Hickory vs Mesquite are by far two of the most popular types of wood to use on the smoker. They’re used for many similar foods, but they impart a different flavor profile onto your BBQ.

Here we’ll explain how we compare hickory and mesquite. Read on to learn the differences and similarities between these two types of BBQ smoking wood!

Hickory vs Mesquite – Overview

Hickory – What You Need To Know

Hickory wood has a medium flavor strength that pairs well with pork, though it can also be used on chicken and beef when grilling.

The Hickory wood, which is known for its robustness and smoky taste, is widely considered a medium-strength wood.

Despite the fact that it does not have its own distinct flavor profile -the way certain woods like apple and maple do – it is known for its impact on the flavor of smoked meat, especially bacon.

Upon being exposed to the smoke of hickory for a while, you become accustomed to its vaguely sweet, intensely fragrant flavor.

Since hickory is a medium-strength smokey flavor wood that has a little bit of sweetness to it, it makes it a very versatile wood that can be used in conjunction with just about any type of meat on the grill or smoker.

Mesquite – What You Need To Know

Mesquite on the other hand definitely falls into the “strong” category.

It is best used for meat cuts, particularly brisket, that have big flavors that can hold up to strong smokey flavor.

Mesquite-smoked foods, when cooked properly, are so delicious and full of rich smokey flavor that even diners who haven’t tried them before will recognize the flavor the moment they bite into them.

A lighter wood like apple or pecan is often mixed with it to tone down the intensity for less strong foods. When smoking mesquite for the first time, amateurs should be cautious.

There is a certain amount of caution even among BBQ masters because it can overwhelm even a small amount of ingredients. Furthermore, its use should be reserved for low and slow cooking processes.

Which Foods Are Best For Hickory?

The fact that it goes naturally with bacon means that hickory pairs well with most pork cuts. Additionally, it enhances the natural sweetness of beef, and it gives a nice depth to chicken, especially dark meat cuts like drumsticks and thighs.

Interestingly, some grillers have even used hickory to smoke fish and cheese, which can turn out quite tasty when done right.

Which Foods Are Best For Mesquite?

The flavor of mesquite is renowned in Texas, where it is almost exclusively used for hearty beef cuts. Most frequently, mesquite wood is paired with brisket.

However, you can also use mesquite for smoked chuck roasts, beef ribs, or even pork ribs if you want to lay on the smokey flavor.

In addition to intensifying the smoky qualities of pulled pork, this wood can also be used together with a mellower wood to further enhance the taste.

This really is a strong flavored wood that you need to be careful when choosing what to cook with it.

Does Size Make A Difference?

The optimal wood size you should use depends on the type of grill or smoker you have.

Especially when you use a gas or charcoal grill, wood chips or pellets are best for adding smokey flavor. Wood chips burn quickly, so you need to replace them frequently.

We recommend against using them for large cuts like briskets or pork shoulders unless you are infusing other types of wood with their flavor. 

Next, we have wood pellets, which are composed of compressed hardwoods that have been ground into sawdust and reshaped into small cylinders.

If you have a pellet smoker, this is your fuel of choice, since you will have more access to the flavors that come from the wood pellets and how they affect the meat. However, these can also be used in conjunction with a pellet tube smoker on other grill types.

It’s important to remember that chunks of wood work similar to wood chips, but they are bigger and last longer when smoked. This makes them an excellent choice for charcoal grills and offset smokers.

For large offset smokers, split logs provide both heat and flavor. They are the largest of all logs. When you are smoking large amounts of meat and the wood has to burn for hours on end, they are the best choice.

The use of this wood is typical for big festivals if they have a long-lasting program that involves serving food for a long period of time.

Final Thoughts

So which is better? Each has its place in the world of BBQ. The good news is that you can try both!

In fact, we’d recommend that you try both hickory and mesquite at some point – smoke a brisket with mesquite this time and hickory next time so you can taste the difference for yourself.

With virtually any barbecue dish, hickory makes a great choice. Discover your signature flavor with fruitwood and different types of meats.

Hickory vs mesquite burn at about the same rate, so this should be your first point of reference. Because of that, you will not have to adjust your cooking time based on which wood you use.

It will taste nicely balanced if you haven’t over-smoked. The type of wood that you have used can only be determined by experts like you. Smoky undertones could be noticed by some, but others will fail to notice.

The lighter meats should be smoked with mild wood, while the heavier meats should be smoked with stronger wood.

Smoking chicken, fish, or even ribs and pork shoulder with mesquite may be too overpowering. However, you should give it a try.

In general, mesquite does not give meat the same rich color as hickory. Each of these woods smokes well and has its own distinctive flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hickory Or Mesquite Better For Brisket?

As mesquite burns much faster, it’s best to add it at the beginning or at the end in small amounts to avoid overpowering the hickory smoke flavor or making the meat bitter.

Brisket has a richer taste, so it can handle strong smoky flavors. You will typically come to find that mesquite is paired with brisket the most and it delivers great flavor every single time.

Can You Mix Hickory And Mesquite Together?

To make your food taste good, you can mix hickory and mesquite together. Using a mix of hickory and mesquite offers a good middle ground if you’re not sure whether to use either one.

Consequently, you will have a smoke blend that is not as strong as mesquite but contains more flavor than hickory.

Where Can You Get Hickory And Mesquite?

Hickory vs Mesquite are both readily available at grocery stores around the country.

Nowadays, it’s pretty easy to pick some up online too. Places like Amazon and specialty stores can ship your preferred wood type straight to your doorstep.

Most Versatile BBQ Wood

Smoak Firewood Hickory Cooking Wood Logs

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Can You Use Too Much Wood?

You will want to be careful not to overpower the flavor that you add yourself by using too much wood. You should only use mesquite wood sparingly if you have never smoked meat before, or if you have only used the weaker woods. 

You may want to soak dry hickory pieces in water beforehand or burn larger pieces before cooking. The taste of food can be ruined by too much hickory wood smoke.

It is best to use it in conjunction with another wood at a ratio of perhaps twenty percent hickory to eighty percent other wood.

It’s important to be cautious when using these woods or any wood for that matter because the smoke from these woods will bury the raw natural flavors of the meat.

For this reason, before you start cooking, make sure you use the right amount. You will be able to serve your guests a great-tasting meal if you decide to use the right amount of wood.

The post Hickory vs Mesquite for Smoking BBQ appeared first on Own The Grill.

However, with so many grills available on the market, picking the right grill out can be difficult, especially if you’re torn between the Traeger Ironwood vs Pro Series models.

After all, the characteristics, capacities, and purposes of both grills are almost identical.

To help you better understand what each type of grill offers, we have put together this guide. Here, we will teach you everything you need to know about both types of Traeger grills, so you can make the best decision for your needs, preferences, and budget.

If this sounds like something that could come in useful to you, be sure to keep reading!

What Are Traeger Grills?

You may already have heard of Traeger, but before we start looking at the Ironwood and Pro Series Grills Traeger produces it is probably a good idea to get a better understanding of who Traeger are and what we can expect from their grills. 

Traeger grills came about in 1985, when Joe Traeger, Traeger’s founder, accidentally burned his 4th of July chicken on his gas barbecue. This made him realize that he could do things a lot better and that’s exactly what he did.

Later that year Traeger Grills was born, and Joe Traeger invented the world’s first wood pellet grill.

In the years since, Traeger has developed and released more and more pellet grills to the market, with each one being designed with the latest grill technologies to ensure the best possible performance. 

In regards to what we can expect from any Traeger Grill, Traeger has an impressive reputation. They are typically known for making incredibly reliable grills that cook meat to perfection, needing little effort from us.

With a Traeger grill, you can expect reliable, great results every time. While their grills use wood as their fuel source, Trager has ensured that their grill still has digital control to simplify the cooking process.

From a whole host of grills, two of the most popular models are the Ironwood and Pro Series grill. These are the two we will be looking at.

The Grills We Will Be Comparing

There are a number of different grills that make up both series of these Traeger Grills. So that we don’t overload you with information we will just focus on two of the most popular grills from each series.

From the Ironwood series, we will be talking about:

Ironwood 650

Ironwood 885

From the Pro Series, we will be discussing:

Pro 575 

Pro 780

Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Wood Pellet Grill and Smoker with WIFI Smart Home Technology, Black

• 885 sq. in. cooking surface area
• Advanced WiFi capabilities so you can manage all aspects of your cook from your phone
• Also available on BBQGuys

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Traeger Ironwood vs Pro Series (What We Need To Consider)

The easiest way to compare Traeger’s Ironwood and Pro Series pellet grills is to consider their most important features and functionality. By doing so we will be able to gain a better understanding of what the two grills offer and how they are different.

To do this we will look at key things like capacity, cooking features, accessories, and how moveable each grill is.

Let’s take a look at the first point of interest!

Cooking Capacity

Most compact pellet grills are easy to move around your backyard, but they don’t usually have a very large capacity when it comes to cooking.

This shortcoming significantly impacts what you can do with your grill and how much food you can cook at a time. This typically leads to longer grilling times and very frustrated party guests.

Luckily, if you decide to purchase a Traeger Ironwood or Traeger Pro Series grill you won’t have this problem. Both the Traeger Ironwood and Traeger Pro are decent-sized grills that aren’t that compact.

Depending on which model you pick, you can expect to enjoy a large cooking space ranging from 575 square inches to 885 square inches. 

In terms of the Pro Series grills, the Pro 575 has a capacity of 575 square inches, and the Pro 780 has 780 square inches (can you see the theme yet?).

When it comes to the Ironwood grills, yep you guessed right, the Ironwood 650 has 650 square inches, and the Ironwood 885 has 885 square inches.

As you can see from these figures, the Ironwood 885 is the best grill for high-capacity grilling. On the other hand, the Pro 575 is better for low-capacity cooking.

Traeger Pro Series 575 WiFi Pellet Grill

• 572 sq. in. of cooking surface area & 18 lb hopper capacity
• 180-500ºF temperature range
• WiFi capabilities allow you to manage your cook from your phone

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Top Features 

Pellet grills always come with a wide range of useful features that either make the grilling process a lot easier or simply make the grill a more appealing purchase. These features can be crucial when it comes to deciding which grill you want to buy.

In terms of the Traeger Ironwood and Pro Series grills, both models offer very similar features. These features include:

• TurboTemp
• D2 Controller
• WiFIRE capabilities
• Hopper cleanout door
• Lockable, all-terrain wheels

If you choose to buy an Ironwood Traeger grill, you can also expect to receive a grill that has a pellet sensor, a side shelf, and a Super Smoke Mode. 

It is also good to know that the Traeger Pro has a built-in chimney. The Ironwood models don’t have this type of exhaust.

Let’s now look at how these features impact the overall performance and functionality of each grill.

TurboTemp

If you’ve used a grill before then you more than likely know the frustration that comes with waiting for the grill to preheat to your required temperature.

Generally speaking, propane-fueled grills reach desired temperatures pretty quickly, but wood pellet or charcoal-fueled grills tend to take a lot longer and can be a lot more challenging to get right.

Traeger’s neat TurboTemp feature helps to speed up the time it takes for the grills to reach a specific temperature. It also makes them capable of holding temperatures within a range of 5°.

This level of preciseness makes your grilling experience a lot safer, quicker, and enjoyable. Since all Ironwood and Pro Series Traeger grills are equipped with this feature they are both level on this score.

D2 Controller and WiFIRE

Both the Ironwood and Pro Series grills are fitted with a D2 controller. This makes it a lot easier for home grillers to operate the grill. This feature has a decent-sized display screen, selection feature, and ignite button to allow speedy operation.

The only difference between the two models when it comes to the D2 controller is that the Pro Series has fewer buttons.

The Ironwood grills have one up over the Pro Series grills because they include a handy timer button, and the ability to set the grill to ‘keep warm’ and ‘standby’.

There is also a Super Smoke button on Ironwood’s D2 controller. This allows the user to fill the grilling chamber with extra smoke to give their food a more intense smoky flavor.

WiFIRE technology allows you to control your grill’s operations and temperature remotely through the Traeger app. This makes it even easier for grill masters to operate the grill whilst also enjoying the party with family and friends. 

Both types of Traeger grill are fitted with this feature.

Hopper Cleanout Door

It’s fair to say the worst part of any grilling session is cleaning your grill out afterward. Removing all the pellet ash from the grill can be an arduous task as the most common types of pellet grill only have small chutes and solid immovable walls. 

Traeger has made life easier for us all by adding features to the designs of both Ironwood and Pros Series grills that reduce this problem.

To help us easily empty the grill, Traeger has fitted each grill with a hopper door. This nifty feature makes it a lot easier to remove the ash from the grill.

Found on the right-hand side of each grill, once the grill is cool, users can simply lift the grill to slide any ash and waste pellets out. Though this is quite easy, we must say this is a little more challenging with the Ironwood as it has no side handle.

Pellet Fill-Level Sensor

Unlike the Traeger Pro Series grills, the Ironwood comes with a useful pellet sensor. This pellet sensor allows users to monitor the grill’s fuel level remotely.

This feature comes in incredibly useful which is why you should always look out for it if you grill large quantities of meat or grill fairly often. 

Found inside the grill’s pellet hopper, the sensor can occasionally malfunction when the levels of smoke get too high. Having said that, the tool is believed to be extremely reliable, guaranteeing maximum efficiency.

Side Shelf

A handy feature that can come with your grill is a side shelf. A side shelf is a perfect place to hold any essential grilling tools you may need during the grilling process.

Having all of this conveniently in one place makes it a lot easier to keep your things organized and speeds up your ability to grill.

The Ironwood grills from Traeger come with a shelf that holds tools really well. This shelf also has hooks that make it even easier to hang up your tongs and grilling brushes. 

Although the Pro Series grills don’t have a side shelf, it is important to note that in its place they have a handle. This makes it a lot easier to move the grill around or clean out the hopper.

All-Terrain Wheels and Mobility

Both the Ironwood and Pro Series Traeger grills have all-terrain wheels. These wheels are useful because they give the user more freedom to move the grill around without having to struggle.

This can be very useful when it comes to storing away the grill when summer has ended. 

When you consider that both types of grill weigh approximately 150lbs this makes so much sense. To transport, move, or simply put your grill in place would be extremely tiring and difficult without the addition of strong wheels. 

Personally, we believe this is one of the most important features a grill can come equipped with.

Traeger Ironwood Vs Pro Series: What Are The Differences?

The main distinction between the Traeger Ironwood and Pro Series grills is in their designs. The Traeger Pro 575 and 780 have a chimney exhaust pipe, unlike the Ironwood grills which have a downdraft exhaust vent.

The Traeger Pro Series grills also don’t have the Super Smoke feature. As a result of these design features, the Pro Series models of Trager grill does not produce as strong a smoke flavor.

Another difference between the two types of Traeger Grill is that the Ironwood grills are equipped with a handy shelf to place all of your cooking essentials and some food.

The Traeger Pro grills don’t have this feature, so a side table may be required. Instead of this feature, the Pro grills come with a useful handle to help move and empty the hopper. The Ironwood grills don’t have this feature.

Yet another key difference between the two is the difference in cooking capacity. Traeger’s Ironwood 885 grill has a capacity of 885 square inches, whilst the Pro 780 only has 780 square inches. That is 100 square inches of more cooking space!

However, the price also has to be taken into consideration. The Traeger Ironwood Grills may have more cooking capacity and a few extra handy features, but they also cost hundreds of dollars more than the Pro Series grills.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it is something that should be considered, especially if you’re running on a tight budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Traeger Grills Worth It?

Yes, Traeger Grills are definitely worth it. Traeger Grills may be expensive, but this is only because they are designed with more advanced technology that makes the grilling experience a lot more enjoyable and more importantly easier.

How Hot Do Traeger Ironwood Grills Get?

To account for all of your grilling and smoking needs, the Traeger Ironwood grills are capable of reaching heat from 165° to 500°. With such a big range in temperatures, you have the versatility needed to meet all of your grilling and smoking needs with little effort.

How Often Should You Clean Your Traeger Grill? 

To make sure your grill works correctly for longer, we recommend cleaning the grill thoroughly once for every 5 times you use it. By doing this your grill will be easier to maintain, living a longer, happier life.

Final Thoughts

So what do you think? On the whole, we think both the Traeger Ironwood and Traeger Pro grills are amazing choices. They are both wood pellet-styled grills that offer wonderfully competitive cooking capabilities in a unit that is stylish, easy to use, and packed with features. 

Now you’ve read through our guide, you hopefully have a better idea of what the Traeger Ironwood and Traeger Pro grills offer and how they compare to each other.

With a bit of luck, we have even helped you lean towards the grill that might suit your needs and requirements perfectly. If not, why not take the points from our guide and start comparing them with other grills you find yourself interested in? Good luck!

The post Traeger Ironwood vs Pro Series Pellet Grills – What’s the Difference? appeared first on Own The Grill.

That’s not necessarily the case with the Weber Q1200.  Weber designed this grill with the intention of providing an outdoor cooker that could easily be taken on the go, but without sacrificing quality or your ability to grill incredibly delicious foods.

In this article, we’ll do a deep dive into this grill and provide our complete, unbiased Weber Q1200 review.  By the end you should have a really good idea of everything this grill has to offer and whether or not it’s a great fit for you!

Weber – Quick Brand Overview

Before we get into the Weber Q1200 review, it’s worth taking a moment to give you a little bit of background on the Weber brand.

They’ve been a staple in the grilling community for decades now.  In 1952 Weber’s founder, George Stephen, invented the kettle grill, which at the time revolutionized the grilling game.  The buoy shaped design turned out to be a fantastic charcoal cooker, and a business was built around the success of the original kettle grill.

Over the ensuing years and decades to follow, Weber has been a leader in terms of innovation and progress in the outdoor cooking industry.  They manufacturer some of the best charcoal grills and gas grills on the market, and have recently ventured into the world of pellet grills with their SmokeFire Series.

Their products are known for quality.  One of the most common frustrations of buying cheaply made grills is that they leak heat or have hot spots, making it impossible to deliver consistently tasty food.  Weber prides themself on the construction process.  All of their grills are made from high quality, professional grade materials.

Weber also puts their money where their mouth is.  They consistently lap the field with their warranty protection.  All of their grills are covered by either a 10 year or 5 year warranty (the Q1200 has a 5 year warranty).  Either way, both of those time frames are far greater than what most other grill manufacturers offer.

To sum it up, Weber is a brand that you shouldn’t be afraid to associate with.  They have a fantastic reputation and are known for quality, innovation, and great customer service.

Weber Q1200 Review

Weber Q1200 Liquid Propane Grill

• 189 sq. in. cooking surface area
• Weighs only 30 pounds
• Two side tables provide extra organization and serving space

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The Weber Q1200 Propane Gas Grill is one of Weber’s most versatile cookers, and technically qualifies as both a portable and tabletop gas grill.  Most of the time with those types of grills, some sort of sacrifice has to be made in order to achieve the convenience of on the go grilling.

That’s not necessarily the case with the Weber Q1200.  Performance wise, it has enough horsepower to handle most every grilling duty while also remaining compact enough to easily travel with.

It’s powered by 1 pound liquid propane canisters, which fuel one high quality stainless steel circular shaped burner.  The burner is capable of producing 8,500 BTUs of heat output to comfortably heat the 189 square inch cooking area.  The cooking grates are made of porcelain enameled cast iron and are an ideal surface to grill on.  They do a fantastic job of retaining and distributing heat, and they are also quite easy to clean.

An easy start ignition and highly adjustable burner valves make setting up your fire and controlling your temperature easy and simple.  The lid hinges are extra smooth and easy to operate – all of these factors contribute to an overall ease of use of the Q1200 that rivals just about any grill.

Two side tables provide a generous amount of organization and work space for you to utilize while you grill.  Most portable grills don’t have side tables so in that regard, the Weber Q1200 is superior.

With dimensions of 15.5 H x 40.9 W x 16.5 D and a weight of only 30 pounds, it’s a bona fide portable grill.  You can easily take this cooker on the go with you to the campsite or your tailgate party.  When it’s time to clean up, a built in grease management system helps for you to get the cleanup process over with in a jiffy.

When juices drip off of your meat, the grease management system naturally captures and funnels the grease down to a catch pan.  The pan sits underneath the cook box at a safe distance, and can be easily removed for cleaning when necessary.

All around, the Weber Q1200 is the exact grill you want to take with you in an on the go situation.  There’s not much to dislike with this grill.  You’re afforded the ability and quality of a full sized, freestanding grill but with the convenience of a portable grill.  And if you’re into styling up your grill, it’s offered in a handful of different traditional and fun colors!

Things We Like

• Powerful stainless steel burner and cast iron cooking grate translate to excellent cooking abilities
• Compact footprint and lightweight design are easy to take on the go
• Lid and body are made of high quality cast aluminum and do a fantastic job of retaining heat
• 189 square inches of cooking surface area is generous for a portable grill
• Two side tables provide lots of extra organization and serving space
• Built in grease management system eliminates lots of clean up hassle
• Easy start ignition, highly adjustable burner valve, and smooth lid hinges
• Comes in lots of different fun colors
• Covered by a 5 year warranty

Things We Don’t

• Might sound nit-picky, but the one burner setup means you are limited to one temperature zone cooking
• No locking lid, which we’d like to see on a portable grill.  You can still carry it around easily but it just requires 2 hands.

Weber Q1200 Specifications

Here are the specs on the Weber Q1200:

• Main Burners: 8,500 BTUs
• Burner Type: Stainless Steel
• Dimensions: 15.5″H X 40.9″W X 16.5″D (lid closed and tables out), 24.6″H X 40.9″W X 20.5″D (lid open and tables out)
• Cooking Surface Area: 189 square inches
• Fuel Type: Liquid Propane (1 lb cylinders)
• Grates: Porcelain enameled cast iron
• Warranty: 5 years (cook box surface, lid, burners, grates, plastic), 2 years (all remaining parts)

Add-Ons

One of the best things about Weber is that for all of their grills, they offer a robust selection of add on accessories to elevate your base unit.  The Weber Q1200 is no different, with great add ons offered including:

• Premium tool set
• Griddle cooking surface
• Portable cart (to convert to freestanding grill)
• Premium grill cover

More Resources to Check Out

Here are a few other resources worth checking out if you’re considering the Weber Q1200.  We’ve done extensive reviews on other portable grills and Weber grills here:

• Best portable grills
• Best table top grills
• Weber Spirit vs Genesis
• Weber E210 vs E310

And for all of my visual learners out there, here’s a great video showcasing the cooking ability of the Weber Q1200.

Weber Q1200 Review – Final Thoughts

I hope this Weber Q1200 review has helped to clear up your search for the right grill for you!  It’s a great on the go grill, with powerful burners and other features built to set you up for success.

At the end of the day, it’s a fantastic situational grill made by a quality brand.  Price wise, it’s not going to break the bank either!

Did you end up getting the Q1200?  How do you like it?  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!

The post Weber Q1200 Propane Grill Review – Our Thoughts Weber’s Most Popular Portable Grill appeared first on Own The Grill.

After all, what is wrong with good old-fashioned wood and coals?

In actual fact, the beauty of the pellet grill is that it takes some of the good from traditional charcoal grilling and makes it easier and more reliable.

Wood pellet grills offer consistency and convenience, without losing any of the flavor or fun of traditional grilling. If you want to find out exactly how they work, then read on!

Understanding How a Pellet Grill Works

What Are Wood Pellets?

The most obvious difference between a wood pellet grill and any other type of backyard unit is the fuel source. Pellet grills are fuelled by wood pellets made from compressed sawdust.

The pellets are cylindrical in shape, and approximately pill-sized. They are made for culinary purposes and so are non toxic and contain high quality, natural wood. They should not be confused with industrial wood pellets intended for heating only.

What Are The Benefits Of Wood Pellets?

When compared to charcoal, wood chunks or chips, gas grills and electric grills, wood pellets offer a number of notable advantages.

Economic & Efficient

Firstly, because they are made of compressed wood pulp, pellets are densely packed and therefore highly efficient. They contain less moisture and more energy than wood chunks, and therefore burn for much longer.

A 40 pound bag of wood pellets will last you much longer than the equivalent weight in logs and sticks, and will cost you less than a bag of premium charcoal.

Clean Smoke

As pellets combust without the need for charcoal, they produce clean, blue smoke that is not dirty or bitter tasting. This smoke is ideal  for slow cooking meat over a low heat for several hours, and results in deliciously tender and smoky results.

Consistency

As the pellets are all uniform in shape, size and density, and are funnelled into the firebox automatically, they are able to produce consistent temperatures and sustain them for extended periods of time.

This, in turn, benefits the texture and consistency of the meat.

Good Flavor

Depending on the type of wood used in the pellets, they have  different aromas and flavors.

These flavors can be chosen specifically to compliment the meat or food that is being cooked, as the smoke will infuse into it and add another flavor dimension. Different types of wood can even be mixed in order to create a ‘blend’. 

Less Mess

Charcoal fires create lots of dirty soot and ash that has to be cleaned up at the end of any party. While wood pellets create ash, it is cleaner and is contained within the firebox.

Most pellet grills have an ash dispenser system too, whereby the ash can be removed easily and emptied without the rest of the grill being affected.

Hands-Free Functionality

One of the key advantages of wood pellet grills is their ease of use. Rather than having to tend to a charcoal fire, stoke the flames and load up the logs, the pellets are fed continuously into the firebox by the auger, so you don’t have to lift a finger.

As long as the hopper has been sufficiently filled, you can even leave these grills to work their magic overnight, and they will not die out or waver in the slightest.

What Are The Parts Of A Pellet Grill?

So, now that you understand what the benefits of a pellet grill include, let’s take a tour of its component parts.

The Hopper

The hopper is the chamber into which the wood pellets are loaded. The capacity of the hopper will affect how many pellets can be loaded at any one time, and therefore the length of time that your grill will be self-sufficient for until it needs topping up.

The Auger

The auger is a screw-shaped mechanism which twists automatically in order to funnel the pellets from the hopper into the firebox. It needs to be good quality and reliable to prevent annoying blockages.

The Firepot

The firepot is where the pellets are heated by a hotrod until they combust and ignite. Once lit, the fire burns steadily and constantly in the pot, producing clean, blue smoke and heat, which are both channelled into the cooking chamber.

The Cooking Chamber

The cooking chamber is the main grill. It looks like a regular grill with racks and a domed lid or hood that is closed in order to keep the heat and smoke trapped.

The meat and food that is being grilled or smoked is placed directly on the racks, and left to slowly cook through.

The lid of the cooking chamber should seal closed, and usually has a thermometer on the outside which lets you know what temperature the chamber has hit.

The Water Pan

The water pan is not on most pellet smokers but it is a fixture on some. it usually sits in the base of the cooking chamber and is used as a heat regulator and a cooking aid. It can be filled with pure water, or seasoned water, and as the liquid heats up it turns to steam.

This steam helps to keep the meat moist and also adds flavor.

The Chimney & Dampers

The smoke and steam have to escape the chamber to prevent it from overheating, and they do this via the chimney. The chimney allows old smoke to leave so that new smoke can enter the chamber and the cycle can continue. 

The dampers are vents located at the top and bottom of the unit. They allow you to control the temperature of the pellet grill.

The lower damper draws oxygen into the firebox, causing the flames to grow and intensify. The upper damper lets hot air out of the central chamber.

If you close your lower dampers, you can lower the temperature of your grill. If you close all your dampers, you will kill your fire. If you open your bottom damper, you will increase the temperature of your grill.

How Do You Use A Pellet Grill?

Having gone through all the component parts of a pellet grill, let’s look at how you use it in order to get the most out of it.

Step 1: Fill The Hopper

The first step when using any pellet grill is to fill the hopper with your chosen wood pellets. The bigger the hopper, the more pellets it will hold, allowing you longer to relax and hang out with your friends and family.

The hopper can be topped up during the cook without causing any disturbance to the cooking process, as it has its own, remote access door.

Step 2: Fill The Water Pan (Optional)

Before igniting any flames, it is important that your water pan is filled and in place, as this is a heat regulator and moisture source. The cooking chamber will become overly hot and dry without this crucial element. 

Step 3: Get The Grill Started

To power up your wood pellet grill, it is simply a case of plugging in and switching on. Most pellet grills have a digital LCD display, like the Camp Chef Woodwind Series, however this is not an essential feature.

The power button will automatically turn the auger and begin feeding pellets into the firebox, where the hot rod will heat and ignite them.

Camp Chef Woodwind WIFI 24 Pellet Grill with Sidekick

• Sidekick supports pizza oven, griddle, & sear box attachments
• 811 sq. in. of cooking surface area to work with across two levels
• Intuitive LED control panel and WiFi capabilities

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Step 4: Heat The Cooking Chamber

You need to allow your cooking chamber to reach its optimum temperature before you add your meat or food. To do this you must make sure that the lid is closed and sealed.

You can open the lower damper to fuel the flames with oxygen, and open the upper damper to encourage a healthy heat flow. This will quicken the preheating process.

You can keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chamber by looking at the lid thermometer. But be warned, these thermometers are notoriously hit and miss, so be sure to consult the LCD temperature reading as well, if your grill has one.

Step 5: Load The Meat (Food)

Once your cooking chamber has reached the desired temperature, you can add your meat. The meat should be placed directly on the rack, and directly above the water pan.

This way, the water pan will catch any juices and fluids that drip down and can recycle all that delicious flavor in the steam it creates.

For best results, you should keep your meat refrigerated up until the last moment. This is because cold meat absorbs smoke more efficiently than room temperature meat.

Note: You don’t have to only cook meat on your pellet grill! You can cook pizzas, or side dishes like veggies or mac and cheese easily on a pellet smoker.

Step 6: Be Patient

Once your meat is in the chamber, the only thing to do is wait. Pellet grills are designed to cook slowly, over a long period of time, and the slower the process, the more tender and juicy the result will be.

It is important not to frequently lift the lid of your pellet grill whilst your meat is cooking, as this will introduce cold air into the chamber and affect the consistency of the cooking temperature.

Smoked meat tastes best when the cooking temperature remains very steady throughout, so fluctuations are not desirable. Instead, trust your timings and use the lid thermometer as a guide.

Step 7: Probe The Meat

When your cooking time is almost complete, you can lift the lid and probe your meat in order to check its internal temperature.

The lid thermometer and LCD temperature reading, refer only to the internal temperature of the chamber itself, not of the meat.

The meat will take much longer to heat up on the inside than the outside, and this is why it is important to probe right to the center of the cut. Once the center has reached the desired temperature, you will know that your meat is cooked and good to eat.

Top Wireless Thermometer

MEATER Plus | Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth | 165ft Wireless Range | for The Oven, Grill, Kitchen, BBQ, Smoker, Rotisserie

With 165 feet of range and a dual sensor probe, it doesn't get much easier or more accurate than the Meater Plus.

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How Do You Clean A Pellet Grill?

As we mentioned earlier, pellet grills are less messy than traditional charcoal grills, however they do still produce ash that needs to be cleaned up.

Many pellet grills have an ash disposal system that can be removed from the unit like a drawer and emptied directly into a bin. These are very handy and really speed up the cleaning process.

The also allow you to clean the ash periodically throughout long cooks, without disrupting the cooking process.

It is as important to clean the grill racks and chamber interior on a pellet grill as it is on any other kind of grill unit. We recommend scraping fat and juices off the racks at the end of each use, and vacuuming the excess away.

Then, every three uses or so, it is a good idea to give your pellet grill a more in-depth clean and wipe down the full interior as well. This prevents bacteria from developing, and extends the lifespan of your racks and surfaces.

What Wood Pellets Are Best For A Pellet Grill?

One of the keys to success when it comes to pellet grills is picking the right pellets for the job.

The most important thing is to make sure that you buy cooking/ smoking pellets as opposed to standard heating pellets.

Heating pellets are used to fuel boilers and heaters, and therefore contain sawdust and low quality wood pulp that is not suitable for consumption. Smoking pellets are more expensive than heating pellets, but do not be tempted to scrimp. 

When it comes to smoking pellets, you have the choice between hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods are generally thought to be the better option as they burn more slowly and give off more smoke.

However, if you don’t like your meat to taste too intensely of smoke, softwood pellets will give a more subtle finish.

Red meats handle strong woody flavors like hickory and mesquite. Pork and white meats work well with sweeter fruit woods like apple, pecan and cherry. And alder wood goes with pretty much anything.

Final Thoughts

Pellet grills are easy to use, easy to maintain, and produce delicious results every time. The science behind them is innovative, and the inner workings of these units is beautifully simple.

Once you have given one a go, you certainly won’t look back!

The post How Does A Pellet Grill Work? appeared first on Own The Grill.

It should come as no surprise that some grills are better than others when it comes to tailgating. There are a few different things you should keep in mind when selecting.

That’s what this guide is for: To help you find the best grills that you can use at a tailgating near, or far away, from you!

What Is Tailgating?

Just to get the uninitiated up to speed, Tailgating is when you and your friends meet at one location and then go to another place together to eat, drink, and catch up with people.

Tailgating can take place pretty much anywhere, from a park or stadium, to the beach or even in someone’s backyard.

If you’re planning on grilling at a tailgating, you require a grill that can be easily moved by one or two people and can cook enough food to satisfy a reasonably large amount of people.

Best Grills for Tailgating

Traeger Grills Tailgater Portable Grill

Traeger Tailgater 20 Portable Pellet Grill

• Folding wheeled legs for easy transport
• 300 sq. in. cooking surface area
• 180-450ºF temperature range

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Traeger has been around since 1985, so they have a little experience when it comes to making a good grill. For the tailgating market, they have come up with a very impressive portable pellet grill design for those on-the-fly cook-out parties that we love about summer!

With its digital controller for excellent temperature control, the Tailgater lets you adjust the heat output up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

This means you can sear your steaks or chops to perfection while keeping them warm and juicy throughout. When it comes to grilling, it is tough to compete with results like this.

You can also use the Tailgater to cook low and slow – while it’s probably too small to fit a whole brisket, you could fit a pork butt or other popular meats for BBQ.

And if you ever run out of pellets, simply load another box into the hopper, and it’s ready to go again. Plus, the Tailgater weighs surprisingly little too, making it easy to transport and set up, perfect for cookouts on the move.

Pros

• Great temperature consistency – Not only does this grill get hot, reaching temperatures of well over 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but it stays hot too. A grill that can’t keep up the heat is almost as bad as having no grill at all, so this is an excellent quality feature the Tailgater has.
• Easily cleanable – All the interior sections of this grill can be easily removed and cleaned after being used. Great for keeping your grill in top condition, and to avoid grease and fat buildup in this cooking tool.
• A portable tailgating grill – Being able to move your grill for your tailgating cookouts is essential, so the collapsible legs of this unit are an exceptional feature for taking your gill outs wherever you go.

Cons

• Awkward legs – Whilst the legs are amazingly stable once folded out correctly, it can be a little awkward to set this grill up and to collapse it back into a more movable form, especially if you are setting it up on your own.
• Hefty load – At 62 pounds, you’re probably going to struggle moving this heavy-duty grill around on your own.
• Relatively small fuel capacity – With the hopper for this grill only able to take about 8 pounds of pellet fuel at a time, you’ll probably have to refuel after just a few hours. For a whole-day cookout, that’s not exactly ideal.

Our Thoughts

With this grill eating up fuel pretty quickly, it pays to be able to use whatever you have access to. If you’re looking for a portable grill with reasonable grilling capacity, this is a great model.

Coleman Roadtrip 285 Portable Stand-up Grill

Coleman RoadTrip 285 Portable Stand-Up Propane Grill

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Looking for a tailgating grill that can do it all, from being moved from your backyard to the back of your truck, taking it to your cookout spot, and cooking up a huge grill when you get there, you can’t go wrong with the road trip portable stand-up grill from Coleman.

Coleman RoadTrip’s grill has been designed with ease of use in mind to give you the best possible outdoor cooking experience.

This portable, compact and lightweight stand-up grill comes with a durable aluminum handle and foldable legs for storage, so you don’t have to worry about dragging it around everywhere you take it.

And thanks to its folding legs, it takes up less space in your vehicle than a conventional stand-up grill. It has three adjustable burners and a large grill surface.

It uses a standard 1 pound propane tank, though you will have to source this for yourself, as the grill does not come with one as standard.

Pros

• Excellent Burner quality – With as much as 20,000 BTUs of grilling power at your disposal, the adjustable burners that come as standard for this iron-cast grill give you all the power and heat that you need to make the best grill out possible!
• Easy to move and transport – Mobility is key for a great tailgate grill, so the collapsible legs and wheels on the Coleman RoadTrip make transporting a breeze.

Cons

• Iron grates are hard to maintain – Cleaning the Coleman RoadTrip grill is going to be a hassle if you don’t tend to it shortly after it is used. Plus, the cast-iron grill may tend to rust if not looked after properly between uses, so make sure that you keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear between uses.
• Wheels used aren’t the highest quality – The wheels probably aren’t built for all-terrain purposes, so be careful where you are pulling it when it is folded up.
• Lid-locking mechanism not ideal – The lock that keeps the lid of this grill from bouncing around works fine at first but seems to show signs of wear after repeated uses. You may have to fashion a way to keep the lid shut as you are transporting it after a while.

Our Thoughts

Whether this grill is for camping or cooking in your or someone else’s backyard, the Coleman RoadTrip grill feels like it can cover pretty much every grilling situation, including being the main workhorse of an amazing tailgating party. 

The mobility of the design certainly helps in giving it the versatility that this grill is known for. Small wonder that this propane grill is a favorite of many campers and grillers across the country.

It took about 45 minutes to get it set up and running, which is not too long, all things considered. Once the heat was up, it got the job done without any problems. Overall, this is a tailgating grill that should be high on your options list when it comes time to buy a commercial grill.

Weber Smokey Joe Portable Grill

Weber Smokey Joe Portable Grill

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Looking to be a part of a tailgating grill out, but worried that you don’t have the budget to bring a high-quality grill to your summer party?

Well, if this is the case, and money is a concern for you when looking for your cooking kit, then Weber’s 10020 Smokey Joe is exactly the grill you need to cook with the best of them.

Weber Smokey Joe grills are designed to be used anywhere, anytime. They are compact, lightweight, durable, and built to withstand the elements. With this model of charcoal grill, you can enjoy outdoor dining without having to sacrifice style and convenience.

They’re easy to use and maintain. Simply fill the water pan with water and add charcoal briquettes. Then place the grill on the grate and light the fire.

When you’re ready to cook, flip the lid open and place food on the grill. It takes just seconds to get started. And when it’s time to eat, close the lid and enjoy!

Pros

• Great lightweight design – Despite what the bulbous design of the lid might suggest, this tailgate grill is very lightweight and easy to move around. Not just that, but the tripod leg setup means that it will be more than stable enough for any party out the back of your truck. The porcelain-enameled lid and body will also stop rust from creeping into this little grill, keeping it good to cook for years to come.
• Excellent starting price – In the range that this model is normally found, this is probably one of the least expensive grills you can take to your tailgate parties, without sacrificing quality in any noticeable way.
• Adjustable temperature and airflow – This is a great feature that even some higher-end tailgate grills don’t have, so to see it appear on a model of this price range is amazing. This will allow you to be able to heat up or cool down your fire pit with ease, to get that perfect charred texture on your hot dogs and burgers.

Cons

• A smaller grill, maybe not appropriate for the big gatherings – Although it can cook a respectable amount of food in one go, with 147 square inches of cooking space, it simply doesn’t have the volume or surface area to compete with other larger models in this guide. For this price, this is still a great amount to be able to cook. And at those massive parties, every little grill helps feed everyone!
• Height is not adjustable – The legs cannot be extended or shortened to your needs, so you will likely have to sit over this grill while you cook your food, rather than stand.

Our Thoughts

We were able to get this grill set up quickly, and it works great, especially for smaller outdoor grills and parties you might be attending.

The workload might not be the largest in this competitive market, but it was more than enough to cook several burgers at one time, and they came out perfectly cooked.

It’s great that it is compact enough to fit into pretty much any car trunk, even if the shape does make it a little awkward. It has such a small footprint that, if smoke wasn’t an issue, you could probably use this grill indoors as well as outside.

If you’re looking to help with a tailgating grill out on a budget, this is a good option to consider.

Cuisinart CGG-180T Petit Gourmet Portable Grill

Cuisinart CGG180 Petit Gourmet Gas Grill

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Looking for a grill that won’t take up too much room in your trunk? Then Cuisinart has you covered with the Petit Gourmet CGG-180T.

Cuisinart are masters of cooking and kitchenware, and their entrance into the tailgate grill market brings that expertise with it.

This portable gas grill is one of those propane grill models that are perfect for smaller spaces where you might be holding your tailgate party, whether that’s in someone’s smaller backyard, or in a clearing where cooking space is at a premium. 

Its size makes it easy to transport and use anywhere. With a total cooking surface of 145 square inches, it’s big enough to feed a pretty sizable crowd without having to do much work. 

The grill comes with a convenient carrying handle and an integrated lid lock so you can keep the lid securely closed while using the grill.

Even better, the sturdy aluminum legs fold flat when not in use, becoming a perfect briefcase shape to be carried around with one hand. All these features make this grill ideal for camping trips, picnics, barbecues, and, of course, tailgating.

Pros

• Lightweight, and easy to carry – With the grill only weighing less than 14 pounds, and a small collapsible body that can be carried with just one hand like a suitcase, this is a brilliant compact grill that can be taken pretty much anywhere you go.
• A surprising amount of grill space available – for something as small and compact as this, being able to fit upwards of 6 or 7 steaks at a time is very impressive!

Cons

• The lid-locking mechanism may start to fail over time – Being made out of plastic on a grill that can reach incredibly high internal temperatures feels like a strange design quirk for a mechanism that is supposed to keep the lid shut tightly. Especially when the lid handle is located on the lid. Make sure to avoid closing the lid if the heat is at high temperatures.

Our Thoughts

This is a great piece of outdoor cooking equipment to have if you don’t have the space for a larger grill. It’s perfect for camping, picnics, tailgates, etc. We use it often for barbecues during the summer months.

It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and cooks fast! Whilst it will probably never carry the heavyweight of any large gathering, this is certainly a great tool for if you are at a small outdoor party, or you need an extra grill to support your buddy who’s underestimated just how many people are looking for a good grill out!

We would recommend this option for anyone looking for a portable and affordable grill that won’t break the bank and wants to be able to cook in pretty much any space that’s wider than 20 inches.

Weber Q2200 Propane Gas Grill

Weber Q2000 Liquid Propane Grill

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Weber is at it again with another excellent grill, this time in the form of the Q2200 propane gas grill.

Whilst all the grills we have discussed are exceptional pieces of a griller’s toolkit, a few of them have been on the smaller size.

That’s not the case with the Q2200, however. This model is a heavy grill that will be the centerpiece of grilling wherever you are parked, whether that’s in the backyard or an open field.

The Weber Q220 is one of the largest full-size grills in its class. With the stainless steel burner putting out 12,000 BTUs per hour and porcelain-enamel coated, cast-iron cooking racks, this grill is sure to give you years of worry-free operation. 

Two folding work tables help keep food warm during transport, and the electronic ignition system makes starting the grill easy and fast.

Pros

• A big grill – Square inch cooking surface won’t be an issue with this grill, at 280 inches for your grilling needs. This is the sort of barbecue grill you need for a larger gathering whilst you’re tailgating.
• Fold-out accessory trays – These are a must for being able to manage your massive grilling workload!

Cons

• A bigger grill means a heavier load – At almost 43 pounds, this is one of the heavier models of grills that we have covered, especially with no wheels to help move that weight around. This is definitely on the heavier side of what is considered ‘portable’.

Our Thoughts

Honestly, there isn’t much else to say about Weber Q2200 that can emphasize just how great this grill is for large gatherings on the move.

It’s easy to use, easy to clean, easy to store, easy to set up, and if you have an extra pair of hands to help you move it, not too difficult to move from your trunk to your tailgating site.

Everdure Cube Grill

Everdure CUBE Portable Charcoal Grill

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When it comes to both portability and cooking area in an easy-to-transport package, it’ll be tough to beat the cube grill by Everdure.

This little piece of barbecuing kit is the ultimate portable medium-sized grill. It has been designed keeping in mind all the needs of the modern-day traveler. It weighs less than 20 pounds and is compact enough to fit easily inside even the back of your car, much less the back of your truck.

Portable, compact, durable, easy to clean, safe, convenient, and affordable; the Everdure Cube portable barbecue grill is just what you require for outdoor cooking. It features a 115 square inch cooking area, a sturdy steel frame, and a built-in stainless steel grate.

Perfect for those smaller grill parties with your family and closest friends.

Pros

• Amazing heat retention for its size – It can be harder for smaller grills to maintain the heat necessary to keep cooking for long periods. So it’s incredible how hot this grill can get, as well as staying at that heat whilst cooking all your tailgating snacks!
• Easy to handle – The intelligent design of this grill, with its handle, its compact frame, and its heat shielding, means that this grill is very easy to handle for a single person, whether that’s for carrying out of the truck, or being put back into storage after being used.
• Great accessories – Thanks to its design, this portable charcoal grill comes equipped with both a food storage tray and a preparation tray that are stored seamlessly and beautifully into the grill. That way, you always have your cooking station ready!

Cons

• Too good at retaining heat – The heat shielding this grill has might work a little too well! It can take a long time for the ashes of your charcoal to cool down after using it, which can mean waiting a long time for this grill to become safe to handle. And whilst the handles are heat-resistant for touching whilst it is on, we wouldn’t recommend carrying hot ashes around!

Out Thoughts

Never underestimate the user-friendliness of an easy to assemble grill! It’s pretty much ideal for any grilling scenario, whether that’s camping, tailgating, or even at home.

We would recommend this to anyone looking for a medium-sized grill that is easy to clean and suitable for pretty much any smaller-scale cookout. Though, you should probably look for other models if you know it’s going to be a big party.

Choosing a Great Tailgating Grill

When looking for a tailgating grill, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re still not sure what things you need to be on the lookout for in your grill of choice, here are a couple of features you should consider:

Portability

One of the most important considerations when choosing a tailgating grill is portability. You want something that you can easily move from place to place without having to spend hours setting it up and tearing it down every single time.

There are many different types of portable grills available. The simplest way to get portability is to look for a grill that has foldaway legs. These allow you to simply unfold them as needed, so they don’t take up much room when folded away.

Wheels are another popular option, as it takes less effort to haul larger weight if you can pull it with you. Carryable grills are a popular option too, but they tend to be smaller a lot of the time.

Cooking Capacity

Right behind portability, cooking capacity is one of the most important features a grill needs. It doesn’t matter how portable you are if you can’t cook enough food to feed everyone!

A good rule of thumb is to make sure that you can comfortably fit 4 people’s food items on the grill at once.

You may find yourself wanting more than this depending on the size of your group, but 4 people’s worth of food is a good guideline to follow and can be scaled up from there if there are more people.

Fuel Type

Depending on where you’re going to be using your grill, you will need to choose a fuel type. Charcoal grills are usually easier to handle and maintain, though gas grills tend to offer superior performance, as they usually take less time to warm up. 

The other main options are electric grills and pellet grills – both of which are easy to use but come with their own limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use My Tailgating Grill At Home?

Absolutely! That is one of the joys of having a tailgating grill. It’s that it can be used anywhere! We’ve seen folks use their tailgating grills while camping, hiking, as well as at home!

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there’s plenty of variety when it comes to grills for tailgating. There are all kinds of different styles and sizes, and each one offers unique benefits.

If you’re looking to buy a new grill for tailgating, we’d suggest taking a look around and seeing which ones suit your needs best.

Looking for inspiration of what to cook at your next tailgate? Check out our list of grilling ideas for your next cookout!

The post Best Grills For Tailgating appeared first on Own The Grill.

These cookbooks really make the process friendlier. They walk you through step-by-step so you can avoid disappointment and end up with mouthwatering smoked meat. My personal favorite is (insert book) – the recipes are creative and foolproof.

I think it’s awesome that smoker cookbooks meet you wherever you’re at. Whether you are new to smoker grills or have been smoking meats for years, there’s a book that fits. They really help you get the most out of your equipment.

With the right guidance, I believe anyone can become an excellent smoker. There’s something magical about the whole process. These cookbooks capture that – they’re almost like a trusted advisor you get to take right to your backyard. I’d encourage any aspiring smoker to grab one – it makes the journey to smoked meat mastery that much more fun!

Best Smoker Cookbooks

A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

A Meat-Smoking Manifesto

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Author: Aeron Franklin

Formats Available: hardcover, kindle

If you want a cookbook that teaches you the ins and outs of smoking meat, then you need to purchase a copy of Aeron Franklin’s best-selling manifesto.

This beautiful book was first published in 2015 and features a detailed history of the author’s experience with smoking. It also includes full-color photographs and a collection of gourmet recipes, complete with detailed instructions.

It’s clear that Aeron Franklin is a man who knows his barbecue, as this book covers all you need to know about the process – from wood chips and meat cuts to curing and how to build the perfect fire.

The manifesto currently has over 1700 ratings on Amazon and continues to receive rave reviews from readers around the world.

Pros

• The manifesto has been written by a professional smoker with a successful career in the barbecue world.
• The instructions are easy to follow and come with additional information about how to smoke various meats.
  The manifesto features beautiful pictures and full-color plates, which compliment the text and detailed recipes.

Cons

• The number of recipes is rather small when compared to other smoker cookbooks available online.

The Wood Pellet Smoker And Grill Cookbook

The Wood Pellet Smoker And Grill Cookbook

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Author: Peter Jautaikis

Formats Available: hardcover, kindle, audiobook

This smoker’s manual was first published in 2016 and covers everything from cooking meat to wood pellets.

In contrast to the other entries on our list, this book was not written by a professional chef and was instead composed of a passionate smoker with decades of experience.

In fact, Jautaikis is one of the most relatable authors we’ve encountered, as his book contains hilarious facts about his life and hobbies.

The publication places a lot of emphasis on the importance of wood pellets and how this can impact the taste of the meat. It also contains a spectrum of recipes, from barbecued brisket to wood-smoked trout.

The cookbook is available in various formats and can be purchased as a hardcover or kindle reader.

Pros

• The manual contains detailed diagrams and color pictures, which are accompanied by simple instructions.
• The recipes are easy to understand and feature clear steps that can be followed to ensure delicious meat.
• The manual also includes practical information on how to operate a smoker and the materials you will need.

Cons

• The author is not a professional smoker and instead uses his personal experience to outline the process.

Project Smoke

Project Smoke

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Author: Steve Raichlen

Formats Available: paperback, hardcover, kindle

If you want to perfect your smoking skills, then we recommend purchasing a copy of Steve Raichlen’s best-selling book, which features some of the most innovative recipes we have ever seen.

This stunning book was first published in 2016 and contains over 100 recipes from smoked mushrooms to a delicious vanilla rib glaze.

It also includes practical information on how to improve your craft, as well as how to use wood pellets and find the best machine for your purposes.

The book is the work of a successful journalist and contains decades of research and smoking experience.

Nowadays, the book can be purchased as a paperback or hardcover. It is also available as an e-reader for kindles and other devices.

Pros

• The cookbook contains a wealth of information, which covers everything from wood pellets to smoker upkeep.
• The creative recipes are easy to follow and feature simple instructions accompanied by diagrams and pictures.
• The cookbook is available in several formats, which include paperback, hardcover, and electronic options.

Cons

• Some customers have complained that the Kindle version is hard to navigate, which can make it difficult to follow the recipes.

Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide To Real Barbecue

Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide To Real Barbecue

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Author: Jeff Phillips

Formats Available: paperback

If you are new to the world of smoking and want to produce delicious meat, then look no further than this incredible handbook.

Perfect for beginners, this cookbook walks you through the process of smoking meat and features simple instructions to ensure the best results.

Among the various recipes, you will find classic dishes such as chicken and ribs. However, the book also offers more unique options in the form of smoked duck and rich chocolate cake.

Written by Jeff Phillips, the handbook is packed with information and features the author’s own tips on how to get started.

The only drawback is that this book is only available in paperback, which can make it less accessible to kindle readers. It is also important to note that the book’s structure is not ideal and could be damaged while you cook.

Pros

• The handbook contains practical information, which covers the best wood pellets and how to set up your smoker.
• The book features a wide range of recipes, which range from chicken and ribs to smoked duck and fish.
• The handbook includes a large selection of products, which can be purchased for future use.

Cons

• As previously mentioned, this book is only available in paperback and has been described as delicate.

The Complete Electric Smoker Cookbook

The Complete Electric Smoker Cookbook

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Author: Bill West

Formats Available: hardcover, kindle, audiobook

We all know there are countless ways to smoke meat. So if you own an electric smoker, then we recommend purchasing a copy of this useful cookbook.

Like the other options on our list, this book contains over 100 recipes and can be used to make a range of dishes from smoked shrimp to tender pork loin.

The book also works as a beginner’s guide, covering everything you need to know about the smoking process and how to perfect it.

When you have mastered the basics, the book also includes advanced chapters, which will teach you about rubs, marinades, and injections.

Everything in this book can be made in an electric smoker, although some recipes are also suitable for traditional containers. The cookbook is available in several formats and can be purchased online.

Pros

• The guidebook is available in several formats and can be purchased online as a hardcover or e-reader.
• Because of its simple instructions, the book is suitable for beginners and includes chapters for advanced smokers.
• The guidebook has been specially written for electric smokers and features countless recipes and tips.

Cons

• Despite its wealth of information, advanced smokers may find the recipes basic when compared to complex alternatives.

Now that we have covered some of the best cookbooks available, let’s take a closer look at what makes the best smoker cookbook.

Buyer’s Guide

The idea of purchasing a cookbook may sound like a simple task. After all, every cookbook contains delicious recipes and useful tips.

However, there are certain elements that should be taken into consideration before purchasing a smoker cookbook. Elements that help to ensure that the book meets your expectations and needs.

In the section below, we have outlined some key points that should be kept in mind when it comes to purchasing a smoker cookbook.

By consulting these points, you will be able to select the best cookbook for you, saving you time and money.

Recipes

When it comes to purchasing a smoker cookbook, the first thing you need to consider is the recipes included.

While the additional information can be useful, it’s the recipes themselves that will determine your final decision. It’s important to remember that you are purchasing a cookbook and not a manufacturer’s guide.

Of course, no two cookbooks are the same, which means there are many possible recipes to choose from. However, it’s important to find recipes that you can understand and follow, as this will ensure the best results.

Some cookbooks will only include a small selection of basic recipes, so it’s best to purchase a book that contains a range of recipes from simple dishes to more complex creations.

This way, you can build your culinary experience and challenge yourself once you have learned the basics.

In addition to recipes, a good smoker cookbook will also include cooking techniques and additional information. This can be anything from how to clean your smoker to the best wood pellets for certain meats.

While recipes can help to produce delicious food, this additional information will make sure that your smoker is prepared.

Author

Cookbooks are often written by authors who have spent years perfecting their craft.

The author has undoubtedly put a lot of thought into each recipe and the accompanying text. If an author does not provide enough detail or fails to explain something clearly, then it could lead to problems down the line.

To avoid any confusion, it’s always best to buy a book with an established reputation.

For example, we included A Meat-Smoking Manifesto by Aeron Franklin on our list, who began his culinary career selling smoked meat by the side of the road.

Since then, Franklin has gone on to win numerous competitions and has poured his experience into his book.

In most cases, the experiences of the author will translate into their work.

For example, if an experienced chef writes a book about smoking, they will likely know what works and what doesn’t. In contrast, a novice might struggle to get the hang of things and end up making mistakes.

This is why it’s worth spending extra time researching the author, as well as reading reviews online. You can learn a lot about the quality of the book by looking at other people’s opinions and experiences.

Number Of Pages

The number of pages in a cookbook is another factor that needs to be considered before buying one.

As mentioned above, a good smoker cookbook will contain a wide variety of recipes, so it’s essential that the book isn’t too short.

Ideally, the book should contain between 100 and 300 pages, but this varies depending on the size of the book and the type of recipes included.

If the book is too long, it may become difficult to read through all the content. Conversely, a book that is too short will lack depth and won’t give you much guidance when preparing meals.

It’s also important to note that some books will feature large images and detailed instructions.

These types of books tend to be very useful for beginners, however, they can also be expensive. It’s better to look for a cheaper alternative that provides similar information.

Price

Of course, the price of a cookbook is going to vary greatly depending on its contents. However, there are some factors that influence the cost of the book.

First, the more pages a book contains, the higher the price. This is because the publisher must pay for printing costs and the author has to cover their own expenses.

Second, the quality of the paper used also affects the price. Some books use high-quality paper, while others opt for lower grade paper.

Finally, the design of the book can affect the overall cost. For example, a glossy hardback book will be more expensive than a plain paperback.

Format

When choosing your cookbook, it’s important to consider which format you prefer. There are three main options: Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle. Each option offers different benefits, so it’s worth considering them carefully.

Paperbacks are generally inexpensive and easy to carry around. They are also great for cooking at home since they don’t require electricity. However, they aren’t always suitable for outdoor activities like camping and hiking.

They also come with the drawback of being prone to damage from moisture and humidity. The covers can easily split or fall apart, and the pages can yellow over time.

Hardcovers offer greater protection against these problems. They are also easier to keep clean and dry compared to paperbacks.

Hardcovers can also look attractive in your kitchen, as they often have beautiful designs and colors. However, they are usually quite heavy and bulky. If you want something portable, then a paperback is probably best.

Kindles are small electronic devices that allow users to download eBooks directly onto their devices. They are extremely convenient, as they make reading simple and quick.

They are also lightweight and compact, making them ideal for travel. However, they are not designed for cooking, so if you plan to use your Kindle for this purpose, you’ll need to buy a separate device.

Weighing Your Options

There are many things to take into consideration when deciding what kind of cookbook you want. In addition to the features discussed above, it’s also important that you choose a cookbook that suits your lifestyle.

For example, if you spend most of your time indoors, then a paperback might work well for you. On the other hand, if you enjoy spending time outdoors, then a Kindle would be a good choice.

In general, we recommend that you go with whichever format works best for you. You may find that one type of cookbook is perfect for your needs, but another type is better suited to someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Smoker Cookbook Is The Best?

The answer to this question depends entirely on your personal preferences and requirements. It’s impossible to say which cookbook is “the best” without knowing exactly what you’re looking for.

If you’re a beginner, we would recommend Jeff Phillips’s Smoking Meat: The Essential Guide To Real Barbecue, as this book contains simple instructions and easy-to-follow recipes.

However, if you are looking for something more advanced, then Steven Raichlen’s Project Smoke is a great choice, as the book contains creative recipes that push the boundaries of smoking cuisine.

Of course, the final decision is yours to make and will depend on what you want out of your cookbook.

What Kind Of Recipes Do I Need For A Good Smoker Cookbook?

It’s true that there are some basic recipes that every smoker cookbook should contain. These include meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, sauces, and spices.

However, the recipes themselves shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when choosing a cookbook.

You also need to think about how much information each recipe provides.

Some books provide detailed step-by-step instructions, while others simply list ingredients and leave the rest up to you. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as the book has enough information to get you started.

Should I Purchase A Book With Pictures?

Yes! We highly recommend that you purchase a cookbook with pictures, as this makes following the recipes even simpler.

Most cookbooks come with photos of the finished product, but sometimes these aren’t very clear or don’t show all of the steps required for preparing the dish.

If you can see exactly what you’ll need in order to prepare the food, then you won’t have any problems following the directions.

The post Best Smoker Cookbooks appeared first on Own The Grill.

When in doubt, it’s best to get an impartial opinion and look at the pros and cons of different options, so that you can establish which is going to suit your needs the most. That’s where we come in.

We know how confusing it can be when thinking about investing in a new grill, and it’s not the sort of thing you can afford to get wrong either because there is such a range in prices for outdoor grills.

With a view to being useful, we’ve put together this impartial guide about the benefits and the drawbacks of both charcoal grills and pellet grills.

While neither might be a clear winner over the other, they both grill types have their own pros and cons as you will see.

What Is A Wood Pellet Grill? 

Pellet grills (or pellet smokers) are a kind of outdoor cooker that are fueled by hardwood pellets. The pellets are made from super tiny food-safe fine hardwood chips and fibers which are compacted together into pellet shapes.

Pellet grills work by burning these pellets as fuel, they burn slowly and emit a woody smoke that can flavor the food inside. 

You can get different varieties of wood pellets depending on your personal taste such as oak, hickory, maple, and fruit tree wood. These produce smokes that have slightly different scents and flavors which are pleasant to taste and smell. 

Unlike gas grills, you can’t necessarily control the temperature of the grill by turning a button. In this way, they are similar to charcoal grills in that their cooking temperature is determined by how much fuel you are using.

However, most pellet grills have an option for using air regulation to keep a consistent pre-selected temperature throughout, which dramatically reduces the amount of time the grill master has to spend attending to it.

Wood pellet grills are often considered to be cleaner than other types of grills because wood is sustainable. But, the main reason why wood pellet grill lovers are so enamored by them, is for the amount of signature smoky flavor they give combined with how easy they are to use.

How Does A Pellet Grill Work?

The first thing you should know about pellet grills is that they work differently than traditional charcoal grills.

Instead of having a chimney that burns the charcoal, pellet grills rely on a hopper system that feeds the pellets into the base of the grill. As the pellets fall through the grate, they start to combust and produce smoke. 

If you’ve ever cooked with charcoal, you’ll notice that there’s no real “flame” associated with the process. That’s because the flames are produced when the hot air hits the surface of the charcoal.

In contrast, pellet grills don’t generate much heat, but they contain it better and can be more fuel efficient to use than charcoal grills. 

The second thing you should know about these grills is that they operate on electricity. So you need a wall socket to run the unit. Some models come with built-in power supplies while others require you to connect an extension cord.  

Top Pellet Grill

Camp Chef Woodwind WIFI 24 Pellet Grill with Sidekick

• Sidekick supports pizza oven, griddle, & sear box attachments
• 811 sq. in. of cooking surface area to work with across two levels
• Intuitive LED control panel and WiFi capabilities

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What Is A Charcoal Grill? 

Charcoal grills are also known as open fire grills and are fueled by burning lump charcoal briquettes. They are usually used outdoors and are very popular in camping trips and tailgating parties.

Unlike pellet grills, you cannot regulate the heat of charcoal grills with ease. This means that you need to either add more charcoal, take some away, or adjust the configuration of your coals if you want to change your temperature.

Once the desired temperature is achieved, you must then wait for the coals to cool down before adding more charcoal to maintain the same temperature. It’s a constant balancing act that the tong-bearer will have to perform.

If you want to use a charcoal grill to cook outside, make sure you bring along plenty of charcoal as it does tend to burn pretty fast compared to the compacted wood pellets, or the amount of gas that gas barbecues use.

It’s also important to note that if you’re planning on using charcoal grills to prepare food for large groups, you may need more than one grill since they are not always space-efficient. 

Charcoal vs Pellet Grills – Main Differences

One of the biggest differences between these two types of grills is clearly the type of fuel that they use. Pellets are made from compressed sawdust and wood chips while charcoal comes from burnt coal. So, what makes them so different? 

Well, pellets are generally cheaper than charcoal, and they don’t require any additional equipment as most wood pellet grills are self-igniting.

On the other hand, charcoal requires a chimney starter or lighter fluid, matches, and sometimes even fire lighters to get the party started. Most wood pellet grills are self-igniting, so you don’t need to worry about all the extras. 

Another major difference is the size of the grill itself. A pellet grill has more moving parts and tends to be larger than your average charcoal grill.

That’s not to say you can’t find large charcoal grills or smaller, more portable pellet grills though.

Advantages of Pellet Grills

The main advantage of using a pellet smoker is that it is much easier to use than a traditional charcoal grill. It requires no lighter fluid or charcoal briquettes to light up and start cooking.

In fact, all you need to do is add some pellets and turn the ignition button. This means that if you don’t want to spend time lighting up and tending to a fire, then a pellet grill is a good choice. 

Another benefit of pellet grills is that they are more efficient than charcoal grills. They require less fuel to cook the same amount of food.

For example, a typical charcoal grill needs at least 20 pounds of charcoal briquettes per hour to keep an oven hot enough to bake bread. However, a pellet grill only uses 5 to 6 pounds of pellets per hour to achieve the same results.

That means that you’ll save money by buying less fuel, and you won’t have to replace them as often.

One of the main benefits of getting a wood pellet grill over a charcoal one is that the fuel you are burning is renewable and not a finite fossil fuel.

While deforestation is not exactly a good thing, a lot of pellets are made from safe by-products of other industries such as lumber milling, so they could help reduce waste.

Even though cutting down trees isn’t great, it’s got to be better than overusing the earth’s finite resources and producing toxic gasses in the process.

Disadvantages of Pellet Grills

While pellet grills are far better than charcoal grills when it comes to efficiency, there are still disadvantages associated with them.

One disadvantage is that pellets are much harder to find than charcoal. Many people who own pellet grills report having trouble finding them in their local stores. 

Another problem is that pellets can be expensive. Some brands cost $20 or more per pound, which can make them prohibitively expensive compared to charcoal.

Furthermore, pellet grills tend to be high maintenance as they rely on electronics and somewhat complicated systems to run. You’ll need to deep clean your pellet grill after every 8-10 cooks at most to keep it running properly.

Advantages of Charcoal Grills

Charcoal grills are probably the oldest type of outdoor cooking device available today. They were used long before gas grills came along, and they continue to be popular even now.

There are many reasons why charcoal grills are still so popular and not just because of nostalgia. First of all, they produce incredible smokey flavored food.

Once lit, charcoal grills are extremely simple to maintain. All you really need is a chimney starter and a few pieces of charcoal, and you’re ready to go.

If you’ve never cooked on a charcoal grill before, then you might be surprised how easy it is to get started. You can also buy pre-packaged charcoal briquettes that come in different sizes.

These are convenient since you don’t have to worry about measuring out your own briquettes. The most important thing to remember when choosing a charcoal grill is to choose one that will fit into your lifestyle.

If you like to entertain a lot, then you should consider purchasing a larger model that can handle large quantities of food for lots of people. 

The charcoal briquettes are also widely available from your local store and are cheap to buy. If you want a grill with minimal running costs then getting a charcoal grill is probably your best bet. 

Disadvantages of Charcoal Grills

There are some drawbacks to using charcoal grills. One of the biggest problems is that they produce smoke and not the kind of woody, deliciously light smoke pellet grills do.

This means that they aren’t the most neighborly of appliances and not everyone will enjoy the smell either. 

So, if you live in a neighborhood where children play outside – or an apartment, you may want to think twice before buying a charcoal grill. Many apartments actually have bans on charcoal grills.

Cooking on something that constantly produces pillars of smoke isn’t the most comfortable of experiences either, so you may want to think about that too.

It doesn’t take much to start a fire on a charcoal grill but once it gets going, it can be very difficult to put out.

Lastly, charcoal grills aren’t as efficient at heating food as other types of grills. For example, if you put a whole chicken on a charcoal grill, it’s going to take longer to cook than it would on a propane grill.

That being said, if you’re looking for a grill that won’t break the bank but isn’t quite as fuel-efficient as a pellet grill, then charcoal grills are definitely worth considering. 

Pellet vs Charcoal Grill – Considerations When Comparing

Cleaning (Routine & Deep)

While pellet grills might generate cleaner fumes and be the eco-friendly option over charcoal grills, how easy are they to clean after use? 

Generally, wood pellet grills are easier to clean than charcoal ones. This is mainly because charcoal doesn’t actually decrease that much in size as it burns, so there is more waste product, and it marks everything it touches a ghastly black color. 

Burned wood pellets produce next to no waste, so it’s much easier to get rid of in that respect. In terms of which is easier to clean, we’d recommend wood pellets over charcoal grills in this aspect. 

Flavor Impact

In our experience, most people who prefer charcoal grills because of the taste only say that because it makes food taste how they remember grilled food tasting when they were younger.

The smoky flavor itself is more of a burnt flavor than smoky in our opinion, but each to their own. 

The flavor is really where wood pellet grills excel because they have the unique ability to cook and smoke while infusing the meat or protein inside with a delicious natural wood flavor.

Don’t even get us started on the smell of a slow roasting wood pellet grill at work. It’s heavenly. 

Great Charcoal Grill

Weber Original Kettle Premium Charcoal Grill

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Initial Cost

Pellet grills tend to be more expensive to buy than charcoal grills. Perhaps this is because of the recent popularity of pellet grills or because they are a relatively new product compared with charcoal or gas barbecues.

Whatever the reason, a pellet grill is likely to set you back between $600 and $2000, whereas in charcoal grills you would be looking mostly in the hundreds rather than thousands of dollars for a new, quality one. 

Ongoing Cost

Wood pellets can be harder to source than charcoal briquettes and more expensive too. Then again users of pellet grills would likely say that you get more flavor options with wood pellet grills due to the varieties of wood pellets you can get. 

Charcoal is widely available and relatively cheap to buy, however, you should bear in mind that it takes a much larger volume of charcoal to cook the same thing as fewer pellets could.

In terms of running cost, you will probably find that there is not much difference between pellet and charcoal grills. 

Ease Of Use

To use a pellet grill is a simple affair. Fill the hopper with pellets and set the right temperature. The auger will then feed the right amount of pellets into the firebox as it needs them.

If you want it hotter, then you turn up the temperature which will increase the rate that pellets are fed into the firebox. Simple. 

Charcoal grills are user-friendly, but they aren’t quite as easy to use as pellet grills or smokers. To set up your charcoal grill you will need either a charcoal chimney or lighter fluid as well as a lighter to get it going.

Once the fire has established you will need to wait for around twenty to thirty minutes to make sure the coals are hot enough to cook on.

Versatility

Wood pellet grills are amazing at grilling – but they’re also able to smoke BBQ low and slow. And since they operate similar to a convection oven, you can also bake and braise on them too.

Charcoal grills can be used to both grill for a traditional barbecue experience and to smoke with ease, but the smoky flavor they create is not the same as you would get with a wood pellet grill. 

Temperature Range

Pellet grills are seen to be somewhat limited in their temperature capabilities in that they can reach up to ranges of 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but charcoal grills can get much hotter than that.

An experienced charcoal king or queen should be able to achieve temperatures over 800 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Final Thoughts

The most important thing to consider when buying a new grill is to consider which type of grill is going to fit best into your lifestyle. You’ll need a grill that ticks the boxes that are important to you. 

Do you like the distinct charcoal flavor you get when using a charcoal grill? Or is the remarkable convenience of a pellet grill more important to you?

These two types of grills have different pros and cons, so it is important to know what you like before making a purchase. 

If you’re thinking about getting a pellet grill, you’ll also need to think about the initial cost of one and consider how you will justify it. One way you might be able to decide between the two is to ask yourself how often you plan to use it.

A good rule of thumb is that if you plan to use it once every few days, at least in the summer, then a pellet grill might well be worth the initial investment.

On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, you could arguably get more grilling space for your money with a charcoal barbecue. 

In the end, deciding between various types of grills is a personal decision and the right answer is going to be different for different people.

If you have some cash to burn (not as fuel, obviously), and you want to take your backyard barbecues to the next level, then you might seriously consider a wood pellet grill, and you’ll soon be the envy of your whole neighborhood, but it really does come down to personal preference. 

The post Pellet Grill vs Charcoal Grill – Which Is Better? appeared first on Own The Grill.

It’s one of the best ways to cut down on your prep time, and also the work that goes into lighting up your fire.  There really isn’t a downside or reason that you shouldn’t get ahold of one!

In this article, we’ve rounded up a best charcoal chimney starter list.  Read on if you want to see our top picks, reviews, and tips for how to get the most out of your charcoal chimney starter.

Best Charcoal Chimney Starter – Quick Overview

One of most common and widely agreed upon pain points associated with charcoal grills is lighting your charcoal briquettes.  If there’s anything that’s a turn off for new grillers to use a charcoal grill, it’s probably the hassle associated with lighting a proper charcoal fire.  Frankly, there aren’t a ton of great options out there to help with it.

You could use an electric charcoal starter, but they can get extremely hot.  So hot that they can actually be pretty dangerous, and serious accidents can be right around the corner if you don’t take extra precautions.

Some recommend that you use lighter fluid with charcoal – but that’s a strategy we generally like to avoid.

A chimney starter is by far the superior way to light your charcoal fire.  With these simple, safe, and straight forward contraptions, literally all you have to do is light it up and let it go to work.  After about 15 minutes, you’re left with a burning charcoal fire that’s ready to grill up some delicious food.

Without any further ado, let’s get into our reviews!  Along the way, we’ll go over the features you should look out for, and how to differentiate between seemingly similar products.

Best Charcoal Chimney Starter Reviews

Weber Rapid Fire Chimney Starter

Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter

• Designed to quickly produce hot coals for cooking
• Specialized cone-shaped grate and durable construction for longevity
• Ergonomic handle for comfortable use

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Weber is one of the most trusted names in outdoor cooking, and their Rapid Fire Chimney Starter is deserving of a place at the top of our best charcoal chimney starter list.  They advertise these starters as the easiest and fastest method for lighting all types of charcoal – and they aren’t wrong.

About 20 to 25 minutes is all it takes to get your fire started.  A cone shaped grate design helps to increase the rate at which ignition occurs throughout the stack of charcoal by providing optimal airflow.

The body of the unit is made of aluminized steel that has been hot-dip coated on all sides with aluminum-silicone alloy.  This unique process results in a material that possesses a combination of both steel and aluminum – and it does a fantastic job of lighting your coals.

A couple of really nice safety features are built in around the handle to greatly reduce the risk of accidents.  First, there’s a two handle design that gives you maximum control when you’re pouring your lit charcoal.  A large heat shield also protects the handle from extreme temperatures.

High volume cooking also isn’t an issue here, as this chimney has a high capacity bin and is 12 inches tall by 7.5 inches in diameter.  On top of that, it’s built to last literally for decades with proper care.

Things We Like:

• Simple, straightforward, and effective design
• Aluminized steel is durable and does an incredibly good job of creating a hot environment for your coals
• Safety features abound – two handles and heat shield greatly reduce the risk of accidents
• Cone shaped internal grate helps coals light fast.  Get going in less than 25 minutes
• Ventilation and airflow design features are well thought out
• Great price

Things We Don’t:

• While there’s plenty of capacity for most grilling and smoking jobs, it’s not the largest volume chimney starter available.  Just something to keep in mind if you have a large grill

Oklahoma Joe’s Half-Time Charcoal Starter

Oklahoma Joe's Half-Time XL Charcoal Starter XL

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If you’re in the market for a large capacity chimney starter, the Oklahoma Joe’s Half-Time XL Charcoal Starter is a great choice and one of the easiest chimney starters to use.

In fact, if you regularly use larger lump charcoal in your charcoal grill or kamado grill, this is the probably the perfect choice for you.

The dimensions of the chimney starter are 8 inches tall by 12 inches in diameter.  That’s enough volume to fit up to 100 charcoal briquettes, or a generous amount of lump charcoal.

An intuitive handle design keeps the handle cool and safe even when you have an ignited charcoal fire.  On top of that, great ventilation and airflow through the charcoal bin means that your coals can light in as fast as 15 to 20 minutes.

Stainless steel is the material of choice in the construction of this chimney, and it will last you a long time with proper care and routine cleaning.

Things We Like:

• Oversize coal basket is ideal for high capacity grills or for lump charcoal
• Coals light faster compared to many other chimneys
• Handle stays cool and safe after your fire is hot and roaring
• Stainless steel used for construction is highly reliable and durable
• Oklahoma Joe is a trusted brand in the BBQ space

Things We Don’t:

• When the basket is completely full, it can be a little tough to manage.  As long as you pay attention and use some BBQ gloves, you should be completely fine though

Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter

Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter

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On the other end of the size spectrum, the Weber Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter is intentionally designed to be a more compact fire starter.  It gets our vote for best charcoal chimney starter for on the go grilling – it’s perfect to take with your portable grill on a camping or tailgating trip.

Dimensions wise, it’s 8 inches tall and 5.75 inches in diameter and can light coals in as little as 15 minutes.

As far as the design goes, it’s quite similar to the Weber 7429 Rapid Fire – just smaller.  It’s the ideal choice for smaller grills or shorter grilling sessions.

All of the safety features you like to see are still there.  Namely, a cool touch handle and heat shield are both in place to make sure that your hands are safe while the chimney is in use.

Obviously with this being a smaller unit, it’s best used with smaller briquettes and won’t work for lump charcoal.

Things We Like:

• Compact design is lightweight and great for on the go BBQ
• Coals light really fast since the chamber isn’t that big
• Cool touch handle and heat shield are ideal safety features
• Very affordable
• Weber is a trusted brand and makes high quality products

Things We Don’t:

• Not great for long grilling sessions or lighting for larger grills
• Doesn’t work for lump charcoal or larger briquettes

Char-Griller Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger

Char-Griller Charcoal Grill Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger

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The part of using a chimney starter where you have to be the most careful is when you’re dumping your lit coals into your grill.  The Char-Griller Chimney Starter with Quick Release Trigger went the extra step of creating a design feature to help with that step in the process.

Right in front of the handle is a release lever that will drop your hot coals into your grill’s fire basket with no tipping or messy pouring of your coals.  The release also keeps the hottest coals on the bottom and the least hot ones on top to maximize efficiency of your fire in the grill.

If you’re new to charcoal grilling or are nervous about using a chimney starter, this might be the best charcoal chimney starter for you simply because of this feature.

Aside from that there are plenty of great, if expected, features included with this product.  The handle is made of ABS plastic with a built in heat shield for maximum safety while handling.  Galvanized steel is the material of choice, which is highly durable.

As far as capacity goes, this starter is also on the higher end of the spectrum with dimensions at 12 inches tall and 7.75 inches in diameter.

Things We Like:

• Great price point
• Quick release feature is practical and unique
• Included safety features include cool touch handle and heat shield
• Generous amount of capacity to work with
• Durable ABS handle and galvanized steel body

Things We Don’t:

• You have a lot less control over how your coals come out of the chimney when bottom dumping
• Quality of the moving parts in this unit could be better

Homenote Rapid Charcoal Chimney Starter Set

Homenote Charcoal Chimney Starter Set

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If you’re completely starting from scratch with your accessories, then a starter kit like the Homenote Rapid Charcoal Chimney Starter Set is a great place to start.

In addition to a chimney, it comes with BBQ gloves and an air blower.  The BBQ gloves are very nice to have around – the air blower isn’t really necessary, but it can definitely speed up the process of lighting your pile of coals.

This starter is 11.5 inches tall and 7 inches in diameter, so you’re afforded plenty of space to light a medium to large sized pile.  It’s made of zinc plated steel and has a wood handle design to help prevent burns.

The design of the chimney itself is a little inferior to the others on this best charcoal chimney starter list – mostly due to a lack of airflow and ventilation systems.

Things We Like:

• Comes with BBQ gloves in addition to the chimney
• Built in heat shield and wood handle are great for safety
• Nice capacity for medium sized piles of briquettes

Things We Don’t:

• The extras drive up the price, and a couple of them are pretty unnecessary
• Ventilation could be better and would lead to quicker lighting times

Char-Broil Half-Time Charcoal Starter

Char-Broil Half-Time Charcoal Starter

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Char-Broil is another trusted name in the outdoor cooking space, and their iteration of the half-time chimney starter is worthy of consideration.

Most notably, this unit has a wide diameter at 8 inches and can fit larger coals like lump charcoal.  It is only 8 inches tall though, so volume wise it’s not quite as much as some of the other choices on this list.

There’s also a built in heat shield and the plastic handle rests far enough away from the main bin that you won’t be worrying about scorching your hand.

Things We Like:

• Wide 8 inch diameter unit is ideal for large pieces and lump
• Built in heat shield and far away plastic handle are nice safety features
• Lights coals really quickly – get going in around 15 minutes
• Good price

Things We Don’t:

• Since it’s not as tall, you sacrifice some volume.  Not ideal for large cookers or even standard sized grills
• Dumping is a little harder with the handle so far away from the bin

Don’t Grill Again Without One of These!

There just simply isn’t a good reason to not utilize the best charcoal chimney starter.  Even professionals and experienced pit masters use these tools to light their flame.  There’s no simpler or safer way to do it.

Compared to all of the other ways you could light your charcoal, this is the best way by far.  All you need aside from your chimney and coals is a little bit of newspaper or lighter cubes plus a lighter.  That’s it!  You can leave the lighter fluid at the department store.

What Will a Charcoal Chimney Starter Do For You?

Alright, from a high level it lights your charcoal… obviously.  But what exactly does this little contraption do to accomplish that feat?

Essentially, it’s just a cylinder shell that contains a pile of charcoal set in a basket.  There are holes around the base to promote airflow and also to help light your coals.

From there, once you light the bottom coals, those begin to burn and the flame works itself up the stack until all of the coals have ignited.

How to Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter

In case you were looking for a little tutorial, here’s how to use a charcoal chimney starter in step by step form:

1. If necessary, remove your cooking grate from your cooker (some have hinge mechanisms where this step won’t be necessary).
2. Place a wad of newspaper or fire lighter cubes at the bottom of your chimney starter.
3. Put your chimney either on the bottom of your cooker, fire basket, or on a surface that’s safe to start a fire on.
4. Fill your chimney’s bin with charcoal.
5. Ignite your newspaper or fire lighter cubes through the holes in the bottom of your starter.  You can also use a butane torch if you want more horsepower.
6. Sit back and relax while your fire works its way up the chimney.  After about 15 to 20 minutes, all of your briquettes should be gray and lit.
7. Carefully pour your coals into the bottom of your grill or into the designated fire basket.

Here’s a great video showing how simple and straightforward this process is:

Buying Tips

When you’re comparing different products, it might not seem like there’s much difference between one chimney to the next.  While that’s true to a degree, there are definitely a few things you should keep an eye out for.

Charcoal Capacity

Probably the most important thing to look at is how much charcoal can your chimney hold?  The answer to that question probably has a lot to do with how big your cooker is, whether you’re using a smoker vs a grill, and how long your cooking sessions are going to be.

The other thing to consider here is whether you typically use charcoal briquettes or lump charcoal.  Lump charcoal is a lot bigger and will require a wider diameter chimney if you plan on lighting it efficiently.

Safety Features

The whole purpose of using a chimney starter vs other methods is that chimneys are considerably safer, in general.  If your starter doesn’t include basic safety features, what’s the point?

In particular, you should look for a product whose handle is a safe distance away from the main bin and also has a heat shield built in to add a protective layer between your hand and the heat.

Quick release starters sound safer in theory but you have to focus a little bit extra to make sure you don’t accidentally release your coals prematurely.

Ventilation

Ventilation and oxygen flow is a key ingredient to any healthy fire.  Without good ventilation, your charcoal pile will take forever to burn.

On the other hand, a properly ventilated starter will burn at a quicker rate, so you can spend less time waiting around for your BBQ!

Construction Material

Since your chimney will get extremely hot, you need a metal that can withstand the heat and that will also last a long time through repeated use.  Most starters are some kind of steel – but you should double check before you make any sort of purchase.

Also, be sure to stay away from any painted starters, they simply aren’t worth the trouble.  Only super expensive, specialist paints would be able to withstand the repeated heat beating that the best charcoal chimney starter takes.

Safety First

Even though these starters are by far the safest and easiest way to light up your charcoal grill, you still can’t fall asleep at the wheel.  Chimney starters can get your coals upwards of 550°F, and any time you’re handling materials that hot, you need to be careful.

Don’t ever use them with children present, and even make sure all adults in the area are aware of what’s going on.  The last thing you need at your cookout is somebody knocking a hot pile of coals over onto themselves – that would be extremely bad news!

Use care when you pour your coals into your cooker.  Take it slow, and use BBQ gloves.  And take some time to learn how to put out a charcoal grill safely.

Final Thoughts

For all of my charcoal grillers and smokers out there, the best charcoal chimney starter is an absolute must have for your arsenal.  It’s the quintessential way to light your coals, and you can spend more time focusing on the best part – the food!

Even though these contraptions look pretty basic, there’s more than meets the eye.  I’ve found over time that it’s worth the extra couple of bucks to go with a reputable brand compared to a cheap imported piece of crap.  It’s worth it in the long run.

Hopefully after reading this guide, you now know how to differentiate between what’s legit and what isn’t.  For my taste, I’d go with a Weber chimney starter for “regular” grilling and if you need an oversize starter, the Oklahoma Joe is what I use.

Which one did you end up with?  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section below.

The post Best Charcoal Chimney Starter – What’s the Best Way to Fire Up Your Grill? appeared first on Own The Grill.

There are so many clever gadgets that make the smoking process smoother. I love discovering new accessories that become my go-to tools. Things like rib racks or drip pans help maximize space and minimize cleanup. The right accessories really do enhance your whole smoker grill experience.

And it’s amazing how much a small thing like a grill brush or spray can improve your end results. Keeping your smoker grills in tip-top shape is key for consistent, crowd-pleasing barbecue. All these helpful accessories enable your equipment to perform its best every time.

I’d encourage all backyard smoker grill smokers to check out the variety of smoker accessories available. Half the joy of this hobby is tailoring your setup. With so many options, you can create a custom rig that perfectly suits your needs. Smoking meat with all the right gear – now that’s living!

12 Essential Accessories for Your BBQ Smoker

Basic Smoking Accessories 

In order to use your smoker in the first place, it is likely that you already possess a few pieces of vital equipment. Food in a smoker has to be checked and sometimes turned, transferred, and placed into the smoker in the first place.

Plus, you’ll need to clean your smoker regularly to ensure its performance and longevity.

You will need a couple of tools to do this. These are the most basic accessories for your smoker which every pit master needs: tongs, and a grill brush. The tongs are used to help transfer, and the grill brush is used to sweep the actual smoker and scrub the grates to clear any debris out of the way.

Probe Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is a crucial part of using your smoker, and it is almost certain you will not get good results without it. You can choose a wired digital thermometer that stays in the meat whilst it is in the smoker or an instant-read thermometer.

An instant-read thermometer is easy to use, and it does exactly what it says it does. This is great to get an instant reading on your food, but you will have to continuously come back to take measurements every few hours.

The wired digital thermometers are great, as they can be left in the meat and will tell you on the digital screen how hot things are.

Additionally, you are often able to download an app to tell you the reading from the digital thermometer. A leave-in thermometer may be the option if you are using a smoker because you are often smoking meats at low temperatures for a significant amount of time.

Top Wireless Thermometer

MEATER Plus | Smart Meat Thermometer with Bluetooth | 165ft Wireless Range | for The Oven, Grill, Kitchen, BBQ, Smoker, Rotisserie

With 165 feet of range and a dual sensor probe, it doesn't get much easier or more accurate than the Meater Plus.

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Heat Resistant Gloves

Heat-resistant gloves for BBQ are another must-have accessory for your smoker. Sure, you don’t need heat-resistant gloves to put food in your smoker, but you definitely need them to take food out.

Heat-resistant gloves are perfect for pulling out that lovely brisket and tearing it apart with your hands. When using your smoker, you are handling a lot of hot food and a lot of that food will need to be carved, prepared, and transported.

Investing in some heat-resistant gloves is a stress-free way to prevent burns, and allow you to have more control over your food, even if it is hot.

Grilling Gloves - Extreme Heat Resistant BBQ Gloves

Check Price on Amazon

Natural Fire Starters/Lighters

To add some heat to your smoker, you need a source of the fire. Natural firelighters are an excellent way to do this without hassle, as you simply put them in place inside your smoker, and light them with a match or lighter.

Within a second, they burn bright and will keep your smoker smoking for hours. Natural firelighters can be referred to as wood wool, and it is made of thin wood that burns incredibly easily. You can also get gas blocks that ignite in seconds, but these may not be the best option for a smoker due to the smell and chemicals. 

Boning Knife

A boning knife is a good accessory for your smoker, that way you can properly trim meats like brisket so they are optimal for smoker cooking.

Many meats have hard sections of fat that won’t render out even with a low and slow cook – so you need a flexible, nimble boning knife to properly and safely trim your BBQ.

Top Brisket Trimming Knife

Dexter-Russell 6" Boning Knife

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Slicing Knife

On a similar note, being able to slice your BBQ brisket properly before serving makes a huge difference in the eating experience.

A BBQ slicing knife should have a long blade with slightly serrated edges or a Granton style blade – but not overboard because too much jaggedness will rip apart your tender meat.

Victorinox-Swiss-Army 12" Cutlery Fibrox Pro Granton Slicing Knife

Check Price on Amazon

Rib Rack

A rib rack is ideal for your smoker, and you can fit a few racks of ribs inside at once. Ribs take up a lot of surface space, and instead of laying them directly on the surface of the smoker, you can put them in their own holder.

This will save you a lot of space, and it will also ensure that your ribs are cooked evenly at the same time. It is even better for those around smokers such as the Weber Smokey Mountain. 

Basting Brush/Sauce Mop

A basting brush is a great smoker accessory, and you will not be able to go without it once you have once. You can use a basting brush or a sauce mop to continuously baste your meat every few hours.

This will ensure that the meat stays flavorful and delicious, and it takes minimal effort, too. 

Meat Shredding Claws

This one is sure to impress your friends and family. Meat-shredding claws do exactly what they say! After smoking that brisket or pulled pork for eight hours, can you think of anything more tiring than slicing it?

Well, not to worry! You can use meat claws to pull apart your meat. Simply hold them, one in each hand, and shred the meat with both of your hands. 

Spritz Bottle

An alternative to a basting brush or sauce mop is a good old-fashioned spritz bottle. You can fill these with various types of liquid to spritz your brisket, pork, and other BBQ every so often while it cooks.

This will impart some flavor onto your food if you’re using a liquid like beef broth or apple cider vinegar – but the idea here is mostly to ensure that your meat remains as moist as possible while it cooks.

Clear Glass Spray Bottles - Refillable 16 oz Spritzers for Kitchen, Misting Plants, & More

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Butcher’s Block 

A butcher’s block is that missing piece to the puzzle you didn’t know you needed to solve. When getting your meat out of the smoker, you need a surface to let it rest on, or at least put it down for a second or two.

This is especially important if you have a conjoined grill and smoker, as they usually have a resting space. A butcher’s block is a wooden block that you can place your meat on, and let rest. Once it has rested, carve it up, and serve it on that same block. It is a convenient way to serve, slice, and rest your meat. 

Kebab Skewers

Kebab skewers are a great accessory for your smoker because you can preload them with your favorite meats and veggies, place them alongside any other food in the smoker, and leave them to cook all day long.

They are made of metal, and they are reusable, so they are perfect to use when you have leftover chicken and peppers. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with some delicious slow-cooked kebab and brisket!

Check out our skewer recipe ideas next for some inspiration!

Great for BBQ

16.8" Flat Metal Kebab Skewers - 12 Pack

• Designed for use on high heat grills
• Long and sturdy enough for Picanha

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Final Thoughts

There are countless things that you may want for your smoker, but do you actually know what you need?

These must-have accessories will level up your smoker game, with taste-altering effects, and convenience! We hope you’ve liked some of the examples on this list, and we hope you check out all our grilling accessories list!

The post 12 Must Have Smoker Accessories appeared first on Own The Grill.

In fact, they’ve taken a lot of the best features from other pellet grills on the market and combined them into one high performance grill.

On top of all of that, the RT-700 is by far one of the slickest, cool looking grills out there if you ask me.

In this article, we’ve made a complete RecTeq 700 Pellet Grill review to highlight the features and attributes of this grill.  By the end, you’ll have all of the information to help you make up your mind as to whether or not this is the grill for you.

RecTeq – Quick Brand Overview

In 2009, lifelong friends Ray Carnes and Ron Cundy founded RecTeq Grills out of their passion for grilling and smoking.  They thought the equipment they used day in and day out could be better – so they did something about it.

Ever since the inception of RecTeq, the company has consistently pushed themselves to stay ahead of the competition.  What started out as a company with only one product (the RT-680), now has over a dozen premium grills and even more accessories, rubs, and sauces to enhance your grilling experience.

RecTeq has also made a point to ensure that quality is at the center of their design philosophy.  You won’t find any cheap parts anywhere on their grills – they are truly built to withstand the test of time.  With proper care, a RecTeq 700 Pellet Grill (or any of their other cookers) can last you a lifetime.

When it comes to customer service, RecTeq is refreshingly good.  If you have a problem or even a simple question, you can expect to talk to a real person who’s based in the USA who will be happy to help you out.  Great customer service is a by product of their ethos, which unfortunately nowadays is pretty rare.

We spend a lot of time researching, testing, and communicating with different grill and smoker manufacturers.  From what I can see, it’s extremely rare to come across an unhappy RecTeq customer – not surprising considering the quality of both their products and customer service.

Rec Tec RT-700 Review

The RT 700 is the flagship grill for Rec Tec and comfortably their best seller.  They market it as the gold standard of pellet grills, and it’s hard to argue with that statement.  There is an unbelievable level of precision and craftsmanship in the design of the RT-700.

Also known as “The Bull” you’ll notice a few bull themed features on this grill, most notably the logo and bull horn lid handles.

Aesthetics and Build

Just by looking at it, you can tell the Rec Tec 700 is a serious grill.  It has a barrel shaped main cooking chamber that attaches onto a heavy-duty cart with industrial grade wheels and rolling casters.

The thing to remember with the build quality of this grill is that everything, and I mean everything, is constructed with a high quality stainless steel.  Here’s the extensive list of all stainless steel parts:

• Cooking chamber (no paint means no flaking or chipping)
• Grill grates
• Fire pot
• Heat deflector and smoke tray
• Drip pan
• Micro polished bull horn handles
• Controller shelf
• Hopper lid, handles, and piano hinge
• Towel ring
• Lid stops
• Spill proof bucket hook
• Smokestack cap
• Pull bar handle
• Powder coated stainless steel lid for high temperatures
• Tool hooks

As you can see the list is extensive, and all of this quality stainless steel translates directly into performance and longevity.  Compared to most other brands, Rec Tec blows it out of the water when it comes to build quality.  You can expect maybe a handful of the above components to be stainless steel on other brands’ grills.  No corners were cut at all in the construction of the RT-700.

Cooking Features

All of the aesthetic design and durability features are great – but how does it cook?  Pellet grills are well known for their versatility, specifically their ability to both smoke at low temperatures for extended periods of time and also grill on direct heat at high temperatures.

The RT-700 boasts one of the best temperature ranges of any pellet grill on the market; it’s possible to easily maintain temperatures between 200°F and 500°F on this grill.  That’s a wide, versatile range for you to work with.  You can also precisely set your temperature in 5° increments across that entire temperature range, which gives you way more control than most other brands pellet grills allow (Traeger for example only has the ability to set temperature in 15° increments).

You’re also afforded a generous amount of space to get to work on the main cooking grate.  There’s 702 square inches of primary cooking surface area – which for reference is enough to fit 6 large racks of ribs at once.  If you want or need even more space, you can place in an optional top shelf that increases your total cooking area to 1,054 square inches.

The beauty of pellet grills is that you can achieve wood fired flavor without the hassle of managing a fire, thanks to wood pellets as your source of fuel.  The RT-700 is an extremely efficient burner of pellets compared to other grills – on average it burns a pound of pellets per hour.  Not only that, but the hopper capacity is 40 pounds of pellets at once which dwarfs many other competitors.  That’s a total of 40 hours of cooking to utilize for each full hopper!

There are two other cooking features we think are very helpful.  First, a dual probe thermometers are included with the grill so that you can monitor your food’s internal temperature easily while it cooks.  So there’s no need to purchase a third party probe thermometer system.

Second is the inclusion of an automatic grill lighting feature that illuminates your cooking area automatically.  This comes in extremely helpful for grilling sessions after the sun has gone down.  No more fumbling around with your phone’s flashlight or purchasing an extra grill light.

Technology

All of those cooking features are impressive and best in class, but the technology in the RT-700 takes this cooker to another level.  There are really two features that we’re referring to when we say “technology”

First, and most importantly in terms of cooking performance, is Rec Tec’s trademarked Smart Grill Technology.  The Smart Grill processor controls the rate at which the auger feeds pellets to the fire pot, and therefore temperature.  The processor will automatically speed up or slow down the rate at which pellets are delivered to maintain your desired temperature.

Smart Grill Technology is constantly monitoring your grill’s data and making adjustments to the feed rate as needed.  Where this feature really shines is during cold or windy days, where many pellet grills struggle to maintain consistent temperatures.  The Rec Tec 700 performs beautifully, even on less than ideal cold and windy days.

The second technology feature worth looking at is the RT-700’s connectivity with the Rec Tec Grills smartphone app.  Pretty much everything you could need to monitor or do with your grill can be managed from the app.

Want to turn on your grill and set your temperature?  It can be done from the app.  Want to know how the internal temperature of your smoked meat is coming along?  You can see that on the app too.  When it’s time to shut everything down, you can turn your grill off from the convenience of your phone as well.

The phone app interface comes in especially handy when it’s cold outside or for extended smoking sessions.  You can easily get work done or watch the big game from indoors and still easily keep tabs on what’s going on in your grill.

Warranty

We preach this all the time at Own the Grill, but the warranty is an important component of any purchase that’s overlooked way too often.

After all, a grill is a big investment right?  Don’t you want to make sure you have the most protection of your purchase as possible?  It would be silly to not at least consider the protection offered by the manufacturer.

We also think that a generous warranty is a signal of competence from the manufacturer.  A long warranty says “our products are high quality and we stand behind that claim”.  It’s a way the manufacturer can put their money where their mouth is.

In the case of Rec Tec, they offer some of the most generous – if not the most generous warranties of any pellet smokers on the market.

The RT-700 specifically comes with an industry leading 6 year warranty.  That’s an incredibly long coverage period, and certainly unmatched by other pellet grill manufacturers.

Extras

The most popular RT-700 bundle also includes a custom grill cover, two grill mats, and 200 pounds of wood pellets to get your supply started.

Aside from those, there are also a few extras and upgrades that you can purchase if you want to enhance your grilling set up even more.  Some of our favorites are:

• RT-700 Smokebox – a cold smoker that attaches to your grill and lets you cold smoke cheese and other foods.  Or add extra smokey flavor to your meats!
• Front folding shelf
• Upgraded competition cart
• Large interior shelf
• Flat top griddle – convert your RT-700 into a flat top grill
• Sear kit
• Grill pad
• Rubs and Sauces

The Rec Tec 700 Might Be For You If…

The Rec Tec 700 is the perfect grill for you if you’re the type who values both quality and convenience.

Pellet grills are a great in between of set it and forget it smokers like electric smokers or gas smokers and charcoal fueled grills and smokers – which require a lot more attention and ongoing fire management.

So you get the ease of use factor combined with a little bit of delicious wood fired flavor with a pellet grill.

The RT-700 in particular is for those who value a premium BBQ experience.  There’s no denying that the price tag is a little higher compared to some of Rec Tec’s competition – but as the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Many other pellet grills are built with cheap parts, have bad customer service, and frankly are going to have to be replaced after a couple of years of heavy use.

That’s just not the case with the Rec Tec 700 – it’s literally built to last a lifetime and is crafted with the utmost quality, precision, and attention to detail.

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More Resources to Go With This Rec Tec 700 Review

Buying a new grill is a big decision, so if you’re still unsure as to whether or not the RT-700 is a good fit for you, we have a few other resources that might be helpful.

First, check out our comparison of Rec Tec vs Traeger pellet grills.  Traeger is another popular pellet grill brand, and in this article we give a side by side comparison of each brand and the grills they offer.  We’ve also done a comparison of Rec Tec and Camp Chef pellet grills too.

Last but not least, this video outlines the process for assembling the Rec Tec 700.  As far as assemblies go it’s not too bad if you follow the instructions in the video.

Rec Tec 700 Review – Final Thoughts

By now, I hope you feel like you have all of the information you need after this Rec Tec 700 review to know whether or not it’s the right grill for you.

At the end of the day, you should think about you budget, the types of foods you plan to cook, and what you want your grilling and smoking experience to be.  From there, figuring out which grill is best for you will be pretty easy.

The Rec Tec 700 is a top notch pellet grill.  It’s sturdily constructed, versatile, and gives you the sort of precision with your cooks that you simply just won’t find with many other types of grills.

Did you end up getting the Rec Tec 700?  What were the reasons that you did?  We’d love to hear about it in the comments section!

The post RecTeq 700 Pellet Grill Review – A Detailed Look At RecTeq’s Flagship Grill appeared first on Own The Grill.