apparel because you can get very creative, and some t shits can be

Branded Hats and Tees

Traeger offers fantastic grills, smokers grills, and even apparel. Big Poppa Smokers also offers a good array of t-shirt, hats hoodies, and aprons. 

BBQ Pit Boys has an extensive assortment of merchandise, including Hats, Aprons, and T-shirt Shirts. Kansas City BBQ also has an extensive collection of shirts and caps for any man that likes to smoke meat and has a sense of humor. 

Aprons

Aprons are lovely, especially if you are a messy cook. There are practical and useful plus also you can find funny ones.

You can find Star Wars Aprons and other themed options too!

Just Cool Stuff

Star Wars BBQ Tongs With Sound

A pair of tongs that look like Star War lightsabers. Yeap!

These tongs are more of a toy than an actual tool, but it is the thought that counts. If the person you are giving the present to is a BBQ aficionado and a Star Wars lover, they will surely appreciate it.

Smoking Gun Wood Infusers

Really. This is is a smoking machine. These smoke infusers can be used to give smoky flavor to any food or even drink. Sure, if you own a smoker grill, this may be a nice fit, but if you want to try new foods, beverages, or have an indoor grill, this may be of interest to you.

Smoker Gifts Stocking Stuffers

Any of these would be a perfect stocking stuffer, even for a seasoned barbecue cook or head chef in your family.

Products that fit in a stocking may appear insignificant, but they will undoubtedly make a tremendous impression on the barbeque cook you love. The best barbecue gift is the one that puts a smile on anyone’s face.

Meat tenderizer

Jaccard Supertendermatic 48 Blade Tenderizer is a great gift for anyone who is passionate about preparing tender and delicious meat.

It is the perfect tool for working with tough and lean cuts of meat. This tool uses 48 tiny blades to pierce through meat, thus reducing cooking times and greater marinade penetration.

wood chips and Wood Chunks

Perhaps one of the nicest smoker gifts ideas is a few bags of wood chips or wood chunks. Whereas charcoal and propane are fuel, burning wood is what adds that smokey BBQ flavor. Only when using wood pellets or real wood in an offset smoker, you need to burn wood chips or chunks to generate smoke to infuse the meat.

We have a full article on different types and flavor of wood chips explaining everything there is to know about smoking chips.

Wood Pellets

Talking about wood pellets, a couple of bags of pellets for those with pellets smoker is an amazing gift, One can never have enough pellets and there are many flavors available. We have a full article on wood pellets with tons on information on pellets.

Bug Killer – Just for Fun

Bug-A-Salt 2.0 launches a shotgun blast of regular table salt that destroys almost all insects on contact.

Not only does this thing actually work, but I guarantee you it is more fun than any other mosquito repellant in your home. This thing is a blast and a conversation starter, and an excellent gift.

This salt blaster will be a hit with all of your friends.

Consider the following when buying BBQ gifts

Buying a gift for a bbq enthusiast is a lot of fun, but maybe you are not as familiar with BBQ grills and smokers as the person that you are gifting to is. No problem! Here is a quick guide to help you narrow down your choices and help you find a good gift

Type of Equipment owned

Not all barbecue smokers are the same, and there are various types of smokers. This is important to know because you should not give pellets to a person who owns a charcoal smoker or a charcoal starter to a person who owns a pellet grill. Consider the type of smoker the gift recipient owns if you are looking for fuel-related gifts.

Cooking Style, Methodology and frequency

Some of us are barbecue aficionados who barbecue on any grill daily. Then there are those that scarcely use their grills. Some presents, such as thermometers, are ideal for folks who often barbecue and smoke meat. The process of smoking meats is lengthy, laborious, and tedious; meat thermometers are vital for monitoring the internal temperature and cooking process of the meat.

To help on your grill gifts search

Searching for the perfect gift can be a lot of work, specially during the holiday rush. When it comes to barbecue, stick to “niche” specifics things.

Keep it Simple is just a gift

Gifts for smokers and grillers need not be difficult. A pair of gloves is all that most of us need. BBQ gadgets and toys are always welcomed and any of the grill and smoker accessories on this list would be a great present.

One can’t have too many cleaning accessories like brushes and gloves!

Bottom Line

I hope you enjoyed this guide. All these ideas were a lot of fun to put together. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a loved one or yourself, this list has something for everyone.

Happy Grillin’