Tips, Recipes, and Helpful Links

Checking for Gas Leaks
Recently I discussed the importance of Cleaning your Venturi Tubes. Equally important to the maintenance of your gas grill and the not burning down of your house is checking for gas leaks. These two culprits account for the vast majority of fires associated with gas grill. Propane and natural gas are heavier than the air around us. Meaning that they will fall down from your grill. If you have an enclosed cart or an enclosed space that gas can collect in large amounts, particularly on a windless day. So checking your grill for leaks is the most important Common Gas Grill Problem you will encounter. Propane and Natural Gas have distinct odors so if you have substantial leaks you might be able to smell them. However, this isn't sufficient a test for finding LL potentially explosive leaks....Read Full Post

First Look: Blacktop 360
Called a party hub, the Blacktop 360 is a full height, portable cooker that consists of a small infrared grill, hot oil fryer, and griddle. The idea is that this 37 pound unit can do it all, provided you don't want to do a lot of any one thing. Powered by a 1-pound disposable propane tank (or a 20-pound tank with optional conversion hose) you get four separate zones (one is a warming space). The grill section is powered by a small ceramic type infrared burner under an open grate. Large enough to grill up 5 burger patties (maybe six) this is a high temperature burner, hotter than most portables. The fryer is a small, 20-ounce, metal cup heated by a small standard burner underneath. The griddle section is as large as the grill so keep your pancakes small. The entire cooking surface is high temperature enameled steel and all of this fold flat and fits into an included carrying case. For $250USD this portable cooking is loaded with features and comes with everything you need to take advantage of its versatility....Read Full Post

How Often do you Cookout?
May is National Barbecue Month and so lets get a feel for how often you head outback to grill or smoke. I realize that if you are reading this that you probably cook outdoor often, but still it doesn't hurt to ask. Once, a few years ago I set out to cook three meals a day on the grill or smoker for a full week. Turned out that the family ended up eating more than normal, but it certainly wasn't a chore to do. I've found that once you've got the experience with a wide range of foods you really can do all the backyard cooking without a lot of extra work. Anyway, this weeks question is:...Read Full Post

May is National Barbecue Month
New Poll Reveals It's All About The Cookout Flavor, location and fun atmosphere are top reasons why consumers dine alfresco ARLINGTON, Va., May 1, 2012 -- May is National Barbecue Month, the kick off to the peak outdoor cooking season, and consumers are eager to fire up their grills and smokers and get cooking. According to new nationwide poll results released today from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA), the great outdoors is the preferred place to cook during the warmer months, with an overwhelming 85% of consumers preferring to cook outdoors on the grill or smoker versus indoors on the stove....Read Full Post

New Book: Rotisserie Cooking by Mike Vrobel
Frequently I hear the complaint that cookbooks have become too expensive. There is an answer for that, electronic books. Take for instance this great ebook from Mike Vrobel, author of ...Read Full Post

Tong, Spatula, or Fork?
I've watched a lot of people cook at the grill or smoker over the years. One thing I have noticed is that most people have a favorite BBQ tool and will use it most all the time. Sometimes it might not be the most appropriate tool for the food, but people stick with it anyway. Personally I have a good pair of tongs that I use most the time. Anyway I thought I would ask what you like so this weeks question is:...Read Full Post

New Review: Napoleon Charcoal Kettle Grill Model# NK22CK-C
In 2011, Napoleon reinvented the kettle charcoal grill with a new design for airflow that helps create an even charcoal fire. For 2012, they have taken this grill and mounted ...Read Full Post

Top 10 Charcoal Grills for 2012
There are a lot of different kinds of charcoal grills that offer many different features. I've picked the best charcoal grills from the simple kettle grill to large full functional charcoal grills that can cost well over $2,500. Pick the grill that is right for you and right for your pocket book. These grills represent the diversity of charcoal grills on the market whether you are looking for one that can smoke, one that can grill like no ones business or just let you cook up a simple meal. Updated for 2012....Read Full Post

Top 10 Mother's Day Recipes
It's the one day a year we set aside to celebrate Mom and I promise you, she would like nothing better than to not have to cook. Chances are (Dad) that you are more comfortable around the grill than the stove, so try firing it up for Mother's Day....Read Full Post

Top 10 Small Grills for 2012
Sometimes you just don't have the space for a big grill. Whether you live in an apartment, condo, on a boat or just don't have a big patio, it doesn't mean that you can't enjoy a good cookout. Try one of these smaller grills, gas, charcoal or electric to give you real grilling flavor and fun. Remember to check with the local rules where you live to know what kind of grill you can have. Most apartments don't allow gas or charcoal grills. This list contains a wide range of types and prices....Read Full Post