Apple introduces the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand, a $70 limited-time accessory designed to improve one-handed use and offer a sturdy kickstand for iPhone.
The post Apple’s New Hikawa Phone Grip And Stand Is A $70 Limited Time Accessory first appeared on Redmond Pie.
Halloween for cannabis lovers has outgrown novelty gummies and glow-in-the-dark pipes. For this year’s Halloweed products round-up, we’ve wandered into the darker side of all that is dank. These products are all treats and no tricks, from dibles that enchant, tools sharp enough to raise spirits and bewitching accessories for stylish witches and warlocks.
Our 10 Halloweed product picks have something for everyone who knows that good taste is its own kind of magic.
Grön’s Bite Club gummies are edibles for people who like their Halloween with a little bite. This limited-edition release comes in two spooky flavors: Nocturnal Nectar and Vampire’s Kiss. Each piece has 10 mg of THC balanced with 10 mg of CBN or CBC, giving you a smooth, mellow high. CBN helps you wind down after a long night, while CBC keeps the mood light.
Cool weather calls for cocoa, and Carolindica’s Delta-8 Hot Chocolate might be the coziest way to enjoy a high. Each packet includes 50 mg of Delta-8 THC, or if you prefer something lighter, there’s a 10 mg Delta-9 THC + 20 mg CBD version. The mix dissolves easily in milk or oat milk and hits in about 45 minutes. Expect a warm body buzz that feels as comforting as the drink itself. It’s great for a horror movie marathon night.
The limited-edition Cookies & Scream bar from Coast is pure Halloween indulgence. Think smooth organic white chocolate layered with crispy wafer cookies and splattered with red cocoa for dramatic flair. The bar contains 100 mg of full-spectrum THC, split into twenty 5 mg pieces so you can control your dose. Made in small batches with organic ingredients, it’s a rich but not overwhelming treat that looks spooky but tastes sophisticated.
If you love a little ritual with your smoke, DaySavers’ Smoke Temple bundle makes every session feel like an event. Inside you’ll find a 1 g mini cross-cone and a 3 g original cross-cone, plus a Halloween-themed tray, packing stick, and ashtray. The cones are made from unbleached, slow-burning paper for an even burn. The 3-gram size is perfect for group sessions or when you’re feeling bold.
These bright orange earrings from High on Plants are proof that cannabis-inspired fashion can be high-end. Lazser cut from Italian leather and hand-finished with silver hooks, they’re light and comfortable and perfect for showing your love for weed. Whether you’re heading to a Halloween party or just want to show your plant pride in style, these make the perfect finishing touch.
Think of the Klip grinder from HØJ as more of a precision tool than an accessory. Instead of grinding your flower into dust, it uses sharp, suspended blades to slice through it, keeping the trichomes intact and the aroma full. The magnetic design clicks together smoothly, and the anodized aluminum body has a solid, balanced weight that feels good in the hand. Cleanup is quick, and the cut is always consistent. It’s a smart design built for smokers who appreciate good engineering but don’t want their gear to overcomplicate the rolling ritual.
Juāna’s Bergamot Sativa Uplift candle sets the mood for a relaxed session or helps clear the air afterward. It’s made with vegan coco-apricot wax and a clean cotton wick, giving it a long, even burn. The scent combines citrus and soft herbal notes for a refreshing, energizing vibe, like a morning sativa in candle form. There’s no THC here, but the atmosphere it creates is just as mellow. Simple, sustainable and elegant, you’ll burn this candle long after Halloween ends.
Skyworld’s Stay Puft is the kind of strain that turns a haunted house into a happy one. This hybrid sits at 28.38% THC, with 1.5% CBG and 2.44% terpenes dominated by β-Myrcene and Limonene. Named after the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man from the Ghostbusters franchise, this flower smells like toasted marshmallow with a hint of grape and hits smooth and a high that’s relaxing without being heavy; half a gram is enough to ease tension and keep your focus soft. This sweet, balanced high is perfect for creative nights or lazy afternoons when you just want to float.
Smokiez brings a fresh crunch to Halloweed with their Green Apple and Sour Green Apple Fruit Chews. Both flavors capture that tart, juicy bite of fall apples and come in two formulations: a 1:1 THC/CBG blend (100 mg THC / 100 mg CBG per pack) and a Hybrid version (100 mg THC total). Each chewy bite delivers a balanced lift — enough to boost your mood without stealing your clarity. The texture is soft, the flavor bright, and the effect smooth and social.
If you want to get creative, you can make an infused apple cider that uses the chews as the base. Melt one into warm cider, and you’ll have a cozy, lightly dosed drink that’s perfect for sweater weather.
If you’d rather sip your cannabis than smoke it, WYNK Cran Blood Orange is the drink for you. Each 12-ounce can has 5 mg THC and 5 mg CBD, creating a gentle, balanced buzz that kicks in within 15 minutes. The tart cranberry and citrus flavor feels refreshing, not sugary, and it’s light enough to enjoy more than one. With zero sugar and no hangover, it’s the perfect option for social smokers or anyone who wants a subtle lift at the Halloween party.
The post 10 Halloweed Products for the Season of High Spirits appeared first on Cannabis Now.
Find the best stash boxes of 2025. We reviewed popular stash boxes & chose the top picks for different needs and budgets.
The post Leafly’s top 7 stash boxes of 2025 appeared first on Leafly.
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.
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.
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
Cons
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
The MeatStick and the Meater are both leading the wireless smart thermometer race and have inspired many household brands to release their own versions. Many of our readers get stuck making a decision between the MeatStick and the Meater, so in this article, I breakdown the main differences and compare the MeatStick vs the Meater.
First, let’s talk about each of these thermometers before we jump to the comparisons. The MeatStick is almost a carbon copy of the Meater, but they did a few things right. The MeatStick is a wireless thermometer, meaning there are no wires attached to the probe, and it transmits all the temperature information wirelessly to an app on your smartphone.
The MeatStick is available as a standalone probe with a Bluetooth extender and a Wi-Fi bridge.
The MeatStick probe on its own will give you a range of about 65 feet, but if you get the MeatStick with the Extender, which doubles as the charging base, you will get about 260 feet of Bluetooth wireless range. If you opt for the bundle with the WiFi bridge, then Internet access is the only range-limiting factor, meaning you can access the MeatStick from anywhere.
In all options, the MeatStick is the same “probe hardware.” Whether you get the extender combo or the WiFi bundle, it’s the same probe. The bases are what are making the differences in range, but the probes are the same device and have the same components and temperature tolerances.
You can read my full review of the MeatStick to learn all the details about this meat thermometer.
Read More: The MeatStick Full Review
The Meater started the truly wireless smart thermometer revolution. Both the MeatStick and the Meater are not only absolutely, definitely wireless, but they are also smart. Their smartphone applications have built-in algorithms that predict and estimate when the meat will be done at the doneness level you choose.
The Meater started this revolution and companies like Traeger noticed it and quickly adopted them and integrated these probes with with their news grills like the Timberline XL
I wrote a complete review of the Meater explaining everything there is to know about this amazing product. But since this is a comparison article on these two popular probes, let’s jump in and compare them.
You can read our full review of the Meater Plus, which goes into greater detail about his thermometer.
Read More: The Meater Plus Review
Both manufacturers have done a great job of highlighting the benefits of their thermometers, making it hard to choose between these two probes.
I don’t want you to misinterpret what I’m saying. Both the MeatStick and the Meater are good, and you won’t be disappointed by either one of these two products.
However, if you are on the fence about which one to get, let me break down the major differences between these two probes.
The first and most important difference between these two thermometers is their wireless range. Both brands use a Bluetooth repeater to boost their signals, and both provide WiFi bridges for connecting to your home wireless network. Wireless range and other features I mention below earned the MeatStick a top spot on our wireless meat thermometer roundup article.
So let’s break down the range of these probes one by one so you can understand the differences.
Meater has three main products: the Meater, the Meater Plus, and the Meater Block. As far as the probes are concerned, they are all the same hardware; what changes is the range in all their models.
MeatStick also has three main variants of their probe, with the only differences being range. The MeatStick ( just the device and charger ), the MeatStick X ( bluetooth extender and repeater), and the MeatStick with the WiFi bridge.
The Meater, which is the original device, on its own has a range of 33 feet, as does the MeatStick ( just the probe ).
Without their extenders, both vendors’ probes have a limited range. This is okay for those who want to get one of these devices at a low cost and don’t mind the range limits.
However, it is important to note that the estimated 33-foot range of these probes is achieved when the probe’s head is not covered and exposed. Meaning if you use the probes inside an oven or a thick-walled grill like a kamado grill, the range will reduce drastically, to more like six feet.
Both brands then have a second-tier bundle, which is their probes plus a signal repeater that doubles as the battery charger. This is the Meater Plus and the MeatStick X, and here is where the differences are benign.
The Meater Plus, even with its repeater, only has a range of 165 feet, whereas the MeatStick X, also with its repeater, has a range of 260 feet.
I tested the MeatStick Mini, which is a small mini version of the MeatStick but does come with the extender, and I have to say, you get every inch of those 260 feet.
Both brands have wireless blocks that can connect to your home WiFi, and when it comes to wireless range, the limiting factor is your home wireless setup. So, if your wireless network can reach your patio or wherever the WiFi block is, the probe and receiver will be connected to the Internet.
The WiFi block then sends the signal to the cloud (via the internet) and accesses all the information from the cloud using the internet. This is how both brands work, and it is how you get whole-house coverage and the ability to monitor your cooking session while you shop or go for a Sunday ride.
Both brands offer cloud technology to give you access to your temperature data from anywhere, but there is one small difference that might be a deciding factor for some related to getting wireless functionality with both of these devices.
To get wireless functionality with Meater, you have to purchase the Meater Block, which includes the charging block with a built-in WiFi bridge and four probes. With MeatStick, you also have to buy the MeatStick WiFi bridge, but you get two probes instead of four. The setup costs half as much, and you can always add more probes later.
As far as functionality goes, both brands give you a Wifi block with a built-in display that shows the cooking temperatures, cooking times, and signal strength.
| Device | Range | Range |
| MeatStick Probe only | 33 Feet | |
| MeatStick X ( Bluetooth Extender ) | 260 Feet | |
| MeatStick Wifi | Limited only by your home Wifi range | |
| The Meater ( Probe Only ) | 33 Feet, | |
| The Meater Plus | 165 Feet | |
| The Meater Block | Limited only by your home Wifi range |
This is one area where I have not found obvious issues with either brand, but as I was reviewing the Meater instruction manual, it did recommend not to pull the meater by the head if it’s exposed to extreme temperatures or past its 572 degree resistance mark.
I can assume that the reason is that heat can loosen whatever adheres the head to the metal part of the probe, and, well, you will have a real mess on your hands.
Meater is also adamant about not using their probe over direct fire or charcoal. Something that MeatStick does not mention but does say not to exceed their specified temperatures.
One thing worth noting is that the Meater has a small mark on the probe that lets you know how far to insert it into the meat, both for accuracy and to protect the internal components. The meatick must be inserted completely or it will be damaged. Remember that batteries and other components are inside these little tubes.
These two brands offer many of the same features, and besides their Bluetooth range, you get a lot of the same features with both. One area where the MeatStick shines compared to the Meater is in their LED charging status light. I know it’s a minor point, but I like how the MeatStick lets me know exactly what’s going on when it comes to charging the probe. To me, this is something I like but is not a big deal.
In the Meater, there is no LED light indicating how the charge is going; instead, the Meater charges “passively.”
This is another area where these two probes differ. The MeaStick app is very responsive and works well, but I feel the Meater’s app looks nicer. This is again a preference thing, but to me, the apps on these two devices are pretty much the same.
This is another area where these two brands have some similarities but vary just a tiny bit.
First, the Meater block is more expensive than getting the block Meatstick WiFi setup. You get two more probes with the Meater block, but it is also more expensive.
As far as the meater plus and the MeatStick extender, both cost the same, but the MeatStick is modular, so the price of entry is the same, but you can add more probes and monitor multiple probes with one extender, so it is fully modular.
The Original Meater is the least expensive model and costs the same as the MeatStick Mini. However the MeatStick mini has only a meat temperature sensor and no ambient sensor with range of 260 feet whereas the original
Both of these thermometers are great options. If you enjoy cooking BBQ and want to monitor what’s happening inside your smoker or grill and even while cooking in kitchen appliances, these are great products.
If you enjoy cooking or grilling but want to keep tabs on temperatures, these two thermometers are great products. However, the MeatStick can be fully submerged, so for those looking for a thermometer that can work in devices that use water to cook, the MeatStick takes the lead. The Meater also outperforms the Meater in wireless range, and the MeatStick is more affordable.
Still, both are great products.
The Meater Plus is a new line of wireless grill thermometers and the future of cooking. BBQ meat smoking and grilling often require paying close attention to the meat’s internal temperature. When smoking meat, it is extremely helpful to monitor the progress of the internal temperature as it rises and, better yet, set alerts for certain temperature points during the cook.
While many thermometers can do this, not many can do it without using any cables or wireless at all.
Now, I want to clarify that the term “wireless meat thermometer” is often used by brands to also describe Bluetooth and other thermometers that “wirelessly” transmit temperature data to your phone or another device, but the temperature probe still uses a wire to transmit the data to a receiver.
The Meater Plus is a truly wireless device, meaning that it doesn’t have any wires and also transmits temperature data wirelessly. The thermometer probe houses all the components, including a rechargeable battery, and on the other end, there is a smart app on your mobile phone that gathers all the data and handles many features, including alerts.
Companies like Meater have managed to take the good old probe we are all familiar with and design it to fit all the components needed to read temperature and transmit data wirelessly.
The Meater Plus is the successor to the original Meater. I will get more into the differences between these two thermometers, but I want to introduce you to the newest model, the Meater Plus.
You have likely heard some chatter about these new types of wireless food thermometers, and they are pretty revolutionary. So, of course, we had to get our hands on one.
The Meater Plus is a stainless steel probe a little over five inches long with a ceramic head. The probe houses temperature reading complements, and the head houses electronics like the Bluetooth transmitter.
The Meater Plus probe has two sensors in one single device: the stainless steel probe measures food temperature while another sensor in the probe’s head measures the ambient temperature, that of the grill cooking chamber or smoker. A wood pellet grill normally displays the cooking chamber’s temperature, but with the meater plus, you can have an extra eye inside the grill or for
For those with grills that do not display internal or cooking temperatures, the Meater can deliver that information.
The meat thermometer looks more like a writing pen, and its wooden base doubles as a wireless transmitter and charging base. The base is made out of real wood, which adds a touch of elegance and a high-end look to this device.
The Mater uses Bluetooth LE technology, which stands for Low Energy and allows the Meater Plus to reach a maximum range of 165 feet, which is 5 feet more than the width of a football field ( not the length). There are other wireless thermometers out there with a longer range, including the MeatStick, Meater’s closest competitor.
The sensor and probes can read temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and the ambient temperature sensor can read and withstand temperatures up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to keep these temperature limits in mind because exceeding them will damage the probe. in part because some of the components inside these probes will simply “cook” above these tensiles. Remember, there is a rechargeable battery inside these probes.
All the information gathered by the Meater Plus is translated into numbers and very informative graphs by software, which are all colorfully displayed on your phone via the mobile app. The Meater App is another noteworthy feature of this product. I have tested many thermometers and probes, and the app is often their pitfall.
The product can be amazing, accurate, and of good quality, but if the app is not user-friendly, reliable, and easy to configure, it will deter many users, and often those brands end up inadvertently getting bad reviews online.
I have to say the Meter app is crisp, responsive, and very colorful; everything is color-coded, which helps direct your eyes to the information you are looking for quickly.
The app is also very easy to use. Everything from cook time to remaining times can be easily seen in the app.
The app also tells you the battery status and how much power the Plus has left. The battery in these probes will last 24 hours. That is plenty of battery to monitor brisket and plenty for monitoring a steak.
This wireless meat probe has a range of 165 feet, and Meater has cloud service that allows you to connect to your home WiFi and access the Meater from the mobile app anywhere your phone has Internet.
The base of the Meater doubles as a charging station, and one AAA battery can charge the Meater about 100 times.
Mater offers a one-year warranty on these probes, and quite frankly, I wish the warranty was longer. As these devices are susceptible to failure as they are exposed to fire and heat, one thing that is very important is that the Meater manual suggests that the Meater be used on indirect fire and not over hot coals or fire.
This could be to protect the thermometer from direct fire, extreme heat, and flare-ups, but it would be nice if they were a bit more upfront about it. I can see many people just throwing the probe into a cut steak and going for a hot sear.
This is not recommended by Meater. [1]
Meater instructions are to reverse sear the steak first; once the desired doneness level and temperature are reached, remove the probe and then sear the steak.
It is very important that customers are aware of these, because by simply reading Meater’s website, you might believe that because the probe can withstand temperatures of over 200 degrees and the head over 500 degrees, direct coal cooking is feasible, but you could actually damage the device.
Also important is the fact that the Meater Plus is water resistant, not waterproof. Meater states that the probe should not be submerged in water for prolonged periods of time.
Ok, now that you are familiar with the Meater Plus, what it does, and all its features. Let’s go over our review of the Meater and what makes it a Plus!
We received the Meater Plus with much anticipation and excitement. Our first impressions were how cool the thing looks and how light it is. Pictures don’t do it justice. The wooden base looks very elegant, and I can see many just leaving their Meater right on top of the modern kitchen counter or fancy kitchen tops.
Setting up the Meater Plus is easy. Simply install a AAA battery in the charger, insert the probe in the base, and it will passively charge. This was confusing to me because when I tested the MeatStick, you actually had to press the power button to start charging the probe, and the LED blinked to let you know it was charging.
Read more: The MeatStick Full Review
That’s not the case with the Meater. It charges passively, and you have to trust that the battery in the probe is charged. The Meater charging block/extender LED does show different colors to let you know the state of charge of the AAA battery.
During our tests, we noticed we needed to charge the Meater for about 2 hours.
Another thing that is worth mentioning is that the Meater Plus cannot be fully submerged in water or other liquids for long periods of time, which is something its bigger competitor, the Meatstick, can do.
To pair the Meater, simply download the Meater app, hold the black button on the base, and Bluetooth connect the Meater to your phone.
To use and set up the Meater Plus for cooking, it’s easy: simply start the app, insert the Meater into the meat, and set the cooking session. Setting the cook is simple: select the type of protein and alerts and start your cook.
There are a few things you should know about using the Meater. First, the probe has to be inserted all the way, or at least to the set safety “notch” on the probe ( you will see a line on the probe ), or you risk damaging the probe. In a way, the meat around the probe protects it from overheating and damaging the internal components, including the battery.
In fact, I took a look at the Meater manual, and it states to not use the Mater over direct heat or over charcoal, and if an overheating alert goes off, use eye protection to remove the Meater from the grill.
It is also important that the Meater thermometer stay inside the meat while the meat is being removed from the grill.
So why do I bring this up? Because Meater states that their probe can withstand temperatures of 572 degrees and the probe is 272 degrees, yet their manual seems to contradict this a bit by stating to only grill in indirect heat. To me, it seems like Meater is really trying to play it safe, but just keep that in mind.
Nevertheless, using the Meater is very easy and does the job. During our tests, we found no issues using the Meater and the temperature readings were accurate. We smoked a pork butt and a brisket and never had issues using this probe or monitoring temperature. Overall, the test went well, and this probe did its job as intended.
This brand has become so popular that Traeger has picked it up and integrated it with their newest pellet grill.
Related more: Traeger Timberline XL Pellet grill review
The Meater app is another area where this product shines. The mobile application is intuitive and easy to use. To setup the probe, simply follow the steps in the app, and in a matter of minutes, your Meater will be ready for use.
One thing that is important when setting up your Meater probe is to ensure you choose the right product. The app supports all three Meater models, including the Meater, the Meater Plus, and the Meater Block. The app will ask which smart meat thermometer you want to configure.
One very nice thing about the app is that it has a “Getting Started List,” which takes you step by step through the process of getting your phone ready to connect to Meater and vice versa. This is a very useful feature, and it is something that I think Meater did right.
What we like
What could be improved
One cool bundle is the Meater Block. Basically, it is a set with multiple probes, and the charging block has a built-in temperature display. This is great for those who want multiple probes to monitor multiple meats or simply want extra probes.
The “Block” also acts as a WiFi bridge capable of connecting to your home WiFi for world-wide access to your Meater probes information.
In my opinion, the Meater brand has created a small device that is easy to use, the app interface is friendly, and it works well. This is a device that can be very helpful for some, especially those who are starting to grill and cook and want a watchful eye keeping food temperature in check.
Compared to a simple instant-read thermometer, the Meater can be a bit pricey, but it offers a lot of convenience, and the cooking alerts are very helpful.
I think that for some, the price of 99 dollars might seem like a lot to spend on a temperature probe, but you are paying for convenience and technology. The Meater Plus performs as intended, although I feel one must be careful or run the risk of damaging this gadget.
Also, more traditional wireless meat thermometers with a cable attached to the probe can withstand higher temperatures.
As you have likely noticed, Meater has two probe models. The Meater and the Meater Plus The difference between these two thermometers is their wireless range.
The “original” Meater has a Bluetooth range of 33 feet. This is because it doesn’t use a repeater, and also because things like your grill’s wall reduce range.
The Meater Plus, on the other hand, has a range of 165 feet because it connects to the block, which acts as a repeater, and the block connects to the app on your phone.
Also, the Meater Plus works with Alexa. If you purchase the Meater block, it connects to your home WiFi and uses the cloud to give you access to the probe information and temperatures from anywhere in the world as long as your phone and the block have Internet access.
Meater automates cooking and gives people a lot of information right at their fingertips. These levels of automation can be very helpful and convenient. The old probes with wires are still effective and work well, but as we move more towards a connected world, these newer wireless thermometers are taking the lead.
Also, those metal wires can get in the way, are harder to clean, and make it hard to move food around after you set up the cook.
The Meater Plus is an amazing wireless meat thermometer. I truly enjoyed using this probe and found myself sometimes playing more with the app than checking the grill, but I think that’s the point of this gadget. It gives you a bit of freedom when cooking on your grill or smoker.
I think many will enjoy the Meater Plus and all its features. It is a replacement for a good ol’ instant read thermometer? No, it is not. Is it a replacement for traditional probes with wires, even the Bluetooth ones? Oh yes!
Using an instant read is still the fastest way to walk up to something cooking and check its temperature, but the Meater products are not that far behind and give you much more features and convenience.
References:
https://support.meater.com/overcooking-help
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.
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.
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?
Foldable: yes
Material: Plastic ( Polyethylene).
Comfort: 5 of 5
Warranty: 5 out of 5
Price: 4 out of 5
What we like:
Things to consider:
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:
Things to Consider:
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:
Things to consider:
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.
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:
This to Consider:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
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.
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 .
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.
A good knife for cutting meat has to be sharp but also withstand the abuse of cutting raw or hot meat. In this article, I share seven options, including various types of meat-cutting knives.
To find the best knives for cutting meat among the many options, I selected and evaluated 15 knives to determine which were the best for chopping, slicing, carving, and trimming. We tested at how well each knife cuts meat, what it was made of, how well it was made, how comfortable it was to use, and how much it cost.
I also reached out to my local butcher in Winter Garden, Florida, for his opinion on these picks and to compare his testing notes with ours.
We will discuss in this article:
The WÜSTHOF brand has stayed true to its roots by manufacturing their knives in-house. I am a longtime customer of WÜSTHOF and I have been using their products for years.
Aside from manufacturing an excellent product, here are the reasons I chose WÜSTHOF and their chef’s knife as our top pick.
WÜSTHOF has been producing knives in Solingen, Germany, for over 200 years. Although much has changed, the company continues to manufacture their products at their hometown factory, whereas other large and well-known manufacturers have succumbed to the pressures of the modern economy and outsourced all manufacturing.
Their products are top-notch and made out of high-quality, high-carbon stainless steel.
The Dexter Russel is our pick for a boning knife. There are many things we like about the Dexter, including the fact that it is made in the United States and has an extremely comfortable handle. The handle provides a secure grip and boosts confidence when slicing, trimming meat and fat from bones, as well as making small and difficult cuts.
The handle is made of materials that help reduce bacteria. The curved blade has a sharp point that is ideal for making precise cuts around bone or boning.
This company also has an amazing background and history, having been in business for over 200 years, manufacturing products in Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA.
After hours of hard work and cooking, the last thing you want to do when carving a turkey, brisket, or pork shoulder is shred the meat and ruin the food with awful cuts. This is why I always like to have a good slicing and carving knife when I’m smoking briskets.
Carving knives are not used as frequently in meat preparation as chef’s knives are, but they are equally important because slicing the meat into a beautiful piece is part of the presentation, and it also affects how well the meat is received.
Dalstrong is a Canadian company that opened manufacturing facilities in the United States and Europe, and whose products are undeniably well-made and durable. It is made out of Damascus Japanese steel with 62 layers of Japanese steel.
It has has a very strong and comfortable handle. I like that it has a full tang with multiple rivets securing the handle.
Everyone is familiar with the Swiss army knife, and we all know they are high-quality knives. We chose their butcher knife as the best butcher option because it embodies many of the quality traits that this company is known for. Victorinox has been manufacturing knives for centuries, since the late 1800s. What I like the most about it is its handle. It instills confidence when making large, powerful swings, and the knife’s end tip carries enough weight to aid in the chopping of large meat cuts.
In the kitchen, a chef’s knife is quite useful. You can chop, cut, slice, trim, and prepare almost any dish. Because not everyone needs a cutting-edge laser-cut German steel blade, we’d like to include the Mercer Culinary Genesis.
This is a low-cost chef’s knife that is ideal for individuals who rarely prepare food but want a decent option but do not want to pay the high cost of a high-quality of the top blades on this list.
It is is crafted from high-carbon steel. The handle and tag are not as sturdy or of excellent quality as the WÜSTHOF.
It is important to consider a number of factors that can affect the knife’s capabilities and effectiveness.
A proverb that comes to mind is “jack of all trades, master of none.” Although some are so good and sharp that they can trim, cut, and slice, you need different types of knives for each of these tasks to be done perfectly.
There are slicing knives great for slicing meat and serving, and then there are meat cleavers, which have the weight and razor-sharp edge to chop through meat and bone. The point here is that there are different knives for different purposes.
This is very important. Different metals and metal compositions are used in manufacturing, which impacts the durability and quality of the knife. Some metals are better than others at retaining sharp edges and are more susceptible to chipping and cracking. The majority of manufacturers adhere to and are certified by the NSF for materials and construction processes.
Other metals are resistant to corrosion and oxidation, which is important if you plan to wash your knives in the dishwasher. Have you ever put a cast-iron pan in the dishwasher? My wife has!
Later in this article, I will compare and contrast the various metals to help you select a material that best meets your needs. For the time being, keep in mind that cheap knives are likely to be crafted from lower-quality metals, whereas premium or high-end will be more expensive due to the quality of the metals they employ.
When talking about knives, hardness is often confused with toughness. A “hard” knife is not necessarily tough because using too hard of a metal can also make the blade brittle and more susceptible to cracking. This is where the metal composition comes into play, and a fine balance of steel and carbon makes the right edge.
When determining the size of a knife, it is crucial to consider its intended use.
Although this may seem obvious, some individuals fail to recognize that some manufacturers specify the overall length, not just the length of the blade. You should be aware of the length and size of the blade itself, excluding the handle.
Here are some tips when considering blades:
Chef’s Knife: Look for a blade at least 8 inches long, which will work well for cutting meat, but also vegetables and just about anything.
Paring Knife: 3 to 4 inches long is good, and these are great for working with fruits, deveining shrimp, and even preparing fish.
Boning Knife: I like using these for trimming fat caps, ribs, and bones off meat. Look for a blade of about 6 inches so you have enough space between the cut of meat and your hands.
Carving knife: Carving knives are designed to cut and slice around bones, so I prefer a blade that is at least 10 inches long so I have adequate distance between my hands and the meat I’m preparing.
The weight and balance are important because you want something that is easy to handle. They don’t have to be heavy to be effective, unless we are talking about a chopping or carving.
I have included the weight of each in this article so you can get a good idea of the blade weight.
The knife’s handle is as important as the quality of the blade, and here’s why: you can have the best knife in the world, but if the handle is extremely uncomfortable or slippery, it would be useless for slicing meats or even softer foods like vegetables and cheese.
Knowing that I will be using it for long periods of time, I prioritize comfort when evaluating knives. After I find a handle that I like, I look at the blade material.
There are some really good quality knives that are made entirely from steel, and I like the look, but a steel handle can be slippery and uncomfortable when you’re slicing meat and seasoning, and your hands are full of oil. It can be hard to handle and control.
The quality of the handle also matters. A poorly constructed handle can separate from the tang, rendering it useless.
A handle consists of several parts, including the tang, the scales, and the rivets. Some designs may be a little different, but most handles have these three parts. These components need to be of good quality to ensure a good handle.
Some people like certain types of handles better than others, but here are some of the most common types to help you get to know them.
Let’s talk about the blade’s material, which is one of the most important aspects of any blade, but particularly those used for cutting meat. The blade material will determine everything about the knife, including its durability, ability to maintain a sharp edge, and cutting efficiency.
Knives are crafted using a variety of metals and metal alloys. Some are crafted from high-carbon stainless steel, but all of your knives are crafted using different composites to make them stronger, more durable, and sharper.
Understanding the various metals used to make knives is important because it will help you understand which knives made with which metal is truly superior to others. If you do not understand the properties of the metal used in manufacturing, you may be unable to compare different brands and judge their claims of being the best.
So in this section of the article, we will describe the various metals used in knives and their characteristics so that you have the information and understand exactly what makes a knife better than another and which metal is better than another.
Let’s talk about the various metals used in the manufacturing process, how they compare, and which ones are better than others.
When compared to carbon steel, high-carbon stainless steel has a better balance of carbon and stainless steel. This mix of metals has a good balance of sharpness, strength, and resistance to corrosion. It also keeps a sharp edge longer than most other types of metal blades. This material is often used by high-end brands like Wusthof and Victorinox.
The biggest advantage of high-carbon stainless steel is its ability to retain a sharp edge. It is easy to sharpen and is more resistant to oxidation. On top of that, high-carbon stainless steel knives are absolutely beautiful.
Many high-carbon stainless steel knives must be hand washed to protect the finish and handle, and they must be properly stored. High-carbon stainless steel is possibly the most popular material used in kitchens and offers a good balance of quality and durability.
Carbon steel is exactly what it sounds like: carbon, or a small percentage of carbon, is added to steel to increase its hardness and rigidity. Carbon steel is well-known for its ability to hold a sharp edge.
Carbon steel, on the other hand, can oxidize due to the carbon component and thus requires little maintenance to remain in good shape and oxidation free, without affecting the razor-like sharpness of a carbon steel edge.
Carbon steel needs to be oiled and can only be washed by hand so it doesn’t rust and give food a metallic taste.
Also, some carbon knives don’t work well for cutting frozen foods, bones, or shells.
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron with roughly 15% chromium or nickel and a small amount of carbon. This low amount of carbon is what allows it to be so durable and resistant to corrosion. The issue with stainless steel blades is that they do not hold a sharp edge as well as a good quality high-carbon steel blade. Some stainless steel knives can be sharpened repeatedly, but these blades require little care.
Ceramic is a very hard and lightweight material, and ceramic blades can hold a sharp edge longer than any other material on this list. However, you may ask why not every blade in the world is ceramic. Because ceramic is ceramic, it will break if dropped, crack or shatter.
Ceramic blades are popular because they do not react to chemicals, change colors, or impart metal flavor to food when they come into contact with them. Ceramic knives are ideal for those who want a lightweight and don’t mind putting in a little extra care to keep it from meeting the floor or dropped. The biggest downside to ceramic is that if the edge is damaged or needs sharpening, you will likely need to send it back to the manufacturer to get it re-sharpened.
Damascus steel is strong and durable, and it’s more of a process of forging and stamping than a material, but it is often referred to as Damascus steel. Damascus steel is not as strong and sharp or as high quality, as today’s modern high-carbon stainless steel. Few manufacturers still follow the same process of stamping and forging 60 plus layers of steel to make Damascus knives.
The Damascus steel you get today is not the same as the stamped or forged knives from ancient times when multiple layers of wootz steel were hammered together to build a knife.
Damascus steel retain the recognizable and signature wavy pattern that is distinct and unique to Damascus steel.
There are different types of knives that are well-suited for cutting meat. Each has its own purpose in the kitchen and around your grill. Some are better for slicing, while others are good for trimming, and others are good for cutting meat and stripping meat off the bone.
There are different types, but this article focuses on knives for cutting meat. There are knives for everything from slicing bread to slicing vegetables.
The following are great for cutting meat:
A carving knife has a long, straight-edged, narrow blade that is designed and intended to cut through meat. Its pointed tip aids in carving meat from bones by navigating around them. A carving knife is typically 8 to 12 inches long. A carving knife has either a hollow or Granton edge which is an edge design that reduces friction when cutting raw meat.
Butcher knives is a precision forged, at least the nice brands, very sharp and hardened carefully to delivery a deep cut.s These knives are sharpened to 16 to 18 degrees. These are large, heavier and with long hand tangs.
A bread knife is as its name suggests designed to slice a soft bun without shredding it thanks to its serrated edge. A long blade, good balance, and its edge are why this knife often used for cutting meat. The blade length of bread knife aids in the precise slicing of meat.
A cleaver knife is the hammer of the cutting world. This knife can be use to cut raw meat as it shear weight alone will help cut thorough bone. A cleaver is a knife is used to chop hard cuts quick with a clean cut line, this is different than boning which requires more fitness.
A cleaver can also be use to cut cooked food and you will often see chefs grab a cleaver to cut ribs, chicken and even vegetables.
A utility knife as its name suggests, is a versatile knife around the kitchen. Similar to a boning knife, a utility knife can be used for precise cutting and complex cuts. It is very similar in shape to a chef knife but it is smaller, lighter and narrower.
At 4 to 7 inches long, this knife can be use to chop, peel and cut foods.
A boning knife is very useful for making delicate cuts around bone but it is also very useful for things like trimming fat off a briskets or ribs.
The curved pointy edge of a boning knife makes it easy to make small cuts to start trimming fat or a tiny cut to remove ribs membrane. If you go to a butcher shop you will see this knife in action trimming fat caps off steaks.
A chef Knife, the tool of trade of every chef and a multi purpose knife. This is one of the most popular tools in a kitchen. A chef will use this knife for chopping, cutting, mincing and peeling.
A chef knife has many of the same characteristics as other knives, but not to the same extend. This is why multi-tool knives are so popular but it do not replace the other “knives best for their own specialty.
These have serrated edges, which help catch on to things like bread, but also work well for slicing certain meats.
Don’t simply toss your knives into a kitchen driver, where their edges will clash and cause damage, as well as damage other kitchen implements. Instead, use a storage block or a magnetic strip.
I prefer the magnetic strip because the point of the blade never hits anything.
Invest in a good, high-quality sharpener. Stainless steel edges require frequent sharpening.
Many manufacturers and brands say that their knives can go in the dishwasher, but the detergent in dishwasher soap can damage some metals and even the handles. To keep your them in tip-top shape, hand wash them.
When you cut on cheap or even glass cutting boards, the knife’s edge hits a very hard surface, dulling the edge. Glass boards, in particular, have very rough edges.
Instead, use a good quality wood cutting board or even marble cutting board.
The the items in this article were subjected to the following testing procedures and standards:
We inspected the quality and build of each blade. We inspected both the metal and the workmanship for flaws.
We considered each blade’s material composition.
We cut the same piece of meat with each knife to determine the effectiveness of each blade.
It pains me to admit this, but in true “Forge Under Fire” fashion, we did smash the knives against bone to see if the edges chipped and the knife’s hardness.
We considered the price to ensure that the product’s quality, materials, and aesthetics were commensurate with the cost.
When purchasing a meat knife, it is important to remember that there are different types of knives that are well-suited for cutting meat, and that the quality of the meat will affect how well the knife cuts.
During our research and testing, we found Wusthof to be the best option. Its sharpness, quality, and craftsmanship are superior to most knives in the market.
If you have been around the BBQ community and have been following BBQ trends, you have likely heard of grill mats. Eggs, for instance, cannot be cooked evenly on grill grates, but they can be cooked evenly on grill mats.
Grill mats add great convenience. You can almost transform your grill into a griddle, cook foods such as eggs and vegetables, and even bake cookies.
However, not all grill mats are made from the same materials or share the same construction standards. Some are better than others, so we will discuss the following in this guide:
Some of you may already know what grill mats are, but for those who do not, they are versatile, heat-resistant grill liners made from flexible materials. Grilling mats provide a nonstick surface in addition to an even, flat cooking surface.
On a dirty grill, a grilling mat can be used to prevent food from coming into contact with the grates. You can also use these mats to prevent or block flare-ups, but they are most useful for cooking small foods or foods that are liquid or paste-like when uncooked.
You have likely read or heard about Z Grills. This brand is well known for making quality, affordable pellet grills. Their grilling mats are no exception. The Z Grills Mat set is our pick because they can withstand high temperatures of up to 500 degrees and are made of PFOA-free Teflon.
While I like other mats on this list, for daily use I prefer the Z Grills mats because they offer the same performance and quality as other competitors, but they sell them in nice sets of 10 and, for your peace of mind, offer a money back guarantee.
Most grilling mats manufacturers offer the same thing. BBQ mats all offer the same thing, and they all claim to have the best, thickest, best, and so on. The reality is that most mats are the same and made the same. So when I find a brand that gives me a good deal and meets my temperature requirements and manufacturing safety guidelines, I buy it.
Also, these mats are high-heat-resistant and easy to cut to any size.
Material: Teflon
Coating: PTFE
Heat resistant: up to 500 degrees
The MiTBA copper mats are strong, durable, and good for those wanting an alternative to Teflon mats. These mats are durable and can handle temperatures hot enough to get grill marks on your food.
I like using copper mats. I get better grill marks, and I’m not concerned about damaging the mat too much if I’m cutting food with a knife.
Kona copper mats are also good, but the reason I chose MiTBA for this list is that the Kona mat stuck to the grill’s grates and was hard to clean. When comparing pricing, the MiTBA delivers the same performance for way less. Still, the Kona Mat is a good product that can handle high temperatures, leaves grill marks, and is easy to clean.
Material: Copper
Heat resistant: up to 500 degrees.
The Kona BBQ Grilling Mat is thick and durable, and this product has been around for quite some time. Most of these Teflon mats are the same, and what sets them apart from some others is the price.
Kona mats are coated much like other mats on this list and are PTFE coated. Kona claims their mats can withstand temperatures of up to 600 degrees.
PTFE breaks down at about 572 degrees, so Kona’s claims are questionable. However, Kona does offer a 7-year warranty on this product, and their website clearly says, up to 600 degrees.
Material: Teflon
Coating: PTFE
Heat resistant: up to 600 degrees
The Aoocan grill mat set includes six strong and durable mats. This set is available in different sizes and is made of copper. The material on these mats works great, and I enjoy using them for making eggs or foods that I want to cook at high temperatures.
Material: Copper
Coating: n/a
Heat resistant: up to 500 degrees.
The Chef Caron Mats are good mats for daily use or camping trips. If you need to dispose of them, they cost less than other mats on this list.
Material: Teflon
Coating: PTFE
Heat resistant: doesn’t specify
During my research, I wanted to test a “budget” choice, so I went online and grabbed a set of the GQC grill mats. These mats are the least expensive mats I saw and I wanted to know how good or bad these mats perform on a real lie test.
I was surprised to see how well these mats performed considering how cheap they are. They worked!
The GQC mats come in a large roll, allowing you to cut them exactly to whatever shape you need. The grill mat is reusable, so the roll can last a long time. I like to use these mats when I go on trips and want something disposable. You know, to cover those dirty old public park grills.
Material: Teflon
Coating: PTFE
Heat resistant: up to 500 degrees ( but during my tests I learned they cannot handle that temperature for long )
These mats are another budget option and good for those trips to the beach where you might well dispose of them. This set is inexpensive, and you only get two mats.
Material: Teflon
Coating: PTFE
Heat resistant: up to 500 degrees
Not all grilling and cooking mats are built the same. Some are safer than others, and some grilling mats can present health risks.
To help you choose a brand that fits your cooking style, we will explain the different types and materials of mats. There are some cheap mats on the Internet that are not necessarily built using the best materials and present health risks, so I will “hammer” this topic to the ground and hopefully help you choose a good grill mat for your cooking needs and budget.
BBQ grill mats are typically made out of materials you likely already have around your kitchen. These materials include silicone, copper, and Teflon.
Teflon is known for being a material that doesn’t stick, but the way it is made has been looked at as recently as 2003. This is because Teflon can be manufactured using two chemicals, one of which can pose higher risks to people if present in high quantities. PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Ethylene) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) are two chemicals used in the manufacturing of Teflon.
Teflon is used in frying pans, baking sheets, and all kinds of cookware, including barbecue grill mats. The problem is that before 2002, PFOA was used in the making of Teflon. After the FDA banned the use of PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid-free PTFE is used instead.
PTFE coating is very common on nonstick cookware and has been in production since the 1940s. However, PFOA, which is also used to make Teflon, PFOA has been marked by the CDC and EPA as toxic and presents health risks. So in short, we want to look for grill mats that “IF” are made out of Teflon because these are traditionally less expensive and are PFOA-free.
Copper mats are my choice for many reasons, but let’s just say, I hate ANY kind of man-made chemicals around, near, or above my food. Copper is non-toxic and FDA-approved. Copper and most metals also do better at absorbing and radiating heat, which helps cook food better.
Copper mats are studier and stronger than other types of BBQ grill mats. Because copper transfers heat effectively, sometimes you even get grill marks while using the mat. Some copper mats are made of thin woven copper strands, so there might be small amounts of grease or fluid transfer.
Silicone is another material used to manufacture grill mats. Silicone is used often in mesh mats and works best when cooking at lower temperatures.
Teflon grill mats are the most common type and are all over the Internet. Teflon mats are popular for a few reasons, but mainly because they are affordable, very flexible, and easy to cut into whatever shape you want. Like all other mat types, Teflon mats are washable and reusable but not as durable as copper mats.
These mats are commonly thin fiberglass sheets with a PTFE coating.
Ok, so many wonder what the difference is between copper and Teflon mats, and whether there is a difference between these two types of mats.
Copper mats are made out of just that, actual copper. Fine thin copper strands are woven together and form a large source. There is no coating, chemicals, or sprayed stuff on these mats, just copper.
Copper is a good heat conductor, so these mats get to temperature fast and can deal with high temperatures well. The mats are also more susceptible to accidental cuts from knives or BBQ tools.
Now, here are a few downsides to copper mats. These mats don’t clean as well as Teflon mats. The surface on copper mats is not as “nonstick” as on Teflon mats, so you will have some marks and stains left on these mats. However, if you want something totally chemical-free, consider copper mats.
Teflon mats, on the other hand, are the most common material used on mats because they are easy to cut and clean easier. The PTFE coating makes these mats very smooth and a truly non-stick surface. However, you should know that PTFE starts breaking down above 550 degrees, and Teflon is a chemical. However, if used correctly, Teflon mats are safe.
Grill mats are safe, but you must follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to opt for brands that do not use PFOA. In the Buyer’s guide below I’ll go over other things to consider.
Here are some guides and things you should consider when buying a grill mat. These are also factors and attributes we used during our research to find these BBQ cooking mats.
This is the most important aspect that you want to consider when choosing a set. Most mats are available in Teflon and copper. There are pros and cons to everything in life, and that includes most grill mats.
For example, copper mats are durable, hard, stiffer, better at transferring heat, and washable. Teflon mats, on the other hand, can be damaged by heat if not used properly, but are reusable, washable, and can be cut into different shapes easily.
The biggest takeaway is to avoid mats made out of PFOA, which most grill mats don’t use anymore. But some mats still use PTFE coating, Teflon.
These mats come in different shapes and sizes. I recommend you measure your grill grates and see what size mat will work best for you. If you only want a small area of your grates covered, then smaller mats will work, but if you want a large mat for a small or portable grill you might end up cutting the grill mat set, and well, that defeats the point.
Circular grill mats are also available for those with round grill grates or kamado grills.
Different brands will boast different thickness specs and sometimes just to get your attention, but here is what I have learned from years of experience using these mats. A thicker mat will do better when cooking at high temperatures and will withstand grease fires better. The mat will be able to withstand higher temperatures better and therefore last longer.
The thickness of a BBQ grill mat is directly related to how long it will last, but that doesn’t mean it will cook better.
However, thicker grill mats are not always better. I know I just told you the positive, but hear me out. Some folks are selling cheap mats, claiming they are the best because their mats are thick. Well, let me give a piece of good advice, not only from research but from my years of using this mat. One of the best indicators of the mat’s quality is what temperatures it can withstand.
Good mats can withstand temperatures in the 500-degree Fahrenheit range and remain intact. All these mats are heat resistant, but the best can withstand temperatures high enough to even get grill marks on your food.
Grill mats are often used as a means of keeping foods from getting stuck to the grill. Sometimes grill mats are great for those camping or beach trips where you might have to use a public grill and the grates are, well, not that clean. Great addition to a camping gear kit.
If you’re looking for something to use on trips to the beach or camping, or if you intend to throw it away after a few uses, go for the less expensive generic brands. If you are planning on cooking at high temperatures, go for a more durable or more expensive copper mat.
Nonstick mats are also great for grilling vegetables, small food items like shrimp, and even eggs. If you want a daily BBQ grill mat, then opt for a heavy-duty mat.
Most grilling mats can handle temperatures ranging between 250 and 500 degrees. Higher temperatures call for thicker or tougher materials.
Consider the temperature resistance of your choice of grill mat. In this article, I included the heat resistance of each brand on the list. This might not be too much of an issue if you need a smoke mat, but on charcoal grills and gas grills, things can get hot.
There are numerous benefits to using grill mats. The two biggest advantages are converting dirty grill grates and flare-ups. They also turn your grill virtually into a griddle, making it easy to grill meals like fish, shrimp, scallops, eggs, and even pancakes.
Some want to keep their grill clean; others want to cook food evenly with no loose vegetables. With that being said, the best grill mat set is the Z Grills mat. It does everything well, cooks well, and comes at a good price.
If you enjoy camping and cooking outdoors, a good campfire cooking kit can make cooking foods and meals outdoors much easier. In this article, I will show you a list of the best campfire cooking kits based on my own years of experience camping, cooking outdoors, and handling a campfire. I also go over what to consider when buying outdoor cooking equipment and give a few tips on how to get the most out of these outdoor cooking kits.
Preparation is essential for enjoying camping to the fullest. Having the right campfire cooking gear packed and ready in your car or RV can make a world of difference when cooking over an open fire. This list is a culmination of my many years of campfire cooking expertise and camping along the Florida coast.
Not every camping trip was perfect. Actually, not every campfire was great either. It took me a few years, trips, mistakes, and trial and error to make these trips perfect and become a good campfire cook. Through the course of many years, I tested and tried over 20 different campfire cooking sets, and this article is the culmination of my years of testing notes and fails. It doesn’t matter how much you prepare; without the right open-fire cooking equipment and a good fire cooking kit, the experience can be rough.
I live in Florida, where camping, outdoor cooking, and hiking are synonymous with our state. Florida has some of the most beautiful state parks and beaches in the US. I have visited many of these state parks and done many camping trips. My favorite spot is Fort DeSoto Camp, located on the west coast of Florida near Tampa and Sarasota.
Below you will see my top recommendations for the best campfire cooking kit, and I also included a guide to highlight what you should look for in a good campfire set.
But here are my two cents on what these cooking sets should do well, specially if using nothing more than a campfire as a heat source.
First, they need to be very portable and easy to move around, fold, pack, and throw anywhere in an RV, boat, or car. I’m also looking for double functionality in separate items, and what I mean by that is that I want to see a spoon that doubles as a fork or a carrying bag that can be used as a washing sink.
I also want the cook set to have good handles. When you are cooking outside or on a campfire, you use your bear hands a lot, and if I’m using gloves, I like big handles so I can wrap my entire hand around the handles without issues.
Lastly, the more and stronger the metal, the better. This is why, unlike camp stoves, there is no knob to adjust the flame when cooking over a campfire, and flare-ups do occur. When cooking out in nature, you have to react quickly, but sometimes if the fire gets out of hand, well, you have to let the cookware in the pit.
I have seen plastic handles melt, clips break, and pots warp. So keep this in mind. I will go more in detail on other factors you should consider, such as price, later in this article.
Why our top pick?
This campfire cooking set is well built, one of the most complete campfire cooking kits on the market, and reasonably priced.
Capacity: 4 people
Number of pieces: 21
What’s included:
This Stanley campfire cooking kit for 4 has almost everything you need from your kitchen but camping. On many of my camping trips, I always forget two things that are included in this kit: a serving spoon and sporks. This set is designed with usefulness in mind. For example, instead of packing both forks and spoons, you get sporks!
I also like that it is designed to be stacked and stored neatly and securely using the bungee cord. This set comes complete with plates, bowls, and even a dish rack to keep the dishes dry after a quick wash.
GSI Outdoors has been making campfire equipment since 1985. They know how to make good and reliable campfire tools and cooking gear. The GSI camping cook set does not include sporks and spoons as the Stanley does, but this brand makes these campfire cooking kits sort of modular. That is, you can start with the most basic camping cookware and add more pieces as you go.
This set is more for those who like to make soups and stews, and I prefer their pots over other brands because of the handles. It is easy to grab the foldable handle, grab a pot, and dump hot water through the lid’s holes.
Capacity: 2 to 4 people
Number of pieces: 8
What’s included:
I love using cast iron tools and cookware, and this kit is built like a rock. This seven-piece campfire cooking bundle isn’t pretty, shiny, or fancy, but it can be a good fit if you want to throw some iron on direct fire and worry about damage.
Cast iron is durable and although it takes longer to heat up and arguably needs a more power fire to heath up the thicker metal, once is hot is hot and can get hot enough to fry and bake foods without getting damaged.
What I like about this set, besides it being made of strong cast iron, is that I can and often do use these pots in my home kitchen. The frying pan and the skillet are heavily used on my house stove. I can also use it with my home oven or, on clear, cool Florida days, prepare food outside.
The MEETSUN Camping cooking kit is a large set and our budget pick. It comes complete with 37 pieces, including large pans, camping kettles, knives, forks, and spoons, all fit in a carry-on bag. This set is good for up to six people, and it’s great for larger gatherings and cooking for larger groups.
It isn’t necessarily the most durable or strongest option, but if you are on a budget and want lots of pieces, this budget set can be a good option.
Capacity: 6 people
Number of pieces: 37
What’s included:
The KingCamp is available in 17- and 25-piece bundles. It works great with a campfire, a tripod, a stove, or even a bonfire. The set is lightweight and easy to stack and carry in its bags. This pots will also work great on a stove or oven.
Capacity: 3 people
Number of pieces: 17 or 25
What’s included (25 piece bundle):
The GSI Outdoors Glacier set is a great choice for couples or individuals who want an outdoor cooking set that is small and lightweight with just the basics. Nothing fancy to see here, just the basics. You get a cooking pot, bowls, and folding sporks.
Yet, this is enough gear to cook over a live fire or grate. Outdoor cooking is a lot of fun and lets you get creative, but some people don’t need 40 pieces of camping cooking gear to get the job done, and they are easy to fit in a backpack.
Capacity: 2 people
Number of pieces: 7
What’s included:
The best campfire cooking kits include everything from tableware to serving plates. Be sure that the kit you choose has all the items you need, some “lower-end” kits will not include utensils and accessories like a carrying bag. I included in this article everything that is included in each kit, making it easy for you to make your selection and choose the best campfire cooking setup to suit your needs.
OK people, I know that we all want to use camping flashlights as shovels, but don’t expect a cheap set of cast iron pans to work well over an open fire. Some of these campfire cooking kits specify if they can be used over an open fire or not. Stainless steel cooking pots and pans do well over an open fire, but those thin composite pots do not.
A strong fire can damage even cast iron cookware, so it’s important that we not only use these tools as intended but also manage fire pits well to get the most out of our gear.
Most open-fire cooking equipment is easy to store. The kits I have included in this list are built so you can easily stack them up and store them until it’s time to cook. Look for a cooking kit that can be stacked up and stored; it’ll make things easier. You don’t want to give these tools a chance to corrode, and you also don’t want to leave them out on public sites.
The quality of the product is important, and material quality is the name of the game. When looking for a good set, pay attention to the material used to build the pots, handles, and tableware. Stainless steel kits will last a long time and work well over an open flame.
Cast iron does well, but it does need to be kept “seasoned” or oiled or it will rust. I have a cast-iron pan that has been with me for years. I use it over an open flame to sear steaks. Cast iron cookware is durable but can be heavy. Again, if you take the time to take care of cast iron pans and cast iron cookware, they will last.
Also, pay attention to the specs of some of these kits. There is some camping equipment that cannot be used with direct fire. I like to cook using cast iron cookware, but one big downside is that it is heavier. The best campfire cooking kits will handle more heat than less expensive options.
We can all agree that campfires are a fun part of our outdoor trips. It’s one of the most memorable aspects of camping. These are my humble suggestions on what essential items your next camping cooking set should include. Take into consideration the meals you like to cook and ensure you consider having the cookware listed below.
While some foods can be thrown on a hot grate over hot coals or a campfire pot, other foods cannot. A frying pan can be used for toasting bread, cooking meats, and making side dishes.
I use my frying pan to cook eggs, pancakes, and, of course, bacon. A frying pan is very useful and enables you to cook a wider range of dishes and recipes.
I have used cooking pots for boiling water, cooking vegetables, and preparing big stews. Cooking pots are versatile and can even double as sink to clean dirty dishes.
A cooking pot is a handy cooking tool. I have my share of issues at the campsite and have been able to heat water using a pot for quick showers. Yes, I’ve been there.
If you like to cook lots of soups and stews large cookware is always nice to have.
Kits that include serving spoons, spatulas, and cutting boards are always praised and favored. Utensils like forks are very useful. Cooking tools such as tongs and cooking boards are also nice to have. I also like to bring a set of sticks for making skewers to make camping dinners more diverse.
Consider the utensils material, many brands use plastic composites to manufacture utensils and those can get damaged or melt if left near a very hot campfire.
Plates and bowls are very useful and, well, you need to put your food somewhere. Surely, you can purchase plates and bowls separately, but when they are included, it is quite nice. In some kits, when the bowls and plates are included, they fit inside the bigger pots for easy storage.
Most camping cookware is made so that it can be stacked neatly and put in a bag. This is a huge convenience, and I recommend getting a set with a storage bag. I like to keep my tools nicely put away and protected until it’s time to cook.
The camping kits on this list comprise fantastic items to help you enjoy the great outdoors on your next camping trip. The following is a list of items that I always bring on trips and have learned to always bring after years of traveling. Some of these bundles have enough utensils and equipment for any camping style, but the items below take it a level higher.
These portable stoves can be used for so many things, including cooking, of course. I always pack one, even if I end up not needing it. Some people prefer to build a campfire grill using rocks and a grill grate, but these stoves make things easier, and faster.
A Dutch oven is one of the most versatile tools you can have in a campfire cooking set and should be part of your camping setup. You can make rice, fry, cook stews, and even use it to warm up food. As their name implies, these things can be as useful as a large oven and can be used on direct fire.
It is much simpler to use a firestarter, lighter, or even fire-starting blocks, particularly if the wood and timber around you are wet.
A fire starter kit:
Not only are cooking lighting accessories useful for cooking safely at night, but they can also be used around the campsite. These lights are more durable than household LED lights and small flashlights.
A pair of cooking lights is sufficient to illuminate your cooking area and allow you to see what you’re doing.
You’ll be surprised at the amount of food and dishes you can prepare on a good pizza stone. Stones absorb a lot of heat and transfer it well, making them a good hot surface to cook on. It’s like taking a pizza oven with you, but easier to carry to a camp.
You will be moving pots around, handling tools, and dealing with fire. It is a good idea to add a good pair of cooking gloves to your cooking equipment list and pack more than a pair on your next camping trip.
Also cast iron tools, skillets and griddle tops can get extremely hot and is a good idea to have a good pair of gloves to protect your hands.
I’m a bit old-school, and I just use an old cast iron grate, but campfire cooking grates are easier to set up with a campfire grill as they have folding legs or a stand to secure them. Most have foldable legs and do not need blocks or rocks to support them off the ground. These grates help support multiple cooking pots, deep dish plates, and even a coffee pot, making them very handy in a campfire cook set.
Aluminum pans are great for meal prepping and even serving food, but what makes them useful is their versatility and ease of cleaning.
I go to places like Ikea and online and get 79-cent rags or packs of cheap racks and throw them in a bag. Cleaning rags are a best friend around the campsite, and one can never have enough.
You will need dish soap regardless, but the soap should be biodegradable. We all want to keep enjoying the outdoors, and we all want to keep the environment safe. Using biodegradable or environmentally friendly soap is a great way to protect the environment.
I live in Florida, and let me tell you, mosquitoes are a pain here. When I go on a camping trip, I pack some mosquito repellent spray and a few mosquito repellent candles. The campfire helps, but one can never be too prepared. I would recommend packing a good survival kit with bug spray.
Sometimes I get lucky and my camping site is near a potable water source. I like to bring water containers with me and fill them up with water if I am far from a water source.
Cooking mats
The good thing about a grate cooking mat is that you can grab any old grate and turn it into a clean cooking surface.
Live Fire cooking is one of the greatest experience you can share with your friends and family. The skills involved and the opportunities for flavors is amazing plus I enjoy the chats around the campfire.
I really enjoy the rustic nature of campfire and it amazes me how something as simple as a fire pit can be turned into a a full kitchen. Take for example a dutch oven, it can be used to make rice, soups, and even fry chicken, all with just fire.
The meals tend to get a hint of smoke flavor which is a plus in my book.
There are few campfire tips I want to share with you before we wrap up this article. First, starting a campfire, make sure it is allowed in your area. States like Florida might ban fires during severe draught conditions [ 1 ]. Many states have Fire Danger Maps or Fire Danger Index ( FDI ) to indicate current conditions.
Second, keep the campfire at least 25 feet from structures, flammable items or anything that can easily catch fire or be damaged by heat [ 2 ].
Lastly, have a fire extinguisher near the campfire just in case, and I also like to have a shovel to cover any hot wood. I encourage you to review a complete list of campfire tips from the National Fire Protection Association, which I have included for your convenience. I strongly recommend you always bring a first aid kit or survival kit since you are outdoors and also working with live fire.
When looking for open-fire cooking set, consider who you intend to use the cooking kit for. Some of you want a kit with as many pieces as possible, while others only want the essentials.
As far as the best campfire cooking kit, we pick the Stanley Base Camp cooking kit as it is of good quality and has all the cookware you need to cook a good meal on your next camping adventure. If you want a durable and strong product, then the Bruntmore set is a great choice.
Login