About SmokyHQ
We are a team of competition pitmasters, mechanical engineers, and consumer research analysts on a mission to provide the most trustworthy, independently tested grill and smoker reviews on the internet.
Founded 2026 · 3 certified expert reviewers · 6+ grills tested
Our Mission
SmokyHQ was founded with a simple goal: to create the most trustworthy, test-backed resource for grill shoppers. With hundreds of brands and thousands of models available online, choosing the right grill is overwhelming — and a bad purchase means years of frustrating cooks and wasted money.
Our team spends dozens of hours testing each grill we review, using standardised protocols developed with competition BBQ and engineering expertise. We evaluate heat retention, temperature control, build quality, ease of assembly, and long-term durability — then supplement our findings with reader feedback.
Our Values
Unbiased Testing
We purchase products at retail price and refuse to be influenced by brands. Our ratings reflect genuine performance, not sponsorships or gifted samples.
Test-Backed
Every recommendation is grounded in hands-on cooking sessions and validated through our standardised multi-cook testing protocol with thermal mapping equipment.
Reader-Focused
We factor in reader feedback and long-term ownership reports. Spec-sheet numbers that don't hold up in real backyard use don't earn our recommendation.
FTC Compliant
We clearly disclose affiliate relationships on every page. Our editorial scores and recommendations are not influenced by which brands offer commissions.
Our Expert Team
Marcus Reilly
KCBS Certified Judge with 15 years of competition BBQ experience. Develops and oversees our testing methodology across every grill and smoker category.
Dana Okafor
B.S. Mechanical Engineering. Leads thermal mapping, build quality inspection, and long-term durability assessment on every unit tested.
Tom Bricker
10+ years of backyard grilling experience. Analyzes reader data and price tiers to build our best-of lists and value comparisons.
Our Testing Methodology
Purchase & Assembly
We purchase grills at retail price and document the assembly experience from a consumer perspective, timing setup and noting any missing hardware or unclear instructions.
Burn-In & Seasoning
Every grill is seasoned and run through an initial burn-in cycle before formal testing, matching manufacturer guidance.
Standardised Cook Testing
We run each grill through searing, indirect low-and-slow, and (where applicable) smoking cooks, using surface thermal probes and multi-point temperature logging to quantify heat retention and consistency.
Build & Durability Inspection
Our engineering lead inspects welds, gauge thickness, hardware quality, and long-term wear points to assess durability beyond the spec sheet.
Annual Re-Review
We revisit and update reviews to account for new model years, pricing changes, and long-term durability data. Every page carries a "last updated" date.
Affiliate Disclosure
Last Updated: 2026
SmokyHQ participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
When you click on links to Amazon or other retailers and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission. This comes at no additional cost to you — you pay the same price whether you use our link or not.
Our editorial content is not influenced by affiliate relationships. We do not accept payment for positive reviews, and our ratings reflect genuine testing and analysis. If we do not like a grill, we say so — regardless of affiliate potential.
In compliance with the FTC's 16 CFR Part 255 guidelines, we disclose our material connection to product sellers on every page where affiliate links appear.
Questions about our affiliate policy or editorial standards? Contact us at editorial@smokyhq.com.