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Articles & Buying Guides

Expert advice to help you choose the perfect grill and build your dream outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Kitchen Ventilation: Do You Need a Vent Hood?

Outdoor Kitchen Ventilation: Do You Need a Vent Hood?

If your outdoor kitchen is fully exposed to the sky, you can skip the hood. If it's under a roof, pergola, or covered patio, the answer changes. Here's how to decide — and what to spec.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Best Smokers of 2026: Offset, Pellet, Kamado, and Drum Compared

Best Smokers of 2026: Offset, Pellet, Kamado, and Drum Compared

Every smoker type has trade-offs. We break down which one fits which cook style — and our pick list for 2026 across all four formats.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Kamado Joe vs Primo vs Big Green Egg: The Definitive Kamado Comparison

Kamado Joe vs Primo vs Big Green Egg: The Definitive Kamado Comparison

Three flagship kamados, three very different philosophies. We break down where each one wins — shape, materials, accessories, ecosystem — so you can pick the right one for how you cook.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens of 2026

Best Outdoor Pizza Ovens of 2026

From the $400 Ooni Karu to the $5,000 Chicago Brick Oven, here's our honest pick list for outdoor pizza ovens in 2026. Wood, gas, and hybrid options compared.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Best Pellet Grills of 2026

Best Pellet Grills of 2026

Our honest pick list for the best pellet grills of 2026, organized by use case. Camp Chef, Pit Boss, Green Mountain, Memphis, Weber SmokeFire — who wins where and why.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Coyote vs Napoleon vs Bull: The Premium Built-In Grill Showdown

Coyote vs Napoleon vs Bull: The Premium Built-In Grill Showdown

The three brands you see in every premium outdoor kitchen build under $6,000. We break down where each one wins — construction, features, warranty, and the intangibles that decide which one ends up in your build.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Bull BBQ vs Summerset Grills: Which Built-In Is Right for Your Outdoor Kitchen?

Bull BBQ vs Summerset Grills: Which Built-In Is Right for Your Outdoor Kitchen?

A direct comparison of the two most-recommended built-in grill brands in the $2,500-$5,000 tier. Build quality, features, warranties, who each one actually fits.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Best Built-In Gas Grills of 2026

Best Built-In Gas Grills of 2026

An honest ranking of the best built-in gas grills you can buy in 2026, organized by budget and use case. Summerset, Bull, Coyote, Napoleon, RCS, and where each one earns its price.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Primo Kamado Grills: The Complete Buying Guide

Primo Kamado Grills: The Complete Buying Guide

Primo is one of two USA-made kamados on the market. A breakdown of the Oval JR, LG, XL and XXL — what makes them different, who each one is for, and why the oval shape matters.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
The Complete Summerset Grills Lineup Guide: Quest, TRL, Sizzler & Madera

The Complete Summerset Grills Lineup Guide: Quest, TRL, Sizzler & Madera

A buyer-side walkthrough of every Summerset grill series — Quest, TRL, TRL Pro, Sizzler, Madera — and which one matches your build, your budget, and your cook style.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Jun 29, 2026
Maintaining Your Grill: Year-Round Care Tips

Maintaining Your Grill: Year-Round Care Tips

Keep your investment in top condition with these essential cleaning and maintenance practices.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Dec 1, 2025
How to Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

How to Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

Expert tips on designing a functional and beautiful outdoor cooking space that fits your lifestyle.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Nov 1, 2025
Gas vs Charcoal vs Pellet: Which Grill is Right for You?

Gas vs Charcoal vs Pellet: Which Grill is Right for You?

A comprehensive comparison to help you choose the perfect grill for your cooking style and needs.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Oct 1, 2025
Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Built-In Grill

Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Built-In Grill

Everything you need to know about BTUs, cooking area, and features that matter for your outdoor kitchen.

Backyard BBQ Editorial·Sep 1, 2025
Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Built-In Grill

Buying Guide

Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your First Built-In Grill

Everything you need to know about BTUs, cooking area, and features that matter for your outdoor kitchen.

Gas vs Charcoal vs Pellet: Which Grill is Right for You?

Comparison

Gas vs Charcoal vs Pellet: Which Grill is Right for You?

A comprehensive comparison to help you choose the perfect grill for your cooking style and needs.

How to Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

Planning

How to Plan Your Outdoor Kitchen Layout

Expert tips on designing a functional and beautiful outdoor cooking space that fits your lifestyle.

Maintaining Your Grill: Year-Round Care Tips

Maintenance

Maintaining Your Grill: Year-Round Care Tips

Keep your investment in top condition with these essential cleaning and maintenance practices.

Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg: Which Ceramic Grill Wins?

Comparison

Kamado Joe vs Big Green Egg: Which Ceramic Grill Wins?

Both are top-tier ceramic kamados. Kamado Joe includes more accessories out of the box; Big Green Egg has the deeper dealer network and stronger resale.

Jun 15, 2026
Best Gas Grills of 2026: Picks for Every Budget

Buying Guide

Best Gas Grills of 2026: Picks for Every Budget

Our top gas grills for 2026 across budgets, plus exactly what to look for. We weigh even heat, build quality, and warranty over raw BTUs.

Jun 15, 2026
Traeger vs Pit Boss: Which Pellet Grill Should You Buy?

Comparison

Traeger vs Pit Boss: Which Pellet Grill Should You Buy?

Traeger leads on app control, consistency, and resale; Pit Boss gives you more grill and higher searing heat for the money. Here is how to choose.

Jun 15, 2026
The Complete Guide to Primo Ceramic Grills

Buying Guide

The Complete Guide to Primo Ceramic Grills

The only ceramic kamado made in the USA — and the only one shaped like an oval. Everything you need to pick the right Primo for your yard.

Summerset Grills for Outdoor Kitchens: The Complete Guide

Buying Guide

Summerset Grills for Outdoor Kitchens: The Complete Guide

Commercial-grade construction at consumer prices. How to pick the right Summerset series and match it to a built-in outdoor kitchen build.

Prism Hardscapes Fire Pits: The Complete Guide

Buying Guide

Prism Hardscapes Fire Pits: The Complete Guide

Hand-poured concrete fire pits from Oceanside, California. Every piece is one-of-a-kind — here's how to pick the right shape, color, and gas configuration for your yard.

Fire Magic Grills: Aurora, Echelon, and Choice — Which One to Buy

Buying Guide

Fire Magic Grills: Aurora, Echelon, and Choice — Which One to Buy

Fire Magic has been building outdoor kitchen appliances in Los Angeles since 1937. Here's how to pick between the Choice, Aurora, and Echelon Diamond lines.