Why Trust SmokyHQ
Independent testing, real competition expertise, and zero pay-for-placement — here's how we maintain editorial independence.
Why We Are Trustworthy
We Buy What We Test
The large majority of grills we review are purchased at full retail price, just like you would. Any exception is clearly disclosed.
Real Competition Experience
Our lead pitmaster is a KCBS certified judge with 15 years of competition BBQ experience — he knows the difference between a spec sheet and a genuinely good cook.
Engineering-Grade Testing
Our testing lead brings a mechanical engineering background to build quality and durability assessment — welds, gauge thickness, and long-term wear, not just first impressions.
FTC-Compliant Disclosure
Every affiliate link is disclosed on every page. Commissions never influence our ratings or recommendations — period.
Editorial Independence
We do not accept payment for positive reviews, and brands cannot purchase a better rating or request changes to our published conclusions. Our affiliate relationships are disclosed on every page, and the commissions we earn never influence which products we recommend or how we score them.
Every review carries a genuine cons section based on real testing data — a site that never finds fault is advertising, not reviewing. See our full testing methodology and editorial standards for the complete process.
Still Have Questions?
We welcome scrutiny. If you want to know more about how a specific review was conducted, our testing equipment, or our team's qualifications, email us at editorial@smokyhq.com. We are happy to answer.