The Definitive Buyer's Guide and Reviews of Smokers, Grills, Cooking Accessories, Tools, Gadgets, Books, Magazines, Sauces, Ingredients, and More

This section is about tools and toys. Here's where I get to comment on the huge range of smokers, grills, accessories, gadgets, books, magazines, sauces, and the ingredients in my recipes. I think you'll have no difficulty determining what I like and dislike. Rest assured that when I recommend a product, it is really because I like it, not because someone has paid me to say so or because the company is an advertiser or sponsor.

Buyer's guide to smokers

How to buy a smoker. Here's a checklist of features and bugs, and questions to ask before you buy.

Best charcoal fueled smokers. You will be amazed at the variety of options.

Best pellet smokers. These are very sophisticated devices, and because pellets are wood, you can use them in most barbecue competitions.

Best gas smokers. Gas smokers are great, especially in cold weather. There are some great bargains to be had.

Best electric smokers. Set it and forget it!

Mobile & trailer mounted. So everybody says you make the best ribs ever and the your church has asked you to cook at its picnic. Is it time to turn pro?

Commercial indoor smokers. "You're such a good cook" your friends say. "You oughta open a restaurant!" Don't do it! But if you must, here's what you'll need.

Stovetop smokers. These small gizmos are great for smoking indoors or over a campfire.

Pig roasters. Here are some gismos if you want to go whole hog.

Wood Burning Ovens. For the best Italian style pizzas or rustic breads, nothing beats a wood burning forno. They are available indoor or out, built-in or portable for caterers.

Buyer's guide to grills

How to buy a grill. There are hundreds of grills on the market. Here's a checklist of things to look for in making your selection.

Charcoal grills vs. Gas grills. Meathead settles the argument once and for all.

Charcoal Grill Reviews and Ratings.

Gas Grill Reviews and Ratings.

Pellet Grill Reviews and Ratings.

Small, Portable, and Lightweight Grills.

Everything else a cook needs and then some

Guide to thermometers. The secret to properly cooked and safe food is a good thermometer. But not all thermometers are created equal. Here's what you need to know and Meathead's recommendations.

All the gotta have BBQ accessories. A growing list of tools and toys that make you a better outdoor cook.

Required kitchen accessories. A list of what every kitchen needs.

Bar necessities. A list of what you need to make sure you serve your drinks in style.

All about corkscrews. They do not have to be torture devices. The best are user friendly. Really.

Brew for cue, wine for swine, and booze too. The secret to matching the drink with ribs is in the sauce.

Best cookbooks, books, and mags. There are numerous good books and magazines on barbecue and cooking. Here are some of my favorites and links to buy them on Amazon.com.

My favorite commercial sauces. There are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of commercial barbecue sauces. I taste as many as I can get my hands on. Here are my faves.

My favorite ingredients. Here is a partial list of some of the ingredients I use in my recipes.

Aprons, hats, & T-shirts. Fun things to wear.

Meathead's photo gear. With the exception of some of the products in the Buyers' Guide section of this site, I do all my own photography. Here's my toolkit and some tips on how to shoot foodpron.

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