Weber Genesis E 310 Reviews: What You Need to Know Before Buying It

Finding the perfect grill is an act of serendipity. There’s a feeling of homecoming, of finding the one true love of your grilling life. You finally have something you can spend the rest of your life flipping burgers on. And looking at Weber Genesis E 310 reviews, it certainly seems like it could be your happily ever after.

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That’s what I’m going to look into today. This article will examine the Weber E 310 and see how it performs. So, if you’ve been considering this gas grill, don’t skip reading this!

Weber Genesis E-310 Grill Review

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The Weber Genesis E 310 Natural Gas Grill is a 38000 BTU unit with 637 square inches of cooking and warming space. The large size makes it an ideal option for those looking for a grill that can handle cooking for families and parties.

Design and Construction:

The spacious construction of this grill means you can use it for grilling giant slabs of ribs, multiple chickens, and even a 20-pound turkey. The 3 stainless burners ensure even cooking, so you won’t have to spend ages cooking.

Moreover, the unit is mostly constructed from stainless steel and porcelain-enameled cast-iron cooking grates. These make the grill very sturdy and long-lasting and prevent it from rusting or breaking down.

The grill comes in an enclosed cart and features a built-in thermometer with 6 tool hooks that make the cooking process more convenient. Also, the side table/shelf makes it easier to prep or store your ingredients.

Lighting It Up:

This Weber E 310 natural gas grill requires a liquid propane tank, which isn’t included with the grill. As mentioned earlier, it is a 38,000-BTU grill and uses an individual electronic ignition system, where each burner needs to be lit separately.

Despite the heat capacity, there are few chances of a flare-up, as the grill prevents foods from getting accidentally charred or burnt.

Performance:

The best thing about the Weber E 310 is that you have absolute control over the temperature of the grilling process. You can create the direct and indirect heat zones as you wish, and the Flavorizer bars add beautiful char and grill marks.

The food grilled gets browned evenly and cooked through without drying out. The best part, though? This grill gives your food the classic, smokey flavor you get from a charcoal grill. 

The bars help collect the flavorful drippings from the meat, which adds back more flavor and creates smoke for a more authentic grilling experience.

People also really like how easy the grill is to use. You can light each of the burners with the touch of a button. There is also an inbuilt thermometer, which prevents you from over or undercooking your food.

The grids also enable you to like more delicate foods like flakey seafood, prawns, and even fruit and veggies. Moreover, the control knobs are easy to manage, so you can change the settings with the flick of a wrist.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Another great thing about this grill is how low maintenance it is. The grease management system is top-notch; there is a system to guide the grease away from your food and into a drip pan that is easy to clean and remove.

The grill is easy to take apart and clean, so you will automatically figure out what to do. The unit also has a 5-year limited warranty to take care of any mishaps or accidents.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 41.9 x 32.5 x 24.3 inches
  • Weight: 179 pounds
  • Maximum Temperature: 550F
  • Warranty: 5 years

The Pros:

  • .Easy to set up, clean, and maintain.
  • Creates smokey, charred meat without any overcooking.
  • Precise temperature control and individual ignition button.
  • Lots of space for holding utensils and ingredients
  • Heavy-duty and durable construction will last for years without damage.
  • Suitable for beginners and newbie grill enthusiasts.

The Cons:

  • Very heavy, so portability may be an issue for some.
  • Takes a while to heat up to a searing temperature.

Buying the Weber Genesis E 310: What You Need to Know

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The first thing you need to realize is that it won’t work like a charcoal grill. It won’t give you the signature flavor of charcoal-grilled food, but it comes close. Here are a couple of things you need to consider beforehand to see if the grill is compatible with your needs:

Cast Iron Grill Grates:

Like other cast iron materials, you need to season the cast iron parts of the grill. Without this, your food will get stuck to the grill grates. You should also avoid scrubbing the grates with steel wool and abrasive products as this will remove the seasoning layer.

Set-Up:

While the setup is relatively easy, it is certainly time-consuming. The grill comes with a detailed instruction manual, but you need to pay attention to set it up correctly. For most people, the initial setup will take 2-3 hours.

Safety:

The grill follows general safety standards and can detect gas leaks. When the grill is lit incorrectly, the gas flow from the mains will be automatically reduced, to prevent explosions from a leak. Also, the catch pan is located at a safe distance from the burners so that you won’t hurt yourself.

Portability:

This grill is extremely heavy. While this is great in terms of sturdiness and durability, it also means that it is very hard to move or transport. You will need one or two more people to move this grill around. So, make sure you set it up in a place you’re happy with.

The large size also means that you need ample room to set it up in.  Make sure the patio, deck, or backyard you want is big enough to keep or store it properly.

Key Features:

These key features will sum everything you need to know about this grill before your purchase.

  • Cooking Area: 507 square inches
  • Warming Space: 130 inches
  • Burners: 3
  • BTU: 38000
  • Fuel: Natural gas and liquid propane

Using the Weber Genesis E-310 Natural Gas Grill

This grill works just like another gas grill, so it is reasonably straightforward to use. But in case you need to refresh your memory, this will help you out:

  1. Start with a clean grill and connect your gas line or propane tank.
  2. Once your fuel source is connected, light the grill. Keep the grill lid open and use the buttons to ignite the burners.
  3. Wait for your grill to heat up to the desired temperature before creating your direct and indirect cooking areas.
  4. And just like that, your grill is ready for your meat and fish!

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Weber Genesis E 310

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Cleaning your Weber after each use is the easiest to ensure it works properly for a long time. Here’s what you need to do:

  • Once the grill is cool, remove the cooking grates and clean them with a grill cleaner and soft cloth.
  • Clean the greased pan and remove the drippings.
  • If things are stuck to your grill grates, fire your grill to the hottest temperature and burn the debris off.
  • Wash and wipe the surface of the grill once it is cool.
  • Once or twice a year take your grill apart and give it a good deep clean.

Weber E-310 vs. Weber II E-310

The Weber Genesis II E-310 Grill is basically a smart and improved version of the E-310. If you want to know how these two models differ, keep reading:

  • The Weber II E-310 is a more expensive model, while the E-310 is a lot more affordable.
  • The Weber II E-310 is a smart grill and includes an app that allows you to use it remotely.
  • The Weber II E-310 is quite hard to use and control the heat, so it is best for experienced grillers.
  • It is also larger in cooking capacity when compared to the E-310.

Where Can I Find the Weber E-310?

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The good news is that you can find this grill in many online and physical stores. Besides Amazon, you will be able to find it in Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart, and other chain stores. You can also order it from the Weber site.

FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about Weber Genesis E-310.

01. How Long Will My Weber E-310 Last?

When cared for and used properly, your Weber grill will last for 10-15 years before it requires serious repairs or replacements.

02. Can I Use My Gas Grill as a Smoker?

If you want to use your Weber grill as a makeshift smoker, this article will show you the best way to do it.

03. What Do the Flavorizer Bars Do?

These bars add flavor to your food and give it that grilled flavor. They also direct the grease and drippings away from your grilled food, so that your patties and meat won’t be greasy or soggy.

To Wrap Up

Like other Weber Genesis E 310 reviews, this one has shown you how this grill works and what it can do for you. It provides ample space for cooking and keeping your grilled meat warm, as well as space to prepare your ingredients. It is affordable, easy to use, and gives food a lovely smoky grilled flavor. You simply cannot find a better, long-lasting one than this!

10 Best Yakitori Grill (2023 Review) Our Top Choices

It’s hard to find a yakitori grill on the market, but this is where we come in. To make it easier for you, we’ve rounded up the best yakitori grills we could find, plus a guide on how to make your own yakitori at home.

The Complete Guide to a Yakitori Grill: Our Top 10 Best Picks

Curious on what a yakitori grill is? We’ve got you. There’s nothing quite like eating Japanese food with your loved ones at home, and a yakitori grill is one way to make that happen!

What is a Yakitori Grill?

“Yakitori” literally translates to “grilled chicken.” In this case, “yaki” is “grill,” and “tori” is “chicken.” In itself, however, yakitori refers to bamboo-skewered bite-sized pieces of meat. Different parts of the chicken are used, from the chicken breasts, thighs, skin, liver, and other innards.

Aside from chicken, however, beef and pork are also used.

A yakitori grill, then, is what’s used to make yakitori. Traditional yakitori grills has a clay exterior, is rectangular, and is a few inches deep. As yakitori only uses bite-sized pieces, the grill itself is small, and uses charcoal as fuel.

What Makes a Yakitori Grill Different?

A Japanese yakitori grill is more compact and lightweight in comparison to other grills. As a result, your favorite yakitori meats are quick and easy to make!

Yakitori grills also make use of white charcoal, also known as binchotan charcoal. You may also known yakitori grills as binchotan grills because of this! Binchotan charcoal burns clean, and doesn’t add any flavor to the meats themselves.

The Top 10 Best Yakitori Grill on the Market

Are you ready to discover the best yakitori grills on the market? Make Japanese cuisine happen at the comfort of your own home with our top ten picks below:

01 Fire Sense Yakitori Grill

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Features:

  • Handmade with a clay exterior
  • Has adjustable vents
  • Charcoal grills are designed for tabletop use
  • Has a stand with handles included
  • With a 17″ x 10″ cooking surface area

Why You Should Get It:

This Fire Sense chrome cooking grill mixes the style of traditional yakitori grills with modern cooking design. The grill is handmade with a clay exterior, but the cooking grill itself is chrome. It has adjustable ventilation with internal charcoal grates, plus a handmade ceramic interior. Adjust the airflow anytime!

The charcoal grills are designed for tabletop use, so you can enjoy the tabletop yakitori grill experience with your family and loved ones! Though traditional yakitori is small, the 17″ x 10″ cooking surface area already allows you to put as much meat as you like on this large yakatori charcoal grill.

Innovative design meets premium quality with the Fire Sense Yakitori Grill. Don’t miss out on it — get it today!


02 IronMaster Cast-Iron Yakitori BBQ Grills

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Features:

  • Made with high-quality cast iron material
  • Has a non-stick effect, making grilling and cooking much easier
  • Portable yakitori grill allows grilling for up to five people
  • Can be used for indoor or outdoor grilling
  • Has 109 square inches of cooking area with the grill grate

Why You Should Get It:

Love a portable yakitori grill you can enjoy? We have the best pick for you. The IronMaster Cast-Iron Yakitori Grill boasts high-quality, cast-iron material. As a result, this yakitori grill allows the heat to adjust evenly throughout the grill grate, locking in the needed moisture and flavor of your meat.

You don’t have to worry about a thing, either — this yakatori grill is pre-seasoned with 100% vegetable oil. No chemical coating, paint, lead or cadmium are involved in its cooking surface! The non-stick effect also makes it much easier to grill and cook.

Have we also mentioned that it’s portable? As a portable grill, you can bring this lightweight barbecue grill anywhere at only 22 pounds. While lightweight and small, it still allows grilling for up to five people! You can use it for either indoor or outdoor grilling, too.

Add clean coals with the coal door and adjust airflow with the large-diameter vent. The two adjustable heights also allow you to customize your cooking experience! This is the best yakitori grill you can get with easy-to-assemble parts and exquisite workmanship. Buy it for yourself here.


03 ICECO Portable Folding Yakitori Grill

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Features:

  • Multipurpose – made to be a four-in-one charcoal grill
  • Made with rust-resistant, erosion-resistant, high-strength premium stainless steel
  • With double-sided ventilation and a gully-designed bottom that can easily achieve high heat
  • Foldable and portable – bring this yakitori grill anywhere!
  • Two-height adjustable — perfect as a standing grill or as a tabletop yakitori grill

Why You Should Get It:

If there’s any portable yakitori grill that fits everything you need, the ICECO Portable Folding Grill is definitely the one. First off, it’s made with multiple purposes in mind! As a four-in-one charcoal grill, you can use it as a smoker, pizza oven, and fire pit. There’s an innovative tray that can double as a grill lid any time.

While made to be portable and multi-purpose, it doesn’t skimp out on quality, either! It’s made with premium stainless steel, which is rust and erosion-resistant. No matter how you use this portable grill indoors or outdoors, you can be assured of safe and long-term use!

What’s more — you can do your grilling at two heights, too! The standing grill can easily be turned into a tabletop grill once you adjust its height. With a cooking area of 225 square inches, you can definitely grill all the food you like, from chicken breast to vegetables.


04 Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker

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Features:

  • Comes in a unique folding design
  • With a surface of 166 square inches – not extremely narrow, but not too wide, either!
  • Made with rust-proof, durable, food-grade stainless steel
  • Grill plates comes with side vents and sturdy, heat-resistant frame
  • Portable, slim, and compact, making it a travel-friendly grill

Why You Should Get It:

Need to grill on the go? The Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker is the one for you! It comes with foldable legs in a unique design — not only does it save space in storage, but it makes the grill itself portable, slim, and easy to travel with any time. Plus, it’s quite easy to set up!

While portable and slim, this grill still has a surface area of over 166 square inches, which is a good size for any great yakitori grill. You can definitely grill your meat and vegetables all at the same time!

Even with a lot of use, this grill will stand the test of time. The sturdy food-grade stainless steel is sturdy, won’t rust, and is even dishwasher-safe! Yup, you only have to pop it in the dishwasher to clean it up.

Worried about the charcoal needed in your grill? Worry no more. The Mueller Portable Charcoal Grill and Smoker features side vents with a sturdy, heat-resistant frame that gets your charcoal burning better. Achieve the flavor you need in no time!


05 Everdure Cube Charcoal Grill

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Features:

  • Portable and lightweight — the grills’ ideal size and weight for outdoor use
  • Complete with built-in heat protection
  • Designed with a portable, integrated storage tray, bamboo cutting board, and safety latches
  • Charcoal tray, fire box, and removable grill rack are easy to clean
  • No gas grill needed — only charcoal is enough!

Why You Should Get It:

The Everdure Cube Charcoal Grill boasts a unique design for all your grilling needs. As it comes in a cube, you wouldn’t expect all of its features, but they’re there nevertheless! It’s designed to have a portable, integrated storage tray, bamboo cutting board, and safety latches.

Not only can you start grilling on this charcoal grill — you can also store all your food, prepare your meet and vegetables, and make sure everything stays safe and properly stored all throughout!

Plus, it has a built-in protection shield, too. You can practically grill on any other surface you would want. It’s lightweight and portable, so you can bring it along just about anywhere and have delicious yakitori still!

With 115 square inches of grilling area, you have more than enough space for all your food. Grill your meat and vegetables side by side with no problem at all!


06 WILLBBQ Quality Portable Yakitori Grill

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Features:

  • Comes with a durable, burn-resistant and rust-proof carbon alloy plate
  • Carbon alloy plate is adjustable
  • Has high heat resistance
  • Has excellent ventilation to control airflow
  • Has an ash outlet for easy cleaning

Why You Should Get It:

Out of the best yakitori grills we’ve had so far, this one definitely takes a place in the top spot! If you’re looking for a large yakatori charcoal grill that will last you a long time, you don’t have to look any further. This durable, quality yakitori grill is the one for you.

It’s made of durable, burn-resistant and rust-proof carbon alloy plate, which is also adjustable for 8-10 centimeters. You can control temperature and airflow easily with its excellent ventilation, plus there’s an ash outlet for easy cleaning. The adjustable vents make it much easier for you. You can use it for cooking outdoors, too!

For the best results in your yakitori grilling, consider the WILLBBQ. You can make the best Japanese food happen with these grills in no time!


07 The Bincho Grill – Yakitori Table Top Grill

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Features:

  • Made with heavy gauge stainless steel
  • Has a thick aluminum insert for heat insulation, ash collection, and ease of cleaning
  • With two adjustable vents for airflow and heat
  • Has double walls for extra rigid construction
  • Has solid poplar handles and legs

Why You Should Get It:

The Bincho Grill is here for the best yakitori grilling on the world market! With The Bincho Grill, you’re guaranteed that everything is built to last. What more could you expect out of the heavy-gauge stainless steel material? Eat everything right off the skewer with no worries at all.

Plus, there’s also an aluminum insert for heat insulation, ash collection, and ease of cleaning! All you have to do is pull it out to wash. The perk? It will never rust. Clean the grill as you need to no matter what!

With two adjustable vents, you can have direct heat and temperature control going on at the same time. The double walls allow for extra rigid construction, and it also has solid polar handles and legs. The best yakitori grills were made to be sturdy, and this charcoal grill is no exception! Invest in The Bincho Grill today.


08 Homping Portable Charcoal Grill

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Features:

  • Made with iron
  • Reduces smoke by 90%
  • With battery-operated fan control
  • With easy-light ignition
  • Comes with a carrying case and a grill safety tool

Why You Should Get It:

Want something portable and can be used indoors? The Homping Portable Grill is the one for you! It retains heat quite well and is supported by an internal fan. The best part is that the stainless steel grates make it non-stick, so the sear is left on the meats.

Grilling is also made easy with the easy-light ignition and battery-operated fan control. And speaking of the fan — it practically reduces the smoke to nothing once in use. If you feel like grilling indoors or just don’t like smoke when you do start to grill, the Homping Portable Grill is the one for you.

Every removable part can go straight into the dishwasher, making this unit a breeze to clean. It also comes with a carrying case and grill safety tool, too! You only need a few briquettes to get this grill started as well. What are you waiting for? Get the Homping Yakitori Grill today!


09 Elite Gourmet Tabletop Electric Grill

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Features:

  • With a 14″ grilling surface for all the meats, fishes, and veggies you can think of
  • Circular heating makes it possible for you to heat things up evenly
  • Everything is detachable and dishwasher-safe
  • Has a convenient, adjustable thermostat
  • Comes with a domed glass lid and removable drip tray

Why You Should Get It:

Want an outdoor cookout in the comfort of your own home? The Elite Gourmet Electric Grill makes it possible! Make the best yakitori with its convenient circular heating — you can be guaranteed for each piece of food to achieve a well-done state. It helps to have indirect grilling as an option with this electric grill as well!

After you’re all done with your grilling, you don’t have to worry about clean-up! Everything is detachable and dishwasher-safe. When you’re cooking, you can adjust the temperature to your liking with the adjustable thermostat. Unlike with a gas grill, you don’t have to worry about spatters of grease with the domed glass lid.

Plus, there’s also a removable drip tray included for your convenience. You can disassemble everything easily.

Explore endless possibilities with the best yakitori grills — with the Elite Gourmet sitting on top of the list.


10 Fire Sense Black Notebook Yakitori Grill

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Features:

  • Stands at thirteen inches high
  • Portable and comes with a charcoal and grill rack
  • Sturdy with the high heat resistant steel
  • Slim, lightweight, and easy to store

Why You Should Get It:

Looking for the best portable, compact grill you can travel around with anywhere, anytime? Look no further. The Fire Sense Black Notebook Yakitori Grill answers all your needs! At thirteen inches high, it’s the perfect grill you can bring along to any occasion — unlike a conventional gas grill you have to fire up.

With Fire Sense, you’re sure that the materials are built to last. It’s sturdy, with high heat resistant steel, and is slim, lightweight, and easy to store. You can definitely make space for this Fire Sense unit in your pantry!

So, if portability is on your top priorities in selecting a yakitori grill, this one’s for you.

What to Look For in a Yakitori Grill

  1. Size

Yakitori grills are typically smaller than most, but when buying your very own grills, you want enough cooking area for all your food! When looking into a yakitori or bincho grill, try to estimate the size that you’ll be cooking for — and how much you’ll be cooking in the first place.

Most yakitori grills have the size of their cooking area stated in their features, so make sure you take a look before committing to anything.

  1. Price for Value

You don’t want to go for something cheap that breaks easily! Or worse, something expensive that breaks easily, too. You want something in the perfect middle: the price is just right and you know you paid for quality. To discern this, take a look at the material used. Which brings us to our next deciding factor…

  1. Material

Most yakitori grills, when traditionally made, are out of clay. However, conventional and modern yakitori grills you might find on the world market involve heavy gauge stainless steel, a ceramic interior, wire mesh, a wooden base, ceramic coating, and may even be chrome-plated.

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s sturdy and durable. You want something food-grade if you’re going for stainless steel, for example, and one that doesn’t rust or corrode in time. Ultimately, you want something that lasts!

  1. Tabletop Grill VS Foldable Grill

Yakitori grills are quite small, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice functionality! Many yakitori grills might come in tabletop form or with foldable legs. It’s up to you to choose which kind of yakitori grill you want for yourself.

As a middle-ground, you might want to look into height-adjustable yakitori grills. These yakitori grills can transform from your typical grill to a tabletop grill in no time! There are also those that have foldable legs and are already a tabletop grill in the first place. Look into these options and see which one is the best for you.

  1. Indoor VS Outdoor

You don’t want to accidentally bring an indoor grill for outdoor use! That’s why it’s best to invest in one or the other first. Think about where you’re going to do a Japanese-style party or where you would usually do your grilling in the first place. Would it be indoors or outdoors?

That one question will make you ponder and invest in the right product. Outdoor grills are made to stand general wear and tear that the weather and other elements may provide!

How to Use a Yakitori Grill

  1. Prepare Your Coals

Prepare coals just enough to cover the bottom of the grill of your choosing with the coals. Remember to use just enough to cover — any more and there will be excessive heat and flame.

  1. Lighting the Coals

We recommend using a chimney starter for this one! Light the end of the chimney starter and light your coals before spreading it on the bottom of the grill.

When grilling, use the vents to adjust the airflow and heat. Remember: more airflow generates more heat. So if you want a higher temperature, open the vents wider, and close it when you need to control the temperature more.

  1. Cooling Off

Use an extinguishing pot to cool off your coals. Don’t pour water onto your barbecue grill after yakitori grilling to cool it off — you actually risk breaking your grill, its charcoal grate, and everything in between!

Tips on Using a Yakitori Grill

  1. Use the Right Skewers

Yes, there’s such a thing as the “right” skewers when it comes to yakitori grilling! While you can use any regular skewer for yakitori, having the right ones can help while you’re grilling. These skewers are called teppo gushi, and are tapered to a flat end. As a result, it’s much easier to rotate the yakitori as you cook it.

And speaking of using the right skewers, make sure you soak your skewers before you grill! It helps them not burn too fast during the actual grilling process.

  1. Don’t Leave Too Much Space When You Grill

In other words, it’s best to crowd the skewer. If you leave too much space between the skewers when you grill, the chicken pieces will dry out! You want your chicken juicy and moist to the taste. Tighter spaces mean juicier chicken.

Another tip? Season as you cook, instead of seasoning when you begin — and only then! When you season as you cook your yakitori, you give more depth and flavor to your chicken pieces.

  1. Make Sure the Heat is Consistent

You don’t want to cook your yakitori over too high or low heat. No, a middle ground with medium heat is best! Temperature control is important — you want your yakitori to have an even doneness all around.

How to Make Yakitori

What You Need:

  • Bamboo skewers for grilling
  • Your chosen meat and vegetables
  • Soy sauce
  • Mirin
  • Sake
  • Sugar
  • Water and salt
  • Yuzu
  • Your charcoal grill and coals

Step #1: Soak the wOoden Skewers

Soak the wooden skewers before anything else first! When you soak them in water, you prevent them from burning too fast over the grills. It’ll make it easier for you.

Step #2: Cut Your Meats

If you’re using chicken thighs, make sure you cut them in 2×2 bite-sized pieces. The same goes for any other chicken part you may use — 1 1/2 inch pieces to 2×2 pieces typically work the best. The chicken skin, meanwhile, should be cut in long strips.

Clean vegetables first before skewering them as well. Make sure everything’s in bite-sized pieces before you start grilling!

Step #3: Make the Sauce

Tare is the popular yakitori sauce used when people eat yakitori. To make tare, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small pot over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil before letting it simmer for ten to fifteen minutes. You want it to reduce to a thick sauce!

Step #4: Heat the Coals

It’s best if you use a chimney starter for a Japanese yakitori grill. If you’re using binchotan charcoal instead of lump charcoal, you know that you’ve heated the coals properly once the coals are all covered in white ash. If you’re using lump charcoal, there’s no need to look for the white ash to happen! Arrange the coals in your grill after.

Step #5: Manage Your Grilling

Now you can start grilling! Ideally, you should never leave your food unattended while grilling. Even the best yakitori grill will have some hot spots, and you want your meat to be done evenly. Flip the skewers every now and then to secure doneness on both sides.

Step #6: Season Your Meat

Before taking them off the coals, make sure you season your meat with some salt as you flip them. It’s also a good idea to start basting them with tare at this point!

Step #7: Cool Off the Coals

Put your grilled yakitori in a separate container and start cooling off your coals. You can reuse the rest of the binchotan later. Now, congratulations is in order — you’ve made some yakitori!

Can I Use Other Chicken Parts for Yakitori?

Definitely! Yes, you can use other chicken parts for yakitori. You can use chicken breasts, tenders, skin, wings, tails, cartilage, hearts, livers, and even gizzards. We used chicken thighs for this recipe, but it’s completely up to you how you’d like to prepare and cook your yakitori!

Can I Use Other Meats for Yakitori?

Sure! Even Japanese-style restaurants offer a change in pace from time to time. You can go for pork, Korean BBQ, and even beef.

Where Can I Find Yakitori in Japan?

This famous skewered grilled chicken can usually be found at an izakaya, or Japanese-style pubs. Yakitori restaurants also exist! Yakitori is typically paired with beer — and a good time. If you’re looking to replicate the way Japanese people enjoy their yakitori, make sure you throw a barbecue party while you’re at it!

What Else Can I Season Yakitori With?

You can season yakitori with white pepper and salt, tare, or togarashi and lemon. We covered how to make tare above, but togarashi is quite different! It’s made of nori, sesame seeds, sansho, red chili pepper, and ground ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about yakitori grill?

Charcoal grills like the yakitori grill are typically flatter on the bottoms and sides. Unlike traditional North American grills, it’s a compact grill that aims to accommodate bincho-tan charcoal. There should be enough depth to stack at least two layers of coals, and the material itself should be made of diatomaceous earth.

What kind of charcoal do you use for yakitori?

For a yakitori grill, you typically use binchotan charcoal! It’s also known as white charcoal, and is an alternative to charcoal briquettes. It’s a type of charcoal that has a high, pure carbon content, to the point where its completely odorless. To best enjoy your yakitori, this is the best charcoal you can get!

How do you use a yakitori charcoal grill?

A yakitori charcoal grill is just like any other charcoal grill! Simply load up the coal before putting on the grates. Light the coals and start grilling your chicken – or other meat and food if you’re up to it.

The 15 Best Smoker Grill Combo for 2023

Looking for the best smoker grill combination? We’ve got a whole list for you. Find the best equipment for you to smoke, grill, and more in this article!

The Best Smoker Grill Combo for 2022: Top 15 Picks for the Best Smoker Grills

Love smoking and grilling food? You’re not alone. That’s why a whole new piece of equipment was invented: the smoker grill combo.

But to those new to this kind of smoking equipment, it can get a little overwhelming. How do you start using it, and where do you even get the best one?

That’s where we come in. Today, we’re going to help you out in choosing the best possible smoker grill combo. Are you ready? Let’s get started!

What Is a Smoker Grill Combo?

A smoker grill combo is a type of multi-purpose cooker than can grill, bake, sear, smoke, and roast. Not familiar with the term? Well, a griller may know it as barrel smokers, horizontal smokers, or pipe smokers.

Our Top 15 Picks for the Best Smoker Grill Combos

01 Kamado Joe Big Joe III Smoker Grill Combo – Best Overall

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Features:

  • Built with ceramic and heavy-duty galvanized steel
  • Is a rolling smoker grill cart with locking wheels
  • Has a multi-level, half-moon design
  • Has a Kontrol Tower Top Vent for air maintenance
  • Comes with an air lift hinge

What We Love About It:

Cook with versatility with the Kamado Joe Smoker Grill Combo. It has three tiers for you to divide and conquer the food you want to smoke, grill, or sear. Cook them at various temperatures, all at once. You can have more food ready in no time at all with the best smoker grill combo!

And yup, we promise the best flavor possible, too. The Sloroller insert allows you to have rolling smoke across your food, perfect for low and slow cooking. Every bit of flavor is enhanced!

The ceramic grates and heavy-duty galvanized steel makes sure this product lasts long in your hands, no matter what. You can roll it around your backyard with no worries, too — it has locking wheels for your convenience.

Worried about usability? Cast those worries aside! The air lift hinge on the dome of this combo grill reduces the weight of what you would assume to be a heavy lid. Lift the lid with ease as you cook.

Plus, you don’t have to fret about airflow maintenance. There’s a Kontrol Tower Top Vent for the best possible temperature control.

There’s a removable charcoal basket in this grill and smoker combination, too. Clean-up will be a sure breeze!


02 PIT BOSS Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill – Best Value

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Features:

  • Supports wood pellet fuel and propane gas
  • Has a wide temperature range, from 150 to 800 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Eight-in-one versatility that can grill, smoke, roast, bake, braise, barbecue, char, and sear
  • Has a wide cooking space for all your food
  • Inclusive of two meat probes

What We Love About It:

With more than 1200 square inches of cooking space, you’ll never get bored of the PIT BOSS Wood Pellet and Gas Combo Grill. It’s an innovative piece of equipment that’s handy to have in your backyard!

Aside from the side burner, you have an easy-access handle for this BBQ grill, and three independent burners for the gas. There’s a built-in spice rack, two shelves, and removable tray. The wheels lock for your convenience, plus a solid bottom shelf for storage.

Slow-cook as much as you like with the wide temperature control, or grill your food fast and hot. You have the temperature range of 150 degrees to 480 degrees Fahrenheit! You can spread out all the food you need on the amount of cooking space PIT BOSS gives.

Smoke and grill at your own pace — or bake, braise, barbecue, char, and sear instead. There are two meat probes included as well so you can ensure proper internal temperature!


03 Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 – Wood Pellet Grill – Best Budget

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Features:

  • Can accommodate 4 chickens, 5 rib racks, and 24 burgers
  • All-original wood pellet grill that ensures enhanced flavors
  • Comes with rugged all-terrain wheels for your backyard
  • With a Digital Pro Controller and Advanced Grilling Logic for guaranteed precision grilling
  • Boasts 6-in-1 versatility for cooking: it grills, smokes, bakes, roasts, braises, and barbecues everything to perfection

What We Love About It:

Looking for that good firewood-enhanced flavor in your food? Look no further than the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22, the wood pellet grill that meets all your needs.

It has enough space for about four whole chickens, five racks of ribs, and twenty-four burgers! You can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise, and barbecue as much as you need. It’s not just grilling that this wood pellet grill can do.

However, we know that a lot of people have temperature concerns. Cast those worries away with this pellet smoker grill combo! They offer reliable, consistent results with the Digital Pro Controller. Adjust the temperature the way you want with this pellet grill smoker, and let the smoke flavor enhance your meats.

The entire pellet grill and smoker is user-friendly, too! There are dual meat probes to check for the internal temperature, and it has rugged wheels to adjust to your backyard terrain. The temperature is also versatile for both slow cooking and fast grilling!

Get your very own pellet grill smoker today with Taeger Grills. You won’t regret it!


04 Dyna-Glo Signature Series Heavy-Duty Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo

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Features:

  • With five chrome-plated cooking grates
  • Has a total of 1382 square inches of cooking surface
  • Boasts a body made out of heavy-gauge steel
  • With cool-touch handles and spring lids for user-friendliness
  • With a stainless temperature gauge and oversized steel wheels

What We Love About It:

You can expand your culinary horizons with the Dyna-Glo Signature Series Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo. This charcoal grill will give you the best, classic smokehouse flavor! This multifunctional grill can handle all the meats you can handle, with five chrome-plated cooking grates.

While charcoal grilling coaxes out the best flavors in your chosen meats, you can smoke sausages with the pre-installed sausage hooks. Access your food safely with cool-touch handles and spring lids, too! The entire cooking experience is versatile and flexible for your convenience.

Aside from all these perks, clean-up is also a breeze. The removable offset charcoal grate and ash pan is easy to wash and put back. The analog temperature gauge has indicators for the best temperatures for grilling and smoking, too!


05 SUNLIFER Portable Charcoal BBQ Smoker Grill

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Features:

  • Space-saving compact and portable barbecue smoker and grill combo
  • Is multi-purpose and ideal for smoking, baking, braising, roasting, and searing
  • Comes with two barbecue grills for simultaneous grilling
  • With a water smoker and grill combo for moist, flavored meat
  • With two access panels to add wood pellets and wood chips

What We Love About It:

Need something you can transport anywhere, anytime? The SUNLIFER Portable Charcoal Grill fulfills just that. Its main perk is its’ space-saving, portable body that can easily fit in the trunk of your car!

However, don’t let its size fool you. You have a multi-purpose smoker and grill combo in your hands, with two barbecue grills that totals up to 453 square inches of cooking space. There’s an easy-to-use water smoker, too, with space for wood pellets and wood chips — for that enhanced smoky flavor we all love.

Plus, you can grill simultaneously, so this best smoker and grill combo doesn’t just save space, but time as well!

As a combination grill, the SUNLIFER is the one you want for your camping or picnic needs.


06 Masterbuilt Gravity Series Digital Charcoal Smoker Grill Combos

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Features:

  • Has fast heating with 700 degrees Fahrenheit reached in 14 minutes
  • With a flat-top griddle insert, cast-iron cooking grates, and two porcelain-coated cast-iron smoking racks
  • Comes with a DigitalFan to handle heat fluctuations
  • With a digital control panel that handles temperature and cooking time with a smart device control
  • Includes a built-in temperature gauge and meat probe thermometer for reliable, consistent results

What We Love About It:

If you want a charcoal grill that heats and cooks meat fast, this Masterbuilt Gravity Series Digital Charcoal Griddle is the one for you. It’s also our top pick if you want convenience in your hands!

In just eight minutes, you can reach up to 225 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you want your meat to come off the grill gates quick, this is your the grill smoker combo that you should choose.

The griddle insert, cooking grates, and porcelain-coated cast-iron smoking racks sums up to 800 inches of cooking space. You’ll be able to cook, smoke, grill, and sear all the meats you want! It maintains temperature well with the DigitalFan, so there’s little to no fluctuations for your cooking.

At the same time, the digital control panel is there for your smart device. Control how you cook with WiFi or Bluetooth! The temperature and cook time is completely up to you, too.

In addition to all of that, a built-in temperature gauge and meat probe is there for you to retain the moisture and flavor of the meat. It’s one of the most innovative and convenient charcoal smoker and grill combos out there, so make sure to get one of your own!


07 Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Smoker Grill Combo

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Features:

  • Automatically maintain your temperature with new WIFI and Bluetooth controls
  • Comes with four probe ports and four meat probes
  • Comes with temperatures ranging from 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Includes a dial for smoke control and Slide and Grill technology
  • With a patented ash cleaning system

What We Love About It:

This Camp Chef Pellet Smoker Grill Combo is one of the best picks for convenience right in your backyard. Smoke and grill in one place with its wood pellet grills – and automatically control everything with WiFi and Bluetooth controls!

Aside from the new, innovative technology it employs, this grill and smoker combo unit doesn’t shy away from accessories. It comes with four probe ports and four meat probes, just to ensure that your meat is the juiciest, most flavorful one out there.

With the Camp Chef Smoker Grill Combo, the temperature ranges from 160 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, but the Slide and Grill technology allows for direct flame cooking up to 650 degrees. There’s a dial for smoke control so the grill body is up to your customization, too!

Even with all these cooking innovations, there’s still more to this pellet grill smoker. There’s a patented ash cleaning system that makes clean-up easier for you, too. This combination grill is one of the best out there, so if a wood pellet smoker and grill combo is up your alley, this Camp Chef is the one to pick!


08 Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo

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Features:

  • With porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates, chrome-plated warming rack, and offset smoker
  • Up to 811 square inches of cooking surface
  • With an offset smoker that circulates smoke around easily
  • Includes a two-level heigh-adjustable charcoal pan
  • Comes with a lid-mounted thermometer gauge, side burner, and tables for extra storage space

What We Love About It:

The best grilled and smoked meats are possible through the Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo. Grill, smoke, barbecue, and sear steaks easily! Each part of this smoker combo unit has high-quality material. Porcelain-enameled steel wire cooking grates and chrome-plated warming racks are part of this grill and smoker combo!

With up to 811 square inches of cooking surface, you can simultaneously grill and smoke as much meat as you want. The offset smoker allows you to circulate smoke easily, with an air vent that stokes the fire to your liking. Plus, a side door is there for you to scoop in charcoal easily and remove ash during clean-up.

Looking for better heat control? Look no further. The adjustable pans on this grill and smoker combo is here to help you out. Monitor your cooking temperature as much as you want with the lid-mounted thermometer gauge.

This charcoal grill is the go-to for those looking to have enough space as well! It has a bottom shelf and front and side tables for all your accessories, spices, and grilling tools.


09 Lifetime Gas Grill and Wood Pellet and Smoker Combo

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Features:

  • One-stack design fusion fuel for gas grilling or using wood pellets
  • Has convenient and innovative temperature control and monitoring through WiFi and Bluetooth
  • Has temperatures ranging from 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Comes with three meat probes, storage box, pellet hopper, grilling racks, and tank holder
  • Has an easy grease and ash pull-out cleaning system

What We Love About It:

Looking for a compact, powerful gas grill smoker combo? This pellet and gas BBQ grill is one of the best you can get! It features a one-stack design for the fusion fuel it boasts. Use it for gas grilling or with wood pellets — it’s all up to you.

The customization you get is top-notch as well. You can conveniently monitor and and control you temperature through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. With the temperature ranging from 180 to 700 degrees Fahrenheit, you can either do slow-cooking or fast grilling with this grill and smoker combo.

Three meat probes allow you to have an accurate reading of internal temperature. You can store all your spices and seasonings with the storage box, too!

Clean up the best you can with the easy grease and ash pull-out cleaning system. The best smoker and grill combo has it all, and the Lifetime Gas Grill Smoker Combo fits the bill.


10 Wide Cooking Area: Cuisinart Vertical Propane Grill Smoker Combo

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Features:

  • Has a wide cooking area to accommodate everything from meats to vegetables
  • Has four dishwasher-safe, stainless steel cooking racks and porcelain-coated steel tray
  • With a built-in, easy-to-read thermometer
  • Includes an adjustable gas supply and smoke control
  • With a seal-tight twist lock door and handle for security

What We Love About It:

It’s time to get the Cuisinart Grill Smoker Combo! This vertical propane grill smoker combo is a compact but powerful unit for your backyard. Don’t be fooled by its compact size — it has a wide cooking area for everything you need grilled, from hot dogs to steaks.

You won’t have any problems in maintaining and regulating heat. There’s a built-in, easy-to-read thermometer for you to monitor and maintain the temperature to your needs, plus an adjustable gas supply for heating your grilling space the way you want it to.

With the smoker box, you have two doors and a rear vent to control the amount of heat and smoke. Close and open everything easily — you won’t have a problem with securing the doors with the seal-tight twist-lock door and handle.

Clean-up has never been easier with four dishwasher-safe steel cooking racks, either. No need for hand-washing on this one, unlike other smoker combos! Easily remove everything and pop them into the dishwasher.


11 Grills Wood: Z-Grills Pellet Grills with Auto Temperature Control

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Features:

  • An eight-in-one multipurpose best grill smoker combo
  • With PID technology for consistent temperature and results from the cooking chamber
  • Features 452 square inches of cooking area
  • Made with sturdy steel construction and high-temperature powder coating — making it built to last

What We Love About It:

The Z-Grills Wood Pellet Grill is the best smoker grill combo for small families or backyards without sacrificing power. It has eight purposes in one: with this grill and smoker, you can bake, roast, braise, sear, char-grill, barbecue, smoke, and grill all in one place!

Got a lot of meat? That should be no problem. The 572 square inches of cooking area is more than enough grilling space for everything you need to have cooked. Getting to grilling isn’t hard, either — this best smoker grill is easy to assemble and move around!

If you’re tired of getting inconsistent results with your meat, this is the best grill smoker combo to pick. It incorporates PID technology to keep you from the guesswork. Now, you can have accurate and consistent control over your temperature, and as a result, over your meat, too!

You can get accurate temperatures from 180 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, with a fire access door that allows direct flame to reach 750 degrees Fahrenheit. Z-Grills is convenient, too — you can get the wood fire flavor you crave while having the convenience of having a gas grill as well.

Another perk? Unlike other pellet grills, you know this unit is built to last. Just take a look at is heavy-duty steel construction!

The Z-Grills Wood Pellet Grill may be your go-to as the best possible BBQ grill and smoker on the market. Check it out today — you won’t regret it.


12 Big Bad Barrel Pit Drum 5-in-One Grill and Smoker

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Features:

  • Multi-functional and multi-purpose cooking chamber where you can grill and smoke meats simultaneously
  • Is portable and can be assembled and dismantled easily for easy storage and transport
  • Comes with six stainless steel hooks, three utensils, charcoal pit, grill grate, and grilling rack
  • Consistently uses up to 225 degrees Fahrenheit for smoking, with an adjustable vent
  • Made with durable materials, so you know this best smoker grill combo can last a while!

What We Love About It:

This pit barrel cooker stands out from the rest. With the size of the cooking area of the Big Bad Joe Pit Drum, you can grill just about everything.

But it’s not just grilling that we’ve got covered. This multi-function pit barrel can transform into a table, independent fire pit, barbecue pit and smoker box. It has the hooks you need to smoke anything you’d like!

With this two-piece pit barrel cooker, you can bring the party anywhere, anytime. It can easily be disassembled, assembled, and transported just about everywhere you’d like!

Another perk? This Big Bad Pit Barrel Cooker comes with all the accessories you could ever need from smoker combos. Enjoy cooking, grilling, and smoking with stainless steel hooks, utensils, and grilling racks, too.

You can smoke everything up to 225 degrees — just the right temperature that any pit barrel cooker has for smoking.


13 Captiva Designs 28-Inch Charcoal Grill and Smoker

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Features:

  • With an offset smoker box seamlessly attached to the unit
  • Made with thick metal iron
  • With acid-proof, temperature-resistant enamel material
  • Includes an adjustable chimney and air vent
  • With detachable front frame for convenient grilling and smoking

What We Love About It:

If versatility is your priority, you won’t go wrong with the Captiva Designs Charcoal Grill and Smoker. The cooking surface is 512 square inches all in all, allowing you to have the flexibility you need to smoke and grill all your meats.

It also comes with all the bonus perks you’d ever want in any grill and smoker. It has an adjustable chimney and air vent so you can adjust the flow of smoke at any moment. You’ll have your desired flavor after grilling!

The durability is also something to boast in this grill and smoker combo. Everything from the grill grate and charcoal pan to the grill cover is made of acid-proof, temperature-resistant enamel. It can withstand general wear and tear and so much more — you know it’ll be in your care for a long time!

Looking for user-friendliness? We’ve got that, too. The front frame is detachable for your convenience. Clean-up is also easier with the grill cover!


14 Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster, and Grill

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Features:

  • Multifunctional unit that allows you to smoke, roast and grill in one place
  • Comes with TRU-infrared technology that gives consistent, flavorful meat
  • Evenly cooks meat
  • Has a cooking surface of 180 square inches and 25 lbs of space for roasting
  • Includes a smoker box for added flavor

What We Love About It:

Need something you know you can rely on? It’s time to open up the grill grate of the Char-Broil The Big Easy TRU-Infrared Smoker, Roaster, and Grill. Reliability is the name of the game with its TRU-Infrared technology!

You can get the most consistent, flavorful meats with this unit. Cook as much as you like with a cooking surface of 180 square inches, and roast some meat with the 25 lbs of space. There’s an added smoker box for added flavor, too!

If you’re bored of the usual gas grill and need to change things up, this may be the smoker, grilling, and roaster for you.


15 PK Grills Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker Combo

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Features:

  • Comes in a unique capsule-shaped construction with four vents
  • Construction makes it easy to slow-cook or do fast grilling
  • Includes rust-proof, durable, and lightweight aluminum grills and side burner
  • Has a cooking surface of 300 square inches for all the meat you’ve got
  • Is portable and can fold down easily for easy transportation

What We Love About It:

If you need something portable without sacrificing any of the features that the best smoker grill combo can have, you won’t go wrong with the PK Grills Charcoal BBQ Grill and Smoker Combo.

Let’s talk about the portability first. You want something that can grill beyond your backyard — you’ve got it with this unit. You don’t have to go through the hassle of assembling and disassembling everything, either. The PK Grills smoker grill combo is foldable and easy to transport!

We know, we know; it can get worrying when something’s foldable. How do you know it’s even durable? But that worry doesn’t matter with the PK Grills unit. It boasts rust-proof, durable, and lightweight aluminum grills!

Plus, the unique capsule construction is also there with four vents. You can control the airflow and cooking temperature as you like! With over 300 square inches for its cooking surface, you can cook as much as you want.

Slow-cook or do your grilling hot and fast. Whatever the case, you can rely on this grill and smoker to do the job!


Types of Smoker Grill Combinations

There are so many smoker grill combos out there that it can get confusing. We prepared a short guide for you to distinguish them from one another:

#1 Kamados

Kamado grills are distinct with their egg-shaped form and ceramic material. Due to the ceramic walls, these grill and smoker combo can hold heat well. It helps keep moisture in the meat, resulting in a juicier, richer flavor.

While kamado grills result in incredible food, there is a learning curve required in operating kamados. You have to adjust the vents every now and then of the cooking chamber. If you want a higher temperature, you have to open the vents to let more oxygen in, and partially close it if you want lower temperature control.

#2 Pellet Smoker Grill Combos

A pellet grill functions based on its name: wood pellets. A wood grill uses wood pellets and a system of fans to grill, smoke, braise, and bake food. Simply add the pellets to the pellet hopper and let the magic happen as your smoke your food.

The result is enjoyable food imbued with deep flavors. There’s no risk of fire flare-ups, so there’s no risk of blackened or burnt food, either!

#3 Gravity-Fed Charcoal Grill Smoker Combo

This smoker grill combo is quite new to the game, but it doesn’t make it any less impressive. It can be filled with either charcoal or pellets, and operates just like your typical pellet grill.

#4 Drum Smoker Grill Combo

These are simple smoker grills made from oil drums, with adjustable grates. This grill smoker combo is convenient and gives you great food in the end!

#5 Traditional Style Charcoal Gas Grills and Smokers

These barrel-shaped gas grill smoker combo can use either gas or fuel. They’re perfect for high heat grilling, with a firebox offset smoker that can smoke the food the way you want.

Types of Fuel Smoker Grill Combos Use

#1 Charcoal

Charcoal is the most popular fuel for smoking and grilling, and we understand why. It produces little smoke, and requires little to no preparation before use. Plus, you can even reuse it after you’re done smoking and grilling your food!

However, it is one of the messiest fuels, and requires some clean-up.

#2 Wood Pellets

These are clean to use fuel sources with the best flavors possible. There’s not as much clean-up in comparison to charcoal, but there would still be some ash leftover.

#3 Wood Logs

Wood logs are a little harder to control, but they also give great flavor to your food. They have a clean, authentic taste.

#4 Gas

Gas is another common type of fuel for smoking and grilling. Temperature control is much easier, along with clean-up. There’s practically no mess to deal with! However, it imparts no flavor at all, so you’ll have to rely on good meat and good seasoning.

#5 Electric

Just like gas, electric fuel allows you to have better temperature control, and easier clean-up. However, it doesn’t impart any flavor either, so you’d have to settle for the taste!

What to Look For in a Smoker Grill Combo

#1 Wide Temperature Range

You want something that doesn’t just smoke and grill, but can also sear your food. Plus, you’ll want something that grill your food fast! You want something that can cook your food fully, while giving it some time for slow, low cooking.

#2 Material and Durability

With the constant high temperatures, you want something that can withstand it as much as possible. You want something that won’t break easily, so make sure that the material can withstand general wear and tear as well — especially if you plan on leaving your smoker grill combo outside.

Get something that doesn’t easily rust or corrode, like heavy gauge steel.

Look for a stable base and sturdy wheels as well. You want something that can stand on its own in the long-term, and wheels that are stable to move around outdoors.

#3 Ease of Clean-up

You want something that’s easy to clean and maintain — especially if you’re going to be smoking and grilling food a lot. The constant use will get to the unit, so you want something that has grease management systems and removable, washable ash pans.

Remember to keep your smoke grill combo clean no matter what to avoid the build-up of bacteria!

#4 Value for Price

We all want something good, but we also have to count in the fact that our wallets aren’t endless. You want something that has value for its price!

Think of something good for the long-term and suits your needs the most.

#5 Stability

Aside from a wide temperature range, you want to be able to control heat properly. Maintaining heat is vital to the juiciness and flavor of the meat you’ve got!

With some smoker grill combos, you have to open and close multiple vents or adjust shelves. In contrast, electric and gas ones would only require a dial or a push of a button or two.

However, you’ll have to sacrifice some flavor for the convenience of temperature control. Look for additional accessories, such as ash catchers and drip pans. Thermometers, thermostats, and anything that adjusts the airflow and temperature are also good buys.

Benefits of a Smoker Grill Combo

  1. Save Cooking Space in Your Kitchen

Running out of indoor cooking surfaces? Combo grills can be the answer. Aside from saving on cooking space in your kitchen, the best smoker grill combo units can also save space outdoors.

Instead of having two different appliances for smoking and grilling, a smoker grill combo allows you to have a grill and smoker in one place. It has more versatility, too!

  1. Have Healthier Food

Now, we’re not health nuts, but we all know constantly frying your food is not good for your health.

Grilled food has less fat, and the way of cooking preserves the nutrients in the food. It brings you and the rest of the family outdoors, too! Bond with them while having the healthiest food possible.

  1. Save Electricity

Unless you’re using an electric smoker grill combo, you save more electricity in the long run. You have flavorful food without adding to your electricity bill!

Why Choose a Smoker Grill Combo?

Honestly, just look at the benefits we stated above. We believe it’s convincing enough!

But the versatility is one benefit we can’t exaggerate.

Grill food on one side, and smoke some on the other. Yes, that’s possible with a smoker grill combo! You can sear your food after, too.

All in all, you have a safe, space-saving, and healthier way to cook your food. Why should you not go for it?

Downsides of a Smoker Grill Combo

If there’s any downside, it’s the lack of enough temperature control for many units. A lot of them require adjustments in the vents and grates. Or maybe they don’t have the temperature range necessary to brown and caramelize your meats.

Whatever the case, there are downsides to getting grill smoker combos. Think about this before getting your own unit!

Grilling Accessories You Can Buy

#1 Camp Chef BBQ Grill Sear Box

The Camp Chef BBQ Grill Sear Box is a perfect accessory for everything you want grilled and smoked. Get that smoky flavor you want with this sear box!

With the sear box cooking surface at 180 square inches, it’s easy to cook just about anything on the grill grates. The sear box itself is made of stainless steel, with enamel-coated cast iron grill grates, heat diffuser plates, and drip tray.

Get the Camp Chef BBQ Grill Sear Box for the best possible convenience while grilling!

#2 Shizzo Grill Basket Value Set

Do you want all the accessories you could ever need for your grill smoker combo? The Shizzo Grill Basket Value Set is here for you. It includes a grill basket, basting brush, grilling gloves, and even a portable case! Yup, you can take these accessories with you if you’re traveling with your grilling unit.

Get perfectly grilled vegetables, meats, and fishes with the grill basket. We can guarantee you an even grill! Aside from an even grill, the grill basket also features a long handle for your convenience. Plus, it also has a secure locking mechanism that allows you to safely flip your grilled food — no food waste will happen here!

The large and deep grilling tray allows you to have all the food you’d like in one space. Grill different kinds of food at the same time! It saves space and time for you easily.

Plus, it’s lightweight, durable, and easy-to-clean. It’s made with the highest quality of stainless steel that won’t just last you long, but it’s also light and easy to handle. You don’t have to go through any kind of hassle to handle this basket value set.

It’s rust-free, too. In addition, it’s also dishwasher-safe! You don’t have to go through the hassle of hand-washing everything — you can just pop it in the dishwasher after use.

#3 Weber Rapidfire Charcoal Chimney Starter

Need hot coals for cooking? The Weber Rapidfire Chimney Starter has you covered. It’s durable, ergonomic, and comes with a specialized cone-shaped grate. Fill it in, light it up, and pour the hot coals into your grill.

The two-handle design allows you to have more control as you pour the hot coals. You don’t have to worry about the hassle of getting your coals hot enough! There’s also a large heat shield that protects you from the high temperatures.

Plus, it has a compact design. If you have smaller grills, it’ll be accommodated easily!

You can grill faster with Weber today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best all-around grill and smoker?

Our top pick is a charcoal smoker: the Kamado Joe Big Joe III. Out of the list of the best smoker grill combos, this charcoal smoker ticked all of the boxes!

Can you still grill on a pellet smoker?

Yes, you can — if it’s a pellet smoker grill combo. A pellet grill and smoker can do a lot of functions at once!

What is the point of the best smoker grill combo?

The entire point of a smoker grill is to smoke and grill at the same time — letting the cooking process become more efficient and space-saving.

How to Clean a Pancake Griddle and Make It Shiny!

Pancakes are the best breakfast items in the world, and nothing will change my mind.

Think about it. They are soft and fluffy, and can be made as healthy or as indulgent as you want. 

There are sugarless banana pancakes you can load with fruit. You can make thick pancakes and smother them with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and maple syrup.

But to make perfect pancakes, you need a pancake griddle. And you must know how to clean a pancake griddle. These cooking tools make even-shaped, fluffy pancakes and allow you to make huge batches in one go.

They are also good for toasting sandwiches, frying eggs, making French toast, and even stir-frying (if you’re out of options).

So if you have a funky-looking pancake griddle, follow these steps to clean it right up.

What You Need to Clean Your Pancake Griddle Pan

Before we begin, you need to understand that there are two sorts of pancake griddles available. This is because stovetop pancake griddles and an electric pancake skillet function differently. 

A plug in pancake griddle should never be immersed in water or cleaned under running water.

With all that being said, these are the things you need to clean your pancake griddle.

  • Soft dishcloth/sponge
  • Paper towel
  • Mild dish detergent
  • Lukewarm water
  • Spatula
  • Heat resistant gloves

How to Clean a Pancake Griddle

how to clean a pancake griddle

These steps will show how to safely and effectively clean both electric and stovetop pancake griddle pans. Here’s what you need to do:

Step 1: Heat Things Up

Heat up your pancake griddle. Before we begin cleaning, you need a hot griddle as this will make it easier to get rid of grease and burnt bits of batter.

Step 2: Get Rid of the Debris

To get rid of burnt and hardened food scraps, use a flat-headed spatula to scrape off the debris while the griddle is hot. For better cleaning, scrape back and forth gently without scratching the surface. Then sweep all the crumbs out of the griddle.

Step 3: Start Washing the Griddle

While the pan is still hot, add a little water to the surface, and a few drops of dish soap. Bring the water on the griddle to a boil─ this will loosen up grease and bits of burnt batter stuck onto the surface. You can repeat this step as needed.

Step 4: Finish Up

To get rid of any remaining water and soapy residue, fold up a paper napkin and use it to soak up all the liquid in the griddle. Use your spatula to sweep the napkin around the pan. Keep doing this until the pan is dry with no soap or water.

Step 5: Drying Your Griddle

If your pancake griddle pan is still a little damp, you can use a kitchen towel (or more paper napkins) to wipe it dry. Or, you can just let it air dry.

For the last 2 steps, make sure your griddle is off the heat. If you have a non-stick pancake griddle, try not to use a metal spatula, and use a wooden spoon or silicone spatula instead.

Cleaning Tips for Your Pancake Griddle

electric pancake skillet

Want to prevent a buildup of grease and nastiness on your pancake griddle? These maintenance tips will show you how regular care can keep your flat pan for pancakes in better shape.

  • Wipe down your griddle after each use. A damp paper napkin is the best way to prevent grease from building up. 

    This is a great option for nonstick and ceramic pancake pan griddles, like the Oster pancake griddle. Remember to let your griddle cool down mostly first.
  • Scrape off burnt bits as soon as possible. Don’t let the bits of burnt pancakes and grease stick to your pan. Instead, use a scraper or spatula to remove debris while the pan is still hot after cooking.
  • If you have a stovetop griddle, you can also rinse it under a tap while still hot, which will loosen the caked-on residue. [This is not applicable for electric pancake griddles.]
  • If you have a cast iron griddle, season it frequently and wipe it down with a damp dish towel after every use.
  • Once your griddles have dried completely after cleaning, spritz an even layer of cooking spray to prevent bits of food from sticking to it.
  • When using your griddle to make things like hash browns or omelets, don’t cook things at very high temperatures, as this will encourage burning and build up.
  • To help cut through lots of greases and to remove caked-on food, you can also spray the griddle with white vinegar, before adding the soap and water.

Got More Questions?

Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about cleaning pancake griddles.

01. How Do I Get Rid of Burnt Food from My Pancake Griddle?

Dilute some vinegar with a little water. Heat up the griddle, add your vinegar, and allow it to boil for 10 minutes. 

Then add a tablespoon of baking soda, which will react with the vinegar and form bubbles, loosening the bits of burnt food and stains. Cream of Tartar will also work instead of baking soda.

02. How Should I Clean My Griddle for the First Time?

Before using your stovetop pancake griddle for the first time, wash it in hot, soapy water. This is the only time you should actively wash the griddle. Rinse off until there’s no soap or residue and dry completely with paper towels.

03. What is the Best Oil to Cook with on a Griddle?

Always use an oil with a high smoke point on your pancake griddle to prevent greasy buildup and burn marks. This includes vegetables, sunflower seed, and canola oil.

04. How Should I Prevent My Pancakes from Sticking to My Griddle?

  • Try to get a nonstick pancake griddle.
  • Use a paper towel to evenly grease the surface of the griddle with a little oil or clarified butter.
  • Use cooking spray to spritz a thin and even layer of grease that will act as a barrier between the cooking surface and pancake batter.

05. Can I Use Apple Cider Vinegar on My Pancake Griddle?

Apple cider vinegar gets rid of built-up grease and burned food just like white vinegar, but it has a stronger smell that may linger around in your griddle.

To Finish Off

Griddles are awesome because you can make a whole host of breakfast dishes on them besides pancakes. But just like any other super-useful kitchen tool, they tend to get dirty fast.

Knowing how to clean a pancake griddle will make sure you don’t have to go out and buy a new one every 6 months. So bust out your spatula, find yourself some dish soap and paper napkins, and get to work on your pancake griddle! 

You’ll be thanking me at breakfast.

More Related Informational Guides:

Why are Weber Grills So Expensive? Let’s Get to the Bottom

Whether it’s coal, gas, electric, or propane, Weber has ruled every type of grilling industry. When we think of a grill, we automatically think of Weber. They didn’t get such a high reputation for no reason!

A lot of us campaign about Weber’s high price range. Nowadays, we all are suckers for a good deal. We want the latest product within a lucrative price point. But quality and affordability do not go hand in hand. 

So why are Weber grills so expensive? Well, let’s figure it out together!

History of the Weber Grill

why are weber grills so expensive

Weber is probably the most well-known barbecue brand in the world. There are some pretty solid competitors but somehow the popularity of Weber is still at its peak!

Weber started their grilling industry with a simple yet practical product: the kettle grill. There isn’t a single person in America who doesn’t know about this classic charcoal grill. 

At that time, all grills had an open-top design that easily interfered with the cooking process. A simple breeze of wind could mess up the temperature and make the meat all ashy and dusty, or it could turn into a smoke hazard. 

Grilling wasn’t as fun as it is now. So in 1952, Weber created a closed lid grill design. The genius of this invention was, not only does the smoke not bother the cook, it actually coats all around the meat and adds an intense smokiness. 

Flavors like that were very hard to recreate at home. This simple design changes the whole grilling industry. Weber pushed the boundaries of food technologies at that time and hasn’t stopped since then. 

High-Quality Materials

When you spend a few hundred bucks on something, you want it to last for a long time and to serve you well. Most of the mass-produced grills use cheap materials that rust and bend within a few years. 

Weber grills are made using premium-grade stainless steel or porcelain-coated enamel. They also use cast iron for a lot of their models. 

All of these materials cost more to build but creates a durable, resistant, and rust proof surface. 

Weber makes sure to quality control each of their units by testing them thoroughly. Each model is tested to survive up to 15 years of use. 

Another great thing about weber grills is how you can use them all year round. They are versatile and great for winter BBQs too. 

Well-Engineered Design

The term backyard grill was popularised by Weber due to their convenient kettle grill model. Since the 50s, Weber has stayed as a constant for all barbecue lovers and enthusiasts. This is due to their practical and functional designs. 

While most modern grills are equipped with fancy features and lights, Weber takes more of a classic approach to their design. All of their grills are extremely functional and durable yet they don’t have a single unnecessary feature just for the sake of looking cool. 

Weber spends a lot on their research and development team. They are constantly bringing out new models with better air circulations, better heat distribution, and better exterior. 

Each upgrade is thoughtful and useful. Practicality is what people think when they think of Weber grills. No wonder they have been beating down competitors for decades.

Energy Efficiency

Weber uses cast iron grill grates which means it uses far less fuel than other types of grills. Cast iron is known to retain temperature for longer thus being very energy efficient. 

Each Weber grill is designed to be energy efficient so you don’t end up spending too much money. 

If you are someone who loves to grill once or twice a week, those small numbers add up. So it’s only logical to go for Weber grills over others. 

Innovative Products

Weber grills started with innovation as they created the world’s first kettle grill back in the 1950s. They have just gotten better and better at it since then. Weber is known as a pioneer in the grilling industry for its unique and user-friendly designs. 

Even now, Weber successfully brings out models after models of striking new features, all with a contemporary design in mind. Even though they have remained classic in the basic design structure, they don’t put themselves inside a box and lock it. 

Weber understands that with changing times, people need different things. And they are willing to provide it. 

For example, weber is providing an iGrill app-connected thermometer for your grills. This helps to know exactly what temperature your food is. So when you’re grilling a steak, there is no fear of accidentally cooking it too well-done. 

Warranties and Repair

When you are spending so much money, a warranty is something you need to have. Weber has a solid warranty system. They are so confident in their products that you get at least a 10-year long warranty on their grills. 

For some models, it can be more. But that’s not even a worry as most weber grills last for decades. 

Weber also makes repairing super easy. Their grill parts are readily available so you can repair your broken grill at many different service centers. 

You can also buy those parts and repair them yourself as they provide easy instructions too. As grills are an investment, you need to keep these things in mind. 

Are Weber Grills Worth it?

The long-lasting, high quality Weber grills are worth every penny.

When compared directly against other brands in similar quality and price ranges we find that they offer incredible value while still providing amazing grilling performance!

How Long do Weber Grills Last?

Weber grills are made to last for a long time. They use high-quality materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, porcelain-coated aluminum, etc to create a durable and resistant grilling surface. Weber grills are water-resistant so you can use them all year long. 

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Which Weber Grill is the Best for the Money?

People love Weber grills not only for their smart design and durable construction but also for the wide range of options they carry. There is something for everybody whether you are looking for a budget-friendly pick or a premium one. 

Judging by the design, materials, and durability, we think the Weber Q 1400 electric grill is the best overall choice. It has all the features people love about Weber but comes at a pretty reasonable price point. 

Weber Q 1400 is easy to transport and can be used anywhere with a power outlet. This compact and powerful electric grill has cast iron cooking grates which provide even heat distribution. This easy-to-use unit is perfect if you want to invest in something easy and efficient. 

02. Is Weber Worth the Money?

Weber grills are definitely not the most affordable thing in the market. The price doesn’t stop them from being super popular. 

That’s because most of us look for quality products instead of something that’s cheap. Weber grills might not fall into the category of affordable but they last you for decades. 

If you calculate it by cost peruse, we bet it’s cheaper than other poorly made girls. You will only need to purchase one grill in your life. So spending a few extra bucks definitely pays off in the end. 

03. Is Weber Better than Char Broil?

Both Weber and Char Broil are fantastic grill brands but they have different target audiences. If you are looking for something that’s going to last you a long time with an excellent grilling experience, there is nothing better than Weber. 

But if you are a bit short on the budget and still want a quality grill, Char Broil is the one to go to. Char Broil provides budget-friendly grills with modern features. They won’t last you for decades but as long as they last, the experience will be very satisfying. 

Of course, as it’s a budget-friendly option, you are not going to get a premium product. For premium grills, there really isn’t anything better than Weber. We recommend saving up and spending your cash on a classic Weber model.

04. How Long Do Weber Grills Last?

Weber grills are made to last for a long time. They use high-quality materials such as stainless steel, cast iron, porcelain-coated aluminum, etc to create a durable and resistant grilling surface. Weber grills are water-resistant so you can use them all year long. 

With proper care and maintenance, your Weber grill can last for 12-18 years and sometimes even more. 

Weber provides an excellent warranty of 15-year along with reliable customer service. So if you happen to face any issues, they will fix them for you. Weber parts are available everywhere which means, repairing is not a hassle. No wonder they are so popular!

05. Can I Leave My Weber Grill Outside?

Weber grills are made using solid premium quality materials. As most of the Weber grills are made out of stainless steel, you can leave them outside as long as there is a shed on top of it. 

These grills are built to survive any weather conditions. So if you live in a humid, rainy climate or somewhere with tons of snow, Weber will be able to withstand it. 

If you do not have a shed, just use a cover to place it over your grill. It will protect it from dirt, dust, and moisture. This way you can leave your grill without having to worry about it. 

Epilogue 

Driven by a passion for grilling the best BBQs for friends and family and to make everyone a backyard barbecue chef, Weber has been working to create revolutionary products for half a century now. 

It’s no surprise that Weber grills are more expensive than their competitors. They are not just giving you a grill, they are giving their customers reliability and assurance of quality. 

When you don’t know which grill to pick, you can blindly pick a Weber model and it will be far better than anything else on the market.

How to Connect Natural Gas Line to Grill

As the barbecue season approaches, a lot of us are buying new gas grills to have some fun family time. But how do you set it up?

If you have a propane grill and you’re planning to convert it to a natural gas one, chances are it’s very confusing and complex. We have found a simple way to connect natural gas lines to the grill. 

Not only are natural gas lines safer, but they are also more affordable in the long run. In this article, we will figure out how to connect natural gas line to grill

What You Need to Connect Natural Gas Line to Grill

Connecting your natural gas line to the grill is not a single-tool project. It requires a few different pieces of equipment. Here’s a quick list of what you will need:

  • Gas shutoff valves
  • Pipe-joint sealant
  • Galvanized steel straps
  • Drill and drill bits
  • Spray water bottle
  • Dish soap
  • Quick connect shoe fittings
  • Rust-proof spray paint
  • Piper wrench
  • Pressure gauge
  • Standard wrench 

If you have all those things already, we suggest doing it by yourself. Otherwise, it’s easier to just call a professional to install the gas line instead of DIY-ing it. 

You may also like: How to tell if propane grill regulator is bad

How to Connect Natural Gas Line to Grill

how to connect natural gas line to grill

Step 1: First thing you need to do is check whether your home natural gas system has adequate capacity to support a BBQ grill. Most home gas systems are good enough for it. 

Step 2: Bring out your pipe wrench and turn off the main valve at the gas meter. 

Step 3: Then tap into the existing gas line and run a new line out to the location of your gas grill.

Step 4: Each connection should have a pipe-joint compound. Then tighten them with your pipe wrench. 

Step 5: It’s time to use those galvanized steel pipe hangers. Suspend the new mine from the floor joists using those changes.

Step 6: Install a new shutoff valve into the gas line. 

Step 7: Drill a hole in the wall to continue the gas line from the basement to the outside. 

Step 8: Install a shutoff valve just outside the house. 

Step 9: You have to pressure test your new gas line to make sure there are no accidental leaks. 

Step 10: To do that, spray liquid soap water into the threaded connections and check for leaks. 

Step 11: Let it sit like this for 30-40 minutes then check the pressure gauge to make sure the pressure hasn’t dropped. If it doesn’t drop, there are no leaks in the gas line. 

Step 12: Install a quick-connect hose fitting at the end of the gas line. 

Step 13: Apply rust-resistant spray paint into the new piping. Use cardboards to shield the house around the gas line before painting. 

Step 14: Then connect a new flexible quick-connect gas hose to the end of the gas grill

Step 15: This step is optional but if it’s necessary you can install an adapter to convert the grill from propane to natural. 

Step 16: Snap the end of the gas hose onto the quick-connect fitting on the new line. 

Step 17: Turn on the main gas valve. 

And that’s it. You have connected your natural gas line to your barbecue grill!

Why Use Natural Gas instead of Propane?

As the popularity of natural gas grill is increasing every day, one might wonder what’s the reason behind it. Natural gas grills have a lot of advantages over other types of barbecue grills. 

Cost-Effective:

Natural gas is the more economical choice in the long run. Yes, they might cost more to set up, but when you start to use the grill, the fuel cost is much lesser than propane. 

Natural gas prices are by default cheaper than propane. If you are a homeowner, natural gas is the obvious choice for you. 

Even though propane is more energy-efficient, the cost of natural gas is much lower than per cubic foot of propane gas. So when you judge it from all sides, natural gas wins this round. 

Safety:

Natural gas grills do not need to be filled once every couple of weeks or months. As they are filed at a specific spot, they are much safer to have at home. 

Natural gas also dissipates more quickly than propane gas when released into the atmosphere. So they are less likely to cause a serious fire hazard. 

Propane tanks also need to be under a certain temperature. Otherwise, they might burst. All these things make propane a risky choice especially if you have kids running around. 

Convenience:

Natural gas grills are just more convenient in every way. You don’t need to move a bulky propane tank around to refill it every few weeks/months, it doesn’t require any specific guideline to store and it’s fixed at a spot. 

As natural gas grills are connected to your main gas line it acts exactly like your stove or oven. It’s always one click away from heating up. 

What Not to Do While Converting to Natural Gas Line/Gas Grill

If you re new to using a natural gas grill, there are some things you need to focus one, some things you should never do:

  • You should never go over budget with buying the gas grill. Keep in mind the installation will cost you a good amount of money too. 

    You might need additional parts to set up the grill in place. So whatever your budget is, buy something under that limit. 
  • If you are not very skilled or familiar with gas lines, do not try to install the grill by yourself. Natural gas grills are not the same as propane grills. 

    They need proper tools and skills to set up. Instead, hire someone to do the job. 
  • Contact your house contractor to know your gas line pressure level. You need it to set up the regulator. 
  • Don’t ignore the permit requirements while setting up your natural gas line. It might cost you a lot in the long run. 

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Can I Hook In My Own Natural Gas Grill?

You definitely can hook up your own natural gas grill if you have all the right tools for it. If you don’t have prior knowledge of plumbing or you are not familiar with the tools, we recommend hiring a professional to do the job. 

As it’s natural gas, a small accident can be very detrimental and no one should take a risk. 

A plumbing or heating contractor can easily install your gas grill. It’s always better to go natural as it saves a lot of money and energy in the long run. 

You won’t have to refill those bulky propane tanks. As you won’t have to move around the tank at all, it’s safer too. 

02. How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Natural Gas Grill?

Hooking up a natural gas grill is a task for a professional. Usually, it takes somewhere between $200-$400 depending on nowhere you live. They do all the things necessary from running the gas line to hooking it up with your gas grill. 

There are also high-end and low-end installations. It’s ideal to contact the people who do these tasks and negotiate a price depending on your needs. 

03. Can You Join a Propane Grill to a Natural Gas Line?

You can hook up a propane grill to your natural home gas line. Some grills come with a built-in adapter that provides a smooth transition from one fuel type to another. Others need an extra adapter for it. 

You should never hook your propane gas grill to your natural gas without converting it at first. Otherwise, it can turn into a fire hazard. To convert, you need certain tools and instruments. You can hire someone to do the task for you.

It is important to note that not all propane grills can convert to a natural line. Check the user manual of your grill or contact customer service to know whether your grill is compatible with switching. 

04. Do You Need a Regulator for Natural Gas Grill?

All-natural gas grills require a regulator to handle the pressure going into the grill. Natural gas grill requires a pressure rating of 4” WC. A regulator’s job is to make sure the pressure stays that way. 

As we run our natural gas line for many different home appliances like stove, oven, water heater, furnace, etc. the pressure always changes to fit the appliances. 

But for a gas grill, this pressure needs to remain steady. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a  good regulator. Consult your contractor to know more about it.

05. Are Natural Gas Grills Safe?

Natural gas grills are definitely safer than propane grills or charcoal grills. You need to move the propane tank around for a propane grill. When the tank is full, it can actually cause serious accidents in not being careful. 

You need to be careful about its heat and temperature too. There are so many stories of propane tank automatic combusting and then creating a fire hazard at home. So propane gas is not the safest thing out there. 

Charcoal grills are another risky option and arguably the trickiest to work with. If the grill gets knocked over, the hot coals can burn you and cause serious injury. Sudden air can cause small coal flakes to spread and cause a fire without you even realizing it. 

Many people are converting to natural gas grills for these reasons. They are fixed so you can not move them around which makes them much safer than any other options. 

06. Why are Natural Gas Grills So Expensive?

Natural gas grills are more expensive than other options but they are with the money. They are very convenient and easy to work with. 

The reason why natural gas grills are more expensive is that they come with long and fast connection fittings. These features cost more to make thus resulting in their higher price range. 

07. What is the Difference between Propane and Natural Gas Grills?

Both propane and natural gas grills are super popular and accessible to everyone. As charcoal grills are slowly exiting the market, propane and natural grills are dominating the industry. 

Both of these grill types are excellent but each comes with its advantages and disadvantages. 

Propane grills are more affordable and powerful. So you can use them at super high temperatures. They have more than twice the BTU of natural grills. 

Natural gas grills on the other hand are safer and more convenient for a busy household. If you have kids, you want something that is childproof. 

Propane tanks are known to cause fire hazards if not being very careful. They are also quite a pain to fill up. These bulky tanks are not easy to move around. 

Natural grills save a lot of energy and power. As it gets connected to your main gas line, you don’t have to worry about refilling every month. It’s cost-effective in the long run.  

08. Can My Weber Use Natural Gas?

This mainly depends on the model but most of the Weber grills can be easily converted to natural gas. Weber, however, does not permit gas conversions anymore. 

So make sure to contact customer service to know whether your specific model can be converted or not. 

Some of the models are not allowed conversion even though they can be done. You might lose your warranty by changing its fuel type. So make sure to know all the details. 

Verdict

And there you have it. Setting up your gas grill with the natural gas line is that simple. Hopefully, we were humble to answer everything you needed to know on how to connect natural gas lines to grill. 

Do you have any confusion? Feel free to ask us in the comments down below!

What is a Bavette Steak? And How to Cook It.

Known as the butcher’s cut, bavette is a very popular cut of meat that has lost its charm in recent years. Due to low-quality supermarket meat cuts, this wonderful steak is not something that can be found very easily. 

But if you can get a hold of this, or if there are some butcher shops around you, bavette steak is something you have to try! Filled with tons of flavor and depth, this meat is pretty cheap and versatile. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at bavette steak and all the confusion surrounding it. This French style cut is a great mid-week meal within a reasonable price. So let’s find out what a bavette steak really is!

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What is a Bavette Steak?

what is a bavette steak

So, what is a bavette steak? Bavette is simply the French term for flank steak. So if you are looking for bavette and can’t find it, chances are it was labeled as flank steak and you missed it!

This cut was popularised in France hence the name. Bavette steak is taken from the abdominal of cows, a part which is very well-exercised. Due to this, thick cuts are often tougher than other popular steaks. This is one reason why it’s comparatively cheaper. 

But if you know how to prepare your bavette steak properly, you will be amazed at how tender, juicy and meaty it can be. Most people do not like bavette steak because they do not know how to cook it. 

We have a solution for that!

How to Cook the Bavette Steak

With many experiments, we have found the best way to cook a bavette steak is to marinate it very well. You can try many different marinades for it. 

You will find many bavette steak recipes on the internet.  But today we are going to share one of our favorite ways to enjoy bavette steak as a mouth-watering meal.

Decide on the Recipe:

Depending on the recipe, the rest of the steps can vary a lot. If you decide to grill the whole steak, you will have to follow a different preparation method than if you were to stir fry it. 

The great thing about bavette steak is, you can try a lot of different recipes with it. It’s incredibly versatile and soaks in flavors. 

Marinade It Well!

Marinade It Well

Marination is a very crucial part if you want tender and juicy bavette steak. As bavette and other similar cuts of meat do not have a lot of fat, they can taste a bit dry and tough. Marinating helps to tenderize the muscle fibers so it cooks faster and tastes better. 

You can use many different types of marination and there are so many great bavette steak recipes! From classic BBQ style to some eastern twist, you can do anything. 

One of our favorite marinades for bavette steak is using soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, ginger, lemon juice, honey, and vinegar. Try it once and you will want this delicious dish every day. 

If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try playing with Indian garam masala and seasonings. They add a certain what and depth to this flavorful cut of meat. 

Time to Cook:

preparing flank steak

To cook your bavette steak you can follow a few different methods. Preparing flank steak is a crucial part before cooking. Firstly, you can toss it in the grill and it will be ready in a few minutes. 

This is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy a bavette steak. The high heat and smoke from the grill make it tender and easy to chew. 

But if you are cooking on your stove, grab your grill pan and add a few drops of sunflower oil to it. Sunflower oil is great for high heat cooking as it doesn’t burn very easily. 

When the pan gets super hot, put your bavette steak and let it do its thing for 3-4 minutes. You might see a lot of smoke coming out of the pan but that’s totally normal. As this piece of meat has a lot of liquid, it creates tons of smoke. 

Flip your steak and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Then let it rest for 5 minutes and it’s ready to enjoy! You really don’t need more time than this for a perfect medium-rare steak.  

How Do You Cut a Bavette Steak?

Bavette steak is not the most tender piece of meat out there. The artistry of it relies on the way it’s been cut. That’s why it’s ideal to purchase your bavette steaks from local butchers instead of supermarkets. 

Bavette steaks contain a lot of fibers which makes them quite tough to chew. The solution is to tenderize it. You can tenderize your bavette steak with the help of marinade. This is a pre-cooking method. 

When you are eating the steak, always cut it across the fiber and grain. This helps to cut through all those tough lean fibers which are essentially muscles. 

You will be able to clew very easily after that. The advantage of a bavette steak is that it’s extremely juicy. This is the key reason why people love this cut of meat so much.

Cooking Tips for Bavette Steak

Cooking Tips for Bavette Steak

Now that you know how to make the perfect bavette steak aka braised skirt steak, here are some tips that you can use to make many different dishes:

  • Use different marinades to add flavor to your dish. Bavette cuts are known to soak up flavors very well. 
  • Use lime and chili in the marinade to add a Mexican punch to the dish. This works very well for BBQs. 
  • Cook your bavette steak quickly and fast on very high heat. Otherwise, you lose a lot of moisture and they become very dry. 
  • Unlike other stakes, you should not use it directly out of the freezer. Let the meat come to room temperature before putting it on a hot pan. 
  • Rest your bavette steak on a piece of foil paper. This ensures even heat distribution. 
  • Always cut your bavette steak in the opposite direction of the muscles. This helps to chew easily. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

01. What Cut of Meat is a Bavette Steak?

Though it sounds quite fancy, bavette is just the french name for flank steak. Taken from the abdominal muscles of a cow, bavette steak is a great cut of meat for a wide range of dishes. 

Due to its loose texture, it does not get chewy or tough. The tender meat tastes flavorful and juicy in whichever way you prepare. 

02. What is Bavette Steak Good for?

You can make a wide range of dishes with bavette steak. We personally love to sear it on a cast iron pan. Grilling it on a charcoal or gas grill adds tons of depth to this meat. 

You can add different sauces or use sliced bavette steak for fajitas or shawarmas. It’s a very versatile cut of meat that can be celebrated in many different ways. 

03. Is Bavette Steak the Same as Skirt?

It’s very easy to get confused between bavette steak and skirt steak. They both look practically the same with long muscle fibers and rich dark color. They are different, but not the way you’d think.

Both bavette steak and braised skirt steak come from the same region, which is the lower abdomen of a cow. This part actually has quite a few different cuts of meat. 

They all basically taste the same. The difference is mainly in the way they are shaped and cut. 

The name also varies based on the region you live in. In the UK, this cut is known as hanger steak while in the US, they are known as the butcher’s cut. So onglet, skirt bavette or flank, whichever you decide to call it, is a very tender and delicious cut of beef that should be celebrated more.

04. What Can I Use Instead of Bavette Steak?

If you are preparing a dish that specifically asks for a bavette steak but you don’t have one available, swap it with a skirt steak. You can also use flat iron steak for it. 

All these steaks come from the same region of the cow, which is the lower abdomen area. This is why they all have the same texture and bite. This makes them all good alternatives to each other.

05. Why is Flank Steak So Expensive?

It’s quite the opposite actually. Flank steak is one of the cheapest cuts of meat available. 

It’s also called the butcher’s cut as most butchers used to keep this piece for themselves. Nowadays flank steaks have grown in popularity due to them being widely used for fajitas. 

06. How Long to Cook Skirt Steak in a Pan? 

Skirt steak does not require too much time to cook. So traditional steak cooking methods won’t work here. All you need is a super hot pan. 

Cook your steak for 3-4 minutes on each side until you get a nice caramelized layer. Then rest your skirt steak for 5 minutes to get a medium-rare doneness level.

07. Is Flank Steak the Same as Brisket?

Flank steak and brisket are not the same even though both come from the underside of a cow. Brisket is a part of the breast portion of the cow whereas flank steak is at the abdomen area. 

Brisket is all muscle so you need to cook it for a prolonged period of time. So it works really well in stews, chili, curry, and slow-cooked broth. It’s a great cut of meat for smoking and BBQs too. 

Flank steak on the other hand needs high heat cooking. You need to cook it fast otherwise the meat becomes too chewy and dry. 

08. Is Bavette Steak Chewy?

Bavette steak is a very well-exercised muscle so it’s definitely not as tender as ribeye or tenderloin. Bavette is quite chewy if you don’t cook it properly. It has a lower fat content so it’s not a great option for slow-cooked recipes. 

Bavette steak is best to be cooked on the grill on high flame. Adding marination before cooking ensures that the meat will stay juicy and tender.

09. What is Wagyu Bavette Steak?

Wagyu beef is a premium Japanese cow breed that has a high fat to meat ratio. Due to this wagyu beef is super soft and juicy. It’s so tender that it melts in your mouth. 

Wagyu bavette steak is basically a bavette cut from wagyu cows. It doesn’t taste anything like normal bavette steak. It’s more flavorful, and softer due to the marbling. 

To Conclude

Bavette is a very underappreciated cut of meat full of flavors and depth. Hopefully, with our easy guide, you will be curious to explore more recipes with it. 

It’s affordable and fast to cook, so perfect for when you’re meal-prepping under a budget! Well, even if you are not, who would say no to this delicious steak anyway?

More Related Article:

How to Test Auger Motor in Pellet Stove: Fixing Your Grill’s Auger Motor Made Easy

If you’ve never used a pellet stove before, getting used to it can take some time. After all, most of us are more used to gas grills. If there’s a pellet stove auger not working, you may need to check the motor to make sure it is in good shape. 

Sounds freaky? Trust us, it’s actually pretty straightforward!

This article will show you how to discover pellet stove auger motor problems by bench testing it. But before that, we will also go into how auger motors work, and the signs that they may be malfunctioning.

If you want to learn more about troubleshooting your pellet grill’s auger motor, keep reading to find out!

What are Auger Motors and How Do They Work?

pellet stove auger not working

The term auger motor describes a device that consists of an electric motor and a reduction gearbox. These components turn an auger shaft at a set speed to deliver fuel (aka the wood pellets) from the hopper to the firepot in a pellet grill or stove.

After analyzing the data delivered from various switches and sensors in the stove, the control board completes the electrical circuit to the auger motor. 

There are different types of auger motors used in the pellet grill. However, the two most popular auger motors in North America are the shaded pole and the synchronous varieties.

Shaded Pole Auger:

This kind of motor uses a standard C-frame electric motor, turning at a high speed, to rotate a set of gears that turn the auger at a constant, slower rate with a much higher force.

The torque of this auger motor can be tested with a pair of channel lock pliers to try and prevent the turning of the motor shaft. If you can stop the motor shaft from turning without much effort, the motor is weak and needs replacing. These kinds of auger motors generally have a torque output of between 16 to 20 feet/pound.

Synchronous Auger Motor:

A synchronous motor rotates at a rate directly proportional to the frequency of the AC input. They are much more efficient and quieter than standard C-frame motors. These motors are usually mounted on a smaller gearbox and put out between 5 and 10 feet/pound.

Signs That Your Pellet Grill Auger is Malfunctioning

If you have an auger on the pellet stove not working, you might notice some symptoms on your grill. There may be a few hiccups when you are grilling or cooking on it. Here’s what you need to look out for:

  • Low pressure on your auger, so that the pellets feed more slowly into the firepot.
  • Wildly stove fluctuating temperatures.
  • The auger stops feeding the firepot altogether.
  • The auger stops turning and seems stuck.
  • The auger motor gets really hot pretty quickly.
  • The Pellet stove auger stops feeding halfway during the grilling process.

How to Test an Auger Motor in a Pellet Grill

how to test auger motor in pellet stove

This part of the article will show you how to test the auger motor in your pellet stove. Whether you have a Traeger or any other kind of grill, this bench test will work for any kind of pellet stove. 

Whether you have a QuadraFire pellet stove auger not turning, or you’ve planned an American Harvest pellet stove troubleshooting session, this is a foolproof method!

What You Need:

  • Your pellet stoves auger motor
  • An adapter
  • A test wire
  • Power Source
  • Channel-lock pliers

Instructions:

  1. Start by making sure your grill or stove is completely cool. Unplug the wire and disassemble the grill/stove.
  2. Remove the auger motor from the appliance.
  3. Connect your auger motor to the test wire, using the adapter if needed. (Find out how to make a test wire here!)
  4. Make sure the surge protector is switched off. Connect the test wire to the surge protector.
  5. Turn the surge protector on. The motor should begin to rotate immediately.
  6. Next, use a pair of channel lock pliers to try and stop the output shaft from turning. If your motor is working as it should, you won’t be able to stop it, because it has enough torque to keep it turning.
  7. After you switch off the surge protector, you shouldn’t be able to turn the output shaft by hand, or with a pair of pliers. If you find that you can rotate it by hand, the motor has gone bad and needs to be replaced.

This video will help you understand how to test your auger motor more clearly.

How Else Your Auger Motor Might be Creating Trouble

A faulty auger motor doesn’t mean you have to throw out your motor or control board. Sometimes a faulty auger motor can point to trouble in the other components of your grill. This can include:

A Faulty Vacuum Switch:

Vacuum switches are generally in line with the power to the auger motor. The vacuum switch senses back pressure within the stove. 

As a result, if the chimney hasn’t been cleaned in a while, it fills up with debris and ash. This means that the airway will be blocked.

This will trigger the vacuum switch to turn on, shutting off the auger motor. In this case, cleaning out the chimney and ‘resetting’ the vacuum switch will get the auger motor of your pellet stove to start running again as usual.

A Broken Pressure Switch:

If the chimney is clear, but your motor still isn’t working, the vacuum switch may have broken due to lots of pressure, resulting from heavy usage. 

In this case, you can pull the wires off the vacuum switch, and connect them together again. This can be done with a paperclip, safety pin, or any other metal that connects the wires so they can conduct electricity.

After that, put the switch back, reassemble your stove and see if the auger is working as it should.

Malfunctioning Plugs or Sockets:

Sometimes the wiring of your stove can be shot. In some cases, your power socket may be faulty, so that the auger motor isn’t receiving any current. 

To find out if this is the problem, follow the steps mentioned above to bench test your auger motor by connecting the motor directly to your power source.

If your motor rotates when hooked up to the power, then your plug or grill cords are faulty. If it still doesn’t work, try another outlet or power source. 

If it works when hooked up to a different outlet, then your motor is fine. However, if not, then you need to get a new motor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find answers to questions people tend to have about testing the auger motor in pellet motors.

01. Why is My Traeger Auger Not Turning?

An auger motor can stop turning for a number of reasons. The auger can be blocked by debris or even external objects falling into the motor by mistake. 

The motor can also fail due to age or even overheating. Sometimes the auger will not work because the vacuum switch is broken.

02. Why Does My Pellet Stove Auger Keep Jamming?

An auger can be jammed because the vacuum switch is triggered to open due to excessive pressure, blocked airways, or any other reason. Sometimes the auger can be blocked by knives or utensils falling in by accident.

03. Why Has My Auger Stopped Feeding Pellets into the Stove?

Besides a faulty motor, the auger may have stopped feeding wood pellets because the hopper door is open or jammed for any reason. It may also be that the hopper doesn’t have enough pellets. If these aren’t the reasons, check the auger motor, chimney, and vacuum switch to make sure they are working properly.

04. How Can I Manually Light a Pellet Stove?

While this isn’t recommended, you can light your pellet stove by yourself. After filling the hopper with pellets, open the fire pot and add an accelerant to the pellets in it. Light the pellets with a long-reach butane lighter.

Then wait for the fire to reach the other pellets and start burning before adding more fuel to your stove or grill. The fire is hot enough once the pellets turn red and start glowing.

05. Can I Reset My Pellet Stove?

If your pellet stove has a reset button, you can use that to restart the stove and see if the auger motor functions normally. If not, you can reset the stove by letting it burn out all the pellets in the hopper. Once all the pellets are burned through, the stove will go out and you can add more and restart it.

To Finish Off

It can be annoying and nerve-racking when your pellet stove or grill starts malfunctioning out of the blue. There’s nothing worse than planning a lovely cookout, only to have your auger motor act all weird at the last possible minute. 

Instead of freaking out and asking your guests ‘How do you test an auger motor?’, follow this guide instead!

Knowing how to test an auger motor in a pellet stove or grills will help you keep a cool head and methodically figure out what is wrong with it. This in turn will make it easier for you to find a solution and get your stove working as usual in no time at all!

How to Start a Traeger Grill: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Bought a brand new Traeger grill, but don’t know how to fire it up? If you are new to grilling or are more used to gas or charcoal or traditional wood burning grills, switching to a Traeger can be a little nerve-wracking. But while you might find starting a Traeger pellet grill difficult, these appliances are among the best out there.

Besides using a Traeger grill for preparing burger patties, cooking juicy ribs, and grilling steaks, you can also use them to smoke sausages, cheese, and even herbs and spices. But before getting that far, you need to know the 101 on Traeger startup and assembly.

In case you’ve never used this kind of grill before, let this article be your Traeger grill manual. We will show you how to start a Traeger pellet grill, use it the right way, and take care of it for the long haul. Since there’s a lot of ground to cover, let’s get started!

You may also like: What is Medium Heat on a Grill: Cracking the Temperature Code of Your BBQ

What is a Traeger Grill?

how to start a traeger grill

Let’s start with the introductions. The Traeger is a wood pellet grill. 

To use it, pellets are drawn from a side-mounted hopper to a central burn chamber using an auger, then lit by a hot metal rod. This mechanism runs on electricity, so you need to plug it in before use.

Top 3 Benefits of a Traeger Grill

There are several benefits of using a Traeger pellet grill. 

Top 3 Benefits of a Traeger Grill
  1. Smokey flavor

The use of wood pellets to produce heat/smoke has the benefit of infusing your meat or veggies with an exquisite smokey flavor. This flavor can be altered depending on the kind of pellets you use (check out any Traeger pellets guide!).

  1. Temperature control

It also provides precise, digital temperature control as the regulator is integrated with meat thermometers. This means that you can set the desired temperature easily by choosing a setting on the dial. At the same time, Traeger pellet grill assembly instructions are easy to follow.

  1. User-friendly

Traeger grills are much simpler to use when compared to old-fashioned charcoal grills. You can control the desired cooking temperature and smoke plus, the different flavored Traeger wood pellets are easy to use to lend different smokey flavors to your food. 

These benefits make a Traeger pellet grill a great choice for grill novices!

How to Start a Traeger Grill

starting traeger

There are two main ways to start a Traeger wood pellet grill, depending on the model you are using. A Traeger not igniting can be fixed by following these steps.

For Closed-Lid Models:

This may be the simplest way to set up your grill. Check your grill model number to see if this model applies to your Traeger pellet grill.

  1. When you are ready to grill or smoke, just set your Traeger pellet grill to the desired temperature, using the knob on the control panel.
  2. Preheat the wood pellet grill for 15 minutes with the lid closed to bring it up to temperature.
  3. Then open your grill lid and add food, as the unit is ready for use!

For Open-Lid Models:

  1. To start, assemble the grill according to the make and grill model, as instructed by the manufacturer in the manual. If you are igniting your grill for the first time, take out the grill grates, grease drain pan, and heat baffle. This will make any Traeger grill troubleshooting and other start-up issues easy to deal with.
  1. Start by plugging your grill into an electrical socket or outlet. This is because the internal fan, thermostat, and igniter are all powered by electricity.
  2. Add the wood pellets to your grill’s hopper. This is the large metal box attached to the main body of the grill. If your Traeger ran out of pellets while cooking, you can add more from the hopper.
  3. Then, preheat your grill. To do this, open the grill’s lid and switch it on. This can be done by toggling the power switch found on your unit’s control panel to the On setting.
  4. Then, look for the Traeger smoke setting. There is a small temperature dial on the grill’s control panel. For instance, the Traeger Pro 780 smoke setting.
    Turn the knob on the dial to the Smoke setting. If your grill doesn’t have this option, set the Traeger smoke setting temp to between 160°F (71°C) and 200°F (93°C).
  5. Let the grill come up to temperature by letting it sit for around 5 minutes.
  6. Once the grill starts making a lot of noise, it is a sign that it has reached the target temperature. At this point, shut the lid until you are ready to start adding food to preserve heat and smoke.
  7. You can also increase the temperature at this stage, before adding meat if you want to sear your food.
  8. Don’t forget to hang a grease bucket by the side of the grill to collect all the grease from grilling or smoking. 
  9. If your Traeger won’t turn on, check the auger, fan, or hotrod for malfunctioning. If any debris or dust is clogging up these components, your grill won’t be able to start properly.

Using a Traeger Pellet Smoker:

These steps will help you make sure that smoking on your Traeger grill is a success every time.

  1. Start by plugging in your Traeger and selecting the smoke setting. Or set the temperature dial to 190°F (90°C).
  2. Make sure the auger is spinning. The auger feeds the pellets from the pellet hopper into the burner.
  3. Ensure that air is blowing out of the burner and that it is heated through.
  4. You should be able to feel the air blowing out of the pellet smoker with your hand. The fire pot will smoke a little, and then begin to glow red as it heats up.
  5. Replace the baffle, grease pan, and grill trays into the smoker, and then pour the pellets into the pellet hopper.
  6. Shut the lid, and then set the smoker temperature to high.
  7.  Allow it to smoke on high, with the lid closed, for 45 minutes if using it for the first time to season the smoker.
  8. If you have a Traeger not smoking, the temperature might be too high, or the pellets not hard enough.
  9. Then add your meat to the grill body, lowering the temperature to your desired heat. For the best results, follow the Traeger meat temperature probe instructions as this will give you even better temperature control.
  10. Check if the grease bucket is there to catch the grease from all the cooking. 

If you want to smoke food perfectly, use a pellet smoker tube to convert your grill into a Traeger electric smoker to better infuse the smoke into the meat or cheese.

Just cram it full of pellets, light one end with a blowtorch or lighter, and set it on the grate in your Traeger. It will then burn for around 4 hours. Yup, smoking with a Traeger is really that easy.

How to Turn Off a Traeger Grill

After you’re smoking or grilling your food on the Traeger grill, follow the steps below to turn it off properly. 

1. Turn the dial to the Shut Down Cycle setting on the grill. This step helps to stop the auger and speed up the fan and increase the hot rod temperature so that the leftover pellets are burned up. 

This is important so that the pellets don’t continue to smolder. Moreover, once you’ve used these wood pellets, they can’t be reused. So, it’s better to burn them up. 

The Shut Down Cycle setting on the Traeger grill makes sure that the next time you’re about to use it, you don’t come across a fire pot full of unusable pellets. 

2. Keep the power switch on otherwise, it won’t work. 

3. After about ten minutes, the fan will turn off automatically. Now, unplug the Traeger pellet grill after moving the dial to Off. 

4. Wait until the grill grates have cooled down completely. Then, empty the wood pellet auger and the hopper. Put these pellets away in a resealable bag or bucket. 

Pro Tip: Don’t be tempted to leave the pellets in the hopper as they will absorb moisture and won’t be ignitable. Plus, they could lead to mold formation in the hopper, adding an unnecessary chore for you. 

How to Clean a Traeger Pellet Grill

Keeping your Traeger clean is the best way to make sure it keeps working properly for a very long time. It also prevents your food from tasting odd and also stops unexpected charring and even fires.

  1. Start with a cold or slightly warm grill. Take the grates apart and separate the other internal components.
  2. Use a strong degreasing grill cleaner to get rid of remnants of food, debris, and grease from the cooking grates. Don’t use a wire brush as this can scratch the enamel.
  3. Once the grill is cold, remove the drip tray, porcelain grates, and heat baffle. After 3-5 grilling sessions, use a vacuum attachment to remove excess ash from the firepot, and then replace the drip pan and other parts.
  4. Take out the grease pan and use something like a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape the congealed grease from the bucket. Clean the drip pan the same way. Then, clean the remaining oil with paper towels.
  5. Every couple of months, clean the smokestack and get rid of any debris stuck there.
  6. Do not use liquid cleaners on the inside of your grill. Either use a vacuum attachment to get rid of charred bits and ash, or use a cloth to wipe down the inside.
  7. Spray a mild degreaser on the outside of the grill and allow it to soak through, before wiping it away with a cloth.
  8. Reassemble the grill as specified by the manufacturer.

Maintenance Tips for Your Traeger

How to Start a Traeger Grill: A Complete Beginner's Guide 26

Besides cleaning your grill after each use, and spring cleaning it every grilling season, you also need to focus on maintaining it. This will prevent serious issues from taking over your Traeger and even slow down rusting, corrosion, and exposure.

  1. Invest in a grill cover, and use it to cover the Traeger whenever it isn’t in use.
  2. Keep your grill grates clean by removing grease and debris after each use. Once in a while, fire up the grill and keep it going on high for 10 to 15 minutes, burning out any bits of food and debris. Once it has cooled down again, vacuum the ash out from the grill.
  3. Store your grill in a cool and dry place during the winter. Make sure it isn’t kept in humid or damp conditions.
  4. Use a grill mat to minimize mess and simplify cleanup.
  5. Periodically get rid of old aluminum foil lining the drip trays and other components.
  6. To keep your grill grates looking new and shiny, wipe down the exterior of your grill after each cooking session.
  7. Make sure the wiring isn’t frayed and that the plug has all the screws attached. Replace worn-out wiring as soon as possible.
  8. Avoid using bleach, steel wool, wire brushes, and other harsh and abrasive materials when cleaning your Traeger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below you’ll find answers to questions we get asked the most about starting and using a Traeger grill properly.

01. How Does a Traeger Grill Work?

Traeger units are pellet grills, which means they work by burning wood pellets that are lit by a HotRod. The wood pellets are placed in the hopper and are then moved to the fire pot by an auger. The entire unit needs to be connected to an electrical outlet for it to work.

02. Why Doesn’t My Traeger Turn On? 

If your Traeger doesn’t start, it may be due to a blown fuse, a faulty plug or socket, or even because the firepot doesn’t have enough wood pellets. Follow the troubleshooting methods in the instruction manual to identify why your grill won’t light up.

03. How Long Does It Take to Warm Up a Traeger Grill?

After turning on the grill and setting it to the desired temperature, it should take your grill 10-15 minutes to get it to warm up completely.

04. How Does a Traeger Ignite?

When the Traeger is switched on, a HotRod ignites the wood pellets, causing them to smolder and produce heat and smoke.

05. How Do I Get My Traeger To Produce More Smoke?

Using lots of dry wood pellets and grilling at a slightly lower temperature is the best way to build up more smoke in your Traeger pellet grills.

06. Is There a Fuse on a Traeger Grill?

Like most electrical devices, Traeger grills have a fuse added for safety. This fuse can be found on the back of the grill’s controller board.

07. Can I Use My Traeger Grill in the Rain?

Yes, contrary to popular belief, you can use this grill in the rain. Just make sure your pellets don’t get dampened in the rain and that your food doesn’t end up soaked.

08. Do I Have to Season Traeger Pellet Grills?

Before using your grill for the first time, you need to season your grill. This involves burning off the empty grill at high temperatures to get rid of any chemicals, cleaners, debris, and other residues on the inside of the grill.

09. Can I Leave My Traeger Outside in the Winter? 

While you can use your Traeger in winter, you shouldn’t leave it outside, as moisture can get into the pellet hopper and this can cause your grill to malfunction.

Conclusion

A Traeger is a unique sort of grill, as it combines the efficiency of an electric grill with the flavor and smokiness of an old-fashioned charcoal grill. Whether you use hickory, maple, or applewood, you can be sure that your food will have a fantastic smoked-out flavor with Traeger brand pellets.

The first step to getting all this done is knowing how to start a Traeger grill. Once you get that out of the way, you can take your grilling to the next level with this amazing unit!

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How to Start a Traeger Grill Like a Pro

How to Clean Rusty Grill Grates: Keeping It Clean and Rust-Free

Has this ever happened to you?

It’s the beginning of summer and you want to bust out the gas grill for an idyllic BBQ. But on closer inspection, you notice that your grill grates are covered in rust. Turns out, you didn’t store them properly throughout winter.

You might think that the only solution is to trash them and buy new grates. After all, rusty surfaces aren’t appealing to cook on, and rust can cause serious problems if accidentally consumed.

But the good news is that you can transform your rusty grill grates into sparkling clean, brand-new looking ones with just a bit of patience and legwork. The best part? Most of the things you need can be found in your pantry, and cost pennies!

If you want to learn how to clean rusty grill grates, this article has all the details you need to know. So let’s get you started on the path to clean and rust-free grill grates.

How to Remove Rust from Grill Grates

how to clean rusty grill grates

To remove rust from grill grates and other parts of your grill, you need something that cuts through the rust and breaks it down. While you can choose professional rust busters for your grill, using more natural products is seen as safer, as they lack overly strong chemicals.

Removing Rust with Salt and Vinegar:

You may have seen people clean old jewelry by soaking them overnight in acidic solutions like white vinegar and Coke. The idea to remove rust with vinegar is simple as the acid in vinegar dissolves the rust. Salt speeds up the process and helps break down rust.

Combine two cups of vinegar with one cup of salt in a bowl. Put your rusty grill grates in a big heavy-duty garbage bag. Pour the vinegar-salt mixture into the bag and tie it shut. 

Lay the bag flat and let the grill soak in the mix overnight. Then, wipe the rust off with a cloth. The salt acts as a mild abrasive that scrapes off the rust.

Removing Rust with Baking Soda and Vinegar:

Like salt, baking soda can also be used as an abrasive. Add enough vinegar to the baking soda to form a sort of loose paste. 

Then, apply the paste to the areas covered in rust. Let the baking soda and vinegar do their thing for 30-40 minutes. After that, rinse off the paste with warm water and wipe down the grates with a dry cloth.

Removing Rust with Lemon Juice:

Mixing lemon juice with detergent powder is also a good way to clean rust from your grill. Combine the two until a kind of soapy paste is formed and apply it to the grill grates. Leave the grate overnight and then rinse to remove the paste.

Removing Rust with the Wire Brush Method:

If you don’t mind a little elbow grease, using a wire brush is a good way to get rid of rust on your grill grate. Take the grate off your barbecue and set it flat on the ground on a concrete patio or driveway.

Use a stiff wire brush to brush the rust off. Start with one side of the grill grate and then turn it over and brush the rust away from the other side. 

Prop the grate on its side and then brush between each of the metal rungs. When you’re done, wipe the extra residual rust off the grill with a rag.

Removing Rust with Store-Bought Rust Removers:

If you want something that works quickly and effectively, go for a commercial rust remover. These usually work well but contain toxic chemicals that need to be rinsed thoroughly afterward.

It is important to choose a commercial rust remover that is meant for cleaning grill grates. A safe rust remover can be used on cooking tools without damaging surfaces and won’t contain harsh acids or solvents.

Removing Rust with Vegetable Oil:

This is a good way to remove tiny bits of rust that can be removed quickly. Brushing on some oil to these areas and letting it rest will get rid of the rust. This can be combined with a wire brush to spot treat rust.

Removing Rust with Sandpaper:

Sounds pretty shocking, right? While unconventional, the method definitely works. Wrap a sheet of sandpaper around the rung of the rusty grill grate, rub the sandpaper along the length of the grate. 

While this will remove the rust effectively, it can also scratch the surface of the grate, so keep track of how much you are sanding off.

Removing Rust from Grill Grates Quickly

Removing Rust from Grill Grates

The important thing about removing rust, regardless of the method used, is to give the grates time. The cleaning material needs to reach all parts of the grates, and get to work dissolving the rust.

However, if you don’t have time, you can apply the vinegar/salt or vinegar/baking soda (or any other solution) to the grates and place it back in the grill. The turn on your grill. The mixture will start bubbling. This bubbling will dissolve the rust much more quickly.

It also gives your grates a more thorough cleaning. If you don’t want to wait 12 hours to let the rust break down, this is a good alternative. However, make sure you are wearing heat-resistant gloves when handling the hot grate.

Maintenance Tips for Your Grill Grates

Preventing rust from taking over your grill grates is much easier than getting rid of rust once it has set in. These tips will keep your grates working well and keep them in good shape for years to come.

  • When not in use, protect your grill and grates with a grill cover to prevent moisture from seeping in and starting the process of rusting.
  • Use a good grill cleaner to lean your cooking grates after each use. Moisture from food left on a grill can speed up the formation of rust.
  • Try to use porcelain-coated grill grates, as they are less likely to get rusty.
  • After cleaning and drying your grill grates, brush a tiny bit of oil on the grates. This forms a barrier between the surface and the moisture in the environment around it, preventing it from rusting.
  • Before putting away your grill for the winter, inspect it carefully and clean it. This will allow you to treat any rust starting out, instead of allowing it to fester and grow throughout the winter months.
  • In winter, periodically take out your grates and other grill parts and then check them for rust. This will also allow you to treat minor spots of rust quickly, instead of dealing with a grate that is mostly covered with rust and needs a whole day to clean.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions about eliminating rust from your grill grates? You might find the answer here.

01. Can I Pressure Wash My Grill Grates?  

Gas or electric power washers can be used to pressure wash grills and get rid of caked-on grime and debris. It can even clean smaller spots of rust from grill grates.

02. Can I Use Steel Wool on My Grill Grates?

While you can use steel wool to clean grill grates, this can be too abrasive and should be used as a final measure. If power washing, overnight soaking, and high temperatures don’t clean your grill grates properly, you can use steel wool to scrub off dirt and rust.

03. What is the Easiest Way to Remove Rust from Grates?

Soaking your grill grates in a tub or container of undiluted white vinegar may be the easiest and most hands-off approach to cleaning rusty grill grates. Just leave the grate to sit in the vinegar for 12 hours and the rust will slowly dissolve.

04. Can I Use Acetone to Remove Rust?

Acetone can be used to remove rust quickly, and acetone evaporates quickly, requiring minimal cleanup afterward.

Closing Thoughts

It can be disheartening to expect a delicious grilling exploit, only to be thwarted by rusted grill grates. But on the bright side, knowing how to clean rusty grill grates will just delay your BBQ instead of putting it off indefinitely.

Besides this, you will also understand the importance of protecting your grill grates and preventing rust from forming in the first place. In short, you will be able to enjoy a cookout any time you want without being held back by pesky rust. Happy grilling!