BBQ Buying Guides
Everything you need to know before buying a grill — written by competition pitmasters and testing engineers.
Last updated: 2026 · Expert written & test-backed
Buying Guides
Choosing the right grill before you buy — by fuel type, budget, and use case.
How to Smoke a Brisket Guide 2026
How to smoke a brisket: trimming, rubs, timing, foil vs butcher paper, bark development, and slicing technique — competition BBQ results from our testing team.
How to Smoke a Pork Shoulder Guide 2026
How to smoke a pork shoulder: trimming, rubs, timing, wrapping, shredding technique, and pulled pork recipe — tested low-and-slow method.
How to Smoke Ribs: 3-2-1 Method & Variations 2026
How to smoke ribs: 3-2-1 method, temperature targets, rub recipes, wrapping techniques, and when to finish — competition-tested rib smoking guide.
Reverse Sear Method Guide 2026
Reverse sear method: smoke or oven-cook to target temp, then sear in cast iron — perfect edge-to-center doneness. Competition-tested technique.
Traeger vs Pit Boss: Pellet Grill Showdown 2026
Traeger vs Pit Boss: side-by-side pellet grill comparison covering temperature consistency, WiFi reliability, build quality, and value across tested models.
Best Premium Gas Grills ($800-$1500) 2026
Best premium gas grills 2026: we compare high-end models by temperature consistency, searing power, and build quality across Weber, Char-Broil, and more.
Meat & Grilling Temperature Chart 2026
Meat and grilling temperature chart: internal temps for steak, chicken, pork, burgers, fish, and brisket, plus USDA safe minimums and real pull temps.
How Long Does a Propane Tank Last? (Size Guide)
How long a propane tank lasts for grilling, broken down by BTU output and tank size, plus how to check remaining fuel, from our own tested-grill burn time data.
How to Grill the Perfect Steak (Technique Guide)
How to grill the perfect steak: cut selection, sear timing, flip technique, doneness temperatures, and resting, with real targets from our testing team.
Best Wood Chips for Smoking (Flavor Guide)
Best wood chips for smoking in 2026: which wood pairs with which meat, chips vs chunks vs pellets, and how much wood is too much, from our testing team.
Charcoal Grill Temperature Control Guide
How to control charcoal grill temperature with vents, coal placement, and airflow, plus how to hold steady heat for hours, from our testing team.
Kamado Grill vs Regular Grill: Worth It?
Kamado grill vs regular gas or charcoal grill compared: versatility, fuel efficiency, price, and searing power, tested to see if the upgrade is worth it.
Pellet Grill vs Traditional Smoker 2026
Pellet grill vs traditional smoker compared: flavor, hands-on effort, learning curve, and price, tested head to head to help you pick the right one.
How Long to Preheat a Grill (By Fuel Type)
How long to preheat a gas, charcoal, pellet, or electric grill before cooking, plus why skipping preheat time hurts your results, from our testing team.
Best Grills Under $200 in 2026
Best grills under $200 in 2026: we compare charcoal, gas, and griddle options across 7 tested picks by cooking area, build quality, and value.
Direct vs Indirect Grilling Explained
Direct vs indirect grilling explained: which technique to use for burgers, steaks, whole chickens, and ribs, plus how to set up both zones on any grill.
Gas vs Charcoal vs Pellet Grill: Which to Buy?
Gas vs charcoal vs pellet grills compared: heat control, flavor, cost, and convenience, tested head-to-head to help you choose the right fuel type.
Best Weber Grills 2026
Best Weber grills of 2026: we compare gas, charcoal, portable, smoker, and electric models across every price tier, with real tested picks and verdicts.
Best Pellet Grills 2026
Best pellet grills of 2026: we compare budget, mid-range, and WiFi-connected models by temperature consistency, hopper capacity, and value. Tested picks.
Best Charcoal Grills 2026
Best charcoal grills of 2026: we compare kettle, portable, offset, and dedicated smoker models by heat retention, build quality, and value. Tested picks.
Best Portable Grills 2026
Best portable grills of 2026: we compare propane and charcoal models by weight, setup time, and heat output for tailgating, camping, and small spaces.
Best Gas Grills Under $500 in 2026
Best gas grills under $500 in 2026: we compare burner performance, cooking area, and build quality on tested models, from full-size to portable options.
Best BBQ Grills for Small Patio 2026
Best BBQ grills for small patios in 2026: we compare compact gas, charcoal, and portable grills by footprint, heat output, and storage, with tested picks.
Weber vs Traeger 2026: Which Brand Wins?
Weber vs Traeger compared: gas and charcoal grilling versus pellet smoking, tested head to head on heat control, flavor, price, and warranty. Full verdict.
Best Smokers for Beginners 2026
Best smokers for beginners in 2026: we compare pellet, offset, and electric smokers by ease of use, cost, and learning curve, with real tested product picks.
Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Keeping the grill you already own running well — cleaning, seasoning, storage, and fixing common problems.
Why Is My Food Sticking to the Grill?
Why food sticks to a grill and how to fix it: cold grates, low oil, wrong timing, and seasoning issues, with real causes and fixes from our testing team.
How to Replace Grill Igniters (Step-by-Step)
How to replace a grill igniter, from diagnosing which part failed to installing a new electrode or module, with the exact tools and steps our team uses.
How to Use a Charcoal Grill (Beginner Guide)
How to use a charcoal grill for your first cookout: lighting charcoal, setting up zones, grilling, and cleanup, from our hands-on charcoal testing team.
Grill Not Heating Up Properly: Causes and Fixes
Grill not heating up properly? Real causes and fixes across gas, charcoal, pellet, and electric grills, from clogged burners to weak fires, from our team.
How to Clean Grill Grates (All Materials)
How to clean grill grates for cast iron, stainless steel, and porcelain-coated grates, plus what actually removes baked-on residue, from our testing team.
Gas Grill Ignition Troubleshooting Guide 2026
Gas grill won't light? Our step-by-step troubleshooting guide covers regulator bypass, weak batteries, clogged igniters, and low propane fixes.
Grill Cleaning and Maintenance Guide 2026
Complete grill maintenance guide: cleaning, seasoning, storage, and troubleshooting for gas, charcoal, pellet, and electric grills, from our testing team.
How to Season a Griddle (Complete Guide)
How to season a flat-top griddle or cast-iron grate step by step, plus re-seasoning after rust, cleaning between cooks, and common mistakes to avoid.
How to Winterize Your Grill (Complete Guide)
How to winterize your grill for storage: cleaning, rust prevention, propane tank safety, and pellet moisture protection, from our testing team.