The Definitive Buyer's Guide and Reviews of Smokers, Grills, Cooking Accessories, Tools, Gadgets, Books, Magazines, Sauces, Ingredients, and More
Product Reviews and Meathead's Hot Stuff Awards
The award medallion at right is given to products that are highly recommended, that I have tested personally or that have been tested by reliable sources. Awards are based on features, quality, and value. 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. I purchase most products I review although occasionally suppliers send me samples.
Manufacturers often make slight variations to their basic model exclusively for certain merchants. For example, a grill manufacturer might make their Firebrand Gas Grill Model ABC123 with cast iron grates available only on Amazon. Meanwhile, the ABC123ss, identical except it has stainless steel grates, is sold only at independent hardware stores like ACE, and the ABC125 with porcelain grates and plastic knobs is exclusive to Home Depot. Of course the prices can differ.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tell Meathead what you think, or ask him a question
But please, please, please read this first:
1) Please use the sitemap or the search box, at the top of every page. There's a good chance the answer is already on this site.
2) Please read this article about thermometers.Chances are your thermometer is the problem! I cannot help you troubleshoot unless you tell me that you are using a digital oven thermometer at meat level (not in the lid), and/or a digital meat thermometer. You simply cannot believe your grill's built-in bi-metal dial thermometer. They are often off by as much as 50°F!
3) Please tell me everything I need to know to answer your question.
4) Please don't ask me "What grill (or smoker) should I buy?" Read my Buyer's Guides and follow the links. I've shared just about everything I know on those pages. I cannot pick the right cooker for you any more than you could pick the right car for me. But I've explained everything you need to know to make your decision.
AmazingRibs.com is all about the Zen of barbecue, grilling, and outdoor cooking, with great BBQ recipes and techniques: Barbecue baby back ribs, spareribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, steak, burgers, chicken, smoked turkey, lamb, barbecue sauces, rubs, and side dishes, with the net's best buying guide to barbecue smokers and grills. It is written, photographed, illustrated, and coded solely by Meathead.
My philosophy about food is simple. First of all it must taste great. It must be easy to make and emphasize fresh seasonal products with a minimum of processed ingredients. I think that people need to know why as well as how, and that there are no rules in the bedroom or dining room.
About Product Reviews and Meathead's Hot Stuff Awards. Meathead's Hot Stuff Awards are highly recommended products that I have tested personally or that have been tested by reliable sources. Awards are based on features, quality, and value. 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. I purchase most products I review although occasionally suppliers send me samples.
About links on this site. Other than clearly marked ads, links and recommendations on this site are all products, services, and websites I truly admire, and are never paid endorsements. Your suggestions are always welcome. If you would like me to link to your website, click here to read my links policy first. Advertising policy. I do not accept ads from products that I review such as grills, charcoal, etc. Click here for more on my advertising policy.
Meathead's Personal Privacy Promise.I promise to never sell or distribute any info about you individually without your express permission, and I promise not to, ahem, pepper you with email or make you eat spam. Click here for more details of my privacy promise.
Disclaimer. The information on this website is for educational purposes only. All material within comes without warranties of any kind. I am human, and capable of mistakes, so I make no guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or safety of the information. Under no circumstances am I liable for any damages that result from use of the site (so you can't sue me if you burn your tongue on hot ribs, or get a tummy ache, OK?).
GrillGrates are the best new product I have tested in years and the best thing to happen to beef since salt and pepper. The base superheats, eliminates hot spots, smokes, and blocks flareups. This is the concept behind the expensive new infrared grills. Click here for more about GrillGrates.
The Smokenator:
A Necessity For Weber Kettles
If you have a Weber Kettle, you need the amazing Smokenator and Hovergrill. The Smokenator turns your grill into a first class smoker, and the Hovergrill can add capacity or be used to create steakhouse steaks. Click here to read more.
ThermoWorks Pocket Thermometer - No More Guessing
A good thermometer is why I never serve overcooked or undercooked food. No more guesswork. This one has a very thin tip with a tiny thermocouple so it gives an accurate reading in just six seconds. I cannot recommend it more highly. It will improve your cooking overnight. And it is inexpensive. Click here for more about thermometers.
This link takes you to Amazon.com and tags anything you buy with my affiliate code so I get a small referral fee. It works on anything from grills to diapers and it has zero impact on the price you pay. Low prices, fast delivery (often free), good refund policies, and often there is no sales tax, are the best reasons to buy from Amazon.com, but clicking on that link before you shop helps me devote more time and money to you. Thanks!