There is nothing that screams summer like firing up the grill – the smell, the family-style meals, the gathering of friends under the sun. It's a time-honoured tradition, but it is not free from stress.

Even the best grills can make outdoor cooking difficult, be it food sticking, getting the right temperature, or having to watch it like a hawk to prevent burning. That's why Ninja's Woodfire Pro Electric Grill, available at Amazon, is number one on my summer shopping list, offering safer, quicker grilling without the fuss.

It does it all, from grilling to air frying, taking the guesswork out of summer feasts, and with $100 off in the run-up to Father's Day weekend, it is one of the best gift options too.

There tends to be some apprehension around electric grills, specifically around the lack of traditional flavor. The Ninja Woodfire Pro, however, uses real wood-burning pellets to develop that signature smoky taste without the live flame.

We reviewed its predecessor, the Ninja Woodfire, and we were seriously surprised by its performance. Despite being electric, our reviewer, Alex Temblador, shared, 'There was a delicious smoky flavor to the fish and vegetables that wasn’t overwhelming. The char created by the grill grate was incredible, too.' If the hundreds of five-star Amazon reviews are anything to go by, it is safe to say that the Pro version continues this legacy.

The added Bluetooth functionality further takes the guesswork out of cooking. While traditional grills require you to stand to attention, the Woodfire Pro uses an app to keep tabs on the progress of your meal, allowing you to monitor temperatures and adjust settings from the comfort of your outdoor dining area, so you don't have to break from socializing with guests.

What really sets the Woodfire Grill apart from your standard picks is the versatility. Ninja never shies away from functionality, and the Woodfire Pro is no different. With grill, BBQ, smoke, air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate settings, there are very few limits to what this single appliance can do. It could safely replace an entire outdoor kitchen, catering to almost any cuisine for any al fresco dinner.

It's proof that you do not need to overspend on grills to achieve superb results.

What Else to Shop

To help you get summer hosting off to the best start, I have curated the best barbecue essentials designed to complement your new Ninja Woodfie Pro, from non-stick saviours to stylish accessories.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Looking for something a little more permanent? Consider designing an outdoor kitchen for a year-round hosting setup bound to impress.

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It simply wouldn’t be summer without a cookout. But for those with compact backyards or only a balcony to work with, it can sometimes feel like an impossible luxury. Thankfully, IKEA has come to the rescue with a charming, sub-$80 grill designed to fit almost anywhere.

Compact enough to take to the beach or park, the portable SOLUPPGÅNG cast-iron grill is ideal for flexible summer hosting. Forget sacrificing tons of floorspace to one of the best grills; this popular offering from the Swedish retailer is just as suited to a spontaneous picnic as it is to a small-space cookout at home, and can easily be tucked away once the season ends.

It may not be around for long, however. As a limited-edition release that’s already sold out in some stores, it’s one to snap up quickly if you want to perfect your small-space grilling setup this summer.

The IKEA Cast-Iron BBQ That's Making Premium Grills Look Overpriced

All prices correct at time of publication.

Measuring just 8 ¼ by 16 ⅞ inches, this petite grill isn’t designed for smoking a whole brisket or cooking for a crowd of twenty. Instead, it offers a compact, chic, and far more durable alternative to store-bought disposable grills.

It doesn't break the bank, either. Our best budget grill, the Weber 18" kettle at Wayfair, still comes in at $139, making the IKEA grill by far one of the most affordable I have ever seen.

Crafted from cast iron (one of the most reliable materials for non-toxic cookware), it is wonderfully sturdy and excellent at retaining heat. As the coals warm, that heat distributes evenly across the grill surface, helping deliver a beautiful char and consistent sear on every ingredient. With vents to increase airflow to the bowl, its small size still allows for higher grilling temperatures and quicker cooking, too.

IKEA shoppers love it too, with all positive reviews. Sten commented in their five-star write-up on site, 'Stunning little BBQ! Portable and easy to use. Stays hot for a long time. Great for Steaks. Well made and with care will last forever.'

It's incredibly versatile, too, stretching beyond just summer grilling. As Rashail adds in their five-star assessment, 'Even though I am a vegetarian, I bought this [as my] traditional sigdi at home isn't made of cast iron, this is! Be it corn or cottage cheese, the wider grilling area helps cooks evenly.'

When buying a grill, whatever it’s made from, understanding how to clean and care for your cookware is essential if you want it to perform summer after summer.

With cast iron in particular, seasoning is key, both to help prevent food from sticking and to protect the surface from rust over time. This grill comes pre-seasoned with soybean oil, but for long-term care, grapeseed oil (from Walmart) is an affordable option with a neutral flavour profile.

To season cast iron, lightly coat all surfaces with oil, then heat the piece in the oven or on a cooktop at up to 300°F for at least one hour. Allow it to cool completely before wiping away any excess oil.

If rust, staining, or stubborn food residue develops, the surface can be cleaned with a chainmail scrubber from Amazon or an abrasive sponge before re-seasoning to restore its protective layer.

More to Shop

Whether a portable grill is worth it ultimately depends on how many people you’re cooking for and how much outdoor space you have to work with.

For those in need of a small-space saviour, however, I’ve rounded up six clever cookout essentials to help get your summer hosting underway.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

If you're in an apartment, next consider some balcony seating ideas to craft a cozy outdoor hosting space for your compact cookouts.

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Grills may seem relatively low maintenance – brush them down, fire them up, and start cooking. However, for those using quality cast-iron grates, there’s one essential step that shouldn’t be skipped at the start of every summer: Seasoning.

Just as you would maintain a cast-iron pan, the best grills benefit from a little treatment and preparation to reduce sticking and protect against rust throughout the busy hosting season.

Here’s why experts swear by seasoning grill grates, and how to do it properly for the best possible results.

As with seasoning a cast-iron pan, baking a layer of high-smoke-point, neutral oil onto your grill grates helps form a protective coating. This not only reduces food from sticking during cooking but also extends the life of the grates by helping to guard against erosion, pitting, and rust.

Plus, well-seasoned grates can improve flavour, creating a cleaner cooking surface that prevents unintended charring and flavors from the metal itself.

It’s vital for cookware that spends much of the year outdoors, where exposure to the elements can accelerate wear over time. The process of seasoning a grill, however, differs from that of your best non-toxic cookware.

Scott Thomas, grill chef and founder of GrillinFools, explains, 'Seasoning the grates just means cleaning off any food residue and then giving the grates a coating of fat, and then cooking that fat off.'

To clean a grill and remove the residue, Scott advises first heating it up to loosen grease and residue before scrubbing.

A long-handed chainmail scrubber from Walmart is ideal for removing tough debris without damaging the grates. Most importantly, remove any rust spots, he adds. 'Sand that spot down to bare metal before seasoning. If you season over the rust, the rust will just bubble through the seasoning again and again.'

Scott continues, 'Then drizzle some oil over paper towels and coat the grill grates. You can also use bacon fat or beef tallow if you prefer. Really work it into the grates, then turn the heat up high. Let the fat cook off, reduce the temperature, and once the grates drop below 300°F, give them another light wipe-down.'

This dual-sided grill brush with sponge from Walmart makes this easier without risking your fingers.

'After that, the grates will be far less likely to have meat or fish stick during cooking, and they’ll also be better protected against rust.'

What to Shop

To make preparing a grill after winter quicker and more efficient, I’ve rounded up six essential tools for properly applying a seasoning layer, removing any built-up rust, so you can head into summer cookouts with a setup that performs as well as it looks.

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet the Expert

With your grill clean and seasoned, next, organize your barbecue equipment to keep your outdoor kitchen tidy.

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A grill can be the silent superhero of your next dinner party, or the reason your guests are waiting too long to eat, or even have to throw food back on the grill when it wasn’t fully done. So, for those who entertain, or just those who enjoy grilled meats and vegetables regularly, the best grill is essential.

The Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill with Searing Side Burner, which is on sale at Wayfair today, discounted by 17%, is positioned as an affordable, stylish option for keen cooks.

As a busy mom of five, I’m constantly hosting birthday parties with lots of hungry kids waiting for more hot dogs, dinner parties where grilled chicken, steak, or fish are the main menu item, and just a small grillout on an average Tuesday hanging on the porch. So, I hope for no frills and no problems from my grill, but just a consistent and high-performing product at a reasonable price.

Here’s how the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill measured up against the best gas grills on the market, and what to expect if you decide to give it a try.

Specifications

Setting up

Setting up the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill is not a difficult task, but it does require a bit of time and direction following. If you are unable to set up, you can book setup for a few with your purchase, such as through Amazon. For around $20, they will move the box to the place you want it, and there are options up to the most inclusive at $150, where they set up your new grill and haul away the old one.

The assembly directions can seem elaborate, and there’s a pretty substantial number of steps in a large booklet. You can also follow along with numerous setup videos from users online that are helpful to visualize what you are doing.

I set up the grill in my garage to be able to spread out in a covered space, before moving it to the back porch. I’d allot around an hour to figure out how to build it, depending on how many tools you have available, and how handy you are. Though it comes with some necessary tools, you would do better to use some of your own, like screwdrivers and drills. There are times you need to be careful like when building the back wall because the metal is fragile and it’s easy to strip the screws.

When you are building the product, you might notice a few features that point to an awkward or flimsy design. For example, you have to build a bracing structure to hold up the back wall of the grill, to stabilize the otherwise flimsy metal. One might expect on a four burner grill to just have strong enough metal without having to build support structures that are visible going forward, and reduce the usable space under the grill.

But, overall, the construction process is easy to understand, and with a little patience and know-how, you will be cooking in no time.

Design & first impressions

I took a step back after the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill was set up, and the first thing I noticed was the copper accents. If you are sick of the same old black grill, the rose gold tones on the knobs and handles make for a slightly elevated-looking entertaining space.

It's also very spacious. The grill features 425 square inches of primary cooking surface, and an additional extra grilling space above that main cooking area. These are in addition to the searing section with the fifth burner in a separate part of the grill.

There's a small grease catch can is at the bottom of the grease trap, but it's small and perched in a way that if you bump the grill, grease can easily come out. The can should be larger or more stable.

What is the Kenmore grill like to use?

Using the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill starts with a simple button, and within minutes, you are ready to cook. The easy start ignition is quick and easy to use, and the grill heats up faster than other grills I’ve used through the years. While I might typically allow 20 or even 30 minutes to ensure a grill is fully ready, with this grill, it was closer to 10 minutes.

One heated, cooking on the grill is straightforward, though there are a few spots and challenges to watch for. First, there are sections of the grill where the grates are a bit wide apart, and food can fall through if you aren’t careful. Also, there are a few spots on the grill that are unexpectedly hotter or colder than others. For example, the back right corner is a bit of a hot spot, while the back left corner gets very little heat. So, it takes some time to get to know your new grill’s perks in these ways.

As you finish cooking your food, you can move it to the upper rack to keep it warm, which provides a good amount of extra space. In addition, the fifth burner allows for searing at higher temperatures, heating up more than the regular surface.

When you are finished cooking on the grill, and after you’ve let it cool, cleaning the grill is pretty simple and typical of any grill with a brush and grill cleaner. In addition, the outer part of the grill needs to be wiped down periodically, too, as it was showing some dirt after just a few uses.

Changing the propane tank is simple and easy to access. You’ll also notice that the lid to the grill is quite lightweight and doesn’t slam shut when you are using it. This is helpful, but also could be contributing to some of the differences in heating across the surface — I’d hypothesize that maybe it isn’t keeping heat in as evenly as some other grills with heavier lids. Yet, it still works quite effectively.

Grilling performance

The Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill has four burners that do an excellent job heating up quickly and cooking a variety of foods thoroughly and in a reasonable amount of time compared to other grills. There are a few spots that are very obviously hotter or cooler than other spots. Here are the results on some classic, crowd-pleasing grill recipes.

Test 1: Chicken

Cooking meat on the grill was a frequent occurrence during the multiple months of testing, and throughout a typical week I cooked meat like fish, chicken, pork chops, and others frequently. In one such recipe, I marinated chicken breasts in Italian dressing, and cooked the meat at 350 degrees, which took around 5-10 minutes to heat to.

The thermometer said it maintained that temperature well throughout the cooking time, which was around 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The chicken turned out moist, but with a good level of crunch to the outside. I avoided cooking the chicken in the back left corner where I know the cool spot to be, and also more frequently checked on chicken in the back right corner, where it sometimes gets too hot.

Test 2 Steak

I tested the searing burner using a few steaks, after cooking the steak on the regular part of the grill. After cooking the steak to around medium or medium rare, I moved the steak over to the searing burner to finish up the outside without it further cooking the inside. Within a few minutes, including flipping the steaks on the searing burner, the outside had a nice, crisp, carmelized marinade finish, that you’d find in a local steak restaurant. However, the inside was not overdone, which helped control my ability to cook steaks for people in my family with multiple different preferences.

Test 3: Vegetables

I cooked asparagus on the grill, at around 400 degrees for just a few minutes. The grill heated up quickly, and the asparagus cooked evenly. I did not use a vegetable cooking basket, but probably should have, because skinnier vegetables will likely fall through the grates when you move them. This is because the grill grates on this grill move a bit when you are adjusting food, rather than staying perfectly still. So, there is slightly less room for error. But, the vegetables came out crunchy and delicious in just a few minutes.

Cleaning, storage & maintenance

You’ll notice that within a few uses, both the inside and outside of the grill will need to be cleaned, especially if you are grilling larger amounts of food or using the product more frequently. Compared to other grills I’ve used, it wasn’t quite as easy to remove food residue from the grates using a grill brush and cleaner. In addition, slightly more food stuck to the grates than some other options. So, if you do buy this grill, keep your cleaning materials handy.

If you know how to clean a grill, you'll know that the outside also needs attention, especially if you don’t use a grill cover, which is sold separately. Wiping down the outside of the grill is usually sufficient, and basic dust and dirt easily comes off.

You should frequently clean the grease pan by pulling it out and scrubbing it with a brush, which is a straightforward process without issue.

Maintenance of the grill is largely about changing the propane tank. When you have to change it, the hose you connect to the tank is close to the nozzle, so it can take a little effort to fit the tank into the spot, and to connect the hose to the tank. So, this is a slightly irritating part of the design that you need to account for.

How does the Kenmore grill compare?

The Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill is comparable to other mid range grills at this price point. If this was a product I was planning to use a few times per week, I’d consider leveling up to one that’s a few hundred dollars more that has a bit more of an intuitive, convenient, and sturdy design.

Compared to the best gas grills we've tested at a similar price and with similar features, this grill is slightly more difficult to build, with slightly more flimsy construction. It has more hot and cold pockets throughout the cooking surface which consumers should note. However, it’s a better-looking grill than some other options if that’s a consideration.

Should you buy it?

I would consider purchasing the Kenmore 4 Burner Gas Grill, but also would carefully research if other comparable options are a better fit, given how I would be using the grill. I’d like to see this grill modify parts of its design to be more user-friendly, and to see fewer hot and cold spots throughout. However, it did perform well at doing its job of cooking accurately to its temperature, and has a good amount of surface area with a lightweight lid that is easy to lift.

I think you should carefully consider the pros and cons of this grill before purchasing to ensure it’s right for your needs.

How I tested

I tested the Kenmore grill after it arrived at my residential house after requesting a media sample from the company, which they provided. I then built the grill using the instructions provided, and moved the grill to the porch for immediate testing over a few meals, then long term testing over a few months. I observed various features including the design and structure, along with the accuracy of the heating elements, the visual aesthetics of the product, and also how well it can be cleaned.

I conducted multiple recipe tests on various types of food on the grill, to determine how it would perform for a normal consumer’s needs. I also cooked for larger groups to see how much food could really fit and cook thoroughly, watching for hot and cold spots. Finally, I conducted extensive online research to determine what other users thought of the grill, comparing it to my own notes and observations.

Barbecue parties are a highlight of the summer season, providing us with an excuse to gather loved ones and make sunshine-filled memories to look back on in years to come. And if we want to host a roaringly successful gathering, we need the right tools and equipment to get the party going.

From the best grills for outdoor cooking to glamorous garden party decoration ideas, barbecue essentials really do make a world of difference to both you and your guests. They'll help your hosting duties run smoothly, taking care of the finer details and allowing you to soak up the sun and enjoy the moment.

Whether you're preparing a small backyard for summer hosting or making the most of a spacious outdoor area, we've rounded up the barbecue essentials that will make entertaining feel like a breeze.

1. Pretty but practical furniture

The right outdoor furniture set-up can make all the difference to your occasion, and it's key to invest in pieces that are comfortable for your guests, suit your yard style, are portable enough to be moved around for different group setups, and are practical enough to cope with greasy fingerprints or spillages.

'When you are hosting a barbecue party, you want your guests to be comfortable while sitting outside, so look for outdoor sofas or chairs that are comfortable and easy to get in and out of,' Mike Fretto, Creative Director at Neighbor advises. 'Beyond that, remember that barbecues can get messy. There is a good chance some sauce might drip or get splattered on your outdoor furniture.'

Rattan and wicker pieces are ideal for those who prefer natural textures and earthy tones, but metal furniture can also look chic, and add a pop of color or an ornate, European feel.

2. Stylish serveware that sticks around

When it comes to outdoor serveware, practicality doesn't need to mean compromising on style. There are so many wonderful summer table decor ideas that incorporate pieces able to withstand the elements and lots of use.

'For outdoor gatherings like barbecues, I always recommend durable yet beautiful serveware that makes hosting easier and more enjoyable,' says Iryna Kolosvetova, Creative Director and Table Styling Expert at Fine Dining 4 Home. 'I love using large wooden boards for grilled meats and veggies – they’re functional and add a rustic charm.'

Melamine is a fail-safe option, being both lightweight and durable and sets are available in a range of stylish designs, allowing you to get creative with barbecue tablescapes. And when it comes to drinks, you can't go wrong with acrylic glassware, as it's virtually unbreakable, but in so many different colorways and patterns, you can pick a range to complement your spread. 'For summer gatherings, I always suggest investing in a sturdy pitcher for drinks and a large dispenser for water with citrus or herbs, so guests can help themselves,' Iryna adds.

3. Stylish sun shades

Not everyone loves to bask in the sun, and children and elderly relatives are attending your party, you'll need to provide some shade.

'Sun protection is essential for family barbecues, and if you’re grilling at mid-day, it is even more important,' Azelmat Ismael, a home decorator at Berberorugs LLC says. 'A stylish canvas or gazebo is not only beautiful, but also serves a purpose; it can be decorated with string lights or draped off with fabric for atmosphere.'

Knowing where to place a gazebo is key. With the best base for a gazebo, they can go on patios, decking, and lawns, and will provide a beautiful focal point for the party as well as being a source of shade.

Pretty umbrellas and parasols provide much-needed shade for your food as well, preventing it from drying out or spoiling in the sun. And consider pergola ideas if you're considering a more permanent structure.

4. Outdoor cooking equipment and accessories

Of course, we can't talk about barbecue party essentials without mentioning the cooking equipment itself. You can create the perfect furniture layout, dress the table with the prettiest serveware, and invest in a fabulous gazebo—but none of that is much use if you don't have the right cooking gear.

Pellet grills are a good option for barbecue parties because you can set the temperature and forget about it while entertaining guests. 'Pellet grills are versatile as they will smoke, grill, even bake, and they are easy to use for beginners and pros alike,' celebrity chef and owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse, Robbie Shoults says.

Charcoal grills are also beloved by many because of the classic barbecue flavour they create. Just be prepared to spend more time grilling and less time socialising if you're using a charcoal grill over a pellet.

'You'll also need to make sure you have the proper tools to accompany your smoker, such as gloves, tongs, and a meat thermometer,' Robbie adds. 'All of this will help you manage your smoker and the meat on it. The thermometer will ensure your meat is cooked to perfection and take all the guesswork out of food safety.'

Barbecue season is officially in swing, and these barbecue party essentials will help you host the perfect summer cookout in style. Read our tips on how to stay cool when hosting outside to make your entertaining duties a breeze.

A griddle attachment for a grill seems like a no-brainer. It makes it easier to cook breakfast ingredients like eggs and bacon.

However, if you think about it some more, it appears to be a waste of money. The obvious thought is that it cooks food in almost exactly the same way as a grill, so letting grill marketing manipulate you into buying yet another grill attachment seems like a bad move.

Yet after speaking to chefs, I think there's a place for griddle attachments. They much it much easier to cook a wider range of food on a grill – just make sure you don't pay too much.

What are the benefits to a griddle attachment

There are a lot of benefits to a griddle top attachment for a grill. Chef Dennis Littley explains that 'The benefits of a griddle attachment are all about versatility. It essentially turns your grill into a flat-top cooking surface, which opens up so many new possibilities.

'Think pancakes, eggs, and bacon for breakfast or sautéed vegetables, smash burgers, and delicate seafood that might fall apart on a traditional grill grate.'

Chef Matt Moore agrees that a griddle attachment is particularly great for cooking fish. 'When I'm frying fish, I don't want that smell to permeate the whole house, so it's an easy way to fry outside. Because the griddle creates a barrier between the flame, there's less stress of creating an oil fire than say on a regular grill.'

It doesn't just have to be fish, either. It's much easier to cook on a griddle because food won't fall through onto the fire, and it means less marinade and sauce slipping through onto the fire. Chef Dennis says 'Because it’s a flat surface, you don’t have to worry about food slipping through the grates, and it also captures juices, oils, and sauces, which adds flavor and reduces flare-ups.'

It also lets you cook with grain products like bread and tortillas. Chef Dennis says 'Griddles are excellent for achieving even browning on foods like sandwiches or quesadillas.'

On top of that, a griddle attachment on one side of a grill is a great sidekick for your main grilling tasks. Chef Dennis points out that 'If you’re hosting a big cookout, the griddle attachment lets you multitask: you can grill steaks on one side and sauté onions and peppers on the griddle for toppings.'

Best of all, these attachments are relatively cheap. The big brands have their own griddle attachments, such as Weber's griddle attachment, but it's pretty expensive for what's essentially just a big piece of steel that gets hot. You can achieve exactly the same thing with a cheap universal grill attachment like this on Amazon for half the price.

What are the drawbacks to a griddle attachment?

However, griddle attachments have some issues. The first is that you lose out on the unmistakable grill flavor.

Chef Dennis says 'You’re sacrificing the direct flame and smoky flavor that grills are known for. A griddle attachment essentially blocks the open flames, so while you’ll still get heat, you won’t achieve the same char or grill marks.'

On top of that, griddles are much harder to clean. Chef Dennis says 'Clean-up can also be a bit of a hassle, griddles tend to hold onto grease and food particles, which can take some effort to scrape off, especially if you’ve been cooking fatty foods.'

Griddles can take up a lot of room, too, reducing the output over the rest of the grill. Chef Dennis adds that 'depending on the size of your grill, a griddle attachment might take up a lot of space, limiting the area available for traditional grilling.'

Should you buy a separate griddle?

With this in mind, it's tempting to consider buying a separate griddle, but the experts don't recommend it.

‘Personally, I think a griddle attachment is the best of both worlds,' says Chef Dennis. 'You don’t have to commit to one or the other: it’s like having a grill and a flat-top in one setup. If your grill already has an attachment or you can purchase one that fits your model, it’s a great way to expand your cooking repertoire without needing a whole new piece of equipment.'

Chef Dennis adds 'At the end of the day, it’s all about what you love to cook. If you’re the kind of person who wants to flip pancakes and burgers on the same appliance, a griddle attachment will make your outdoor cooking game unbeatable. But if you live for that smoky char on your steaks, a grill should be your go-to.'

If you think a griddle attachment won't quite cut it, it's worth weighing up grills vs griddles to help you decide which appliance you actually need. You should also think about the benefits of smokers vs gas grills. Burgers are all well and good, but you need a proper smoker for true barbecue brisket.

There's nothing like a grill for home cooking. Grills create a smoky flavor and sear that you just can't match in a kitchen.

The big drawback with grills, however, is that they're only really useful for half the year. When the temperature drops and the snow starts falling, few of us want to be grilling out in the freezing cold.

However, there are a few ways you can make grilling outdoors more bearable. I spoke to several grilling experts about how to grill in winter for burgers and steaks year-round.

1. Allow more time for your grill to heat up

The first thing to bear in mind is that you need more time for your grill to heat. The fire is raising the temperature of the grates from a lower starting point than in summer - in some cases, the metal will be freezing. That naturally means that it will take a little more time.

Grilling expert Sean Martin says that 'All grills will need a little more time to heat up because of the need to get the ambient temperature inside the grill to grill temp. Typically an extra 15 minutes depending on the type of grill. Give yourself 30 minutes if it's really windy.'

This is a crucial step - if the grill isn't hot enough, you'll be out in the cold for longer than you need while your burgers cook. If the grill is really cold, you won't get that tasty Maillard reaction for searing your burgers or chicken.

2. Keep the lid closed - and vents open

It depends on what you're cooking, but if you can, keep the lid of your grill closed in winter. Grill expert Christie Vanover says 'For best results, you should keep the grill lid closed as often as possible when cooking in the winter. Otherwise, cool air will enter the grill, which can prolong cook times.'

Recipe developer Marye Audet agrees. 'Grills lose heat faster in colder temps, so keeping the lid closed as much as possible is key. It’s tempting to keep checking on your food, but every time you open the lid, you’re letting out precious heat. Trust your instincts and maybe a good meat thermometer.'

In cold weather when you need to keep the lid closed, consider a Bluetooth thermometer. A Bluetooth meat thermometer like this at Amazon will send the internal temperature of whatever you're cooking to your phone, so you don't have to open the lid of the grill to check on your food.

But don't completely cut off the air supply. Keep the vents open to stoke the flames while limiting cold air reaching the grates. Grill expert Sean Martin says 'In colder weather you want charcoal grills to have the top and bottom vents open more to allow additional airflow to keep the heat consistent. This is why they typically burn more fuel. Keep the top of the grill shut while warming up and grilling to retain the heat but keep the vents open to keep your target temperature.'

3. Try a thermal blanket

If you don't mind spending a little extra money, you can also insulate your grill with a thermal blanket. Christie Vanover says 'If you have a thin metal grill, you can purchase a thermal blanket. Just be sure to find one designed especially for grills, because they are fire resistant.'

A thermal blanket like this at Amazon helps to raise the ambient temperature in your grill, making it faster to light and heat up in cold temperatures. On top of that, it makes your grill more efficient, so you'll use up fewer pellets, lumps of charcoal, or units of gas.

4. Keep your propane or pellets warm

Christie Vanover also adds that if you use a gas grill, try keeping your propane warm. It should never be exposed to a heat source, but keeping it in a relatively warm place like a garage can save you money in the long run.

Christie says 'When it’s cold, the pressure in propane tanks decreases, which can reduce their efficiency. To prevent this, you can keep your propane tanks in a warm place like a garage or shed until you’re ready to use it. Or you can wrap it with a thermal blanket designed for propane tanks.' These blankets are easy to find at Home Depot or other retailers.

Cold also affects wood fuels. Sean Martin says 'Most charcoal grills, except Kamado Grills, will burn fuel faster to maintain the same heat level when it's cold, so have extra fuel on hand.'

If you want to use a smoker, he also suggests investing in some insulation. Sean says 'If you have a pellet grill consider investing in an insulation accessory that sits over the cooking chamber. This will slow down the rate you burn pellets.

5. Invest in ceramic

If you live somewhere cold and you know that for four months of the year, you'll be grilling in sub-zero temperatures, consider buying a ceramic grill. These grills use ceramic plates rather than metal, which are excellent at conducting and maintaining high temperatures. With a little practice, a ceramic grill can hold high heat for hours.

Christie Vanover says 'How your grill holds temperature in the winter depends on the style and quality. Grills built with thinner metal and without seals around the lid will not maintain heat as well because they aren’t insulated and can let in drafts. Ceramic cookers work great in the winter because they are extremely insulated.'

The drawback is that these grills can be expensive. The best ceramic grills - like our favorite, the Kamado Joe II, available at Best Buy, can set you back thousands of dollars, so this tip won't work for everyone.

6. Move the grill

Sometimes the placement of the grill can be an issue. If it's somewhere windy or exposed, you'll find it harder to light your grill and maintain it at the proper temperature.

However, don't move it closer to your home. While it's tempting to grill next to a wall of your house and use it as a windbreak, it can be dangerous.

Sean Martin says 'Avoid moving your grill closer to your home to avoid any safety issues from flare-ups and grease fires which can still happen in cold weather. Generally, you want any grill 10 feet away from your home.'

Instead, find somewhere a little way away from the house protected by a wall or fence. Sean says 'Instead, consider moving to an area on your patio or deck protected by a large wall (10 feet away) to protect from colder wind, rain, or snow.'

Marye Audet agrees, and adds 'make sure your grilling area is clear of snow and ice so you’re not slipping around out there.'

7. Stick to quick ingredients

Finally, if you can, stick to simple, fast ingredients. Smoking ribs out in the cold can work great, but if it snows or the temperature drops the fire might be extinguished and you lose all your hard work. Instead, try smaller, thinner cuts of meat. There's much less chance of the fire going out and you don't need to stand out in the cold for hours.

Recipe writer Marye Audet says 'One of my favorite winter grilling hacks is to plan meals that cook quickly, like burgers, steaks, or even grilled veggies.'

However, Marye advises that if you do want to smoke or grill something low and slow, use foil to insulate the cuts of meat. Marye says 'If you’re doing something low and slow, like ribs, consider wrapping them in foil to help trap heat and speed things up a bit. Keep a warm tray or insulated container nearby so you can transfer food inside quickly without it cooling down before you’re ready to eat.'

Knowing how to properly maintain your grill can make it a lot easier to use in winter. Learning how to season a grill to keep your grill clean and non-stick is essential, as well as knowing why to stay away from wire grill brushes.

During the pandemic, I jumped on the air fryer bandwagon and never looked back. In fact, the only time I use my standard full size oven now is when I cook Christmas dinner or a large tray dinner such as lasagna.

I use my air fryer daily, sometimes two or three times a day for quick, tasty, evenly cooked healthy meals for me and my family and even the occasional indoor S’more’s.

That’s why I love a nifty little best air fryer gadget and this brilliant $17 air fryer rack from Amazon solved my one air fryer bug bear: wasted vertical capacity. Now with Black Friday deals a plenty, I've found a cheaper alternative in Walmart's clearance sale.

Why I love my air fryer rack

I have an extra large, one-basket Tower five-in-one 5.6 liter air fryer, available on Amazon, and it lives permanently on my countertop as it’s in constant use. From air frying bacon for crispy brunch sandwiches, to tender salmon fillets cooked to perfection to serve on rice, and even whole roast chickens, nothing escapes my jumbo air fryer.

However the one thing that bothered me when I first got mine, was having to cook two rounds of foods such as fries to feed my family of three. Though the basket has a ton of vertical space and capacity, I found the cooking time increased due to the piled up food and I am disabled so I can’t stand up for long cooking sessions.

I knew the solution would be to have an extra shelf in my air fryer to separate and lift multiple layers of food so I can make use of the vertical cooking space without having to add a lot of cooking time, to ensure everything crisped up or cooked properly.

This BPA free stainless steel air fryer riser shelf from Amazon was the perfect solution.

Now, I can easily cook for my family of three in one go and only have to add an extra 1-3 minutes to crisp up the bottom layer, if that. By the time I’m done serving up the first couple of plates, the final items are ready to go.

Whoever invented these racks deserve a medal if you ask me. I love that it doesn’t rust, is easy to wash and has stayed in perfect condition despite two years of constant use. It fits perfectly in my rounded square air fryer when not in use, too, so no need to find an extra storage space for it.

When purchasing, make sure to measure your inner air fryer basket dimensions and check there is enough clearance between where the top of your food will sit and the heating element of your appliance so you don't end up with a smoky mess on your hands.

A word of caution: watch out for the heat of the stainless steel. I use a long pair of heat resistant tongs, available from Amazon, to move mine in and out of my air fryer and place it on a heatproof silicone trivet from Amazon to protect my glass electric stovetop or kitchen countertops when turning or dealing with the food underneath it. Or, it goes straight into the sink, and I freshen it up when I clean the air fryer basket.

What to shop

I have a number of air fryer accessories I love. Here are my favorite picks that make my life easier when air frying on the daily:

Next learn about our tried, tested and best non-toxic air fryers.

There's nothing like a good pizza oven for feeding a crowd. These increasingly popular appliances are perfect for making party food.

However, pizza ovens aren't always ready to use out of the box. A handful of essential accessories make the whole experience a lot less stressful.

Years of testing the best pizza ovens have shown me that these products are all essentials for making the very best pizza. From a simple cleaning brush to a high-tech digital thermometer, these are the crucial tools every pizzaiolo should have on hand.

Essential pizza oven accessories

If you don't know what you're doing, pizza ovens are notoriously hard to clean. A dirty oven makes for bad pizza. Learning how to clean a pizza oven is a quick way to elevate your pizza skills.

A patio is more than a functional way to get outside, it's a gathering space for spending time with family and friends. A feature like the perfect grill can transform it into an outdoor kitchen and living room, making it all the better for entertaining. Brie Larson has the formula down.

The actress took to Instagram to share pictures of her annual hot dog festival. Aside from the large , slate stones of her patio, the best grill makes Larson's design. Larson uses the Longhorn Combo 3-Burner Charcoal and Gas by Oklahoma Joe's. The long black grill sits stylishly against her house, echoing the black outdoor lights she's installed along her house. It's a gorgeous contrast to the deep gray siding and white accents of her doors. The shape is unobstrusive, acting more like a decor piece than a cooking appliance.

However, the grill's benefits go far beyond its aesthetics. It's the ideal choice for avid grillmasters. First of all, with the Longhorn Combo, you don't need to choose between a charcoal vs. gas grill. It does it all. The left compartment is a charcoal grill that includesa high-quality temperature gauge, an exhaust damper and a fire grate. On the right, a gas grill chamber features three separate burners each with 12,000 BTUs. In the Instagram post, Brie is using the right chamber, perfect for quick and easy grilling on a casual hot dog night.

With Larson's grill, you also never need to choose between a smoker vs a gas grill. The leftmost, lower chamber of the grill has a smoker with adjustable dampers to regulate heat and smoke with complete control. If all of this wasn't enough, there is a smaller side burner, making it easy to use a pot or pan to heat accouterments on the side. Chili dog lovers, we're talking to you.

The grill makes combining all aspects of outdoor cooking easy on one simple appliance. Functional features like cool touch handles make it ultra-safe, while a bottom shelf provides room for cooking utensils. 750-square-inches of primary cooking space and 310-square-inches of secondary cooking space make cooking all your favorites oh-so-simple. Just this grill is the ultimate outdoor kitchen layout

Adding an outdoor kitchen to your patio is the perfect way to upgrade your home. Take the space to the next level by adding stylish dining chairs and a dining table. This innovative step can make your home feel larger, by providing an entirely new space to entertain and spend time.

With a combination grill, a full barbeque like Brie Larson's is never too far away.

Homemade pizza is at its best when cooked in a domestic pizza oven. These clever appliances mimic a traditional pizza oven, making for fast, authentic pizza that a frozen pizza thrown in your oven can't touch.

When you're shopping for a pizza oven you'll notice that they can be divided into two categories: indoor and outdoor. As the weather gets colder, it's smart to consider if an indoor pizza oven is the right way to go. After all, an indoor pizza oven can be used all year, not just in summer, and some of them can save storage.

However, before you spend hundreds on a new oven, there are a few drawbacks that even the best indoor pizza ovens can't overcome. As a pizza oven tester, I've tried plenty of both types, so I know exactly which oven is best for each home.

Which type of oven makes the best tasting pizza?

The most crucial problem is deciding which of the two makes the most delicious pizza. However, it's an easy answer.

Outdoor pizza ovens create a taste that is far superior to indoor pizza ovens. That's because the different fuel sources have a huge impact on taste. The rough rule is that wood-fired tastes best, followed by gas, distantly followed by electricity, which is the heat source in all indoor ovens.

Wood-fired ovens taste best because they impart a smoky flavor to pizzas that other fuel sources can't match. On top of that, wood ovens have flame rolling across the top of the oven to broil cheese. Altogether, this makes for perfect pizza. The best pizza ovens are all wood ovens because they're the closest thing to a traditional brick pizzeria oven.

Gas-fired ovens also have this flame rolling across the top of the oven, so they achieve similar results to wood ovens. However, they lack the smokiness of wood-fired pizzas. If you don't like the smell or taste of smoke, a gas oven could be for you, but many people find that they taste a little sterile by comparison. It's like the difference between a charcoal grill and a gas grill - there's ultimately not much difference, but the smokier option tastes slightly better.

Both gas and wood pizza ovens can reach high temperatures far above a domestic oven. Where a kitchen oven taps out at 500°F, gas or wood pizza ovens can reach 900-1100°F. This is what crisps the crust and metals the cheese, and it means that your pizza can be cooked in one or two minutes rather than ten.

Both types of outdoor oven can be augmented with a huge range of bonus features from steam injectors to keep thicker dishes like calzones from drying out, to skillets for searing meats. They offer much more versatility than electric pizza ovens.

That's because electric pizza ovens are just big toaster ovens. They cook with a huge electric filament. This doesn't have the smokiness of a wood-fired oven, nor the flame-cooking of a gas-fired oven. It makes for a similar pizza to those you'd make in a domestic oven, just with a slightly crisper base thanks to the pizza stone. If you want the very best-tasting pizza, you need a wood-fired pizza oven.

The fairest way to compare is to pit the best indoor pizza oven against the best outdoor pizza oven:

You can see in the table above that the Ooni Karu is a better pizza oven than the Breville Smart Oven. The Ooni cooks with more fuel types, makes larger pizzas - so you can feed more people - and makes them much faster. When we put the two to the test, we found that the Ooni Karu 16 makes much better-tasting pizzas, too.

However, there are a couple of things to recommend about the Breville oven. Its exterior is smaller, so it takes up less room, and while it's only electric it can be plugged into utility power and run straightaway, with no finicky propane hoses or wood pellets. It also has dedicated settings for different styles of pizza, making it easy to make a wide range of different pies.

Which type of oven is cheaper?

Pizza ovens are notoriously expensive, and many models cost more than $1000. However, indoor pizza ovens are more expensive. Indoor ovens like the Breville Smart Oven Pizzaiolo and Ooni Volt 12 tend to cost around $800, depending on sales events. Comparable outdoor ovens like the Gozney Arc and the Ooni Koda 16 cost $700-$600.

If you need a budget pizza oven, I strongly recommend a cheap wood pizza oven. They can taste as good as ovens more than three times the price, and crucially, much better than the equivalent indoor pizza oven. For example, we can compare the Cuisinart Indoor Pizza Oven with one of my favorite pizza ovens, the Ooni Fyra:

You can see in the comparison table above that the Cuisinart pizza oven only wins in one category, its exterior dimensions. The Ooni Fyra has a larger cooking surface, cooks almost seven times faster, and best of all, tastes much better. The Ooni has a lower MSRP too, so it's unless there's a sale, it's also cheaper. If you have any outdoor space, a cheap outdoor pizza oven - even a cheap mass-market pizza oven like this from Walmart - will be a much better budget option.

Which oven is easier to use?

Indoor pizza ovens are much easier to use than most outdoor pizza ovens, and it's their only real benefit. They're easy to set up and use and you can cook whenever you want.

Firstly, indoor pizza ovens run on utility power, so they're very easy to set up. You don't need to worry about sourcing propane and filling up the tank, or fuss with hooking the gas tank up to the oven. You don't need to keep up a continual supply of wood pellets and learn how to light and stoke them. Just switch on the oven and you're good to go.

Indoor pizza ovens don't have as steep a learning curve as other types of pizza oven. Most indoor pizza ovens have programs for different types of pizza. This means you can set it and forget it; you don't need to monitor a temperature gun to work out the single degree Fahrenheit for your ideal New York slice. You can just launch the pizza into the oven and the temperature and timing are sorted for you.

Most importantly, you can use an indoor oven whenever you want. I've had some great times cooking in an outdoor pizza oven, but it gets harder as the weather gets colder. If you've ever used an outdoor pizza oven in winter, you'll know it can be miserable. It's harder to light the oven, it's harder to use with numb fingers, and in the winter months, you can't host. Your guests won't want to sit out in the cold while you fumble with a pizza. This isn't a problem with an indoor pizza oven, because you can use it whatever the weather.

Which is best for storage?

I think that outdoor pizza ovens are much easier to store than indoor pizza ovens. Indoor pizza ovens are often marketed as space-saving appliances, but my experience is that they take up a lot of room. In a large kitchen, that's fine, but most indoor pizza ovens take up at least a square foot. That's a lot of countertop real estate. I know from testing pizza ovens in my small apartment that an indoor pizza oven can take up half a countertop and an entire shelf in a kitchen cabinet.

Outdoor pizza ovens, however, can be stored outside under a cover, or in a garage or shed. While usually bigger, they're stored out of the way. If you keep a pizza oven in the kitchen, you'll have to navigate around it every time you open a cabinet.

Which is better looking?

Pizza ovens are big, expensive appliances, so they'll likely be on display in your kitchen or garden year-round. That means that appearance is much more important than people like to admit.

Indoor pizza ovens tend to look worse than outdoor ovens. Outdoor ovens are designed to be the focal point of a social space, or built into an outdoor kitchen. Indoor pizza ovens are kitchen appliances, designed to look neutral and inoffensive. However, this means that they're pretty boring. Indoor ovens are either stainless steel or black, and they don't do much to elevate the look of a room.

For an example, take the Ooni Volt and the original Gozney dome below. The Ooni is a pretty good oven, but being brutally honest it's not the best-looking appliance in the world. It's a pretty dull black and silver design that looks more like a UFO than a stylish part of your kitchen design. If your kitchen is anything other than Scandi minimalism, you might find this a little too workaday for your style.

The original Gozney Dome in olive, however, is a much more stylish appliance. It's colorful without being garish and can work with a wide range of garden styles from the traditional to the modern. It would look fantastic nestled into a corner of the patio, surrounded by handy kitchen herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme. Outdoor pizza ovens like this tend to come in many different colors, so you can tailor the oven to your style.

Pizza oven FAQs

Can an outdoor pizza oven be used indoors?

An outdoor pizza oven cannot be used indoors. Both gas and wood pizza ovens create smoke which can be toxic or a fire hazard when used indoors. The only exception is the Ooni Volt 12, the only oven rated to be used both inside and outside.

With the type of pizza oven nailed down, there are plenty of other things to consider before you buy a pizza oven. It's important to consider which is the best fuel for a pizza oven, or weigh up which of the two biggest brands is best between Ooni and Gozney.

Whatever you do, make sure to measure your space before you buy. Pizza ovens are surprisingly hefty appliances and need a lot of room, so make sure it will fit.

As the weather gets colder, many of us will be turning to a trusty fire pit to keep us cozy on chilly fall nights. A fire pit is a great way to use your garden even as the temperatures begin to drop, providing rustic warmth that can keep a gathering going long into the evening.

The best fire pits are also versatile because you can use them to cook. However, you don't have to stick to tried-and-tested campfire food like s'mores or marshmallows on sticks.

I spoke to a chef and a grilling expert about how to cook on a fire pit, and they gave me four simple methods. With these techniques, the humble fire pit can rival even the best grill.

1. Cook using a grill grate

The best way to cook over a fire pit is to use a grill grate. With a grill grate, you can cook anything you can usually cook on a grill. It's exactly the same process as grilling, so you can make burgers, hot dogs, and anything else you like to grill.

Grilling expert Kita Roberts says 'To use a grilling grate on a fire pit, measure the fire pit and purchase a grilling grate that will cover the available surface from edge to edge.' These are easy to find on Amazon or in camping stores. You can also use a campfire grill like this from BBQ Guys, but this can be a little limited if you want to cook for a lot of people.

The most important thing is to make sure the grill grate is above the fire, not directly on top of it. If your grill grate is on top of the fire, your food will get sooty and taste like ash.

Most fire pit grates have legs or spokes to keep them above the fire, but you don't need this. Kita suggests 'If your fire pit doesn't have a lip that is tall enough to hold the grate above the heat, consider using cinderblocks stacked on either side to hold the grate over the heat.'

With that sorted, the process is the same as cooking on a grill. Chef Rich Parente says 'Let the grill grates preheat before cooking, make sure they’re clean, season with a bit of oil and you’re ready to go.'

2. Pans and skillets

You are not just limited to grilling on a fire pit. You can use pans, skillets, and woks to cook things that would otherwise fall through the gaps in a grill grate.

Chef Rich Parente says 'A pan can go right on top of the grill grate, the same way it would on a regular stovetop.' You don't need to do anything fancy, just place it over the top of the grill grate.

Kita told me that this gives you great control: 'You can move the pan from side to side to control the temperature a little easier.' This is especially great for making steak - you can pan-sear it in garlic or rosemary butter, making for a juicier steak than if you just grill it over the fire.

The only thing to bear in mind is that you should use a cast-iron skillet or pan. This is because the coating on nonstick pans can break down at high heat. Not only will this break your pan, but it's toxic and could cause health problems. That's why Kita says 'I only recommend heavy-duty cast iron for cooking over an open fire if you need to use pots and pans.' Cast iron is much more durable. Plus, you can get them really hot for cooking meat. Kita says 'You can lay them right over the coals and let them get hot for high-heat searing.'

3. Dutch oven

You don't even need a grill grate. It takes a little more effort, but another great way to cook on a fire pit is with a Dutch oven. There's a couple of ways you can do this. The first is just like the other methods above. Rich Parente 'You can use a pot or Dutch oven with a fire pit the same way you would use a pan.'

However, you have another option. You can suspend the pot over the fire to cook with it. Rich says 'If the pot can hang, then you can also buy a tripod or build one with sticks so it can sit over the open fire and boil away.' You can find cheap tripods on Amazon.

If you don't want the hassle of a camping tripod, you have another option. Kita says you can 'Nestle your Dutch oven on the side of the fire and rotate it occasionally to avoid burning as comforting dishes like chili or beans cook inside.'

If you need a Dutch oven, our tests show that Le Creuset or Staub Dutch ovens are best but the Our Place Perfect Pot is an acceptable alternative on a budget.

4. Wrap food items in foil

Finally, for a simple method that doesn't need any new equipment, just use foil. It doesn't get easier than this - just wrap whatever you're cooking in several tight layers of foil and put it straight in the fire.

It takes a little trial and error because you can't monitor the food as it cooks, but it's a simple way to bake salmon or potatoes. It's not as versatile as other methods, but it tastes just as good.

FAQs

What should I use as fuel in my fire pit?

If you're going to cook in your fire pit, make sure you use food-safe wood. Firewood expert Leroy Hite says 'I recommend a high-end hardwood firewood. Hickory wood is great for a bolder flavor and does well with steaks and other red meat. Pecan and cherry woods are more subtle and impart a sweet, slightly nutty flavor to proteins and work well with pork and chicken.'

The fact that you can cook on a fire pit is one of things that makes it more versatile than a patio heater. However, cooking over an open fire isn't always the safest. Chef Parente has a great tip - you can use leather welding gloves or grill gloves so that you can grab hot foil out of the fire.

We can rely on Stanley Tucci to provide a consistent flow of kitchen inspiration, but this time it's outside. This summer, the actor is taking his chef skills al fresco with an outdoor kitchen. Dining outside has never looked so good.

Tucci revealed the outdoor kitchen in a recent Instagram video. We're in love with his copper countertop, Guy Ritchie designed grill, and brick fireplace. Above the grill, hanging pots and pans resemble a set up we'd see above a traditional kitchen island, giving the whole space a warm, rustic feel. Red outdoor chairs and a fully set dining table on the patio top off the look with an inviting, homey feel.

'Why dine out when you can create pub grub in your outdoor space this summer?' says Award Winning Interior Designer, Journalist & Home Stylist, Anouska Lancaster of Tucci's rustic outdoor kitchen idea. She recommends starting with a grill. 'The Ninja outdoor products, such as the Ninja Woodfire Pro Connect XL Electric BBQ Grill & Smoker make al fresco dining so easy, even for the most amateur chef like me.'

With the proper decor, Tucci's design is easy to recreate. It starts with building an outdoor living room to complement the kitchen. Lancaster states: 'Extend your home by creating a room outside with comfy, informal seating for lounging. Use an outdoor rug to cover up a tired decking or anchor a sunny spot in the garden, and then build your new ‘room’ around it. Keep guests cool on a hot day with an outdoor fan such as the Shark FlexBreeze fan, which can be placed near your seating area.'

She continues on the patio idea: 'Outdoor spaces allow us to be braver and more experimental with colour and pattern. Go for uplifting colours like yellow, green or pink that will uplift your garden. If you’re nervous of going too bold, introduce an accent color with soft furnishings.'

The outdoor surroundings are also an important part of pulling off Tucci's look. 'Creative lighting can transform your garden idea and maximize its potential as an extra space to enjoy in the evening,' says Lancaster. 'I personally love the ambiance created by festoon lights, they give off enough light to eat and drink but are subtle enough to create a warm and relaxing ambiance.'

Tapescaping is also a huge part of bringing coziness into an outdoor kitchen. Lancaster advises: 'Don’t be scared to go large with your furniture and accessories, even in a small space. To go the extra mile, decorate the table with placemats, napkins, lanterns, and if possible, fresh flowers in various jugs. If you’ve chosen an accent color for your summer garden, incorporate this in your tablescaping.'

Shop The Outdoor Dining Edit

If you love cooking and you love being outside in the summer, there's no reason not to try out a scheme like this. It's a fun way to spend time with friends and family, and more importantly, it's endorsed by Stanley Tucci.

The world of pellet grills is dominated by two giant brands: Weber and Traeger. Traeger is the original inventor of the pellet grill, but Weber is the biggest and best grill brand in America, regularly topping lists of the best grills. However, two of their most popular smokers - the Traeger Ironwood 650 and the Weber Smokefire EPX6 - look so similar that it's hard to tell which one you should buy.

We've tested both grills, so we know exactly which grill is best at which job. It's been a while since we tested the Traeger - so long ago the review isn't online - so I've also scoured the internet for other users' reviews.

The result? The Traeger wins on two out of four categories, whereas the Weber only takes one, so Traeger is probably the better choice. However, there are some big caveats to this, so it's well worth considering the Weber.

Head to head

Before I get into the detail, here's a direct comparison of the two grills to help you see the difference.

Which makes the best food?

The annoying answer to this question is that it depends. Both grills are very similar, so the difference ultimately comes down to their temperature range.

If you love smoking, the Traeger is probably the better choice. It can go as low as 165°F, which means you can smoke salmon or other delicate ingredients like cream cheese. This lower temperature range makes it slightly more versatile for smoking than the Weber.

Conversely, the Weber has a higher top temperature, so it's better for grilling burgers and steaks. This higher temperature means you can achieve a better sear on meats, and it also makes the grill a little faster.

Which makes the most food?

Winner: Weber

This one is pretty straightforward - the Weber can make a lot more food than the Traeger. It has more than one and a half times more surface area than the Traeger. It's an almost ridiculous amount of space.

The image above is from our test of the Weber Smokefire. You can see that a whole shoulder of lamb barely takes up an eighth of the grill; You could comfortably fit four more in that half of the grill and you'd still have room left over. That would make enough food to feed at least 30 people, so you can start to get a sense of just how large it is. It's actually larger than our favorite large grill, the Weber Genesis SPX-435, which has enough space for 40 burgers.

Of course, this is only a positive if you have a large family and a lot of outdoor space. If you have a little lot and a family of four, the Traeger is the better choice because it's more compact.

Which is easiest to use?

Winner: Traeger

Traeger wins this one. While both grills have smart connectivity, we found some issues with Weber's app. On top of that, the Weber was pretty tricky to assemble. The instructions were clear and helpful, and assembly went as fast as it could, but the Smokefire is so big that assembly took two hours. On top of that, the included probe in the Weber broke while we were testing it, so we had to order a replacement from Weber.

The Traeger was much easier to assemble and we found it much easier to the app. I've seen lots of other reviews online that say that the Traeger grill has an excellent app that takes a lot of the guesswork out of smoking, though a handful found the side table a little finicky. However, the Traeger grill has a pellet sensor that monitors how many pellets you have, which should stop you from running out.

Which is best value?

Winner: Traeger

Traeger is better value. Not only is its list price a little lower ($1299.99 to $1499.99), but the Ironwood 650 is often on sale, so it tends to be at least $400 less expensive than the Weber smoker. Pellets are the same price for both grills (at the time of writing, a 20lb bag of hickory pellets is $19.99 at both brands).

However, in sales periods, the large Weber might be a better option Last Black Friday the Weber smoker was cheaper than the Ironwood, which is much better value for the simple reason that the Weber is larger, so you get a lot more grill for your money. On top of that, Weber has a longer warranty than Traeger, so you're protected for longer.

FAQs

Are Weber and Traeger made in the USA?

Traeger grills are no longer made in the USA and instead are manufactured in Vietnam and China. The Weber Smokefire is assembled in the USA, but some of the parts are sourced from around the world.

Can Weber or Traeger grill cold smoke?

Both of these grills can cold smoke (smoke at under 90°F) but you need to buy adaptors to do so.

Both of these brands are great, but they're not the only game in town when it comes to grilling, and both use a lot of jargon in their marketing. For more help with buying grills, take a look at our guide to how to buy a grill.

As the final days of summer approach, there's nothing like firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ. The smoky flavors and sharing platters are seasonal highlights. At the same time, many of us are choosing the best air fryers to cook dinner every night – loved for their speed, convenience, and ability to cook with less oil.

But what if you could combine these two culinary pleasures—grilling and air frying—to create BBQ-style dishes with less oil, effort and mess? Can you really achieve those iconic grill marks and smoky flavors, while enjoying the benefits of air frying? I asked the experts – and the answer was a resounding yes. We came up with some top tips for grilling in the air fryer – creating delicious, BBQ-inspired dishes you can make all year round.

How to grill in an air fryer

Air fryers are renowned for producing crispy food with less oil and energy. Many modern models, like the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill and Cuisinart TOA-70, come with dedicated grill settings and griddle plates to create chargrilled effects. Ideal for grilling indoors or off-season.

Although you don’t get the exact smoky taste of the best outdoor grills, Test Kitchen Director of Cuisinart, Beth Gardner, says 'Air fryers can provide grill marks and results that make them a worthy substitute, with quick heat-up and easy cleanup.'

For those love grilling outdoors but still want to avoid the hassle of coal and greasy cleaning, we highly recommend the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This outdoor air fryer is truly incredible. It's powered by electricity and features a smoking function for delicious BBQ flavor. I loved the removable grill plate, which simplifies cleanup, and it's portable, so you can take this air fryer anywhere.

Even if you're using a basic air fryer without any special grilling features, you can still achieve a grill-style effect by following the chef techniques and tips below.

1. Preheat the air fryer

Just like with traditional grilling, preheating the air fryer helps to achieve a crispy finish and deep color. It only takes a couple of minutes, so make sure to hit the preheat setting, then carefully add your food to the basket.

2. Use a grill plate

For authentic grill marks and a slightly charred texture, use a grill plate attachment if your air fryer has one. You can also find griddle plate accessories on Amazon, which help to mimic the look and feel of traditional grilling.

3. Use smoky spice blends

Harry Miller of the World Champion Barbeque Committee, points out that grilling in the air fryer doesn't use smoke, so you could lose that flame-kissed, smoky flavor. He says, 'A simple workaround is adding some Liquid Smoke to your hamburger patties.' Or, try marinating your meat in a smoky BBQ blend, before grilling in the air fryer.

4. Add a little oil

To get the crispiest, chargrilled finish, you should lightly mist or brush your food oil before cooking. Jay Craddick, executive chef at Humble Baron in Tennessee, recommends using an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil. Definitely make sure to use lecithin-free oil, to avoid damaging the non-stick lining of your air fryer.

5. Flip your food

Flipping BBQ foods like burgers and sausages is essential for achieving evenly cooked, caramelized textures. Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so flipping your food ensures that all sides get exposed to the heat and your BBQ favorites come out golden brown.

6. Turn up the heat

Air fryer chef, Sam Milner, has tonnes of tips for getting the most out of your air fryer, She says, 'For extra crispiness, set your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. This high heat will give your food a delicious, golden crust.'

The best air fryer accessories for grilling

If you’re looking to level up your air fryer game and unlock its grilling potential, the right accessories can make all the difference.

The best air fryer grills

When choosing the best air fryer for grilling, look for models that come with a grill plate or griddle rack to achieve those desirable grill marks. Also, consider the size, capacity and whether you'd prefer to cook outdoors or indoors. Lastly, ease of cleaning is crucial – opt for air fryers with removable, dishwasher-safe parts to simplify cleanup, as that's one of the best parts about grilling in the air fryer.

FAQS

With the arrival of summer, it is finally time to get outdoors and enjoy our gardens. While spring is a busy time, with much seed sowing, weeding and planting to be done, summer is the season to enjoy the fruits of your hard work. So, sit back, relax and soak up the summer sunshine in your garden.

Many of us enjoy using our gardens as entertaining spaces, hosting parties, family get-togethers, or quiet dinners with friends. If you are anything like me, you will be eager to make sure your garden looks tidy, stylish and well-maintained for those hazy summer evenings. If you are looking for new patio furniture ideas, or perhaps you are seeking shed ideas to update your garden storage, it is not too late to transform your patio for summer.

We at Homes & Gardens have done much searching for the best grills, sheds and patio sets that will help you create a fresh new look. By updating these items, you can transform your garden instantly, ready to receive guests and entertain in style during those warm summer evenings. Here, I share some of the best patio accessories to order online today for a quick fix that will enhance your outside space.

Transform your patio for summer

It is not too late to get your garden ready for summer. If you are seeking patio ideas, these stylish sheds, grills and patio sets will instantly freshen up your outside space, meaning that you are ready to entertain family and friends.

What's more, when ordering Amazon products, rapid delivery and installation options are available to select at checkout, so your garden could be transformed without you lifting a finger. Find out more about Amazon services including installation here. So, why not tick one job off your summer gardening checklist and give your patio a makeover?

1. BBQ Grills

Every home needs a good BBQ grill for those outdoor dinners and late summer suppers. Fortunately, some of this year's best grills are available to order online via Amazon, meaning that whatever your preferences, whether you are looking for a gas grill or smoker, there will be a product suited to your needs.

Many of the best products will let you cook almost anything, from meat to fish to vegetables, and we all know that food tastes better when cooked on a BBQ outside. Not only are they practical, but the below 3 options look great too, with attractive chrome, black or colorful finishes.

All of the following Amazon patio accessories have an installation service available to select at checkout, so while it might seem intimidating or worrisome to order a grill online, it need not be.

Shop Grills

2. Furniture

While the weather can be unpredictable, during the high heat of summer, we all need somewhere comfortable to sit down and relax. The best outdoor furniture is durable, functional and stylish, and can instantly transform your patio area.

Patio sets can often be expensive, but in my experience, it is worth the investment. Spending less money on low-quality goods is not recommended. Furniture that is well-made and elevates your patio is an investment that will pay off year after year.

Shop Furniture

3. Garden Sheds

Garden sheds are often thought of as unattractive and cumbersome, looking unsightly at the bottom of the garden. Thankfully, garden storage ideas have come a long way in recent years.

Many beautiful and functional shed and storage options will instantly transform your outdoor space. Storing tools and organizing your outdoor equipment shouldn't be stressful or daunting, and the below 3 shed options mean that you can tidy up in style.

If you want to declutter your patio and lawn, installing a smart and sleek shed is crucial. You can store everything from garden tools, pots and planters to larger items, such as lawnmowers, strimmers and pruning equipment.

Shop Storage and Sheds

FAQs

How do I arrange for delivery and assembly of these products?

If you are short on time or unable to construct any of these patio items listed, fear not, all of these Amazon products listed above, be sure to select the delivery and installation option at checkout. For a small fee, you can sit back and relax, and enjoy the help of a trained professional. Find out more about Amazon services including installation here.

So, what are you waiting for? In a matter of days, your garden could be transformed, and with so many other attractive Amazon furniture and patio accessories, you are sure to find something that will suit your style and preferences.

For more shopping advice, see our guide on the best Amazon garden essentials, for all the tools and accessories you might need to keep your garden in top form.

Hosting the 4th of July can be a great honor, and it can be very rewarding to see your friends and family enjoying themselves in your home.

However, the joy usually comes to an abrupt end when it is time to clean up and reset your home after hosting – especially when it comes to cleaning a kitchen.

This daunting task needs not be overwhelming, however. Here, professional cleaners and hosting experts have shared their top eight cleaning tips for cleaning up after the 4th of July to help you keep your cool post-party.

How to clean up after the 4th of July

Before hosting, you should ensure that you have a fully stocked basket of essential cleaning supplies to make cleaning and tidying after your party simpler, begins Jeannine Rose, hosting expert and owner of Sweet Humble Home. ‘Include essentials like garbage bags, paper towels, and multi-surface cleaners so you can grab and go, tackling messes efficiently,’ she suggests.

With your essential tool kit in hand, you can start to tackle the mess, with these essential things to clean in July.

1. Opt for disposable dinnerware

One of the easiest ways to clean up after a dinner party is to opt for disposable tableware to cut washing up out of the equation and save both time and energy, suggests Erin Zanelli, CFO and cleaning expert at Tranquil Home, a San Diego-based residential cleaning company. To keep this eco-friendly and stylish, they recommend picking up biodegradable bamboo plates and utensils for your 4th of July celebration.

‘Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also make clean-up a breeze. After the party, you can simply toss them into a compost bin, reducing the amount of waste and saving time on washing dishes,’ they share.

2. Designate clean-up stations

One of the best cleaning shortcuts to implement when hosting the 4th of July is to establish cleaning drop zones for guests to corral their mess for you. This then makes cleaning up after a breeze, continues Jeannine Rose, hosting expert:

‘Keep the madness managed by having clear, designated areas for eating, lounging, and activities. This helps contain potential messes to specific areas, making post-party cleanup more straightforward.

‘Make it easy for your guests (and yourself) by having clearly marked bins for trash and recyclables. You'll thank yourself later when you don't have to sort through a single, towering pile of refuse.’

3. Start with the highest-traffic areas

If you still find yourself cleaning when overwhelmed after the 4th of July, consider starting in the highest traffic areas and working your way around the less dirty areas. This might seem like a stressful approach, but it will ensure that the messiest spots are tackled before they get worse, says Alda Larios of eMaids Inc.

‘This could be the living room or dining room. Collect all the trash and recyclables first, then move on to vacuuming or sweeping the floors. A damp mop can help pick up any remaining dirt or sticky spots.’

4. Use easy to clean materials

It might be too late to design a kitchen that is easy to clean, but you can pick up easy-to-clean materials for your hosting spots, such as your dining table, suggests Erin Zanelli, CFO and cleaning expert:

‘For outdoor spaces like patios and pool areas, use materials that are easy to wipe down. Consider placing outdoor rugs that can be shaken out and hosed down after the party,’ they recommend. ‘Use tablecloths or placemats that are machine-washable or disposable. These simple preparations will make it easier to clean up spills and crumbs quickly.’

5. Invest in a wet-dry vacuum

If you are frequently cleaning up big messes, or just love to host, Taylor Reily, cleaning expert and co-owner of Impact Cleaning Professionals recommends upgrading to a wet-dry vacuum cleaner:

‘My pro tip for cleaning up during and after the 4th of July is by having a wet dry vacuum cleaner and mop on hand. As a professional cleaner, I’ve seen my fair share of mop buckets and spreading around dirty water is not an effective way to clean your floors.

‘The benefit of the wet dry vacuum is the cleaning solution is sprayed onto the floor, the scrubber gently agitates the surface, and the vacuum suctions up the liquid and into a canister (rather than leaving behind dirty mop water).

‘While having one of these on hand is beneficial year round, during a 4th of July party it can come in especially handy when your house is more crowded than usual. Any spills or messes can be quickly cleaned without having to bring out a broom and mop bucket.'

6. Clean the grill while it is warm

Cleaning a grill is one of the toughest cleaning tasks after hosting the 4th of July, which is why Ryan Knoll, cleaning expert and owner of Tidy Casa suggests you clean it while it is still warm before the grease has a chance to harden:

‘While the grill is still warm (not hot!), take a lemon, slice it in half and use the open side. Run it along the grills. The heat from the grill and the acid from the lemon will start to break up the grill gunk. Then, use a wire brush to scrape off any remaining food residue. For a deeper clean, a mix of vinegar and baking soda works wonders too.

‘After the party, place the BBQ grates in a large bag with water and dish soap to soak overnight,’ he adds.

7. Don’t forget the patio

If the majority of your party took place outside you will need to clean your patio to prevent sticky spills from attracting pests or turning green, reminds Ryan Knoll, cleaning expert.

‘Start by using a normal broom to remove loose debris like leaves, dust, or crumbs,’ he begins. ‘ A hose then works wonders here. I’d start with some dawn dish soap on any surfaces with sticky residue or areas that won’t come clean with just water. Spread it around evenly and let it sit for 30 seconds to a minute to break up any grease.

‘Then spray down with the hose. Done! Be careful around wood decks, they can be extra sensitive depending,’ he warns.

Avoid some common patio cleaning mistakes by removing all of your furniture first and avoiding using harsh chemicals.

8. Complete the final checks

‘Once everything's back in its place, give your space a final walkthrough with a trash bag and recycling bin in hand to catch any missed items,’ suggests Jeannine Rose, hosting expert. ‘A swift vacuum or sweep through high-traffic areas will bring back that pre-party clean feel.’

FAQs

How do you clean up after fireworks?

If you have used fireworks at a party, it is helpful to clean them up by filling a metal bucket with water and putting the used fireworks in there to let them soak. This helps to prevent any accidental fires or sparks from leftover residue. It is best to dispose of them in a fireproof receptacle, or at least double-bag them before putting them in the trash.

Should guests help to clean up?

If guests offer to help you clean up after a party, it is always a good idea to accept their help. Not only will it make cleaning up quicker, but it can help to develop a deeper bond with them as you spend some downtime together. Avoid ‘bullying’ guests into helping to clean up, however, as it might sour the mood. Asking for a helping hand is fine, but demanding their help after you have hosted can bump you down the list of potential hosts in the future.

Of course, if you really want to take the pressure off or if you anticipate a large number of guests, you can consider hiring a cleaning crew for the day after the party, suggests Erin Zanelli, CFO and cleaning expert. ‘If that’s not an option, enlist a few friends or motivate your family to clean to help with specific tasks like gathering trash, washing dishes, and wiping down surfaces. Having a team to tackle the clean-up will significantly speed up the process and make it less overwhelming.'

Whether you're shopping for home appliances and hardware or outdoor furniture and decor, you'll find everything you need for your next home improvement project at Home Depot.

As an eCommerce Editor, I spend my days window-shopping home retailers to bring you the hottest products at the lowest prices. Compared to their closest competitor, Lowe's, Home Depot is a little more expensive, but the range of products is much wider. I've learned how to shop the Home Depot sales to make the most of my money, and I want to share my wisdom with you.

Before we begin, I'll drop a few quick links to help you shop the Home Depot sales by department. Then, I'll explain more about the best time to shop at Home Depot and how to make sure you're getting a good deal.

Where to find the best Home Depot deals

• Home Depot Savings Center: browse everything on offer at Home Depot
• Appliance sales: save on Shark, Samsung, GE, and more
• Storage and organization sales: from free-standing cabinets to brackets and sockets
• Garden Center: save on soil, mulch, and fertilizer, as well as garden tools
• Tool savings: discounts on power tools, hand tools, batteries and chargers
• Home decor savings: furniture, bedding, kitchenware, wall art, and more

When is the best time to shop at Home Depot?

Home Depot Memorial Day sales

This year, Memorial Day falls on May 26. It's your last chance to buy outdoor furniture and decor that you'll actually get to use this summer.

Judging by previous years, you can also expect to see deep discounts on grills, pergolas, lawnmowers and insect repellents.

Home Depot Red, White & Blue Sale

Every 4th of July, Home Depot discounts appliances, such as washers and dryers, alongside lawn care and gardening supplies to get your yard looking its best for hosting season.

Home Depot Labor Day sales

If you can wait until September 1, you'll see the steepest discounts on grills and patio furniture, as Home Depot slash prices on summer items in a bid to shift stock and make way for the new season.

Home Depot Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales

This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, but I'd expect deals to start dropping at least a week in advance and run through Cyber Monday on December 1.

Black Friday is a great chance to stock up on home appliances as gifts for the holiday season. Cyber Monday is better for tools and smart home tech.

Home Depot After-Christmas sales

As soon as Christmas is over, you'll see steep discounts on indoor and outdoor holiday decor. I'm talking everything from lights and ornaments to artificial trees, so you can get ahead for next year.

Home Depot Spring Black Friday sales

This typically falls in April. You'll see deep discounts on mulch, gardening supplies, lawncare, grills, patio furniture: anything you can use to get your yard ready for the new year.

How do you know if you've got a good deal at Home Depot?

Join Home Depot Pro Xtra

This is the Home Depot loyalty program. It's free to join, and you get access to lower-than-shelf pricing, plus sneak peeks into site-wide sales events and free next-day delivery.

You'll earn perks with each purchase that you can redeem on your next order, plus discounts like 20% off paints, stains, and primers.

Make the most of bulk pricing

This is most useful if you're in the middle of a remodel or renovation. When you're buying in large quantities, you can get 10% to 15% off insulation, pavers, electricals, and all sorts of essentials.

Browse the Special Buy of the Day section

Every day, Home Depot lists a few dozen deals for 24 hours only in their Special Buy of the Day section. There's often a theme: power tool kits, perhaps, or seasonal outdoor decor.

Speaking as a penny-pincher, I'd encourage you not to make any impulse purchases you won't actually use. There's no point buying power tools that will just gather dust in your garage. On the other hand, if you can find a Special Buy of the Day that meets your needs, then you've just scored a deep discount on an essential.

FAQs

Is Home Depot better than Lowe's?

It depends what you're looking for. I turn to Home Depot for power tools, hardware, and appliances: practical items, rather than pretty ones. I prefer the outdoor furniture and decor offerings at Lowe's: they're more stylish.

Will Home Depot price match Amazon?

Yes. As long as the items are identical (same model, brand, size, and color), in stock and available for purchase at both stores, then you can request a price match.

First, you need to prove that Amazon stocks the same item at a lower price. You can include screenshots or a link to the relevant product listing when you contact the Home Depot Customer Solutions team.

I turn to the Home Depot for power tools and appliances, but I prefer to shop the Target deals for outdoor furniture and decor. You'll find deep discounts on garden goods to get your yard ready for the new year.

Grilling and gazebos might feel to many like a match made in heaven. A gazebo seems like a great option for grilling under, keeping you covered in case there's a sudden rainstorm, and offering handy shelves for ingredients and drinks.

I've tested plenty of the best grills, so I understand the potential dangers of grilling first-hand. While many retailers sell so-called 'grill gazebos' - you can find them at Bed Bath & Beyond, Amazon, and Walmart - and many reviewers love them, they could pose a safety risk if not used responsibly.

I spoke to a garden expert for a structural perspective on the dangers of grilling under a gazebo to find out more.

1. Open flames

While lots of people use grill gazebos without incident, it's an inherently unsafe idea. While it's never completely safe, some types of grill are safer than others. For example, an electric griddle doesn't use an open flame, so it's safer than a grill.

Though they also use open flame, gas grills are slightly safer than charcoal grills or smokers, because you can easily control the height of the flame. However, all of these grills reach significant temperatures, and gas grills, charcoal grills, and smokers all use open flames, which pose a significant fire risk.

On top of that, you have to consider your ingredients. Garden structure expert Stacy Elmore says that 'It's important to know what you are grilling. As any grill master can attest, very fatty ground beef will cause flames to shoot up and potentially lick the posts of your gazebo.'

2. Ventilation

Every gazebo is open to the wind on the sides, so you'd be forgiven for thinking that they have good enough ventilation for grilling. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Because gazebos have roofs, and smoke rises, you risk trapping smoke underneath the roof and inhaling it, which can cause a variety of health issues.

That effect is compounded if your gazebo has screens or curtains. Stacy Elmore told me that 'If your gazebo is enclosed by solid walls or even very thick screens, you could be under a big safety risk due to carbon monoxide. Make sure there is plenty of ventilation.'

If your gazebo backs onto a neighbor's wall or fence, the effect is even worse. Even if your gazebo has hanging ceiling fans, all you will do is circulate smoke around as you cook.

3. Flammable materials

This one is pretty straightforward. Most gazebos are made from wood. Wood is flammable, therefore it poses a very high fire risk. Stacy says 'If you have a gazebo made of wood or another flammable material, it is a bad idea to grill under it. You risk grilling not only your food but the grill master as well.'

This is also true of metal gazebos. Cheap metal gazebos are a great way of introducing some shelter to your backyard. However, they're usually made from aluminum, and if exposed to extreme heat, they can snap or buckle.

On top of that, these gazebos tend to have fabric canopies, and while they're often made of fire-retardant polyester, this will still melt if exposed to extreme heat, posing a burn risk. Stacy advises 'If you have a metal gazebo, ensure that the metal is thick enough for the excess heat from your grill. If the material is too thin, it will buckle, and "oil can" due to the changes in heat.' Oil canning is exactly as it sounds - a gazebo crumpling up like a can.

On top of the issues with materials, even the finish on your gazebo could be a fire risk. No wood stain or lacquer can make wood fire-retardant, and many finishes on metal gazebos are flammable.

4. HOA rules about grilling

Many homeowners associations have rules about grilling, and grilling unsafely could lead to a pretty big fine.

Stacy told me 'Some homeowners associations have rules against grilling under a gazebo. These almost always come down to what the gazebo is made of. Just as you wouldn't want to grill on a wooden balcony, you wouldn't want to grill under a wooden gazebo.'

Grilling FAQs

Can you grill on a wooden deck?

You can, but as with using a grill gazebo, there's a big fire risk, especially if you use a charcoal grill.

For more help with grilling safety and efficiency, take a look at our guide to when you should grill with the lid closed or how to make a grill nonstick.

When I was a junior product tester fresh out of college, I was excited to get my first brief testing grills. Imagine it - a whole week of doing nothing but grilling. The first day, I spent a morning assembling a shiny row of grills, but when it came to cook my first test I realised I didn't have a scientific method to grilling. I'd grilled chicken a million times, sure, but I didn't know the actual science of grilling with the lid on or off.

Thankfully, after years of testing the best grills and talking to my sources in kitchens and barbecue pits around the country, I know the simple rule.

The golden rule is to think as though you're in a kitchen. If it feels like you'd bake your meal in a oven, grill with the lid on. If you'd fry it in a pan, then grill it with the lid off.

When should I grill with the lid closed?

You should grill with the lid closed when you're cooking things that take more than half an hour. For example, a whole chicken needs around an hour to cook, so you should you cook it on indirect heat with the lid closed.

The reason you cook with the lid closed is so that you can create a sort of oven with the grill. Rather than letting all that hot air escape, you let it swirl around the top of your food, so you cook it from every direction rather than just from underneath.

This has the added bonus of trapping some of the moisture from your ingredients, stopping them from drying out and ensuring that whatever you're cooking is succulent.

Chef Alfredo Nogueira told me that 'I have a classic Weber kettle grill and I like to make a two zone set up where you have the coals on one side and nothing on the other. I will often cook a whole spatchcocked chicken or thick cut steak on the side that has no coals and put the lid on.'

When should I grill with the lid open?

You should grill with the lid open when you're cooking quickly at high temperatures. This applies to your typical grill fare - beef burgers, brats, frankfurters, chicken legs, or vegetarian alternatives like halloumi, grilled asparagus, or vegetable kebabs.

This is because the most important part of grilling burgers and other fast-cooking foods is achieving a sear on the outside. A sear is the result of the 'Maillard reaction', which happens when meat is cooked with direct heat at temperatures above 280°F. This reaction is what creates rich, caramelized flavor in your food.

Because this temperature is so hot - and the reaction so fast - it's pointless to cook with with the lid closed. Burgers and other fast-cooking meals need turning every so often, so all you'd be doing is opening and closing the lid, which defeats the point of trapping air, moisture, and smoke. Grilling at this temperature will cook the insides of your food too, so there's no advantage to grilling with the lid closed.

Chef Alfredo Nogueira told me that 'You you should grill with the lid open when you are cooking directly over the fire. Think high heat and fast cooking that requires a watchful eye on whatever it is you are cooking, like thin burgers, shrimp, or blanched vegetables that you just want to get a little char on.'

What if my grill doesn't have a lid?

If your grill doesn't have a lid, you won't be able to cook large cuts of meat. It's certainly possible in theory, but experience has taught me that the results will be at best dry and worst undercooked, with all of the potential health concerns.

However, for smaller items, aluminum foil is your new best friend. It won't be as effective, but you can wrap fish and smaller cuts of meat like chicken wings in aluminum foil to achieve some of the effect of closing the lid. However, it won't work as well. For example, if you're grilling a salmon there will be limited convection around the whole fish, but more than if you were to try and grill without any foil at all.

Grilling FAQs

What's the difference between indirect and direct heat?

In the context of a grill, direct heat is when you grill directly over a flame or hot coals; indirect heat is when you grill using residual heat near your ingredients. For example, you should grill a burger directly over hot coals. If you're grilling a whole chicken, however, you should light a fire at one end of the grill and cook the chicken at the other to stop it from burning.

For more advice about grills, take a look at my deep dive into the best wood for smoking, and my advice on how to make a grill non-stick

Your food is almost ready: it's been waiting in a family-secret marinade for the last 24 hours. You place it lovingly on the grill but in seconds that sticky seasoning has welded to the grill, pulling the skin off your food and making for burnt, bitter barbecue.

I make a living testing the best grills and even I have days when it feels like my food is fused to the grill. Thankfully, there are some simple solutions.

I spoke to chefs and grilling experts for their advice on how to make grill grates nonstick and take all the stress out of your next cookout.

1. Clean your grill

It's perhaps a little obvious, but every chef I spoke to for this article stressed the importance of cleanliness in maintaining a non-stick grill. Chef Serge Krikorian told me that 'The key to a nonstick grill starts with cleanliness. Before each use, make sure your grill grates are thoroughly cleaned to remove any stuck-on food or residue.'

This is because baked-on grease is sticky, especially if you use sticky, sugary sauces to flavor your meat. What's more, it forms a barrier between the heat source and the metal grates. This means your food can't achieve a proper sear, which means it will fuse with the grease and cooking surface and stick.

Cleaning is easy, though I strongly recommend you avoid wire grill brushes, as these have been linked to several injuries. While you can use a stiff nylon brush, like this Charbroil grill brush at Amazon, there's a cheaper solution. Most chefs I know swear by using a ball of aluminum foil to clean their grills. It's cheap, abrasive, molds to the gaps in the grate, and there's no risk of injury or accident.

2. Oil the grates

Once your grill is clean, you can season the grates with oil. Food blogger Grace Vallo says that you should 'Coat the grates with a high smoke point oil, such as canola or vegetable oil, using a paper towel or brush before preheating the grill. This creates a nonstick layer and helps prevent food from sticking.'

It's important to use a high smoke-point oil because these oils result in a better taste. High-smoke point oils can reach higher temperatures without smoking, which will save your food from a burnt, bitter taste.

There are lots of high smoke point oils out there. As well as canola or vegetable oil, avocado, soybean, and peanut oil are good options. However, if you use peanut or soybean oil, make sure your guests aren't allergic.

3. The potato trick

However, while these high-smoke-point oils work great, they can be expensive, especially avocado oil. If you want to save a little money, all the chefs I spoke to gave me a neat little trick with a potato.

All you have to do is 'Preheat your grill to medium-high, then cut a raw potato (or an onion would also work) in half,' says Chef Serge Krikorian. 'Rub the cut side over the grill grates. The starch from the potato and the natural oils and juices from the onion help create a nonstick coating on the grates.'

4. Buy nonstick grill grates

If this still sounds like too much work, you can buy nonstick grill grates. Chef Krikorian says that 'Many grill manufacturers offer models with nonstick cooking surfaces. These grates often have a ceramic or PTFE-based (Teflon) coating, making them easier to clean and less likely to stick.' You can find nonstick grill grates like these on Amazon for relatively cheap.

However, before you buy them, there are a couple of drawbacks with these grates. The first is that they aren't universal. Grace says it's crucial to 'Make sure they fit your grill model before purchasing.'

More importantly, there are some health concerns with nonstick surfaces. When we investigated if air fryers are toxic, we found that nonstick surfaces contain PFTEs, which have been linked to cancer. It's unlikely, but if the grill is scratched or broken and these find their way into your food, you may be putting yourself at risk.

5. Be patient

A final tip from Chef Krikorian is to be patient. He told me that sometimes food sticks because people are impatient to eat and flip the food before the meat has seared.

Instead, Chef Krikorian says to 'avoid moving the food too soon - let it naturally release from the grates before trying to flip or move it. This helps prevent sticking and keeps your food intact.'

Grill FAQ

Can you use an onion to clean a grill?

Yes, you can use an onion to clean a grill. The acid breaks down some of the grease, but there are more effective methods.

For more help with grills, take a look at my guide to which is best between charcoal and gas grills, and my advice on when it's antisocial to grill.

After your spatula and tongs, a wire grill brush seems essential to grilling. A clean grill is the first step of hygienic, tasty cooking, so a stiff wire brush to eradicate dirt and burnt-on sauces seems like a no-brainer.

However, in the past few years. this common grill accessory has been linked to hundreds of injuries. A wire brush can turn even the best grills into potential hazards.

But just throwing out your old wire grill brush won't do the trick, because your grill will still be dirty. I spoke to grilling experts about the best alternatives for cleaning a grill.

How are wire grill brushes dangerous?

Wire grill brushes are dangerous because the wires can snap off. It's unlikely, but if you use a wire brush to clean your grill, these fragments of wire could end up in your food.

While it's fairly unlikely, it's not impossible. The American College of Surgeons reports that 'Ingestion of grill brush wire bristles causes over 130 emergency room visits per year.' While it mostly causes injuries to the mouth or throat, in more extreme cases it can cause significant injuries to your intestines.

Are nylon brushes better than metal brushes?

Instead of a wire brush, I recommend using a stiff nylon brush, like this Charbroil grill brush at Amazon. You can also find grill sponges like this at Amazon, but they're less effective as they clean the grill with steam rather than scrape off the residue.

However, nylon brushes are a lot less effective than wire brushes. Grilling expert Robbie Shoults told me that 'nylon brushes could be safer than metal grill brushes but will require a little more effort when cleaning the grill grates as they are softer and less rigid.'

What are the other alternative grill brushes?

If you don't want to spend any money, most of the experts I spoke to recommended an incredibly cheap hack: kitchen foil.

Recipe writer and grilling expert Nicole Johnson doesn't like alternative brushes. Instead, she says 'Just grab a generous piece of heavy-duty foil, crumple it up in your hand, and wipe roughly following the path of the grill grates.'

It sounds unlikely, but it really works. Nicole says that 'It'll get all of those little bits and pieces off, forms itself to the shape of the grates, and does a better job cleaning than any brush I've ever tried.'

Can I use an onion instead of a grill brush?

You can use a lemon or half an onion to clean a grill. Grillmaster Robbie gave me the straightforward method: 'Simply cut a lemon or an onion in half, then hold it with your tongs and wipe it back and forth on a hot grill grate.' The acid in the food will break down some of the dirt on the grill and will kill any bacteria on the grates. Lemons are more acidic than onions, so they tend to be more effective.

However, this isn't a perfect method. If you grill with a lot of marinades, you'll find that these can carbonize and stick to the grill. The acid of a lemon or an onion won't be able to break this down, so you still need foil or a nylon brush to scrape the worst of the residue from the grill.

Grill brush FAQs

Can you use a grill brush on a griddle?

You can use a nylon grill brush on a griddle, but a wire grill brush will scratch the surface and damage your griddle.

For more help with grills, take a look at my guide to grills vs griddles and how much you should spend on a grill.

Grills have plenty to endure. They’re out in all weather, and frequent use can start to show. Once the signs of wear and tear are there, you might be wondering if you can paint a grill to restore it.

Painting a house exterior can refresh the building itself, and paint can transform a garden shed, but while a grill is subject to the same weather conditions, there’s a complication. It has to cope with something else: the high temperatures of cooking.

To answer the question of whether you can and should paint a grill, we called on experts for their guidance and, below, is what they told us.

Can you paint a grill?

The answer to the question of whether you can paint a grill, and therefore whether you should, is: it depends. That’s because the type of grill matters. Discover all the details you need here.

Why paint a grill?

There are some sound reasons to paint a grill. ‘Painting a grill can be a good idea, especially if you want to extend its life or simply give it a fresh, clean look,’ says Luke Kinser, Co-Founder of Virginia Builders, who has extensive experience with various paint types, including high heat paint suitable for grills.

‘It’s also a cost-effective way to rejuvenate an older grill instead of replacing it,’ he says.

‘When deciding to paint a grill, you should do so if the existing paint is peeling, rust is appearing, or you just want to change its aesthetic.’

Can all grills be painted?

While painting can refresh a grill, it’s not always an option.

‘Not all grills are suitable for painting,’ says Luke Kinser. ‘Generally, metal grills can be painted, while porcelain-coated grills should not be, as the paint might not adhere correctly and could ultimately lead to chipping and peeling.’

What type of paint should you use?

It‘s crucial to use paint that is suitable for a grill. ‘There are specific types of paints designed for high heat applications, which can withstand the temperatures a grill reaches,’ says Luke Kinser.

‘High-temperature spray paint, usually labeled as “grill paint”or “BBQ paint” is your best bet,’ he says. Try Rust-Oleum High Heat Tough Protective Enamel from Amazon, which is highly rated by its purchasers.

How to prepare a grill for painting

For successful grill painting, good preparation, as with all DIY projects, is key.

‘Preparation is crucial for ensuring the paint adheres well and lasts,’ says Luke Kinser. ‘Start by thoroughly cleaning the grill. Remove grease, dirt, or debris using a grill cleaner or a degreaser.

‘Next, sand the surfaces to remove rust and roughen up the existing paint so the new paint can adhere properly. If there are any significant rust spots, you might need to use a wire brush or steel wool.

‘Once sanding is complete, wipe down the grill with a damp cloth to remove any dust particles and allow it to dry completely.’

Paint a grill

Check whether the paint you’re using requires a primer first and use one suitable for the high temperature application if so, allowing it to dry.

‘Apply the high-temperature grill paint in light, even coats, following the manufacturer's instructions,’ says Luke. ‘Multiple thin layers are better than one thick coat to avoid drips and ensure even coverage. Let each layer dry before applying the next one.

‘Once you’re done, allow the grill to cure according to the paint manufacturer’s specifications before using it.’

Work safely

Apply the paint outside or in a well-ventilated space, such as an open garage.

‘These paints will have a strong odor, so apply them outside for best ventilation,’ recommends Jeff Neal, coating expert and project manager at Installing Epoxy Floors.

‘Also, when sanding/prepping the surface, it’s a good idea to wear a dust mask. Sanding will create a lot of airborne dust, which is very unhealthy to breathe in.’

Check the instructions for the recommended temperature range and humidity before commencing grill painting, too, so you can be sure the paint will dry properly. If you’re painting outside, don’t do so on a windy day or in a dusty location.

You’ll also need to cover the surrounding area to avoid getting paint on other surfaces.

Be aware that the paint is for the exterior of a grill only. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions.

Revive the rest of your yard along with your grill. Fence decorating ideas can turn it from bland to beautiful and painted patio ideas can give a seating and dining area style. You can remove rust from metal garden furniture to revive it, too.

Wayfair's anniversary sale is just around the corner, and that means some big savings on grills and pizza ovens.

We're in the heart of grilling season now, which means that a lot of the prices for grills and pizza ovens are over-inflated. If you don't have a grill or pizza oven yet and need one in time for a family gathering on July 4th, Wayfair's Anniversary sale could be your last opportunity.

As a product tester, I've tried a lot of the best grills and best pizza ovens, so I know exactly which products make for the best investments.

Jump to the deals

If you want to take a look at the deals for yourself, here's quick summary of the best offers on grills and pizza ovens in the Anniversary sale.

• Wayfair grill deals: hundreds of dollars off Weber, Blackstone, and Monument
• Wayfair pizza oven deals: up to 40% off Cuisinart, Big Horn, and Solo
• Wayfair outdoor furniture deals: thousands off patio furniture
• Wayfair hot tub deals: thousands off Aquarest, Saluspa, and Intex

Wayfair grill deals

Wayfair pizza oven deals

Wayfair Anniversary Sale FAQ

When is the Wayfair Anniversary Sale?

The Wayfair Anniversary sale is running from the 14th of June to the 17th of June, with up to 70% off appliances.

From his vegetable garden to his chicken coop, David Beckham takes his time outside seriously. As summer sets in, that means preparing seriously for cooking outdoors.

A huge part of barbequing is choosing the best grill, and Beckham has landed on his top pick: The Ninja Woodfire Grill. Ninja took to Instagram to share a photo of the famed soccer player posed with his grill to announce their new partnership. Since Beckham is known for his love of cooking and SharkNinja is known for its innovative kitchen technology, it's a match made in heaven.

'David shares our commitment to performance and quality, sets the same unimaginably high bar that we do, and is deeply passionate about cooking,' says Mark Barrocas, Chief Executive Officer at SharkNinja. He continues, 'We are so excited to work with him to bring the Ninja story to life and help us advance our mission to positively impact people’s lives around the world.'

With Memorial BBQ parties right around the corner, it's a perfect time to spotlight Ninja's incredible portable grill, which has gained the David Beckham seal of approval. The grill has gained acclaim for its sleek look and multitude of settings from classic grilling to smoking and airfrying. It is certainly a showpiece that would compliment any outdoor kitchen.

Beckham says: I love to be at home creating meals for my family either in the kitchen or cooking outside so I’m delighted to partner with Ninja to help bring greater awareness to their amazing products.'

David isn't alone in loving Ninja's products, especially the grill he's pictured with. In our Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill review the H&G editor who tried the oven gave it 4.5/5 stars. She lauded the multitude of capabilities of the grill, especially the smoking settings, which make this tool especially unique for an electric grill.

Editor Alex Temblador gushes, 'Many grills have multiple cooking functions, but there isn’t anything on the market quite like the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill.' She continues, 'Portable, affordable, and easy to clean, the Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill has become our favorite grilling toy.' Coming from someone who reviews home tech for a living, I can't think of a higher endorsement, except for maybe David Beckham's approval.

Ninja's kitchen tech plus David Beckham is a powerful combination, and we can't wait to see what else comes out of this collaboration.

You can't beat using a smoker for a summertime cookout. A smoker will infuse your food with a delicious flavor that cannot be matched by any other cooking method.

However, as fun as it can be, using a smoker often makes for a pretty messy cleanup. I've tested plenty of the best grills in my time, and I've had to clean up my fair share of smokers, so I've rounded up the best ways to clean a smoker so you can keep yours looking fresh and clean throughout the summer season – and for years to come.

This is all you need to know to tackle cleaning every type of smoker.

How to clean a pellet smoker

The first step to cleaning a pellet smoker is an obvious one but always bears repeating – switch off your smoker and make sure that it is cool. Then, remove any unused pellets so that you can reuse them next time. Take out the grills, put them in a bucket of warm, soapy water, and then use a brush to scrape off any residue from dry rubs, marinades, or sauces.

My biggest tip here is to avoid wire brushes. These do a great job of cleaning, but they always leave little specks of wire in your grill – and you don't want these going anywhere near your food. Instead, use a stiff nylon brush, like this from Amazon.

After that, food appliance expert Fahad Javaid recommends using 'A shop vac or similar equipment to remove any ash and debris from the interior of your smoker. Use a plastic putty knife, like this set from Amazon, to scrape the lid and remove any creosote that may be stuck to it.'

Then, wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. It's also crucial that you avoid using chemicals or cleaning solvents. These can make their way into your food, leaving at best a soapy taste and at worst making it toxic. These solvents also tend to be highly flammable, which can also be dangerous to use with hot appliances like smokers.

How to clean an off-set smoker

The cleaning process is similar for an offset smoker. Let the ashes cool – I recommend leaving them overnight just to be sure – and then remove them from the smoker. In some offset smokers, this is easy because there's an ash catcher. If not, use a shop vac, such as an ash scoop like this from Amazon, or a dustpan and brush.

Other than that, the method is exactly the same. Scrub your grills with hot, soapy water, dry them, and you're good to go.

How to clean a chimney smoker

The method of cleaning a chimney smoker is very similar to the others above. Let the ashes cool, remove them, and wash the grill in soapy water.

An extra step, however, is cleaning the chimney. Fahad Javaid says 'Using a chimney brush, ensure the chimney is free from soot. You can then clean the interior surfaces using a wire brush to remove any build-up or residue.' You don't need anything fancy – a cheap chimney brush like this from Walmart will do the job.

How to clean a kettle that's been used as a smoker

If you've used a kettle grill to smoke, the cleaning method isn't much different from cleaning up after grilling over charcoal. Remove the grill and set it aside to brush it down in hot, soapy water. Brush down the sides of the grill with a soft brush, so the ash is all collected in the the ash catcher at the bottom. Remove the ashes and then clean the insides with soapy water and cloth. Clean the grill in water and dry it well to prevent rust.

FAQs

Which wood burns cleanest?

One way to make cleaning a smoker easier is to smoke with cleaner-burning wood, so there's less soot and creosote to clean.

Fahad recommends that 'For cleaner-burning wood, you'll want to reach for hardwoods like hickory, walnut, oak, or maple. These burn hotter and cleaner than softer woods like cedar, pine, or spruce. They contain less moisture and burn slower, leading to less creosote, a sticky byproduct of wood burning that can coat the inside of your smoker.'

I explore the best wood for smoking in my separate feature.

How do I clean the glass door of my smoker?

If your smoker has a glass door, use a vinegar-based glass cleaner, like this from Amazon. It will remove the soot and leave the glass pristine without using any chemicals which could be a fire hazard.

For more help with smoking, take a look at my advice on how to use a regular grill as a smoker.

We've all been there: it's a beautiful day, you're grilling in the yard, then the wind changes and you accidentally inhale a lungful of smoke.

It happens to everyone once in a while, but while it's expected, it's wise to worry that there are more serious health concerns than a little spluttering.

I've tested dozens of the best grills and years of grilling have taught me that inhaling grill smoke can be pretty painful. I spoke to two doctors about the health effects of grill smoke, whether there are any long-term concerns, and how to reduce exposure to smoke when grilling.

Is grill smoke bad for you?

The short answer is that grill smoke is bad for you. Many of the same risks of cigarette smoke are also present in grill smoke, which is mostly made of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Dr Raj Dasgupta told me that 'Grill smoke can be unhealthy to inhale. It can have harmful chemicals in it, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which are both produced when meat is cooked at high temperatures.'

Dr Sanjay Rajagopalan agrees, and told me that 'Grill smoke contains a number of chemicals that are hazardous, some of which are carcinogenic. These include various PAH compounds that are toxic, particularly at high concentrations and with protracted exposure.'

However, he notes that the toxicity depends on a few factors, 'that include both the generation of the fumes and the disposal through adequate ventilation.' In short a little smoke from grilling burgers is largely fine, but inhaling a lot of wood hickory smoke as you smoke a brisket is more dangerous.

What short-term issues can grill smoke cause?

Inhaling too much grill smoke can cause minor symptoms of smoke inhalation. It can cause shortness of breath, a cough, a sore throat, as well as irritation to your nose and eyes.

Dr. Sanjay Rajagopalan told me that 'Short term effects associated with high exposure to short durations of grill smoke when outdoors may produce irritant effects on the upper airways and eyes, but is usually self limiting when exposure stops.'

Dr Raj Dasgupta added that 'In the short term, exposure to grill smoke can cause respiratory irritation, coughing, and shortness of breath. It can also exacerbate symptoms in people with asthma or other respiratory conditions.'

What long-term issues can grill smoke cause?

Grill smoke has also been linked to chronic health effects. Repeated and long-term exposure to grill smoke increases the risk of respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

Dr Raj Dasgupta told me that 'Long-term exposure to grill smoke can increase the risk of developing respiratory conditions and cardiovascular diseases. It may also increase the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer, specifically because of the carcinogenic compounds found in the smoke.'

However, while it's highly likely that grill smoke can increase the risk of several conditions, it has never been proven. Dr Rajagopalan says that 'Although cardiovascular effects have been described with exposure to particulate air pollution, there has never been long-term follow-up studies as these are virtually impossible to conduct given the intermittency of exposure.' It's hard to directly link grill smoke to cancer, but while unproven, it is likely.

How can you reduce the harm of grill smoke?

There are a few ways to reduce the harm of grill smoke. The first is to always grill outdoors, and always grill in well-ventilated areas. Your grill shouldn't back onto walls, or have any covering about it, because this traps the grill smoke and increases the chance of inhaling it. You should also regularly clean your grill, because this stops grease and food residue from building up and cause more smoke.

Interestingly, both doctors I spoke to also recommended using leaner cuts of meat to reduce the smoke. Dr Dasgupta told me to 'use leaner cuts of meat to reduce the amount of fat that drips onto the flame,' and Dr Rajagopalan said that 'here is some evidence that fatty meats may generate the highest amount of PAH and toxicity'.

Leaner cuts of meat have less fat, which produces less smoke. Dr Dasgupta also said to 'consider marinating your meat before grilling it to reduce the formation of harmful chemicals.'

Grill smoke FAQs

Can grill smoke trigger asthma?

Grill smoke can be especially harmful to people with asthma, and can trigger your asthma.

For more information about grill smoke, take a look at our guides to the best wood for smoking and HOA grill smoke rules.

Grilling season is here, and if you're looking for a way to step up your grilling game, a pellet smoker could be the perfect tool.

However, the world of grilling is full of marketing jargon, and if you don't know what you're looking for it can be easy to be scammed into buying a grill you don't want or need. 

As a product tester, I've tested plenty of the best grills, so I know exactly what makes for the best. All you need to know is that a pellet smoker is an appliance that smokes meats using wood pellets. 

What is a pellet smoker?

A pellet smoker is an appliance designed to smoke meats and other ingredients. Unlike a gas grill, which uses propane or natural gas; a charcoal grill, which uses charcoal; or an electric grill, which uses electricity, a pellet smoker cooks using wood pellets. These pellets give off smoke, infusing your food with a smoky flavor. 

What are the benefits of a pellet smoker?

The biggest benefit of a pellet grill is that it's a lot easier to use than other methods of smoking. Smoking on a charcoal grill - whether drum or kettle - means you have to master when and how you apply your wood chips, learn about indirect heat, and for thick joints of meat that need hours of smoking, learn grilling techniques like the 'snake method', so that you can smoke for hours at a time.

Instead, a pellet grill slowly burns through wooden pellets. There's no technique to learn; it slowly smokes meats by the nature of the fuel. However, most pellet grills go one better than this and have thermometers and timers built in. This means that they can keep a consistent temperature and rate of smoke for hours. With a good pellet grill, you don't need to do anything. You prepare your meat, add the pellets, and you can let the smoker do its thing for hours without you having to intervene. 

Pellet smokers also tend to have a bigger capacity than other grills. Because they don't always grill food - that is, cooking ingredients over a flame, held up by rungs of hot metal - they can double the capacity, because when you're smoking, the 'grill' is basically just a shelf. This means that an entry-level pellet grill can hold much more food than an entry-level gas or charcoal grill. If you want to feed a crowd with smoked spare ribs, a pellet smoker is by far your best bet.

What are the drawbacks of a pellet smoker?

Pellet smokers tend to be expensive, usually around $200-$300 more expensive than the equivalent gas grill, and hundreds of dollars more expensive than the equivalent charcoal grill. 

While you can just about grill on a smoker, even the main filling grate closest to the fire isn't as effective as a gas or charcoal grill. Those grills are still much, much hotter than a smoker and achieve a better sear, so while a smoker can make burgers, they aren't as good as a dedicated grill. What's more, grilling halves the capacity because the upper shelf of the smoker isn't hot enough to grill. It will still cook food, but not as fast as the main grill on the bottom. 

Gardens expert Drew Swainston also pointed out that 'Though the thermometers and timers on most pellet smokers are useful, they mean that you have to have an outdoor power outlet to use them.'

Worst of all, pellets make for less intense smoke. A solid piece of wood burns uniformly, but pellets are lots of tiny pieces of wood burning at once. This means that there's lots of air mixed in with the smoke, weakening the flavor. This can be a good thing - it's easy to overdo it with strong smoking woods like post oak or hickory - but if you want the most intense flavor possible, a pellet grill may not achieve it. 

Pellet smoker FAQs

Can you sear with a pellet smoker?

You can sear with some pellet smokers, but not well. If your pellet smoker can reach temperatures above 400-450°F you can sear, but if not, then you won't be able to sear.

For more information about smoking, take a look at my guide to the best wood for smoking and whether or not a regular grill can work as a smoker.

Grilling season is well and truly here, and if you're anything like me, you're on the hunt for ways to step up your grilling game. That usually means taking a break from grilling the same old hamburgers and hot dogs and graduating to smoked meats. 

However, before you rush off to your local big box store and drop a couple thousand on a fancy smoker, it's worth considering if you can find better results with your regular grill. 

I've tested dozens of the best grills in my career and know first-hand that you can get exceptional results without buying a brand-new smoker. I also spoke to chefs and pitmasters for their methods and advice for smoking at home. 

Can you use a charcoal grill as a smoker?

The good news is that you can use any charcoal grill as a smoker. Chef Galen Zamarra pointed out that 'Charcoal produces smoke, so most food cooked on a charcoal grill' already benefits from the smoke flavor.' Smoking in a charcoal grill is really just enhancing the smoke flavor that already exists. 

The problem is that these charcoal grills burn fast and hot. Grilling expert Barry Sorkin said: 'I find it funny that people use the terms barbecuing and grilling almost interchangeably because they are more like opposites: Grilling is typically done at high temperatures over direct heat. In contrast, barbecuing is typically done at low temperatures over indirect heat. Getting one piece of equipment to do both tasks well is a big ask.'

However, there are three simple methods you can use to make the most out of a charcoal grill. 

Wood chunks

The first way to smoke in a charcoal grill is a method so simple that it sounds like cartoon logic: throw some wood chunks into your grill. These will burn and create thick, delicious smoke that will utterly transform whatever you're cooking. 

Barry Sorkin told me that 'Wood chunks will offer the best performance for most consumer grills and hot-smoking applications. A small chunk or two of hardwood (hickory, apple, oak, mesquite, maple, etc.) should last about 30-45 minutes in a charcoal bed with properly restricted airflow.' 

If you want to get a little more technical, try burying the wood under your charcoal. Grilling expert Allan Kiezel told me: 'I recommend burying the wood chunks under the charcoal to avoid smoldering and heavy smoke taste. The smoke particles will break down further as they pass through the hot coals, resulting in cleaner smoke.' 

While the experts differ on the best wood for smoking, the method is very simple. 

Indirect heat

However, the above method only works for short smoking sessions. For longer sessions - think three or four hours - you need a subtler technique. The best way of doing this is indirect cooking. 

In this method, divide your grill in half: fuel on the side closest to the wind, and food on the side furthest from the wind. Add some wood on top of your coals and then use this to slowly, delicately smoke your food. Grilling expert Brandon Roy also suggests that you 'adjust your vents on top and below the cooking surface so that the smoke travels over the meat before exiting the grill.'

Barry Sorkin's advice is that 'For smoking, it is essential to be able to restrict that air to keep the temperature lower. Most grills have a bottom vent that controls how much air can get in and a top vent that controls the velocity of the air. Air will flow from the bottom vent to the top vent. In most cases, both vents should be primarily closed for slow smoking.'

'The snake method'

Finally, if you're smoking serious overnight recipes for heavy meats like pork butt or brisket, former chef and recipe writer Scott Carter put me onto an ingenious, sinister-sounding technique - the snake method. 

'For this method, you line up unlit coals around the outer edge of the grill to form almost a complete circle or a “C”. Then, you’ll add lit coals at one end so they ignite the other coals as they burn around the circle, giving you a slow and steady temperature,' he says. 

All you need to do is add chunks of wood around the circle to create smoke as they fire makes its way around the circle. 'Finally, you’ll need a foil pan filled with water in the middle to help regulate the temperature, and the food is placed on a grate right above the water pan.' Done correctly, the snake method will give you 10-12 hours of cooking time.

How can you use a Kamado grill as a smoker?

Kamado grills are really just fancy charcoal grills, and they excel at smoking. Because they use ceramic plates and seal tight, they can maintain the perfect smoking temperature for up to 14 hours, which is perfect for brisket or tenderloin. You don't even need to use indirect smoke or the snake method - wood chunks on top of your coals would do the trick. 

On top of that, Brandon Roy pointed out that most Kamado grills have a wide range of accessories to help you grill. 'Almost all Kamado companies also sell a heat deflector, a large circular plate that you place in between the coals and your food. This is the easiest way to smoke on your Kamado-style grill.'

Some companies even make specialized grill inserts to improve the distribution of smoke, such as Kamado Joe's SlōRoller, which claims to distribute smoke in 'rolling, recirculating waves'. I'm not entirely convinced by that, but the option is there if you need it. 

Can you use a gas grill as a smoker?

Gas grills are tricky because you can't really use them as smokers. You can approximate some smoke, but it isn't quite right. If you have a gas grill, there's a simple method you can try -  a 'smoke bomb'. 

Pitmaster Shannon Snell gave me a clever method for this. 'Cut a long, rectangular piece of tinfoil and grab a handful of woodchips. Place a handful of woodchips inside the tinfoil, and fold the tinfoil right over the top, creating a pocket out of the foil. Grab a toothpick and poke some holes in the tinfoil, because you want the smoke to escape. When cooking on your grill, place the wrapped wood chips directly on the grill grate next to the meat, and allow the 'smoke bomb' to work its magic.'

Scott Carter gave me another method for quick smoking, which is to grill whatever you want to smoke on a plank of wood. Cedar is 'often used to smoke hot and fast dishes such as cedar plank salmon.'

However, neither of these methods entirely work. Barry Sokin told me that 'If you’re grilling a burger or chicken and want to impart a light wisp of smoke to it, these smoke boxes and chip pouches are fine. But they won’t produce anything resembling smoked barbecue.'

Can you use an electric grill as a smoker?

Unfortunately, electric grills can't be used as smokers. Hypothetically, the 'smoke bomb' technique would work, but I don't like the idea of wet wood chips near an electrical appliance. 

However, you can buy electric grills which double as smokers. We were pleasantly surprised by the Ninja Woodfire last year. I suspected it would be a gimmick, but this little tabletop smoker does a great job at smoking meat. 

Are any of these methods better than a pellet smoker?

A gas or electric grill cannot beat a pellet smoker for smoking, so it's an obvious choice between the three methods. A trickier comparison is between charcoal smoking and pellet smoking.

That's because all of the charcoal methods outlined above actually make for stronger smoke. Because they use solid wood rather than pellets, smoking on charcoal with wood chunks makes for a much more intense flavor. In fact, Brandon Roy told me that 'If I had a choice, I would smoke on a charcoal or kamado-style grill every time.'

However, all those methods need a lot of maintenance. Brandon said 'Most people love pellet smokers for the convenience factor. All you have to do is "set it and forget it". As long as you have power and a good supply of pellets, you're usually good.'

Chef Galen Zamarra agrees, saying that 'Pellet smokers are better smokers than grills. They generally do not get hot enough to sear a steak or get those good char marks on food like a hot grill would. You can control the heat easily and the pellets produce good smoke.' 

Grilling FAQs

Can I smoke with a tabletop grill?

There's no reason why you can't smoke with a tabletop charcoal grill. Just make sure that it has a lid. 

For more help with smoking, check out my reviews of the best grills and smokers. 

Summer is nearly here and that means that it's the perfect time to get grilling. 

However, if you live in a homeowners association, you may need to think twice before you fire up your grill. Homeowners associations - or HOAs - often have regulations about where and how you grill. 

I've tested a lot of the best grills and had to bear these limitations in mind as I worked. To make sure you stay on the right side of the rules, I spoke to a grilling expert about your rights and responsibilities as a homeowner.

Do HOAs have rules about grill smoke?

Lots of homeowners associations have rules about grill smoke. Grilling expert Luis Mata told me 'These rules often include restrictions on open flames and the use of charcoal or wood.' While they're most common for condos, HOAs in more suburban areas are also likely to have rules about grill smoke. 

It can be a little frustrating and smells a little of so-called 'NIMBYism', but there are actually good reasons for these rules. These rules are almost always for fire safety. Whether you live in a condo or a house, grilling always poses a fire risk, so some HOAs place restrictions on grilling to avoid the risk altogether. 

The rules also exist to foster neighborly harmony. I love the smell of grill smoke, but many friends can't stand it. Unless you have a lot of open space, everyone will be smelling what you're cooking, and that smoke can easily blow into their house through a window and cling to their clothes and soft furnishings. This is especially important if you live in a condo. If you live on the third floor and grill on your balcony, that smoke is travelling up through every balcony above you, which is a little antisocial. 

Some HOAs have rules around smoke to close a loophole, too. Some enterprising pitmasters in HOAs with rules about 'open flames' buy pellet smokers in order to circumvent the rules. Pellet smokers technically don't have 'open flames' so get around this rule. It's understandable to want to smoke meats at home, but smoke can still be a fire risk, as well as being a potential irritant for neighbors - hence a ban on pretty much all forms of grilling.

Do HOAs have rules about where you can grill?

Most homeowners associations have rules about where you can grill. Luis Mata told me that 'HOAs typically designate specific grilling areas to ensure safety and minimize disturbances. These areas are often strategically placed away from buildings and communal spaces, with many newer buildings locating grilling stations near the pool for convenience and ambiance.'

If your HOA doesn't have a designated area for grilling you should still be careful. Some have rules about how far from your home your grill must be, or bylaws about how much clearance you need above your grill. These vary from place to place, so make sure you double check your HOA's rules before you start to grill. 

What should you do in a dispute about grill smoke?

If you've accidentally broken the rules - or a neighbor thinks you've broken the rules - the most important thing is to do your homework. You need to go through all of your HOA's rules to ensure you've followed the agreement to the letter. If you're in the right, then you have nothing to worry about,. If you're in the wrong, you can work out how to make amends amicably. 

Luis Mata agrees, and told me 'In the event of a dispute regarding grill smoke within your HOA, the first step is to review your association's regulations to clearly understand the specific rules.'

However, it also pays off to know your legal rights. HOAs re legal entities and can enforce fines. What's more, disputes can easily become litigious. Luis says 'It's also important to be aware of your rights, which can vary significantly between different states and cities.'

What grill should I buy if I can't make any smoke?

Make sure you double-check the rules, but you should be fine with an electric grill. Full disclosure, I think these are far off the flavors of a pellet smoker or charcoal grill, but unlike those grills, an electric grill will cook without smoke. 

Homeowners Association grilling FAQs

Can homeowners associations enforce rules?

Homeowners associations can enforce rules. They are legal entities which can impose fines for rule violations; in extreme circumstances, HOAs can put a lien on your home. 

For more advice about HOAs and grilling, take a look at our examination of when it's antisocial to grill. To learn more about smoking, we took a deep dive into the best wood for smoking. 

If you're an outdoor cook looking to save a little money, a grill-top pizza oven seems like a no-brainer. Unlike expensive full-size pizza ovens, a grill-top only costs around $100. Because it uses the heat from your grill, it saves you from buying a whole new appliance. 

However, after testing dozens of the best pizza ovens and best grills I've found that these little attachments don't live up to the hype. There's a couple of built-in technical flaws which stop them from making proper pizza. 

This is everything you need to know about pizza ovens and grill-tops before you take you plunge. 

Head to head

To demonstrate the difference, here's my favorite pizza oven compared to a pizza oven attachment. 

A pizza oven is a small oven designed to mimic a full-size brick or clay oven. Unlike the oven in your kitchen, a pizza oven cooks at incredibly high temperatures using an open flame. This means it can cook a pizza in around two minutes, and it gives the pizza a delicious, smoky crust with perfect spots of charring. It also uses a pizza stone, to ensure a crisp, traditional crust. 

A grill-top pizza oven is similar to a pizza oven. It also uses a pizza stone but unlike a pizza oven, it doesn't use an open flame. Instead, you put it on top of a gas or charcoal grill, and it uses the heat of the grill to cook. 

Which makes the best pizza?

A true pizza oven makes a much better pizza than any other method. It reaches incredibly high temperatures which immediately cause a crisp crust, but make for delicate, fluffy dough further inside the base. 

The open flame licks across the top of the pizza, gently cooking your toppings and melting the cheese, as well as creating leopard spots of charring that give your pizza a classic, smoky Neapolitan taste. I've tried several outdoor pizza ovens, and even the bad ones make better pizza than you can make in the usual kitchen oven. 

A grill-top pizza oven, on the other hand, cooks at a much lower temperature and has no way of heating the top of the pizza other than radiant heat. That means that almost every time I've tried one of these ovens, I've ended up with an overcooked crust and an undercooked top - and that's the best-case scenario. 

On a couple of occasions, I've found an incinerated base while the top of the pizza has cold sauce. There's no other way to slice it: a proper pizza oven makes better pizza. I don't recommend a grill-top pizza oven. 

Which is cheaper to run?

Most pizza ovens are very expensive - the cheapest start at around $350 and easily climb to $700-800. I've seen some pizza ovens for more than $1000, and many of them don't even include essential accessories like a pizza peel or pizza slice. 

A grill-top pizza oven is usually no more than $200, so it's hundreds of dollars cheaper. However, the ongoing costs aren't much cheaper than a pizza oven. Both styles of oven need fuel; in the case of the pizza oven, either propane, wood, or pellets, and in the case of the grill, gas or charcoal. 

A grill-top oven usually leaves the other half of the grill free for grilling other food, so it's a little more cost-effective than a pizza oven, which can only cook one foodstuff at a time. However, it's still an ongoing cost. 

Which is fastest?

Fellow product tester Emilia Hitching told me that 'Pizza ovens are a lot faster than grill-top ovens. A good pizza oven reaches double the temperature of a kitchen oven, which means it can cook an entire pizza in under two minutes. The very best will cook a perfect pizza in under a minute.' 

However, they're limited by capacity. Unless you buy a large oven, like the 23" Alfa Nano, available at BBQ Guys, you can only cook one pizza at a time. However you organize your cooking, it usually means one final person waiting for a pizza while everyone else tucks in. 

A grill-top oven is limited by the grill underneath it. Unless you're using a Kamado, it's unlikely that your grill will ever top about 500°F. That's still pretty hot, but it will cook a pizza in about 5 minutes rather than 2. I've also seen it take around 10 minutes at which point you may as well cook it in an oven. However, unlike a pizza oven, you should still have some room at the side for grilling burgers or chicken, so you can still feed everyone as the pizzas cook. 

Which is easiest to use?

Both ovens are similar in use. The literal sticking point is the pizza stone. If you don't put enough flour on your pizza peel, or put your pizza in the oven before it's hot enough, your pizza will stick to the stone and cause a mess.  

Other than that, the ease of use is very similar. If you use a gas grill, the setup is similar to using a gas pizza oven. If you use a charcoal grill, it's not much different to light a wood-fired pizza oven. 

Which is most versatile?

I think that a true pizza oven is more versatile than a grill-top, and it's because it uses an open flame. True pizza ovens are amazing at roasting vegetables or chicken because they give the food delicious charring that lends whatever you're cooking a delicious smoky flavor. 

Grill-top pizza ovens don't use any flame, so they're essentially less effective kitchen ovens with a smaller capacity. Sure, you can roast vegetables or bake in them, but there's not actually that much point. 

Buy a pizza oven if...

• You want the best-tasting pizza possible 
• You want fast pizza 
• You want to roast meat and vegetables

Buy an grill-top if....

• You're on a budget

FAQs

How do I clean a grill-top pizza oven?

Like a true pizza oven, a grill-top pizza oven is easy to clean. To just brush it down to remove the worst of the char and crumbs.

For more advice about pizza ovens, try our coverage of how to light a pizza oven to the best wood for a pizza oven.

There's no better way to grill than over charcoal. The hot coals make for delicious, smoky food that other grills can't match. 

However, a long day grilling always means that you're left with white-hot charcoal briquettes. It always feels pretty dangerous to let them cool off. 

I've tested dozens of the best grills in my career so I know exactly the best way to put out a charcoal grill after putting one to the test. I also spoke to an expert grill master for his advice. 

How do you put out a charcoal grill?

Charcoal grills are easy to put out. The only thing you need to do is close the lid, close the dampers, and wait for the fire to extinguish. Grill master Brandon Roy told me that 'The best and safest way to extinguish your coals is to close all of the dampers on your grill and cut off the supply of oxygen.' Fire needs oxygen to burn, so if you limit the air supply, the charcoal will slowly extinguish.

It's the most efficient and safest way to put out a grill, and it's also the most economical. Brandon Roy told me that 'If you close the dampers immediately after you're done cooking, you’ll probably be left with some unused charcoal for next time' It's a simple cost-effective way to tidy up after grilling.

Can I put out the coals with water?

Hypothetically, the fastest way to put out a grill might also feel like the most obvious: dump a load of water on the coals. However, avoid doing this. The coals will evaporate the water into hot steam which could easily scald you if you stand too near. Introducing water to a grill also makes it more likely that your grill will rust or crack. 

What's more, even if you avoid scalding yourself and your grill is unaffected by the water, the end result is very messy. Grill master Brandon Roy told me that pouring water over your coals 'makes more of a mess than anything', and the resulting ashy sludge is difficult to clean. 

Can I leave embers to cool overnight?

It's perfectly safe to leave embers to cool overnight. As long as your grill is safe to use with no rust holes or scratches, you can let embers cool down overnight. You will likely have to do this if you own a Kamado grill because these are very heat-efficient and can maintain a fire for hours. 

What should I do with the ashes afterwards?

Grill ash is one of our favorite unusual compost ingredients. Compost needs nitrogen-rich green material and carbon-rich brown material to work, and there are few things as carbon-heavy as used charcoal. It's a fantastic source of nutrients for your plants and lawn. We recommend sieving the ash to ensure you catch hidden chunks of food, as these can attract pests. 

If you aren't a big gardener, you can scoop the ashes up into some aluminum foil and throw it away with the rest of your garbage. Again, make sure the ashes are fully cooled before you throw them away because they could still cause a fire. 

Charcoal ash FAQs

Is charcoal ash good for my lawn?

Charcoal ash can be good for your lawn, but only if you use it sparingly. Some people use it to supress weeds, but if you use to much, you'll raise the pH of your grass and you could potentially harm the plants. 

For more advice about grilling and charcoal, take a look at my coverage of how long grill charcoal lasts, and how much to spend on a charcoal grill. 

As we get into grilling season, it's smart to reconsider where you place your grill. It's often easiest to put it wherever you have room, but it's not always the best spot.

A badly-placed grill means smoke blowing at your house, worries about fire safety, or tricky the logistics as you get your food to the table. Where you place your grill can have a big impact on your food. 

I've tried lots of different grill configurations as I've tested the best grills, so I know exactly what works and what doesn't. I also spoke to a landscaper and a grilling expert about where to place a grill for the best results. 

Rule 1: The 6 Foot Rule

There's a golden rule when placing a grill in your backyard. You need six feet of clearance in every direction around your grill, so it shouldn't back against the wall of your house or against a railing. This is so that no one trips nearby and nothing can catch on the grill and start a fire. 

Barbecue judge Harry Miller agrees, telling me that a grill 'needs to be far away from the house and any flammable or combustible items such as a stack of firewood. If you have a concrete patio, it can sit right on the patio surface and should not be an issue.' He also warned that the 6 feet rule also applies vertically. 'Remember, heat rises, so check the air space above the grill as well. Trees, tall shrubs, or bushes can be affected by this heat or, worse, catch fire.' This also means that you shouldn't grill under a porch or a gazebo. 

Rule 2: Consider the wind

A less vital but important rule is to consider the wind. A rough idea of the prevailing wind in your local area will help you place your grill. Harry Miller told me to 'Take the wind direction into account. Keep your guests, the kids, and furry friends out of the line of smoke.' 

Grill smoke can be bad for your health, and you don't want it stinging people's eyes as they relax. Wind direction is also crucial for keeping your neighbors on your side. A poorly placed grill could blow smoke right at their house, which is anti-social.

Should I place my grill on a patio or deck?

It's straightforward: a patio is the best place for a grill. There's a much lower fire risk on stonework than on any other material, and the flat surface makes it easy to move your grill around if you need to reconfigure your furniture.

Grill placement on a deck depends on the material. Unfortunately, you shouldn't put a grill on a wooden deck. There's an obvious fire risk with having a hot grill on top of wood, so it's best not to grill on a wooden deck. 

Of course, for some people, this can't be helped. Barbecue judge Harry Miller says that if you can only put your grill on a wooden deck, 'get a non-flammable grill mat or buy a piece of concrete backer board and put it under the grill.' You can get cheap grill mats at Walmart, and you can get concrete backer board at Home Depot, or other big-box hardware stores. Harry's other tip is that 'If you want the backer board to have better eye appeal, spray paint it with black high-heat grill paint.' You can grab high-heat grill paint at Amazon or a local hardware store. 

Can I place my grill near a pool or a hot tub?

The six-foot rule also applies to pools. Rafi Friedman, CEO of Coastal Luxury Outdoors, told me that it just creates too many risks. 

'A hot grill falling into a pool full of people could lead to serious injuries, splashing water can create a slippery environment, and there's also the risk that the food - or the cook - could fall in,' he says.  

Are there HOA rules about where I can place my grill?

Homeowners Associations often have rules about where you can and can't grill, and these vary depending on the Association. A HOA may have rules about how far away your grill must be from your house; for example, some HOAs take the six-foot rule even further, and say your grill must be ten feet away from any hazards. This is especially true in multi-family units. Many apartments and condominiums ban grilling, even if you own your condo. 

However, lots of HOAs don't have any rules about grilling at all, because most people grill in their backyard. It varies from place to place, so make sure you research the rules before you buy a new grill. 

For more about grills, I've covered best wood for smoking and taken a deep dive into the debate about charcoal vs gas grills.

Wherever you are in the world, summer is fast approaching! The cold and rainy days are finally brightening up, and the sun is finally peeking its head around the corner.

Oftentimes, a new season is a time for a different set of household tasks; because like anything in life, our homes have different requirements for different seasons. So while we're all for enjoying spring as much as possible, this season also represents a brilliant period in which to prepare your home for summer – before the seriously warm weather oh-so-quickly rolls around (not that we’re on a countdown or anything….)

Preparing your home for summer involves getting certain summer items ready to use again after a winter of neglect – as well as sorting out areas that have had lots of use in winter, and are ready to be packed away for summer. 

If you're looking for a quick and easy checklist of chores to tackle in your home before summer gets here, here are the tasks the experts recommend swiftly scheduling in; from spring cleaning to home organizing ideas. 

5 home tasks to tackle before summer

Putting together a list of tasks that will pay off when the next season rolls around is absolutely something you'll thank yourself for when the first seriously sunny day appears. Because there's nothing worse than having an unexpected heatwave and a dirty deck, a wardrobe full of winter clothes, and a summer tools and toys that aren't yet ready to be used!

1. Sorting out your winter and summer wardrobe

When the warmer weather arrives we all need a wardrobe that's more suitable for wearing in the heat, so closet organization ideas are one of the first places you should start if you want to get your home prepped for summer.

There are all sorts of ways you can do this, but the most essential part of getting this task done is to ensure all of your heavy winter items are stowed away in a less essential spot – while your summer clothes and accessories are moved to a prime position, if they aren't there already. 

For example, Lindsey Mahanna, professional organizer and founder of Clutter to Clarity suggests, 'in your mudroom area, swap out winter hats and gloves for baseball caps and sunscreen. Dig out bathing suits and goggles and make sure everything fits or buy new as needed. 

'Also, find those summer sandals and flip flops and make sure everything is in good working order and still fits for the upcoming warm weather.'

It can also be a good time to declutter, she points out. 'As the season for winter clothes ends, look through your closet and drawers. Are there any winter clothes that you didn't wear all season? Donate them. If you didn't wear it this year, let it go.'

If you’re on the hunt for storage solutions for the winter items you’re packing away to ensure they stay in excellent condition, expert organizer at TaskRabbit, Vanessa G. suggests 'using large plastic storage bags which you can suck the air out of are ideal, and are the key to storing things in an efficient manner!'

2. Cleaning and decluttering your outdoor spaces

If you’re anything like us, you’re probably planning on spending as much time as possible outside when the warmer weather finally arrives. If that's the case, now is the perfect time to make sure your outdoor areas are in the best shape possible – ensuring you don’t miss out on any sunny days.

The first thing to prioritize is cleaning up your seating areas and decking, as well as getting on top of your spring patio prep. Professional organizer and Co-Founder of The Thoughtful Home, Rose Pulver, explains: 'Get your patio and deck areas ready for entertaining by pulling covers off of outdoor furniture, cleaning outdoor cushions, and setting up seating. Taking the time to power wash the house, porches, decks and patios will also freshen up your outdoor areas and make them sparkle!'

If you want to give your patio a serious deep clean to ensure it is gleaming for guests, cleaning expert Will Cotter, COO of FreshSpace Cleaning suggests this method: 'First, grab a broom and sweep away any dirt, leaves, or twigs lying around. 

'Mix warm water with some dish soap or mild detergent, and add a cup of white vinegar for extra cleaning power. Stir well until the soap dissolves completely,' he continues. 'Then use a stiff-bristle brush or push broom to apply the solution to the patio surface. Leave the solution on the surface for 10-15 minutes to let it break down the dirt.'

'Finally, rinse off the cleaning solution with a hose or buckets of water, and make sure there’s no soap left. Let the patio dry in the sun.'

Smartening up your green spaces, such as your plants and flowers, is also a wise move – no one wants spend time relaxing outside with dead plants all around them! 'Remove any debris or dead plants leftover from the previous season and clear out weeds to give your garden a fresh start,' cleaning expert Vanessa Terra Bossart, founder of Green Terra Cleaning says. 'Consider planting seasonal flowers or vegetables to add color and interest to your yard as the summer progresses, too.'

3. Check your HVAC system

'One of the most important tasks to complete before summer arrives is checking on your HVAC system,' Andre Kazimierski, CEO of Improovy Painters of North Shore explains. 

This is because the system has likely had lots of use in winter, meaning it should be assessed into order to ensure your air conditioning element will be able to sustain itself through a warm summer.

The first step is cleaning your HVAC system. 'Thoroughly dust and clean all of the ceiling vents in your home to remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated during the fall/winter,' Andre suggests. Vanessa also recommends replacing any air filters within the system. 'Don't wait until the first heatwave hits to service your cooling systems,' she says. 'Replace air filters regularly to maintain optimal performance and improve indoor air quality.'

If it's in the budget, a professional inspection of the system is also highly advised before summer arrives.

'You'll want to have a professional service the system to ensure your air conditioner is functioning at its best before warmer weather starts!' Andre points out. 'This will ensure you can enjoy a cool, comfortable home throughout the season, and avoid costly repairs during one of the busiest times of the year for HVAC professionals.'

4. Prep your grill

Many of us will be looking forward to lazy summer evenings spent cooking up a feast on our best grills, so to ensure you don’t miss out on a single day of using it, prepare yours now.

Your grill is likely to need some TLC after a long winter, but Will explains that aside from any must-do technical fixes, cleaning it thoroughly should be all you need to do to get it back into great working order.

'First, take out the grill grates and drip pans. Then, to make the deep cleaning more manageable, remove any loose food particles and carbon deposits from the grates using a grill brush or scrape,' he recommends.

'To properly clean your grill, prepare a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap (I usually opt for Dawn dish soap from Walmart), and soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen grease and grime. While the grates are soaking, use a grill brush or scraper to scrub the insides. Wire brushes (like this one from Amazon) are ideal for cast-iron or stainless steel grates, while nylon brushes are gentle on porcelain-coated grates, and brass brushes work well for softer metals,' Will continues.

Once you're finished cleaning, it's essential to rinse away any cleaning agents you may have used thoroughly, Will says. 'Once you're satisfied, use a hose with a strong stream of water or a bucket of clean water to rinse the grates and inside surfaces. Leave the lid open, then dry naturally, or leave in the sun to dry.'

5. Dust the entirety of your home

If you’re going to get one job done in your home ahead of the summer, Will advises removing as much dust as you can from it – particularly if you suffer with allergies. 'Summer is a high time for allergies, and to prevent or at least give relief to your loved ones, dusting is key,' he says.

While it may be a bit of a lengthier job to try and achieve before summer arrives, it’s well worth investing the time and removing dust from as many spots of your home as you can where it will likely have accumulated during a long winter.

'Take a few minutes to dust surfaces like shelves, tables, and countertops using a regular cloth or a feather duster,' Will suggests. 'For your floors, keep it casual and vacuum with a cleaner that's got a HEPA filter. It's an easy way to remove dust on your carpets, rugs, and furniture. 

'And don't forget to pay attention to often-neglected areas like ceiling fans, pet bedding, and the areas around your windows and doors. Finally, seal any gaps or cracks in doors and windows to prevent dust from seeping in.'

You will thank yourself for getting on top of these cleaning and organizing tasks before summer arrives, as a tidy and cleaner home and yard will give you more time to spend with family and friends. Feeling extra productive? You could also tick these outdoor cleaning tasks off your spring cleaning checklist while you're at it! 

If you're shopping for a grill, you've likely seen Kamado grills advertised all over the place. They look incredible, and it's tempting to buy one as soon as you see it in the store. 

However, unless you're really into grilling it can be hard to work out what a Kamado grill is, or why you'd bother with one. They're very expensive, so it's not immediately obvious why you'd spend more than $1000 on a charcoal grill. 

I've tested the best grills for years, so I know exactly which grills are worth buying and which aren't worth your money. I also spoke to an appliance expert for more information about these remarkable grills.

What is a kamado grill?

A Kamado grill is a large, egg-shaped, ceramic grill. The word 'kamado' just means 'stove' in Japanese. 

Unlike other grills, true kamado grills use ceramic plates. These plates are incredible insulators and reflect heat, so Kamado grills can reach much higher temperatures than other grills. Ceramic is also a poor conductor of heat; unlike a steel grill, where heat is transferred to the outside, Kamado grills can maintain temperature for several hours. 

What are the benefits of a kamado grill?

This construction means that Kamado grills are incredibly fuel efficient. The ceramic plates reflect a lot of heat and conduct relatively little. Appliance expert Shirley Hood told me that 'you can go 10 to 12 hours without having to refuel' on a Kamado, which is much more heat efficient than a standard charcoal grill. 

This heat efficiency also makes them fast - you can cook more quickly on a Kamado than on other grills because it reaches temperature faster and gets a lot hotter. However, ceramic is also great at holding moisture, so food doesn't dry out.

This all makes for delicious food. Every Kamado I've tried makes much tastier food than a standard charcoal grill, because the ceramic makes meat and vegetables juicier and more tender. Almost anything you cook on a Kamado is better than on a standard grill.

However, it also means that they're incredibly versatile. Shirley Hood told me that 'It is an all-in-one unit that can be used for baking, roasting, grilling, searing, and smoking'. With a little practice, you can use a Kamado as more of a clay oven than a grill, which makes it fantastic for smoking. It also means that you can roast and bake.

On top of that, many Kamado grills have bonus attachments so that you can cook even more. You can find everything from cheap beer can chicken attachments like this at Ace Hardware to expensive rotisserie functions like this at Kamado Joe. There's almost no limit to what you can cook with a good Kamado.

What are the drawbacks of a kamado grill?

The first drawback is that these grills take a little getting used to. They can reach incredibly high temperatures. If you don't know what you're doing, it's easy to incinerate a brisket rather than gently barbecue it. 

Kamado grills are also very heavy. One of the good things about steel grills is that they're lightweight and easy to move around the yard. Kamados are much heavier - Kamado Joe's Big Joe III weighs nearly 500 pounds. Once you've built it, it will have to stay put. Sure, most of these grills have wheels, but that won't help you much if it's on a wooden deck, and it's pretty hefty to shift even if you keep it on a flatter surface like flagstones or concrete. This weight also means that Kamado grills are tricky to assemble and disassemble. Ceramic is also less robust than steel, so it's very easy to crack or chip the plates. 

However, the price is the biggest drawback of a kamado grill. For example, you can get a classic Weber kettle grill for around $150 at Amazon. The starting price for a Kamado Joe or Big Green Egg of the same size is more than $1000. If you aren't devoted to grilling, it's a lot to spend. 

While the accessories are great, they're all expensive. If, hypothetically, you wanted to buy some accessories with your new Kamado, you're looking at nearly $1000 on top of the initial cost. For example, the griddle pan, half moon pan set, rotisserie, and pizza stone from Kamado Joe will set you back nearly $900 on top of whatever you pay for a grill. 

If you're buying a kamado as part of an outdoor kitchen, it will be even more expensive. As an example, this Sunstone Kamado Outdoor Kitchen Islan, available at BBQ Guys, is nearly $10,000.

Should I buy a Kamado grill?

If I had the money, I'd buy one in a heartbeat, but that's a very big if. I've had fantastic results cooking on a range of different Kamados, but I don't think it's a step up worth a couple hundred dollars. You'll get very similar results with a Weber Kettle at Amazon, though you won't be able to smoke or roast in quite the same way. 

However, these grills are beautiful statement pieces and can tie together an outdoor kitchen. They last for a very long time, too. Unlike charcoal grills which easily rust, ceramic plates will last for decades with a little care. If you never want to buy another grill, a Kamado is a very good investment. 

If a new Kamado is your first step in elevating your grilling game, check out my deep dive into the best wood for smoking for more advice. 

Grill season has returned, and if you're looking to step up your grill game, you've probably seen ceramic briquettes advertised all over the place. 

These little bricks are becoming more and more popular as a way to safety-proof your grill and even improve its flavor. 

I've tested the best grills for years, so I know all the benefits and drawbacks of ceramic briquettes. I also spoke to chefs and other experts to find out more about these accessories, and whether or not they're worth buying.

What's the point of a ceramic briquette?

Ceramic briquettes are little ceramic bricks for gas grills. They offer a couple of advantages. The first is that they stop flare-ups, which is why you might also see them advertised as 'flame tamers'. This is important because flare-ups can not only burn your food but can potentially cause grease fires. 

Chef Pete Geoghegan told me that 'They basically are a buffer between the meat and the flame', which makes your grill a little safer to use. 

The second is that ceramic briquettes help to distribute heat more evenly. Gas grills work with burners, usually lines of gas pipes, or more rarely, a ring of gas pipes. This means that there are lines along the grill that are much hotter than the rest of the surface. Ceramic briquettes absorb and reflect heat so that the temperature is even across the whole grill, making the grill more efficient. 

However, some grill warranties are void if you use ceramic briquettes, so double-check your guarantee. 

Do ceramic briquettes improve flavor?

Ceramic briquettes can also improve flavor but don't expect any huge changes. one of the big drawbacks of gas grills is that they don't taste as good as charcoal. That's because charcoal grills vaporize any fats that fall onto the coals making an incredible smoky flavor that infuses into whatever you're cooking. This doesn't happen with gas grills. However, ceramic briquettes can perform a similar function, vaporizing any fat that falls onto them It's not as intense as it would be with a charcoal grill, but it's a definite improvement. 

There's also the less direct benefit that a more even heat across the grill makes for more uniform cooking. If you have to grill a dozen burgers at once, you always end up with some at the edges of the grill where it's much cooler, and others along the grill that cook a lot faster. 

Ceramic briquettes even out the heat, so you don't have to contend with cool spots, ensuring everyone gets the same burger and none are overcooked or undercooked. Chef Pete Geoghegan told me that 'with more even heat across the grill, you will get a better sear on the protein you're preparing. The sear is where you concentrate a lot of flavor'. 

However, just as with gas grills generally, you can't smoke with ceramic briquettes. Recipe writer Lindsey Chastain told me: 'The main drawback to the briquettes is the flavors that can be infused from using wood chips like hickory to add additional flavor isn't something you can achieve.' Unlike a charcoal grill, you can't add wood chips for smoking your ingredients.

Do ceramic briquettes help save energy?

Because they're so good at radiating heat, ceramic briquettes can also help you save a little fuel. It isn't a huge saving, but ceramic briquettes mean you can maintain a hotter temperature with less fuel, which means fewer trips to fill up your propane tank, and in the long run, less money spent on fuel.

Ceramic briquette FAQs

Are ceramic briquettes reusable?

Yes, ceramic briquettes are reusable. With care, they can last for decades. 

How do you clean ceramic briquettes?

Ceramic briquettes are easy to clean. You have to let them cool, but then you can remove any burnt-off food with a stiff brush. Chef Pete Geoghegan says 'they will basically last forever if you give them a scrubbing to clean off any debris that has baked on'. 

For more advice on grilling, check out my coverage of  grill vs griddle and how much you should spend on a grill. 

Spring has finally sprung, and that means the return of the grilling season. But as you go from cookout to cookout, you may notice that some people are cooking on griddles rather than grills.

They're very similar appliances, and if you're not a gourmand, it can be difficult to know which comes out on top in the battle of grill vs griddle. 

I've tested a lot of the best grills over the past few years, so I'm expert when it comes to outdoor cooking. I also spoke to a chef to get his thoughts on which appliance comes out on top. 

What's the difference?

There's a simple difference between the two surfaces. A griddle uses a hot, flat surface. Grills use a grate over flames. Chef Dennis Littley told me that: 'A grill typically uses direct heat from below, while a griddle provides a flat cooking surface that heats evenly.' 

What are the pros of a grill?

The biggest benefit of a grill is the flavor. Griddles don't add any flavor. A grill, however, adds a smoky flavor that a griddle can't match. This is most obvious with a charcoal grill, where fats and oils from whatever you're cooking drop onto the coals and evaporate into delicious smoke. Even though the flavor is diminished with a gas grill, it still tastes better than a griddle. Chef Dennis Littley agrees. He told me that 'Grilling over open flames adds a distinctive smoky taste that's hard to replicate.'

Chef Dennis added that there's also an aesthetic component. Grills add char lines, and a griddle won't. Steaks, burgers, and hot dogs all look the part with grill lines, and look a little unfinished from griddles. Not only is this great for appearances, but they're crucial for flavor. Chef Dennis said 'Those perfect charred lines not only look great but also add a depth of flavor to your food.'

Grills are also much more versatile. Griddles are great for flat food - bacon, eggs, pancakes, smashed burger patties - but that's about it. A grill can sear steaks and burgers, roast chicken, smoke fish, and much else. 

What are the cons of a grill?

The issue with grills is that it's easy to lose food between the grates. I have lost hundreds of slices of grilled potato, zucchini, and halloumi through grills, and that number is only going to rise. It's a problem Chef Dennis has faced, too. 'Grills may not be ideal for cooking smaller or delicate items that could fall through the grates.'

The other drawback with a grill is that you can only use it outside. You can set up griddles indoors, but if you live in a colder climate, you probably won't be firing up the grill once the snow sets in. 

What are the pros of a griddle?

Griddles are great because they're consistent. Think of them as a large frying pan. Chef Dennis said: 'Griddles provide a consistent cooking surface, making them great for pancakes, eggs, and other delicate foods'. Unlike a charcoal grill, where you have to experiment with direct and indirect heat, and slowly lose heat as you grill, a griddle will be consistently hot across the entire surface.

This consistency also makes griddles a little safer. The lack of flames means that you don't have flare-ups. These look cool, but they're essentially mini-grease fires, which is unsafe. They can also burn your food. This problem won't happen with a griddle, because there's no fire involved. 

Griddles are also much faster to heat. Grills heat the air, so they take much longer, whereas a griddle uses a single conductive metal plate, which is much quicker. 

What are the cons of a griddle?

Griddles taste a little sterile compared to a grill. A griddle will make breakfast incredibly easy, but burgers made on a griddle vs a grill simply don't compare. Chef Dennis Littley told me that 'while griddles are great for certain foods, they don't impart that classic smoky flavor you get from grilling'.

Griddles also can't handle thick cuts of meat like steaks, tenderloins, or whole birds. It's a little limiting. You can cook almost anything with a griddle, but not with a grill. 

I think this also makes griddles poor value compared to a grill. An entry-level griddle is between $300-$500. That's a lot to spend on breakfast. You could get a basic Weber Grill and a cheap griddle plate like this from Amazon for a little more and get all the benefits of both appliances.

Which makes tastier food?

It depends on what you're cooking. Griddles are better for bacon and eggs, and grills are better for pretty much everything else. Chef Dennis told me: 'Grilled foods have that irresistible smoky flavor, while griddled foods often have a beautifully caramelized exterior and tender interior. It's all about personal preference and the flavors you're craving.'

Griddle FAQs

What are griddles made with?

Griddles tend to be made with stainless steel, though they can also be made with cast iron or carbon steel. If you can, buy stainless steel, which is much less likely to rust. 

For more information on grills and griddles, check out how to season a griddle, how to clean a rusty griddle, or the best wood for smoking.

As we head through spring and the weather gets warmer, many of us will break our smokers out of storage for family cookouts. 

However, if you're new to smoking, it can be daunting to navigate the different types of wood. The world of grilling is packed with marketing jargon, and wood can be expensive. If you don't know what you're doing, it's easy to drop a lot of money on fancy wood that doesn't suit your ingredients or your smoker. 

I've tested dozens of the best grills and smokers over the years, so I know which woods work best. Better than that, I've spoken to a huge range of smoking experts – from barbecue champions to chefs to lumber tradesmen – to get the lowdown on the best wood for smoking. While no one species takes the crown, it's worth learning the benefits and drawbacks of the different wood species to take your cooking to the next level.

What are the benefits of oak?

Oak is by far the most common type of wood for smoking, and grill expert Wes Wright told me that oak is his favorite. That's because 'oak produces a good smoke flavor without being too overpowering. It also tastes good on pretty much any type of meat, so it’s very versatile.' Grilling expert Allan Kiezel agrees, and told me that 'Oak is probably the most common type of wood and provides a nice amount of smoke flavor without overpowering your food'. 

However, it's not just any old oak. The experts I spoke to were unanimous about the best oak species. Post oak like this from Amazon is a staple of Central Texas barbecue. It's durable, easy to come by, and burns slowly and consistently. If you treat it well, post oak can be stored for years without rotting. 

Barbecue champion and winner of Food Network's 'BBQ Brawl' Erica Roby swears by post oak. She says: 'Hands down, the best wood for smoking meat is post oak. Oak is slow-burning and consistent. It won’t overpower the natural beauty of beef, but will impart a subtle and delicious smoky flavor.'

What are the drawbacks of oak?

The drawback of oak is that it's a little basic. It's among the most common woods for smoking, so if you want to take your smoking to the next level, you may find that oak doesn't quite cut it. 

Oak also offers a subtler flavor. While it's grill expert Wes Wright's favorite, he told me that 'if you’re doing a quick cook like grilling steaks, it might not produce enough smoke flavor. Some people prefer to use hickory for that because it has a much bolder flavor.' Firewood expert Leroy Hite put it much more strongly: 'Oak does not have a particularly distinguished or unique flavor.' 

Unseasoned oak is hard to work with. Erik Sandven, Executive Chef at Alisal Ranch, told me: 'Oak is incredibly versatile and can be paired with many different foods, but it also contains a lot of tannins, which can make meat bitter if not used properly.' Make sure you buy properly dried or seasoned oak, and if you cut it yourself, season it for six months before you smoke with it. 

What are the benefits of hickory?

Former professional chef Scott Carter told me that hickory is often referred to as 'the king of smoking woods'. It's the essential wood for Kansas City barbecue, and it's among the strongest and most complex wood smokes out there. 

Wood expert Leroy Hite told me that 'Hickory is my go-to choice with beef. Since beef doesn’t absorb much flavor, you must pair it with a bold flavored wood smoke like hickory.' 

Best of all, hickory is widely available, so it's one of the cheapest woods out there. You can get a 20-lb bag of hickory pellets from Lowes for $11.99. 

What are the drawbacks of hickory?

If anything, hickory is too good of a wood. The only real drawback with hickory is that it's a very strong flavor. If you get it wrong, hickory will be the only thing anyone's tasting in your pork butt. 

Leroy Hite told me that 'Hickory can overpower a mild protein like fish. If you love hickory flavor and insist on using it for fish, you can use just a small amount to infuse a little hickory flavor. It’s easy to overpower leaner proteins with hickory wood – so be careful.' 

What are the benefits of maple?

Maple is great for smoking lighter ingredients. Wes Wright says: 'Maple produces a lighter smoke flavor than other woods. That makes it good for food that has a delicate flavor like cheese or some fish.'

These characteristics also make it a good choice when smoking poultry. Leroy Hite agrees, and told me that 'maple is subtle, sweet and is an excellent choice for deserts and bacon'. 

What are the drawbacks of maple?

This same light flavor is maple's biggest drawback. You need a lot of maple to impart a strong flavor to your food. Texan pitmaster Barrett Black told me that maple 'burns fast and takes a lot to get any unique flavor benefits.' 

Erica Roby agrees: Maple 'will not give a big smoky flavor for bigger cuts of meat or long cooks.' 

What are the benefits of cherry?

Cherrywood is great for introducing a little sweetness to your food. Barbecue champion Erica Roby says cherry is 'the queen of flavorful smoke and robust color. Cherry wood is divinely fragrant and goes hand in hand with pork dishes and beef roasts. It adds great color to all meats.'

Homesteader and recipe writer Lindsey Chastain told me: 'Cherry wood chips give off a tart, fruity smoke bouquet. I love cherry wood for glazing lighter meats like chicken for a unique flavor. The mildly tangy flavor also balances fatty cuts nicely.'

This lightness also makes it a good choice when smoking fish. Chef David Figueroa adds: 'Cherry wood is fantastic for poultry, fish, and pork. It offers a subtler smoke compared to oak or mesquite, adding a lighter touch to your meats.' Cherry wood is easy to find - you can grab a box of cherry wood like this at Walmart.

What are the drawbacks of cherry?

Like maple, cherry can be too light, and you need a lot of it to work. Leroy Hite says while cherry is one of his favorite woods, it won't work for beef. He says: 'In my experience, cherry becomes most everyone’s favorite wood once they’ve tried all the wood species. It has a smokey, sweet flavor that works on most every protein or dish prepared on the smoker. The downside to cherry is that the flavor is not strong enough to impart into beef.' He recommends mixing cherry with a bolder woodsmoke, like hickory, to maximize the flavor.

Another drawback is that cherry can be too sweet. Though the flavor is light, it's easy to overdo it and end up with fruity food. It's great for fatty meats, and grilling expert Allen Kiezel particularly recommends it for pork and ham, but if you mishandle it, your food might become a little sickly sweet. 

Best smoking wood for beginners

If you're a beginner, it's not just the species of wood that's important, but the type. Grilling expert Allan Kiezel gave me some great tips. First, identify the type of smoke you're working with. 'In smaller offset smokers and Kamado-style grills, you’ll want to use wood that is much smaller in size and has very low moisture content.' He told me that this is because it stops the wood from smoldering and making heavy white smoke which leads to bitter food.

He suggests that if you're new to smoking, try working with small chunks first so that you can work out how much smoke you like to use. You can add it in with lump-style charcoal and work your way up to bolder flavors. If you have a large smoker, you can use larger chunks of wood. Seasoned is best, but if you're starting out, kiln-dried is fine. 

Once you've identified what you need, most experts recommend working with oak. It's simple to work with, easy to source, and works well with almost any ingredient.

Best smoking wood for those on a budget

If you're working on a tight budget, hickory is probably your best bet. It's the strongest flavor pound-for-pound and even if it wasn't, it's one of the cheaper woods. Most retailers sell their bags of wood for around the same price, but when prices scale up, hickory tends to be the cheapest. 

Another tip from grilling expert Wes Wright is to work with the tree species native to your area. While it's relatively cheap to find decent oak and hickory, Wes told me that if you know there's a particular tree common to your area, you might be able to strike a better deal with local sellers than you'd get by buying online. 

The experts' favorite wood

While most of the experts recommend oak, I found some surprising choices. For example, pitmaster and owner of Bear Creek Smokehouse, Robbie Shoults, told me that pecan is his favorite wood for smoking. 

He says: 'It's indigenous to our area and the wood imparts a sweet, rich, nutty flavor that is perfect for poultry, but still strong enough for beef and pork.' He also thinks it's a great choice for beginners, as it is 'usually readily available across the country and I consider it to be a medium level of smokiness'. 

Chef David Figueroa agrees. He calls pecan 'the Swiss army knife of hardwoods for smoking. It's widely used in restaurants cooking over wood, and growing up in New Orleans, it's always been readily available.' Pecan is easy to find online - you can grab a bag of pecan chunks at Walmart.

However, lots of experts don't just recommend one wood, but a mix. Grilling expert Allan Kiezel told me that he uses a mix of cherry and oak 'to add a hint of sweetness and provide a nice reddish tint to the finished meat. It will really make your turkey stand out on Thanksgiving.' Allan also recommends a mix of maple and oak for poultry or cheese. 

FAQs

How do I season smoking wood?

This one is easy: leave it alone. Put your wood somewhere relatively warm and dry, and leave it slowly dry out for months. 

Should I soak my wood before smoking?

Soaking wood before smoking is a myth. Too much moisture will ruin the flavour of your smoke. Do not soak your wood before smoking. 

For more help with smoking, check out which type of grill is best for your cooking style, or my reviews of the best grills and smokers. 

Spring is finally here, and that means the return of outdoor cooking. Many people are thinking about how to step up their hosting this year, and a brand-new grill or pizza oven can take a family cookout to the next level.

However, both these appliances can be very expensive. Depending on the products you pick, setting up with both a pizza oven and a gas grill could cost you thousands of dollars. If your budget means you must choose between one or the other, which should you choose? 

I've been a product tester for years, and I've examined dozens of the best grills and the best pizza ovens. I know all the benefits of both types, so can help you work out which is best for you.

Head to head

Before we get into the details, here's a head-to-head of my favorite grill and pizza oven so you can see the differences.

Pizza ovens: pros

The first benefit of a pizza oven is that it makes better pizza than you've ever made at home. I was skeptical when I first tested one, but the difference between a pizza made in a domestic oven and a pizza oven is incomparable. A wood-fired pizza oven turns out restaurant-quality pizza, making every other pizza you've made at home seem sterile. The pizzas have delicious char and leopard-spotting with a smoky flavor you'd otherwise only find in a proper brick oven. With practice, you can cook a huge variety of pizzas. Traditional Neopolitan pizzas are easiest, but you'll soon be turning out New York slices, deep dish pies, and calzone. 

I've found that pizza ovens are a lot more social than grills, too. Everyone's attended or thrown a cookout where the grillmaster is chained to the grill, turning out dozens of burgers with no time to socialize. With a pizza oven, however, everyone can have a turn making their own pizza, and because pizza ovens are more compact than grills, you can do it right at the table.

Pizza ovens are also a lot more versatile than many people realize. While they make unbeatable pizza, they're also great for other meals. When we test a pizza oven, we always test it on other dishes as well as pizza. My years of testing these ovens have shown me that roast peppers are amazing in a pizza oven because they pick up a beautiful char while retaining their moisture. The same is true for loaded nachos, which take on incredible smokiness if cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven. 

We've also tested lamb and chicken in a pizza oven, and both types of meat were perfectly cooked. What's more, it was faster than in a traditional oven because domestic pizza ovens reach much higher temperatures. We've even made brownies in these ovens, though I recommend getting a gas oven if you're planning this, or you'll have smoky cakes. In short, If you can bake or roast it, you can make it a pizza oven. 

Pizza ovens: cons

Pizza ovens can be surprisingly versatile but are limited to baking and roasting. What's more, you can't smoke in a pizza oven the way you can with a charcoal grill - or even a gas grill, with a little ingenuity. 

Pizza ovens are also overpriced compared to grills. For example, take our favorite-ever gas grill and our favorite-ever pizza oven. The Weber Spirit II E-310 is hundreds of dollars less than the Ooni Karu 16, but you can cook a much wider variety of meals. $700 is a lot of money for an appliance specializing in one dish. 

Grills: Pros

Grills are simply more versatile. Ron Shimek, president of appliance company Mr. Appliance, told me: 'the grill offers a greater variety of cooking options'. In my years of testing products, I've found that a grill is much better for family events because it can handle different types of meals. You can cook seafood, chicken, burgers, and hot dogs all at once or in stages, as well as heat sides or toast buns. You can also smoke meats with a grill, which you can't do - or at least not easily - with a pizza oven.

Grills also make much more food. You can feed 20 people in one grilling session, whereas feeding them from a pizza oven would take much longer. Apart from behemoths like the Alfa Moderno, available at BBQ Guys, pizza ovens can only fit a single pizza at a time. With the time it takes for them to get back up to temperature, you could be doing nothing but making pizza for an hour to feed everyone. On top of that, it could be a long wait for the last person to get their pie.

That's before you get into all the bonus attachments with a grill. Most gas grills have side burners. These are incredibly helpful for steaks or for making toppings like crispy onions. Many grills have rotisserie functions, which can take your chicken to the next level, and they also have meat thermometers that are indispensable when barbecuing brisket. Grills can have griddles for frying pancakes or bacon, and there are plenty of other attachments besides. I've tried steam baskets and even wok attachments for grills.

While we're on attachments, perhaps the clincher here is that while you can't grill burgers in a pizza oven, you can make pizza on a grill. That's because you can also buy pizza oven attachments for a grill like this on Amazon. However, I don't recommend them. I've tested a few over the years, and the results are poor. Don't get me wrong, you'll end up with a cooked pizza, but it will taste worse than a pizza oven. Unlike a true pizza oven, there are no flames to cook the top of the pizza. This means that no matter how I've tried it, the pizza I've made with these attachments has a scorched base and underdone, doughy cheese on top. It's still edible, but it simply doesn't compare. 

Grill expert Leroy Hite agrees. He told me that 'Comparing a pizza oven to a grill to cook with is like comparing the use of a wrench or a hammer – you need the right tool for the right job. Can you cook pizza on a grill? Yes. Are you going to get great results? No.'

Grills: cons

This brings us to the cons of grills. The first is that grills take up a lot of space. Even the smallest grill is bigger than most pizza ovens, so if you're tight on space, a pizza oven could be a good compromise for outdoor cooking.

While grills offer better value than pizza ovens, they're also more expensive. The best pizza ovens top out at $1000, but $1000 is the starting point for gas grills of more than three burners. Kamado grills and smokers are even more expensive. 

Buy a grill if...

• You want versatility 
• You want the best value
• You're cooking for a crowd

Buy a pizza oven if...

• You want the best possible pizza 
• You're working with a small space 
• You're feeding a small family

FAQs

Can you buy a grill and pizza oven in one?

You can, but they're usually as part of expensive outdoor kitchen setups. For example, this Thor Kitchen 6-Piece Modular Outdoor Kitchen at the BBQ Guys has both a grill and a pizza oven in one, but it's very expensive. 

We've covered lots more pizza questions in our articles, from the correct way to light a pizza oven to the best wood for a pizza oven.

As a seasoned product tester, I've tested a lot of grills in my time, which means I've put in hours and hours of cleaning up burnt-on food. If you're anything like me, you'll be getting into the swing of the grilling season, and while the food is great, it can make for a lot of elbow grease removing stubborn carbonization from your grill.

One of the most common hacks for cleaning up a grill sounds like an old wives' tale. The idea is that half an onion rubbed over the surface of a grill will clean up any grit or charred food. The good news is that the method works and it's safe, the better news is that there's an even more effective method, which is still cheap and chemical-free.

I've tested dozens of the best grills in my career, so I know the best ways to take care of them. If you still aren't convinced, I also got great advice from pitmasters and cooks about the best home remedies to clean a grill.  

Can you use an onion to clean a grill?

You can use an onion to clean your grill. Adrian Davila, owner-operator at Davila's BBQ, told me it's the 'best way' to tidy up a grill. The method is incredibly simple. 

Adrian says to 'cut a large onion in half, crosswise. Grab half of it and rub down the length of the grill, following the lines of the grates. It's just like cleaning a plate in your sink'. This should remove any light carbonization so your grill is ready to go for the next cookout.

What are the drawbacks to using an onion to clean a grill?

However, homesteader and recipe writer Lindsey Chastain told me that there are some issues with this method. It works for light carbonation, but she finds that  'An onion does not get hot enough or contain strong enough cleaners to penetrate thick, burnt-on grease and residue. The onion tends to burn onto the grill grates with the existing debris.' 

If you grill all the time, you're unlikely to build up much dirt that needs a deep clean, and an onion can remove this just fine. However, casual grillmasters are more likely to overcook their food, which can lead to some pretty tough stains. If you've slow-roasted something with a sticky marinade, your grill probably needs a deeper clean with a nylon brush, like this Charbroil grill brush at Amazon. As a sidebar, it's important to use a nylon brush. Wire brushes do a better job, but there's a tiny chance that wire bristles break off and end up in your food, and it's better to be safe.

The lemon method

Instead, Lindsey recommends using half a lemon. The method is identical: just substitute the onion half with half a lemon. She told me that 'lemon juice contains acid that breaks down grease and stains. Rubbing lemon or lime halves over the grates helps remove gunk. The natural degreasing action of citrus can lift burnt spots when combined with some elbow grease and scrubbing.' 

If you still need a little extra scrubbing, try dipping the lemon half in salt before you clean the grill. According to Lindsey, 'coarse salt or dry rubs make for great grill-cleaning scrubs. Salt crystals won't scratch the grill surface while removing layers of cooked-on messes. Any excess salt gets burned off next time you fire up the grill.'

Other methods for cleaning your grill

There are a couple of other home remedies worth considering if you're taking on a dirty grill. Lindsey recommends an equal-part mix of water and vinegar, which is great for removing the truly burnt-on carbonization. We explore more ways to clean with vinegar in our dedicated feature.

If vinegar isn't for you, try making a paste of baking soda and water, and slather it on the grill before you scour it. This should help lift the dirt. 

You can also try cleaning your grill with beer, too.

My grill recommendations

I've tested grills for years, if you're in the market for a new model, these are my favorites. 

FAQs

Should I clean a grill with a wire brush?

No. It's almost always safe, but there's an outside chance that a wire brush will snap, dropping small shards of steel into your grill that might end up in your food. It's safest to use a stiff nylon brush, or the lemon method. 

For more detailed advice, we've also taken a deep dive into how to clean a charcoal grill, and how to clean a grill without a brush.

A dehumidifier can accumulate bacteria, dust, and other particles from the air which means it can quickly become dirty, and begin to operate less effectively. 

Keeping your dehumidifier clean not only prolongs its life but also ensures it operates efficiently, helping to maintain the desired humidity level in your home. This can prevent mold growth and reduce allergens in the air, contributing to a healthier indoor environment.

Our experts have shared six simple cleaning tips for your dehumidifier. By adopting these as part of your regular cleaning routine, you can maintain the best humidity levels in your home year-round.

How to clean a dehumidifier 

'A dehumidifier helps regulate the humidity of a room by maintaining and controlling the air present in the area. It is made up of different parts that should be cleaned regularly so that the dehumidifier can work properly and effectively,' explains Rocky Vuong, cleaning expert and Founder of Calibre Cleaning.

Specialized cleaning products aren't usually required when cleaning a dehumidifier. Simple household items, including mild detergent, water, a sponge, a brush, a cloth, and a vacuum cleaner should be sufficient for regular maintenance. If mold or mildew is present, you can also use vinegar to kill mold and remove contaminants more effectively.

1. Prepare the dehumidifier

Before cleaning, always unplug your dehumidifier from the power source and allow it to cool down. Then, carefully disassemble the unit according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Clean the filter

The air filter is an important component of a dehumidifier, responsible for trapping dust particles and other impurities in the air. Over time, these filters can become clogged with dirt and debris, ultimately affecting the efficiency of your dehumidifier. 

There are various types of dehumidifier filters depending on the model you have, including reusable, washable, built-in, and disposable filters. These might have distinct maintenance needs and cleaning requirements, so before cleaning, check which type of filter your dehumidifier has. Then, remove and clean the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

In most cases, you can gently vacuum the filter to get rid of all the dirt and dust.  Some filters can then be rinsed or washed with warm water and a mild detergent. Allow the filter to dry completely before reinserting it into the unit.

As well as cleaning your dehumidifier regularly, you should also know how often to change a dehumidifier filter to keep it running efficiently. This will depend on how much you use it, indoor humidity levels, air quality, and the filter type. 

3. Clean the water tank

'The tank gathers all the water that is extracted from the air,' explains Rocky Vuong. 'Because of this, it's likely that mold or mineral deposits might have accumulated in this section if not cleaned regularly.' So, be sure to clean and sanitize the tank about once a week to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

To do this, drain the tank and clean it using a sponge with mild detergent and water. Be sure to reach into crevices and corners to remove any mold, dirt, and bacteria completely. There are ways to reuse dehumidifier water, so collect it in a jug or bowl rather than pouring it down the sink.

After cleaning, you can spray the tank with a vinegar and water mixture to sanitize it. Let it sit for a minute until it dries, then thoroughly rinse the tank with water to remove any vinegar residue.

4. Vacuum the air intake and exhaust grills

'Dust can accumulate on the air intake and exhaust grills, affecting the unit's efficiency,' explains HVAC technician and the owner of Air Conditioner Lab, Josh Mitchell. 'Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently remove dust from these areas.'

5. Check and clean the coils and fins

The coils and fins of the evaporator and condenser are another essential part of a dehumidifier, responsible for removing moisture from the air. Over time, these can become coated with dust and dirt, reducing their effectiveness. 

'To clean the coils and fins, you can either use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner that has a brush attachment,' advises Polya Petrova, a cleaning professional at Fantastic Services. 'During the cleaning process, be careful not to bend or damage the delicate fins.'

6. Wipe down the exterior

While cleaning the inner workings of your dehumidifier is vital, don't forget about the exterior! 

'Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior surfaces of the dehumidifier, including the control panel and casing,' advises Polya Petrova, professional cleaner. 'Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that could damage the finish.'

You can also use a mild cleaning solution to spot-clean the affected areas for stubborn stains. Just be sure to avoid getting any liquids inside the device.

FAQs

How often should you clean a dehumidifier?

'You can maintain optimal performance at all times by cleaning your dehumidifier once every two weeks during periods of high humidity,' recommends Henrique Conceicao, Area Manager at Total Clean. 'For less humid conditions, a monthly cleaning routine should suffice. 

You should also perform a deep cleaning of your dehumidifier once a year to remove built-up grime and residue.

How do you prevent mold build up in a dehumidifier?

'You can prevent future mold and bacteria buildup in your dehumidifier by emptying the water collection bucket as soon as possible to prevent standing water,' advises Henrique Conceicao. 'You should also ensure the area around the dehumidifier is well-ventilated if you want to discourage further mold growth. 

In addition to cleaning, perform regular maintenance checks on your dehumidifier, such as inspecting for signs of wear or damage, checking the fan and motor, ensuring proper airflow, and inspecting the drainage system for any clogs or blockages. If you notice any problems it's best to contact a professional for the best solution in order to extend the longevity of your dehumidifier. 

Bathroom extractor fans play an important role in maintaining the health and cleanliness of your bathroom environment, so their upkeep is essential. Over time, dust, moisture, and debris can accumulate in the fan blades and housing, reducing efficiency and potentially causing malfunctions.

Regular bathroom cleaning helps prevent the build-up of condensation, mold, and mildew, which can adversely affect indoor air quality. However, the frequency may vary based on factors such as the size of the bathroom, the amount of use, and the climate of the region. 

In high-humidity areas, you may find that your bathroom extractor fan requires more frequent cleaning or replacement to prevent moisture-related issues. Below, our experts offer their advice on how often you should clean and replace these essential bathroom appliances. 

Cleaning your bathroom extractor fan 

When it comes to cleaning and replacing bathroom extractor fans, the frequency at which these tasks should be performed will come down to factors such as usage, maintenance, and the fan's condition. 

Bathroom extractor fans typically fall into the category of bathroom items we forget to clean. But it is generally recommended you give these appliances a good dust and a wipe down at least once or twice a year to ensure they continue to function effectively.  

Below are the four steps experts recommend you follow when cleaning your fan: 

Cleaning Steps

1. Turn off the power

Begin the cleaning process by turning off the circuit breaker or switch that controls the power to your bathroom extractor fan.  

2. Remove the cover or grille

‘Inspect your extractor fan for the specific mechanism holding the cover or grille in place,’ says Josh Mitchell, appliance expert and owner of Air Conditioner Lab. ‘This might involve unscrewing screws, releasing clips, or following detailed instructions provided by the manufacturer.’

Gently remove the cover, taking care not to damage any components in the process.

3. Dust and debris removal

Once the cover is off, take a closer look at the fan blades and the surrounding areas. Use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a narrow nozzle or a soft brush to remove any dust or debris. Pay special attention to corners, edges, and any crevices where dirt tends to accumulate over time. 

4. Wipe down

Dampen a cloth with a mild cleaning solution and wipe down the fan blades and the housing, addressing any stubborn spots or residue. You want to ensure your cloth is damp, not wet, to prevent water from entering the fan motor. 

If the cover or grille is removable, take extra care to clean it separately using the same process. Thoroughly clean the cover, ensuring that all parts are free from dirt and grime. Allow it to dry completely before reattaching.

5. Reassemble 

Carefully position the cover or grille back in its original place. Reattach it using the screws, clips, or any other fastening mechanism in the reverse order of removal. Ensure a secure fit to prevent any potential rattling or instability during operation. 

When to replace your bathroom extractor fan

The average lifespan of a bathroom extractor fan is about ten years. However, according to Parveen Garg, manager at Ola Clean, this can vary based on the quality of the fan and the frequency of use. If you notice your fan is no longer effectively removing moisture, or if it becomes excessively noisy, it may be time to consider a replacement.

If your fan is over ten years old, even if it's still working, you might consider upgrading to a more energy-efficient model with additional features like a humidity sensor or a timer.

Signs that indicate you may need to replace your extractor fan include: 

Excessive Noise: If your fan becomes loud or starts making unusual noises, it could indicate motor wear or other mechanical issues.

Decreased Efficiency: If your bathroom remains humid or develops mold despite the fan running, this could indicate the fan is no longer effective..

Visible Wear and Tear: Any signs of rust, mold, or deterioration in the fan components can be a good indicator that it's time for a replacement. 

How to replace a bathroom extractor fan

If you are comfortable with basic electrical tasks and don't mind spending a bit of time on a ladder, it is possible to replace a bathroom extractor fan by yourself. Since you are replacing an existing fan, you'll find that connecting the wiring to your new fan is pretty straightforward.

Before you start, make sure to turn off the power at the circuit breaker to avoid any electrical hazards, and don't forget your safety gear like goggles and gloves.

1. Remove the Old Fan: Carefully unscrew and lower the old fan. Use the voltage tester to double-check that there are no active wires. Disconnect the fan from the duct and wiring. 

2. Check the Wiring: Inspect the existing wiring to ensure it's in good condition. If it looks worn or frayed, it may need replacing - this might be a good time to call a professional. 

3. Fit the New Fan: This part is easiest if you are replacing your fan with a like-for-like model. Connect the fan to the duct and then to the wiring, typically matching the wire colors (black to black, white to white, and green to ground). 

4. Secure the Fan: Once connected, secure the fan in place according to the manufacturer's instructions. This often involves screwing the fan into the ceiling joists. 

5. Test Your Work: Turn the power back on and test the fan to ensure it operates correctly. 

6. Finishing Touches: Add the cover or grille to the fan. This usually snaps or screws into place. 

Remember, it is important to follow the specific instructions provided with your bathroom fan, as models can vary. If at any point you feel unsure, it is always advisable to consult with or hire a professional electrician. Do not attempt a DIY project involving electrics if you have no prior experience or an expert on hand to walk you through the process. 

FAQs

How much does it cost to replace a bathroom extractor fan?

Replacing a bathroom exhaust fan will cost between $50 to $150. The price range varies based on noise level – lower-priced fans are usually a bit louder (around 1 sone or higher), while the higher-priced options run more quietly. Other than the fan itself, there aren't many additional costs involved in this project.

What's the quickest way to replace a bathroom fan?

The simplest way to replace a bathroom fan is to opt for a replacement kit. These kits usually come with a new motor/blower unit, so you can skip the hassle of removing the entire fan housing. 

Throughout any cleaning or replacement process, prioritize safety. Double-check that the power is off, adhere to recommended safety guidelines, and if any step seems unclear or challenging, consider seeking professional advice or assistance.

When designed correctly, a kitchen can be one of the best multi-purpose spaces in the home. While the primary function of a kitchen is to have a space to cook in, the properly designed kitchen becomes a beloved social hub for family and friends to gather. Unsurprisingly, Martha Stewart has figured out the perfect formula for a multi-purpose kitchen, and we were lucky enough to hear all about it.

Martha told H&G exclusively about her kitchen idea, and it's just as innovative as you'd guess. First, she has an extremely large kitchen: it was originally 5 rooms that she combined into one. She also has two sinks: one for washing pots and pans and one for washing china and glassware. 

Martha went on about her kitchen layout to describe the appliances. She said: 'There's a big bank of stoves behind the sinks that have the ovens. She added, 'I have four ovens, big ovens, I can put sheet pans in. Two of them are convection and two of them are regular. I have a stove with 10 burners.' Martha continued, 'I have a salamander grill that's open air and it's really fabulous. It's great for toasting, it's great for broiling. Steaks cook perfectly in it.'

The cooking show host's coffee station puts the final touch on her professional-level chef's appliances. Martha stated, 'On the other wall, we have a big cappuccino machine. That's where I would use a teapot. It has a hot water dispenser.

Beyond the elite cooking setup, Martha's multiple kitchen islands are one of the best features of her kitchen layout. She stated: 'I have a big island facing the stove bank and the island is very, very well designed. So on one side facing the stoves, are all the pots and pans and everything I need for cooking, including drawers with knives and drawers with utensils. The top of the counter is marble, but I have big white cutting boards on top of the marble so I don't cut on the marble.'

The second island in Martha's kitchen is largely social. She said: 'Then I have another island where we all sit for breakfast or cappuccinos or whatever. That I can put about 12 people around when my grandchildren are visiting. That's where we all sit with the nannies and the grandchildren and their friends. They love eating in the kitchen.'

Whether your kitchen is the size of five rooms or just one, conceptualizing the layout around using the space effectively is an easy way to improve your experience in your home.

We interviewed Martha as part of her Don't Do It Yourself Campaign with Pure Leaf Tea.

A yard isn't complete without a good grill; they're an outdoor essential, sizzling in the background as you host big barbecues, smoking delicious food. Whilst there are lots of different brands on the market, if you're looking for the best, you'll probably be trying to decide between grills from Weber and Napoleon. 

These titans make the best grills on the market. Our experts have tested them in-person and liked them enough to include them in our buying guides for best grills as well as best gas grills. 

We always get asked which brand is better out of Weber and Napoleon, so our experts want to go on the record to recommend the best grills to grace your garden with. 

Weber Spirit vs Napoleon Phantom

Winner: Weber II E-310

Our experts tested these grills and loved them both. Choosing between the Weber Spirit II E-310 and  the Napoleon Phantom Rogue isn't a difficult decision, because these have very different offerings. Here's everything you need to know.

The Weber Spirit II E-310 sits in the top spot for all our grill buying guides: it's a brilliant grill. Perfect for those who have never grilled before, this was as easy to set up as it was to use. Our experts cooked excellent burgers, sausages, and kebabs across the 660 square inch surface – this wasn't down to their skill, it was all the grill. 

Even though the Weber is cheaper than the competition, it doesn't feel flimsy or tacky. The plastic controls are the only part we considered to be a little cheap feeling and, even then, we weren't hung up on them.

The only other thing our experts would flag is that the grates are quite wide, so thin vegetables could fall through. This is a minor issue in the grand scheme of grills, but nonetheless is worth knowing.

The Napoleon Phantom Rogue betters the Weber on capacity. It offers 50 square inches of more cooking surface and a range of racks and burners: there's even a warming rack with a dedicated burner and a side burner that's perfect for searing steaks. So if you're looking for sheer surface area, this is better. In terms of power, this is brilliant for flash cooking, but it's almost too powerful. You'll need to keep a careful eye on your food.

It might seem like the Napoleon should be the winner here, but we prefer the Weber for one, very significant reason. It took our experts three hours to assemble the Napoleon grill. They build these products for a living and still found it fiddly and frustrating. We could imagine divorces beginning over a grill like this. 

The Napoleon is also double the price of the Weber and has a very imposing style that wouldn't suit all yards. These are three, key factors, that cost the Napoleon the top spot in our guide and in this Weber vs Napoleon battle.

Weber Kettle vs Napoleon Pro

Winner: Weber Kettle

The Napoleon Pro costs nearly twice as much as the Weber, so if you're shopping on a budget, you can stop reading. For the price difference, the Weber is a much better option. In fact, it's one of the best budget charcoal grills on the market. We don't have an offcial review, but our Head of eCommerce Alex tested the Weber Kettle for a different magazine and thinks it's great.

When it comes to cooking space, there's only two square inches between the two, so there's almost no difference in size. Where the Napoleon scores big points is in the extra features. The Pro has a useful side shelf, three levels for direct and indirect cooking, and two locking wheels. This means that the Napoleon offers much more versatility for cooking times and strengths — perfect if you're a large family.

In our tests, the Napoleon started off as it meant to go on: it was easy to assemble, felt relatively portable, and then, when we tested it on a range of foods, we enjoyed their delicious smoky flavors and succulent textures. 

Credit to the Weber, this is equally easy to use and brilliant if you're new to charcoal grilling. It doesn't have the same levels that the Napoleon Pro boasts, so you have to take a more crude approach to slow or fast cooking, placing food directly over the coals or to the side. It's a little imprecise, but you won't go wrong. If we did a blind taste, we don't think you could taste the difference, but in terms of cooking complexity, you'll enjoy the Napoleon.

The hinged grate on the Weber makes it easy to add charcoal and a the useful ash catcher means that keeping your grill clean is really easy. Our experts wouldn't recommend moving either around too much. The Napoleon's frame felt a little wobbly. It also a little difficult to add fuel if you have accessibility issues, especially compared to the Weber's useful hinged lid which has a hook, so you won't singe your lawn.

FAQs

How we test grills

At Homes & Gardens we grill barbecues. Our experts put every model we recommend through its paces, using them to grill everything from vegetable kebabs to sausages, steaks, and chickens. However, there's so much more to a grill than the food, even though we enjoy that bit the most. 

When testing a grill, we make notes on the whole process from assembly to cleaning and maintenance. These are crucial parts of the reviews, because we have experience with excellent grills that are a headache to clean and assemble. When you take this into account, grilling becomes much less appealing. 

We'll let you know about everything you need to make an informed decision when investing in the best grill. If you're interested to find out more, you can visit our dedicated how we test grills page.

Final thoughts

Our experts love both Napoleon and Weber grills. Different models suit different needs, so there's no cut and dry winner. If you haven't seen one that you love in this comparison, there are plenty more models on our page for the best grills on the market. They're all tested and certified by our experts, so we're sure there will be one you love on there.

Broiler heating elements get incredibly dirty but can feel impossible to clean, no matter if they are in an oven or a self-contained unit. 

Ignoring the grease build-up can be dangerous, but use the wrong products or the wrong technique and you could damage the delicate heating element. 

Here, professional cleaners share their best cleaning tips for cleaning a  broiler easily so you can continue to grill food safely indoors.  

How to clean a broiler

Cleaning a broiler is one of the more difficult household cleaning tasks to tackle, but it is doable with the right products and a little know-how, experts assure.  

1. Allow the broiler to cool completely

One of the most important safety tips when cleaning an oven or broiler is to allow it to cool completely before you start, begins James King, cleaning expert and operations manager at DeluxeMaid.

‘It's just like checking if a pan is cool before you wash it – you wouldn't want to risk burns or accidents. If you're dealing with an electric grill, disconnect it from the power source. For those with gas grills, turn off the gas supply to avoid leaks and associated risks.’

2. Remove the shelves and drip pan and set to soak

Just as you would clean stove grates, cleaning grill grates is made easier by removing them and allowing them to soak for a while before removing the debris, cleaning expert James King continues. This will help to reduce how much you need to scrub, he adds: 

‘These are typically the dirtiest parts and need thorough cleaning. To make the deep cleaning more manageable, remove any loose food particles and carbon deposits from the grates using a grill brush or scrape. Prepare a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap (I usually go for Dawn, available at Target), and soak the grates and drip pans for about 10-15 minutes to loosen grease and grime.’ 

3. Degrease the heating elements slowly

Cleaning the heating elements themselves is a delicate process that requires some time and patience to avoid damaging them. It is therefore vital you use the right products, says  Angela Rubin, professional cleaner and owner of Hellamaid.

‘I like to apply a degreaser to a cloth or sponge and gently scrub the heating elements,’ she says. ‘Avoid excessive pressure to prevent damage and follow the degreaser's instructions for the best results. For stubborn, burnt-on residues, consider using grill-specific cleaning products, again following the manufacturer's instructions.’

If your degreaser is not cutting it it is important to note that you should not clean it with oven cleaner. Although this is a powerful chemical designed for the inside of your oven, it will damage the element and pose a fire risk. 

Instead, Muffetta Krueger, cleaning expert and founder of Muffetta’s Domestic Assistants suggests cleaning with baking soda: 

‘Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water or white vinegar. Apply this paste to the interior surfaces of the broiler or grill, paying special attention to areas with stubborn stains. Allow it to sit for 15-20 minutes to help break down grease and grime.’

4. Wipe down with water and soap to finish

As with cleaning kitchen grease anywhere in your space, it is important to rinse away any degreasing solutions with mild dish soap and warm water before using your broiler to cook again. This prevents any chemical residue from becoming toxic or burning on, says Angela Rubin, a professional cleaner. You can then dry the area with a lint-free towel, or leave it to dry naturally to mitigate any risk of fibers being left behind.  

5. Conclude by cleaning down the interior of the broiler

Once you have degreased the heating elements and finished scrubbing the trays, finish off by wiping down the interior of the broiler unit (or your oven, depending on where your broiler is) to remove any grime or anything that has dripped while you were cleaning, reminds Karina Toner, cleaning expert and operations manager at Spekless Cleaning.

‘I suggest using a mixture of warm water and a grease-cutting dish soap, paying attention to areas with heavy grease buildup.’

FAQs

Cleaning a broiler is made easier if you take steps to maintain its cleanliness whenever you use it, reminds James King, cleaning expert. Using foil to cover trays will prevent things from burning on and grease from sticking, he suggests, and doing quick cleans after every use can help to prevent tough build-up that is impossible to scrub away later down the line.

Also known as the pork filet, tenderloin is a long, thin and lean cut of pork. It’s not a well used muscle, which leads to it being – as its name might suggest – a soft and tender piece of meat. 

Unlike tougher cuts such as pork belly and pork shoulder that require low, slow cooking methods to tenderize them, pork tenderloin benefits from quick cooking.

No matter whether you’re grilling on one of the best gas grills, or mastering the art of cooking over charcoal, grilling is a great way to cook a pork tenderloin. 

The most crucial need-to-know information is that pork tenderloin will not get more tender the longer you cook it, so as soon as it’s done, remove it from the heat to avoid overcooking. Why not serve it with tasty grilled asparagus or delicious buttery sweet potato?

What you need

• A pork tenderloin
• A marinade of your choice; this can be homemade or store bought. But pork tenderloin is extremely lean, so a good marinade will help to stop it from drying out. It’ll also provide essential flavor to this delicate piece of meat. For example, try something like this Cajun marinade at Walmart.

The method

1. Use a sharp knife to remove the silvery skin on the outside of the tenderloin.
2. Mix up your marinade and coat the tenderloin.
3. Cover and allow to marinate in the fridge for 1-24 hours.
4. Preheat your grill to a medium heat and add the pork.
5. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning as needed to ensure all sides cook evenly. After grilling, cover and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Expert tip: cooking times will vary depending on whether you’re cooking on gas or charcoal. According to the USDA, pork has to reach a minimum of 145F to be safe to eat, so ideally check it with a digital meat thermometer to ensure it’s properly cooked. 

Pork tenderloin FAQs

There are plenty of other dishes to cook on a grill, too, For a faster, lighter meal, why not grill salmon for a delicious, smoky dinner?

The Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill has certainly changed the grill game. Just like most modern kitchen appliances that are impressively multifunctional – from air fryers that bake, roast and sear, to multi-cookers that slow cook, pressure cook, steam, and sautee – this portable grill does more than just your standard barbecue. 

We've tested many of the best grills on the market, and it's sat as our best electric grill all summer. The only thing that might put you off is the price. For a portable grill, a nearly $400 price tag might seem a lot, but the Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill currently has 10% off at QVC, which is the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday – as a shopping editor, it's a deal I couldn't go without shouting about.

What's more, today, 7/22, QVC are offering free shipping, but you'll have to get your order in ASAP. 

Our expert tester highly rates this best-selling grill, and while it won't match the size of a full-size smoker, it certainly stands up to the competition. Whether you're wanting to host an intimate cook-out or need a grill you can use on your balcony or terrace, this is the perfect portable grill for small families with small outdoor spaces.

Why you should buy it

But don't just take it from me, our grill expert, and head shopping editor, Alex David, highly recommends this grill – giving you all the more reason to get it while you can on sale. Here's his verdict: 

'I was hugely skeptical when I first saw this product on the market, which is why we had to test it. I’ve tried a lot of smaller grills and usually they just can’t match a full-sized grill. But after putting this one through the ringer, it really is as good as a proper pellet grill. The best feature by far is the smoker. It’s a good option if you’re a casual barbecuer or new to the scene. 

'You can experiment with smoking without shelling out $1000 for a full-sized smoker. It totally removes my main complaint about electric and gas grills, which is that they taste a little sterile when compared to charcoal. The WoodSmoke function imparts a smoky flavor with the ease of using an air fryer. 

I also love that you aren’t limited to classic grill fare with this. I’m still in awe that Alex turned out good cinnamon rolls with this, and I can’t even imagine experimenting with smoke on those. It’s genuinely a game changer - the only problem as far as I can see is the size, as it’s best suited to couples and smaller families.

More about the Ninja woodfire outdoor grill

A portable grill is rarely ranked so highly. But the Ninja Woodfire outdoor grill is just as good as larger grills. We're confident it performs in the same league as some full-sized smokers. With seven different functions – yes, seven – it's ideal for small families with small outdoor spaces, who want to cook food just as tasty as meals grilled on bigger barbecues. 

Offering grilling, roasting, smoking, frying, baking, dehydrating, and broiling, it can't match the cooking area of a full-sized smoker, but you can take this grill on camping trips, to your friend's yard or even with you on a summers day out. 

The portability is, of course, great, but the standout feature is the smoker. The Woodfire uses a box of wood pellets to infuse your dishes with a delicious, smoky flavor. Our tester Alex used it to make an incredible smoked pork tenderloin in just 45 minutes, and a neighbor she shared it with thought it was the best tenderloin they'd ever had. It offers incredibly quick cooking. We had a joint of salmon ready in only 7 minutes. 

The handy smart display will tell you when it's time to flip your food, but we recommend keeping an eye on it anyway, as this grill is so efficient that it will cook faster than the given recipe times. 

Our full Ninja Woodfire Outdoor Grill review has all the detail. 

FAQs

If you're in the market for a new grill but are on a budget, it's worth doing your research. There are certain sales periods like Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and President's Day when grills tend to go on sale. A deal in late summer like this is relatively rare, so it's worth moving fast, especially when there's free shipping.  Finding out the best time to buy a grill can save you some serious cash – especially if you've had your eye on a premium model. Rem

Unlike popular grill foods such as burgers or chicken, cooking fish on a grill can be intimidating. It feels easy to mess up if you don't know what you're doing. 

However, while more delicate white fish is quick to overcook, salmon is much more robust, so it's a great choice for a grill even if you're a beginner.

That said, if you do get it wrong, salmon can stick and break up, so it’s worth taking a bit of time to get right. Don’t turn it more than once and be gentle when handling it.

Once you’ve grilled salmon to perfection once, you’ll wonder why you’ve been avoiding it all this time. Salmon filets cooked on the best gas grills are a great addition to summer salads and a lovely alternative to meat. 

How to grill salmon filets

If possible, always choose skin-on filets. Skin isn't always to everyone's taste, but there's culinary reasoning behind this.  Salmon skin is fatty, and as that fat renders down it makes the fish much less likely to stick to the grill. If you can’t get salmon with the skin on, you can create a similar barrier by laying a sheet of greased aluminum foil or even lemon slices directly on the grill beneath the salmon. 

1. To help avoid sticking, make sure the grill grate is clean and oil it well. 
2. Place the salmon filets skin-side down on a hot grill grate and grill for 4-6 minutes until the skin is crisped.
3. Using a spatula, gently ease the salmon from the grill. Flip the salmon and grill for a further 2-3 minutes.
4. At this stage, you can remove the skin and place it directly onto the grill to crisp up further - but this is optional.

Expert tip: cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon. They'll and vary further depending on whether you’re cooking on a gas or charcoal grill. If you're using charcoal and cooking on white coals, your salmon will cook much faster than on gas. 

Always check the internal temperature or cut into the salmon to check that it’s cooked to your liking. USDA says that the internal temperature of cooked fish should be 145°F (63°C). This will dry out your salmon - I suggest aiming for around 120°F, which will still be cooked but taste much better. 

How to grill salmon filets in foil

The beauty of grilling salmon in a foil parcel is that you can add herbs and other flavors such as garlic and lemon to infuse with the salmon while it cooks. Furthermore, the sealed parcel will allow the salmon to cook more gently in its own steam, so it’s less likely to dry out or burn. The downside is that you’ll miss out on those smoky, charred flavors. 

1. Lay out a large sheet of heavy duty foil, like these pre-cut heavy duty foil sheets at Walmart.
2. Brush the foil with oil and place 1-2 salmon filets skin side down on the foil. If grilling two filets, leave at least 1 inch between them, to allow the hot air and steam to circulate.
3. Add flavors of your choice. These can include fresh herbs such as dill or parsley and slices of lemon. However, you aren't stuck with Western flavors. Add soy or teriyaki sauce with honey and garlic for an Asian twist. Salmon takes on flavors well, so don’t be afraid to be bold.
4. Bring up the sides of the foil and scrunch together on top to seal into a loose parcel.
5. Grill for 12 - 18 minutes for two filets or 8 - 12 minutes if your parcel contains just one filet.
6. When opening the parcel, be careful as hot steam may escape. If the salmon needs more time, simply close up the parcel and place it back on the grill.

Expert tip: just as when you're grilling directly on the grate, cooking times in foil will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and will further depending on whether you’re cooking on a gas or charcoal grill, so keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks. 

How to grill a side of salmon

Cooking a side of salmon - or even a whole salmon - is more impressive than individual portions, so it’s a great option if you’re grilling for guests. It’s really just a bigger version of the smaller salmon filets, so cook it by adapting one of the methods above. 

When cooking in a foil parcel, just increase cooking times to 15-25 minutes. When grilling it directly, make sure the grill isn’t too hot. If you're cooking on charcoal, make sure you cook after the peak of the coals, when they're starting to lose their white heat. Grill the salmon skin-side down for 15-18 minutes. Then flip it and finish it off for another 3-5 minutes. If you're worried about flipping the salmon, a loose sheet of foil over the top of the side without skin will help to cook the top without the need to flip it, and trap in some extra smoky flavor. As ever, cooking times will depend on the size of the fish. 

Grilling salmon FAQs

Not only can you experiment with different herbs when cooking salmon in foil, but you can also cook sides at the same time. Try adding some asparagus or broccolini to your foil parcel as you grill for some easy sides that pick up delicious flavors from the salmon. 

Well organized barbecue equipment helps make alfresco cooking an even more pleasurable experience. It means you can serve up tasty meat and veggies with the unique flavor of the outdoors more easily, making the most of time spent with family and friends.

The best grill or best gas grill will ensure you’ve got the cooking itself covered, letting you do so with your preferred fuel and delivering the flavor you love. But important, too, is how you organize the equipment you need, which will make all the difference to food preparation and its results.

We asked the experts to share their top tips on cleaning and storing as well as organizing to make your outdoor cooking go smoothly, and this is what they told us.

5 top tips on organizing BBQ equipment from the pros

Whether you have an outdoor kitchen to make cooking in the yard easy and incorporate a grill into it, or you have a grill on the patio, or elevate it to become an outdoor grill station, to make cooking a piece of cake, you need to get organized. These are the best ways to do so, direct from the people in the know.

1. Go for a portable cart with storage

A portable cart is a great way to improve your grill setup. ‘One of the best ways to keep your BBQ grill and other accessories organized is by using a portable cart with storage compartments,’ says Wendy Wang, a home design and renovation expert. 

A portable cart is an ideal storage solution for those who want to move their BBQ around whenever needed. Carts feature drawers and a bottom shelf that can be used to store necessary BBQ items like tongs, brushes, spices, or grill covers.

Look for plentiful storage options within a cart. This NUUK Deluxe Outdoor Rolling Prep Station from Amazon has a drawer and hooks for utensils and accessories among its features.

2. Add a pegboard wall

Handy for all sorts of organizational tasks, a pegboard can also be ideal for barbecue equipment, acccording to Mike Futia, founder of Grill Frenzy, allowing easy organization of equipment. It is also simple to install and can be customized to suit individual needs with space for different sizes of barbecue tools.

‘I recommend setting up a pegboard near your grilling equipment,’ says Mike. ‘A pegboard lets you see everything at once, and grab what you need quickly. I love that I can hang my tools which prevents them from getting damaged or dirty.’

This Wall Control 30-P-3232GV Galvanized Steel Pegboard Pack from Amazon is highly rated and made from strong and durable material.

3. Incorporate a magnetic tool strip

A magnetic strip is a super simple and effective grill organizing addition. ‘My favorite solution for keeping BBQ utensils organized is a magnetic strip,’ says Mark McShane, a home improvement expert. ‘It is an easy and affordable way to store tools like tongs, spatulas, and other small utensils.’

This Storage Tool Organizer Set from Amazon is easy to install and will tidy tools to create more work space when you’re grilling.

4. Optimize your grill space

Make sure you’re using the space your grill offers efficiently with grill baskets, racks, and shelves for better organization. These accessories can help you maximize the grilling surface while keeping different food items separate, says Raychel Klein, founder of RayBayBay. Additionally, they can be used as temporary storage spaces for utensils or plates during the cooking process.

Use labeled boxes or containers to categorize and store smaller items like skewers, marinade brushes and grill mats. This makes it easier to locate specific items when you need them.

5. Store BBQ grills and smokers

If you want to better organize your barbecue equipment, think storage. ‘The number one mistake folks make with BBQ equipment is leaving it uncovered and exposed to the elements,’ says Anthony Lucchino, founder of Grill Smoke Repeat. ‘This significantly reduces the lifespan of the grill or smoker by many years!’

It’s best practice to store your grill or smoker under cover when it’s not in use. This can be on a porch, or covered outdoor kitchen area. If you don’t have shelter readily available, the next best thing is to cover your grill after each use. Be sure to replace the cover when it gets worn out. A cover with rips in it is about the same as leaving the grill uncovered.

FAQs

Getting organized will make grilling a smoother process but make sure you’re prepared for outdoor dining, too, whether in an outdoor kitchen or on the patio or deck. On your list of items aside from plates and silverware so you’re ready to eat in the yard? Don’t forget a bottle opener to make serving drinks easy, and allow diners to season food to taste with salt and pepper shakers on hand.

Asparagus is quite a delicate vegetable, so you might not immediately think of cooking it on a grill. But when it's cooked this way, it retains a lovely tender crunch, and the combination of the lightly charred and smoky grill flavor with the fresh asparagus combine to make this one of the tastiest ways to cook asparagus.

It doesn’t matter whether you grill on gas or charcoal, asparagus can be cooked on either and there’s very little preparation required. There’s no need to cook it in foil or buy a fancy BBQ accessory, it really is a case of throwing it straight on the grill.

Its distinct flavor makes asparagus a popular choice and it’s also packed with vitamins, making it a nutritious healthy addition to any meal. 

So what are you waiting for? The next time you're on the grill, why not add asparagus to the menu, and in case you wondered, here’s how to grill corn on the cob, too. 

What you need

• A bunch of asparagus
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper

The recipe

1. Remove the woody end either by trimming with a knife or by bending each of the asparagus spears and allowing them to snap naturally.
2. Coat the asparagus in olive oil, salt and pepper
3. Transfer the asparagus spears to a hot grill
4. Cook for 5-10 minutes, turning frequently

My expert tip: cook times will vary depending on the heat level of your BBQ as well as the thickness of the asparagus spears. Turn frequently and keep an eye on them so they don't burn.

How do I serve grilled asparagus?

Asparagus works well as an accompaniment to a grilled steak, but it’s a tasty side to most other grilled meats and fish. It’s also fantastic as an appetizer, served with a drizzle of olive oil, good quality balsamic vinegar and some shaved parmesan. It’s a tasty vegetable that can hold its own against lots of flavors, so give it a try. 

Grilled asparagus FAQs

When the weather turns and the grilling season is truly over, I've found excellent results using a similar method in an air fryer. It's just as fast and you can use less oil for just as crispy a result - although it will miss that unmistakeable smokiness you get with a grill.