Born in Denver, Colorado as the oldest of 5 children, I learned at a young age that the grill was one of the best ways to prepare food for a crowd. And during the winter storm months, when the snow was likely to knock out the power to our house, the propane grill was a lifesaver!
You wouldn’t believe the number of things you can cook on a grill when necessary. With parents who couldn’t tell salt from pepper unless you told them, I spent my late teen years making my own seasoning mixes and marinades to dress the meat before barbecues. It wasn’t long before I developed a secret marinade that people still beg me to make for them today!
When I was 21 years old I bought my first smoker. Picked up some cedar chips for making a cedar plank salmon…and well, the rest they say is history! I’ve been grilling and smoking all kinds of creations ever since and I’m always excited to share my passion with others through my favorite medium–writing!
Posts By Hope Davis
Should You Let a Turkey Sit Out Before Cooking? (Yes, but…)
Are you wondering if you should let your turkey sit out before cooking it? Look …
How to Use Your Pellet Grill (7 Easy Steps)
Are you wanting to learn how to use a pellet grill? You’re in the right …
9 BEST Blackstone Griddle Recipes (& Other Tips!)
If you’ve got a Blackstone griddle in your outdoor cooking arsenal, you’re about to embark …
Does Mayo Go Bad?
Mayo is one of the most popular condiments that is used for sandwiches and burgers …
Does Worcestershire Sauce Go Bad?
Worcestershire sauce – that savory, tangy addition that gives a special kick to so many …
Why Won’t My Blackstone Light? (4 Easy Fixes)
There’s nothing more frustrating than being all fired up to cook on your Blackstone griddle, …
How to Clean a Blackstone Griddle (4 Easy Steps)
The superhero of outdoor griddling–Blackstone. But even superheroes need a little TLC from time to …
Can You Cook on the Smoke Setting of a Pellet Grill? (Yes, but…)
Some settings can be confusing–like the “smoke” setting on a pellet grill. Is it just …
How Long Does Prime Rib Last in the Fridge?
Picture this: you’ve just cooked the most mouthwatering prime rib, and your guests have left …
How Long Does Roast Beef Last in the Fridge? (And When to Toss it)
Keep your roast beef fresh and delicious by knowing just how long it lasts in …
When Will Pellet Grills Go on Sale? (Tips for Each Brand!)
Pellet grills are awesome devices that can be used for grilling, smoking, baking, and everything …
Can Pellet Grills Explode? (How to Prevent a Fire!)
You’ve probably heard rumors that pellet grills can explode…but are they true? We have the …
Can You Use a Pellet Smoker Without Pellets?
Pellet smokers are a popular choice in many households because of how easy they are …
Is Your Turkey Thawed? (And Tips for Thawing It!)
You’ve pulled your turkey out of the fridge. It’s been in there for 2 days, …
Turkey Taking Longer Than Expected? (Here’s Why & What To Do!)
So, you’ve decided to smoke a turkey for the first time, but it seems to …
Pellet Grill vs Gas Grill (Which is Better?)
Are you trying to decide between a pellet grill and a gas grill and are …
When Do Weber Grills Go On Sale? (Discounts, Deals, and More! )
You’ve decided you want a Weber grill, which is a great choice, but they’re a …
What is Pink Butcher Paper? (And Why You Should Use It)
If you want to know what pink butcher paper is, you’ve come to the right …
Turkey Button Not Popping (How to Know the Turkey is Done)
Has your turkey been in the oven forever, but the turkey button isn’t popping? Don’t …
Traeger Won’t Ignite (Troubleshooting Guide)
It’s very common for a Traeger grill to have problems with ignition, so if you …
5 Best Mini Fridges for a Kegerator (2023 Review)
Searching for the best mini fridge for a kegerator? If you enjoy the taste of …
5 Best Knives for Cutting Raw Meat (2023 Review)
If you’re looking for a knife that can cut raw meat safely, you’re in the …
5 Best Knives for Cutting Bone (2023 Review)
Looking for the best knives for cutting bone? Your search is over because all of …
5 Best Gas Patio Heaters (2023 Review)
Do you want to add a gas patio heater to your backyard space but are …
Top 5 Best Gas Grills for Under $500 (2023 Review)
Wondering what the best gas grills are for under $500? You have come to the …
Top 5 Best Gas Grills for Under $2000 (2023 Review)
Looking for the best gas grills under $2000? There’s no need to look anywhere else …
Top 5 Best Electric Smokers Under $200 (2023 Review)
If you’re looking for an electric smoker on a $200 budget, you’ve come to the …
5 Best Electric Patio Heaters (2023 Review)
Are you searching for the best electric patio heater for your outdoor space? Look no …
5 Best Charcoal Grills for Under $500 (2023 Review)
Are you looking for the best charcoal grill for under $500? You’ve come to the …
Top 5 Best 2 Burner Gas Grills (2023 Review)
Looking to make a feast for your family on your grill? Then you’re going to …
Top 10 Best Gas Charcoal Combo Grills (2023 Review)
Looking for the best gas charcoal combo grill? All of your questions are answered here, …
The Pros and Cons of Pellet Grills (Complete Buying Guide)
Are you thinking about buying a pellet grill but you’re not sure if it’s worth …
Temporary Patio Enclosure Winter Ideas (7 Different Options)
Do you have a patio that you would like to use for winter but you …
Smoked Shotgun Shells Recipe (Gotta Try These!)
Smoked Shotgun Shells are the perfect appetizer that you can toss on your grill before …
Sirloin vs. Filet (Which Should You Buy?)
Are you interested in purchasing some steaks, but you aren’t sure what the difference is …
Ribeye Vs. Sirloin (Which is Better?)
Buying steaks, but you are’nt sure what the difference is between a ribeye and a …
Pellet Smoker vs Propane Smoker (Which is Best?)
Are you in the market for a new smoker? Can’t decide between pellet and propane? …
Pellet Smoker vs Electric Smoker (Read This Before Buying)
Are you trying to decide between a pellet smoker and an electric smoker? Look no …
Pellet Grill vs Charcoal Grill (How to Choose!)
Are you looking to buy a new grill but cannot decide between the pellet or …
Pellet Grill Tips and Tricks (A Complete Guide)
Did you recently purchase a pellet grill and now you want to learn all of …
New York Strip vs. Sirloin (Which is Better?)
Are you interested in purchasing some steaks, but you aren’t sure what the difference is …
How to Use Wood Pellets in a Charcoal Grill (Should You?)
If you use a charcoal grill for your outdoor cooking experiences, you may be wondering …
How to Use Wood Chips on a Gas Grill (5 Easy Steps)
Do you have a gas grill but want to add some more flavor to your …
How to Use Wood Chips on a Charcoal Grill (4 Easy Steps)
Do you have a charcoal grill but want to add a more robust smoky flavor …
How to Use Wood Chips in an Electric Smoker (3 Easy Methods)
If you’re wondering how to use wood chips in an electric smoker, you’re in the …
How to Use a Smoker Box on a Grill (7 Easy Steps)
Did you buy a new smoker box and are not quite sure how to use …
How to Use a Smoke Tube in a Pellet Grill (5 Step Guide)
Are you looking for an easy way to add more smoke flavor when using your …
How to Use a Santoku Knife (Detailed Instructions)
Wondering how to use your new Santoku knife? Well, you have come to the perfect …
How to Use a Knife for Cutting Bone (3 Easy Methods)
If you’re wondering how to use a knife for cutting bone, you’ve visited the right …
How to Use a Hamburger Press (Tips and Tricks!)
Did you just purchase a hamburger press, and you aren’t sure how to use it? …
How to Use a Grill Rescue Brush (7 Easy Steps)
Want to know how to use your Grill Rescue grill brush? You’ve come to the …
How to Use a Grill (Beginner’s Guide)
Have you always wanted to learn to grill, but are just not sure how to …
This Is How Long To Rest Turkey Before You Carve It
You just pulled the turkey out of the smoker, and everyone is ready to eat! …
This Is How Long Can Chicken Sit Out (Both Raw and Cooked)
Did you accidentally leave your chicken out of the refrigerator? If you are wondering if …
This Is How Long Beef Jerky Lasts (Tips to Make it Last Longer!)
Beef jerky is one of the best snacks on earth. It’s chewy, filling, filled with …
The Easiest Way To Keep Smoked Turkey Warm (Tips and Tricks)
Did your smoked turkey finish sooner than expected and are not sure how to keep …
The Best Smoked Sausage Recipe (3 Easy Steps!)
One of the best parts of having a smoker is making smoked sausage. There is …
Soaking Wood Chips: How Long And When To Do It
Wood chips are an amazing flavor tool when it comes to using a smoker. But …
Smoked Country Style Ribs
Smoked country-style ribs are a favorite in our home. They’re delicious, easy to make, and …
Smoked BBQ Meatballs (Tasty and Easy Recipe!)
Smoked BBQ Meatballs are an easy-to-make crowd-pleasing dish. You can put them on a bun …
Sirloin Steak: A Complete Guide
Curious about sirloin steaks? You’ve come to the right place! In this TheGrillingDad.com guide, we’ll …
Should You Leave the String on Prime Rib When Cooking it?
To string or not to string? That is the question. In this post, we’ll tackle …
Should You Empty the Pellets from a Pellet Grill After Each Use?
You just used your pellet grill and there are still pellets in the hopper. Do …
Should Ribs Be Cooked Bone Up or Down? (And Does It Matter?)
Are you wondering if it is better to cook your ribs bone up or bone …
Should I Soak My Pellets Before Smoking? (No, here’s why!)
You’ve just bought a pellet grill, and you are ready to smoke some amazing meats. …
Can You Smoke a Turkey a Day Ahead? (Plus Reheating Tips!)
Holidays can be very busy. Between cleaning and preparing food, you may not have time …
Is Turkey Done at 165° or 180°? (And How To Tell)
You’re cooking a turkey, and it’s just about done, but wait, is it done at …
What is Black Forest Ham? (How It’s Made and More)
Has a family member mentioned Black Forest Ham to you, but you aren’t quite sure …
What is Brisket? (Tips for Making the Best Brisket!)
You’ve likely heard the words “I’m smoking a brisket” tossed around. But what exactly is …
What is Flank Steak? (And How to Prepare it)
Have you come across recipes that include using flank steak but are not sure what …
What Is That Plastic Thing in a Turkey?
You’re cooking a turkey this Thanksgiving, and you just noticed the one you bought from …
What is Uncured Ham? (And Why You Should Buy One!)
Are you interested in trying a trendy uncured ham but don’t know much about it? …
What to Do if Your Pellet Grill Runs Out of Pellets While Smoking
You’re in the middle of a long cook on your pellet grill and the temp …
When Does Patio Furniture Go on Sale? (Tips for Finding Discounts!)
Patio furniture can be a great addition to any backyard, but it can also be …
How to Thaw Frozen Ham (4 Easy Methods)
Do you have a frozen ham on your hands and need to figure out how …
How to Thaw a Turkey in a Cooler (5 Easy Steps)
Can you thaw a turkey in a cooler? Yep! We’ll show you how to do …
How to Tell if the Membrane is Still on Ribs
Have you just bought a tasty rack of ribs that you can’t wait to grill? …
How to Tell if Ribs Are Done (6 Easy Methods)
Ribs are a favorite in our house. But they can also be a difficult cut …
How to Tell if a Turkey is Pre-Brined (Plus How to Season it!)
Wondering how to tell if the turkey you are buying is pre-brined? Don’t worry, you …
How to Tell if a Turkey is Bad (And Tips to Keep Yours Fresh!)
You’ve pulled your turkey out of the fridge, and it looks a little funny. Could …
How to Tell if a Turkey Breast is Done (3 Quick Steps)
Turkey breast is delicious, healthy, and perfect for sandwiches year-round. But how exactly can you …
How to Store Wood Pellets (Plus Pellet Storage Ideas!)
Wet and moldy pellets are ruined pellets. Wondering how to store them? We’re here to …
How to Start Your Pellet Grill (5 Easy Steps)
If you’re wondering how to start your pellet grill for the first time or just …
5 Best Pellet Gas Combo Grill (2023 Review)
Are you searching for a pellet grill which is also a gas grill? They do …
5 Best Smokers for Turkey (2023 Review)
Searching for the best smoker for a turkey? Look no further because we have all …
6 Best Portable Gas Grill for Tailgating (2023 Review)
Are you ready for tailgating season? For the best tailgating experience, you have to start …
Z Grills 7002F Pellet Grill (In-Depth Review)
Are you interested in possibly purchasing a ZGrills pellet grill? We’ve tested their 700 series …
Pit Boss Vertical Pellet Smoker Review (5-Series Models)
Thinking about buying a Pit Boss Vertical Pellet Smoker but not sure if it is …
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker (Full Review)
Are you thinking about buying the Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker but are not sure …
How to Season an Electric Smoker (7 Step Guide)
You just bought a new smoker, congratulations! You are very close to making some delicious …
How to Make Beef Tallow (A 7-Step Guide)
If you want to know how to make beef tallow, you’re in the right place! …
How to Start a Gas Grill (With and Without Automatic Starter)
Are you the proud owner of a new grill? Want to get started but not …
Green Mountain Grills Trek Review – Is It Worth It? (2023)
Thinking about buying the Green Mountain Trek Wood Pellet Grill but haven’t made up your …
How to Start a Charcoal Grill Without a Chimney or Lighter Fluid
Do you want to start your charcoal grill but just realized you don’t have a …
Easy Beef Wellington Recipe (Step by Step Guide)
The holidays are a time for all the special dishes, and in our home, it …
Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker Review (2023)
Are you considering purchasing the Char-Broil Deluxe Electric Smoker but unsure if it is worth …
Camp Chef Woodwind with Sidekick Review (Both Sizes Reviewed)
Are you considering purchasing a Camp Chef Woodwind Pellet Grill and Smoker with the Sidekick …
Bradley Digital 6-Rack Electric Smoker Review (2023)
This is a review of the Bradley Digital 6-Rack Electric Smoker – and we have …
Best Vertical Pellet Smokers (2023 Review)
If you’re wondering what the best vertical pellet smoker is, you’ve come to the right …
Best Temp to Smoke a Turkey (Plus Turkey Smoking Tips!)
You’ve decided to smoke the turkey this year. But what temperature should you be smoking …
Best Meats for Beef Jerky (From Beginner to Expert)
Looking to make some tasty beef jerky to snack on? Making beef jerky is quite …
How to Smoke on a Gas Grill (3 Different Methods)
Do you have a gas grill, but want to smoke some meat? Not only is …
Best Grilling Gift Ideas (2023 Guide)
Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the BBQ enthusiast in your life? …
How to Smoke a Turkey on a Pellet Grill (6 Easy Steps)
You’ve decided to smoke the turkey this year. But can you do it on your …
Best Charcoal Smokers (2023 Review)
Are you in the market for the best charcoal smoker? Look no further, we have …
Best Beer Fridge For Your Garage (2023 Review)
Looking for the best beer fridge that can withstand the changing temperatures of your garage? …
How to Shape a Hamburger Patty (3 Easy Methods)
Are you making homemade burgers, but you are unsure how to get them into the …
How to Season Your Pellet Grill (10 Easy Steps)
If you just purchased a pellet grill and you’re wondering how to properly season it, …
Bacon and Blue Cheese Stuffed Burger Recipe
Blue Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Hamburgers are one of the best ways you can mix …
91 Thanksgiving Turkey Stats (Surveys, Historical, Current, and More!)
Does everyone really eat turkey for Thanksgiving? When was the turkey first consumed as thanksgiving …
9 Winter Backyard Ideas (For a Fun Space!)
Do you want to continue to use your backyard through the winter but are not …
9 Types of Ribs (Beef, Pork, Lamb, and Fish?)
Planning to make ribs the next time you have a cookout but are not sure …
6 Easy Ways How To Secure Outdoor Furniture and Grills From the Wind
Finally installed those perfect pieces for your patio space? Not sure how they’ll withstand the …
How To Cool Down a Charcoal Grill (5 Simple Ways)
Have a charcoal grill and are worried that you aren’t controlling the temperature very well? …
5 Easy Ways How to Make Hamburger Patties Stick Together
Having trouble getting your hamburger patties to stick together? We’ll show you why your burgers …
14 Best Meats to Smoke (Great for Beginners)
You’ve purchased a smoker and can’t wait to enjoy all kinds of smoked meats! But …
3 Ways How to Reheat Turkey (Without Drying it Out)
Did you make too much turkey this year? Congrats! You now have leftover turkey to …
How to Remove the Membrane From Ribs (3 Easy Steps)
Are you getting ready to smoke a nice rack of ribs? Well, before you do, …
How to Make a Charcoal Grill Hotter (4 Simple Methods)
Have a charcoal grill but want to make it hotter? You’ve come to the right …
How to Light a Gas Grill (Troubleshooting Tips!)
Are you trying to light your gas grill and having a tough time? We are …
How to Keep a Charcoal Grill Lit (And Troubleshooting!)
You’re trying to make the perfect dinner for your family, but you’re not sure how …
How to Grill Onions (And the Best Type to Use)
Want to add onions to your grilling repertoire? Are you not quite sure where to …
How to Grill Corn in Foil (6 Easy Steps)
If you’re looking for ways to grill corn in foil, you are in the BEST …
How to Get More Smoke from an Electric Smoker (5 Simple Methods)
If you’re wondering how to get your electric smoker to produce more smoke, you’ve come …
How to Get More Smoke Flavor From Your Pellet Grill (7 Methods)
Do you love smoke flavor but can’t seem to get enough from your pellet grill? …
How to Drain Hamburger Meat (3 Easy Methods)
Are you cooking hamburger meat, but aren’t sure how to drain it? Don’t worry because …
How to Defrost Hamburger Meat (3 Easy Methods)
Planned on using your hamburger meat but forgot to take it out of the freezer? …
How To Control the Temperature of a Charcoal Grill (4 EASY Methods)
Are you trying to control the temperature of your charcoal grill and having a tough …
How to Clean an Electric Grill (10 Step Guide)
If you recently used your electric grill and are wondering how to go about cleaning …
How to Clean a Pellet Grill (in 5 Easy Steps)
If you’re wondering how to properly clean your pellet grill, you’ve come to the right …
How to Clean a Grill Without a Brush (4 Easy Methods)
Do you need to clean your grill but can’t find your grill brush? Don’t panic, …
How to Clean a Grill Brush (4 Easy Methods)
You probably use a grill brush to clean your grill after each use, which means …
How to Clean a Gas Grill Burner (6 Easy Steps)
Gas grills are amazing, but there may come a time when the burners get a …
How Often Should You Baste Turkey (And With What?)
The secret to a delicious turkey is all in the basting technique. But how often …
How Much Prime Rib Per Person (Complete Guide)
Are you planning to make prime rib for your next family gathering but aren’t sure …
How Much Hamburger Meat Per Person? (For Hamburgers, Meatballs, and More)
Knowing how much hamburger meat you’ll need to feed everyone at your next gathering can …
How Much Ham Per Person (And Leftover Tips!)
It can be difficult to gauge just how much food you need for your family …
How Much Charcoal to Use in a Grill (And How to Measure)
Using charcoal in your grill is a great way to get an authentic smoky flavor …
How Long to Smoke a Turkey at 325°F (And How to Tell if it’s Done!)
Are you planning to smoke a turkey at 325℉ but are not sure how long …
How Long to Grill Burgers (From Rare to Well-Done)
Are you wondering how long you should grill your hamburgers? You’ve come to the right …
How Long is Turkey Bacon Good in the Fridge? (Has it Gone Bad?)
Did you buy some turkey bacon for the first time and are not sure how …
How Long Does Spaghetti Last in the Fridge? (And Make it Last Longer!)
Did you make a bunch of spaghetti and are wondering how long you can keep …
How Long Does it Take a Pellet Grill to Heat Up (And Tips to Make it Faster!)
Did you just buy a pellet grill and are wondering how long it should take …
How Long Does Ground Turkey Last in the Fridge? (And Make it Last Longer!)
Didn’t use your ground turkey as soon as you planned and want to know how …
How Long Does Beer Last in the Fridge? (And How to Make it Last Longer)
Did you purchase some beer forever ago that you just found in the fridge? Are …
How Long Do Weber Gas Grills Last? (Tips to Make Yours Last Longer!)
You want to buy a Weber gas grill, but you want to be sure it …
How Long Do Pellets Last (And How To Make Yours Last Longer!)
Pellet grills are an amazing way to grill and smoke a variety of meats. But …
How Long Do Onions Last? (And Where to Store Them)
Have some leftover onions? Curious to know how long they’ll last? We’re here to help! …
How Long Do Gas Grills Last? (& Tips on Making Yours Last Longer)
So you’re about to buy your dream gas grill. But before you shell out all …
How Long Can Ham Sit Out? (And Is It Safe to Eat?)
Are you planning to prepare a ham for dinner but are wondering how long it …
How Long Can Cooked Hamburger Sit Out? (And How To Tell if it’s Bad)
Ground beef is an amazing additive to any dish, whether you are making pasta, casserole, …
How Far in Advance Should You Buy a Turkey? (Fresh or Frozen!)
Being prepared always pays off. But in some instances, like buying a turkey, buying too …
How Does an Electric Smoker Work? (And Tips for Using Yours)
If you want to know exactly how an electric smoker works, you’ve come to the …
How Does a Pellet Grill Work? (In-Depth Explanation)
Are you thinking about buying a pellet grill but realize you don’t know anything about …
Griddle vs Grill (Which is Better?)
Griddle vs. grill – which one reigns supreme in the world of outdoor cooking? We’re …
Firewood Storage Ideas (Indoor and Outdoor)
Do you have a lot of firewood, and you aren’t sure how to store it? …
Deep Fried Turkey (How to Fry in 8 Easy Steps)
Looking for a way to spice up that turkey recipe for the holidays? Are you …
Can You Use Charcoal in a Pellet Grill? (Charcoal Pellets?)
If you switched to a pellet grill but miss the charcoal flavor, you may be …
Can You Use a Pellet Grill in the Winter? (Plus Winter Grilling Tips!)
The weather is getting colder, but you’d still like to enjoy grilled and smoked dishes …
Can You Smoke Two Turkeys at Once? (Tips and Tricks!)
You’ve decided to smoke the turkey this year. But you’ve got a big family, and …
Can You Refreeze a Thawed Turkey? (Should You?)
You thought you were the one making the turkey, but your mother just texted to …
Can You Grill in Your Garage? (Yes, but…)
What happens when the weather is not cooperating with your grilling plans? Can you move …
Can You Grill Frozen Chicken? (Yes, but…)
Want to grill some tasty chicken but don’t have time to defrost it? You’ve come …
5 Best Portable Pellet Grills (2023 Review)
Are you a fan of grilling but wish your meat had a smokier flavor? Do …
5 Best Small Gas Grills for a Balcony (2023 Review)
Do you want a gas grill but only have a balcony to put it on? …
Can You Eat Raw Steak? (And What Happens if You Do?)
Maybe you’ve been to a restaurant with a family member and seen them order a …
Can You Cook a Partially Frozen Turkey? (Yes, Here’s How!)
Wondering if you can cook a partially frozen turkey? Look no further because we have …
Can You Cook a Partially Frozen Ham? (Yes, but…)
Despite your best efforts, you just pulled the ham out of the fridge to find …
Can Pork Be Pink? (And How To Tell When Its Safe)
If you want to know if pork can be pink, you’ve come to the right …
Can I Leave My Patio Furniture Out All Winter? (Yes, but…)
As the weather begins to cool down, you are likely preparing to move some of …
Blue Rare Steak (A Complete Guide)
So, you’re cooking a steak and you’re not sure exactly how you want to prepare …
Backyard BBQ Area Design Ideas (Some You Can Do In A Day)
An outdoor BBQ area can be the perfect thing to escape the summer heat or …