Hey, I’m Shawn and I run this site. With a wife and 7 kids, I get most of my grilling practice from feeding my own family. I’m here to help you learn more about grilling, smoking, and backyard BBQ!
With almost a decade of manning the grill and helping over 30,000 aspiring grill masters, you’re in great hands!
I’ve tried just about every type of grill, accessory, and gadget you can imagine. Because of that, I am here to help guide you to the best of the best and help you save time and money by avoiding the junk.
Posts By Shawn Hill
Hamburger Temperature Guide for Grilling (Free Temp Chart!)
From that first sizzle on the grill to the satisfying final bite, nothing beats a …
How Much Pulled Pork Per Person (PERFECT Portions)
BBQ experts, including me, recommend planning for 1/3 pound of cooked pulled pork per person …
10 Best Pellet Smokers & Grills With REAL Reviews (2023)
When it comes to modern-day grilling, pellet grills (or pellet smokers, as some prefer) have …
5 Best Smokers For Beginners (2023 Review)
Picture this: A sunny weekend afternoon, the sizzle of succulent meat, and the mouth-watering aroma …
Brisket Internal Temp: Why It Should Be 195°F
The quest for the perfect brisket is a noble pursuit, filled with smoky twists and …
Thermoworks Thermapen ONE Review (Tried and Tested)
The search for the ultimate instant-read meat thermometer can be tough in a world where …
How To Reheat Brisket (Without Drying It Out)
Ever found yourself staring at a piece of leftover brisket, wondering how to restore its …
Brisket Spritz – Everything You Need To Know About It
Brisket spritz is used by BBQ enthusiasts to make sure that long-smoked meat stays juicy …
5 Best Electric Smokers of 2023: Which is Right for You?
Want smoked foods without tending a fire? Electric smokers could be your ‘set it and …
5 BEST Campfire Cooking Kits (2023 Reviews)
Are you tired of the same old s’mores routine every time you go camping? Do …
5 Best BBQ Tools Set (2023 Review)
Every BBQ maestro knows that behind every perfectly grilled dish is a set of reliable …
321 Ribs: How To Smoke Ribs (The EASY Way)
321 ribs is a BBQ lover’s tried and true technique for achieving that fall-off-the-bone perfection. …
17 Best Smoker and Grilling Accessories (2023 Review)
Dive into my guide on the best smoker and grill accessories that can elevate your …
10 BEST Meat Slicers for Home Use (2023 Review)
I love meat just as much as anybody, but here’s what I don’t look forward …
10 Best Flat Top Grills (Reviewed in 2023)
Flat top grills (also known as outdoor gas griddles) are popular among grill enthusiasts since …
10 BEST Charcoal Grills (2023 Review)
Navigating the world of grilling can sometimes feel like walking through a smoky maze, especially …
5 BEST Pellet Grills for Searing (2023 Review)
Searing a steak to perfection requires more than just timing and technique; it calls for …
5 Best Instant Read Thermometers (2023 Review)
There’s nothing worse than grilling a bunch of meat for my family and friends, only …
My Favorite Prime Day Grill Deals (2023)
Prime Day, Amazon’s biggest annual sale event, is back with a bang! Exclusively for Prime …
The Viral Debate: Should You Wash Chicken Before Cooking It?
Every so often, a culinary question takes the internet by storm, and right now, it’s …
What to Do If Your Pellet Grill Loses Power (Don’t Freak Out)
Losing power while cooking on your pellet grill can be a total buzzkill, right? If …
Can You Add Charcoal While Grilling? (Yes, But…)
Have you ever glanced down at your nearly half-cooked steaks, noticed the charcoal is nearly …
How Long To Smoke Pork Shoulder and Butt (Simple Guide)
The most important thing to know about smoking any type of meat is that you …
Why Every Bacon Lover Needs a Bacon Grilling Rack
The sizzling sound, the smoky aroma, the crispy bites of deliciousness! But have you ever …
ThermoPro Instant-Read TP19H Review (w/ Lots of Pics)
Nothing ruins a grill out like overcooked or undercooked meat. That is why when I …
ChefsTemp Finaltouch X10 Review (w/ Lots of Pics)
During my mission to find the best instant read meat thermometer, I tested out the …
Why Does My Grill Smoke So Much? (Tips To Reduce Smoke)
As Thee Grilling Dad, I’m here to help you tackle one of the most common …
Weber Instant Read Meat Thermometer Review: Tried and Tested
As someone who loves grilling, I know the importance of having a reliable thermometer to …
ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2 Review
Get ready to venture into the world of meat thermometers as I share my review …
Baby Back vs Spare Ribs: The Differences You Should Know
TheGrillingDad Answer: Spare ribs are larger, meatier, and contain more bone and fat than baby …
How Long Does Steak Last in the Fridge? (And How to Tell if Steak is Bad)
If you’ve got steak in the fridge and want to know how to tell if …
9 Best Mail Order Steaks (2023 Review)
Did you know that you don’t have to go to the store to purchase a …
5 Best Offset Smokers (2023 Review)
Are you looking for an offset smoker to level up your backyard BBQs? You’re in …
7 Best BBQ Knife Sets (2023 Review)
Are you looking to buy a nice knife set for when you’re BBQing? You’re in …
The 7 Best Steak Knives (2023 Tested and Reviewed)
Are you in the market for a quality set of steak knives? Wondering what are the …
5 Best Smoker Grill Combos (2023 Review)
Are you looking for the best smoker grill combos? You’ve come to the right place! …
Best Infrared Grills Under $500 (2023 Review)
Have you decided on an infrared grill and want to make sure you’re buying the …
Best Wood for Smoking Brisket? (We Share the Top 5 in Our 2023 Review)
Planning on smoking a big ol’ brisket and want to find the best wood for …
5 Best Lump Charcoal for Smoking (2023 Review)
Are you wondering what the best lump charcoal for smoking meats is? You’ve come to …
Best Wood For Smoking Turkey (2023 Review)
Looking for the right wood to use when smoking your turkey? You’re in the right …
Oak Wood for Smoking (Classic & Reliable)
The type of wood you use for smoking can make all the difference in the …
Alder Wood for Smoking (Light Smoke Flavor)
If you’re looking for a wood that’ll give your meats a light, delicate smoke flavor, …
Maple Wood for Smoking (Sweet and Smokey)
Looking to up your BBQ game? Try smoking with maple wood for a sweet and …
Check Out These 10 Smoker Recipes Perfect for Memorial Day
Get ready to smoke the competition this Memorial Day with these 10 mouthwatering smoker recipes. …
The Complete Guide for Cooking Pizza in Your Pellet Smoker
If you’re wanting to add a smoky twist to pizza night, we’re here to help! …
5 Best Grill Brushes for Safer Cooking and Eating (2023 Review)
Are you looking for a grill brush that will actually get your grill clean? Then …
Vevor 7.5″ Commercial Meat Slicer Review (Performance & Value)
I recently got my hands on the Vevor meat slicer and have been slicing and …
Grill Pan: the Versatile, Must-Have BBQ Accessory
Grilling is an American pastime that we all love, but not everyone has access to …
Smoked Brisket Recipe (7 Easy Steps)
If you’re wanting to learn more about Texas-style smoked beef brisket, you’re in the right …
Explore Your Options: The 16 Best Pit Boss Alternatives
Grilling is a quintessential pastime enjoyed by both amateurs and professionals alike. While there’s nothing …
New York Strip vs. Ribeye: A Comprehensive Comparison
Steak is a beautiful thing. It’s a meal that satisfies like no other, and when …
How Long To Smoke Ribs: Timing Your Way to BBQ Perfection
If you’re a die-hard, smoke-em-if-you-got-em rib fan, you’re in the right place. You are also …
Horizontal vs Vertical Pellet Smokers: Which Is Right for You?
Pellet smokers are a great addition to your outdoor cooking equipment! Whether you’re a smoking …
The Essential Guide to Grilling Steaks on a Charcoal Grill
Are you tired of going out to fancy restaurants just to get a perfectly grilled …
Understanding the Differences Between Shoulder and Chuck Roast
Beef roasts are a staple in English cooking, and Sunday roasts are well ingrained in …
Troubleshooting Your Propane Torch: Why It Won’t Stay Lit
Propane torches have a variety of uses. While common for tradespeople to solder copper pipes, …
How to Boil Hotdogs: 6 Different Methods for Delicious Results
Do you like your hotdogs juicy, or crunchy and chewy? There are many different ways …
Corned Beef vs. Brisket: What’s the Difference?
If you have any interest in cooking, you’ve probably heard of both corned beef and …
Can You Leave Your Pellet Grill Outside? Tips for Proper Storage
Are you a proud owner of a pellet grill? Good for you! Pellet grills are …
How to Keep Pulled Pork Warm and Moist Before Serving
Have you ever been left disappointed by a dry piece of pulled pork? Maybe you …
Using a Pellet Grill in the Rain: Tips for Safe and Successful Grilling
Whether you live in a notoriously wet area, or have a long-awaited event to which …
9 Secrets To Keep Hamburger Patties from Falling Apart
Ah, the humble hamburger—a staple of backyard BBQs and family cookouts. But as any grillmaster …
How to Put Out a Grill Fire + Grill Fire Prevention Tips
Grilling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but when your backyard barbecue turns into a …
10 Best BBQ Rubs to Elevate Your Grilling Game in 2023
Whether it’s your first time using a grill or your hundredth, picking the right rub …
Does Charcoal Go Bad? Tips for Proper Storage and Drying
If you have a charcoal grill, then you likely have quite the supply of charcoal …
7 Best Grill Tongs for Effortless Grilling in 2023
A true pitmaster knows that having the best grill tongs in their toolbelt is crucial …
Do Pellet Smokers Need a Water Pan? (No, but…)
If you’re like me, you’re always looking for ways to up your grilling game. One …
How to Hook Up A Propane Tank to Your Grill
Gas grilling is one of the easiest forms of grilling. You hook up the gas, …
How to Remove a Propane Tank From a Grill
Need to replace your propane tank? Well, you’re in luck because today, we’re going to …
5 BEST Grilling Gloves (2023 Review)
Taming the fiery flames of our beloved grills and smokers requires not just skill, but …
Grill Armor Gloves Review: The Only Thing Standing Between You and Your Fingers’ Fiery Demise
I recently had the chance to try out the Grill Armor Gloves, and I must …
Are Pellet Grills Practical for Everyday Use? (Can They Replace A Gas Grill?)
Why did the pellet grill cross the road? To prove it’s not just a smokin’ …
Which Pellet Grills Have a PID Controller? (2023 Guide)
Have you ever wondered what sets the top-notch pellet grills apart from the rest? Well, …
Types of Grills (Gas, Charcoal, Pellet and More!)
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie looking to up your game, choosing the …
How To Calibrate A Meat Thermometer
Meat is a staple food for 86% of people globally- according to a survey by …
How To Tell If Steak Is Bad or Spoiled (5 Signs)
Want to know the best way to tell if your steak has gone bad and …
Best Gravity Smokers (2023 Review)
Get ready, backyard pitmasters, because today we’re exploring the cutting-edge world of gravity smokers—a game-changer …
Grill & Chill: The Ultimate Griller’s Outdoor Kitchen and Deck
We’re thinking about moving soon and that got me wondering what I’d want in a …
Where is the Sirloin on a Cow?
We’re busting a moooo-ve on a beefy adventure to uncover the whereabouts of one of …
When to Wrap Brisket (And Why You Should)
If you’re wondering when you should wrap your brisket, you’re in the right place! In …
5 Best Fire Pit Grills (2023 Review)
Are you looking for a fire pit that can also serve as a grill? You’re …
How To Grill Frozen Burgers (3 Quick Steps)
If you’re here, you’ve likely bought frozen burgers and you’re wondering the best way to …
The Best Way to Reheat Ribs Without Drying Them Out (5 Easy Steps)
Are you wondering how you can reheat those leftover ribs without completely ruining them? You’re …
Chicken Thighs Internal Temp (Perfect Every Time!)
If you’re wondering what the right internal temperature of your chicken thighs should be, you’re …
How to Defrost Steak (3 Easy Methods)
If you’re wondering how you can defrost steak, you’re in the right place! In this …
The Best Blackstone Griddles (Complete Guide)
Blackstone griddles–they’re like the superhero of outdoor cooking, swooping in to save your backyard BBQ …
Types of Smokers (Finding the Perfect Match for You)
Well, well, well, look who’s ready to take their meat game to the next level! …
How Long Should a Grill Brush Last? (& Tips for Extending Use)
Wondering just how long your trusty grill brush will be your wingman at the barbecue? …
How To Run a Propane Grill from Your RV Propane Connection
Don’t be a scaredy-camper when it comes to hooking up your grill to your RV …
Which Pellet Grills Are Made in the USA? (Updated 2023)
Are you in the market for a pellet grill but are wondering which ones are …
Traeger vs Pit Boss: Read This BEFORE Buying
If you’re thinking about buying a pellet smoker, you’ll love it. And if you can’t …
5 Best Grill Covers (2023 Review)
Are you wondering what the best cover for your grill is? You’ve come to the …
5 Best Grill Brushes For Traeger (2023 Review)
Are you looking for a grill brush to get your Traeger clean without damaging the …
5 Best Grill Brushes for Stainless Steel Grates (2023 Review)
Are you looking for a grill brush to clean your stainless steel grill grates without …
5 Best Grill Brushes For Cast Iron Grates (2023 Review)
Are you looking for a grill brush that won’t damage your cast iron grates but …
Top 3 Best Woods For Smoking Ribs (2023 Review)
Are you planning on smoking ribs and want to find the right wood for them? …
Top 3 Best Woods For Smoking Pulled Pork (2023 Review)
Get the smoke rollin’, it’s time to smoke some pulled pork! But if you’re not …
Stuffed Venison Backstrap (Easy Recipe)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for stuffed venison backstrap? You’re in the right …
Smoked Spatchcock Turkey (The Easy Way)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for spatchcock smoked turkey? You’re in the right …
Pellet vs Kamado Grill (Which is Better?)
Thinking about a new grill but can’t decide between a pellet or kamado grill? Let’s …
Is a Pellet Grill the Same as a Smoker? (Truth Exposed)
Let’s venture into the mysterious world of pellet grills. Our mission? To expose the truth …
How to Use a Charcoal Smoker (7 Step Guide)
Are you looking for tips on how to use your charcoal smoker? Well, you’re in …
This Is How Long To Smoke Brisket at 250 Degrees (Tender Results)
If you’re wondering how long to smoke brisket at 250°F, you’re in the right place! …
The Best Smoked Mac and Cheese (Easy Recipe)
Are you looking for an easy way to make delicious smoked mac and cheese? You’re …
Smoked Prime Rib Roast (Easy Recipe)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for smoked prime rib roast? You’re in the …
Smoked Chicken Legs Recipes (7 Easy Steps)
Are you looking for a recipe for smoked chicken legs? Well you’ve come to the …
Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip (3 Easy Steps)
Step aside, average party dips — there’s a new MVP in town, and it’s about …
Smoked Baked Potatoes (Easy Recipe)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for smoked baked potatoes? You’re in the right …
Pulled Pork Internal Temp (Tried and True)
Smoke it too long and it’s dry. Not long enough and you’re making people sick. …
Propane vs Natural Gas: What’s the Difference?
If you’re wondering what the difference between propane and natural gas is, you’re in the …
Poor Man’s Burnt Ends (Easy Recipe)
Are you looking for a cheaper way to make burnt ends? You’re in the right …
Is Brisket Beef or Pork? (Or Both?)
If you’re curious if brisket is beef or pork, you’re not alone. The answer, my …
Most Popular Cuts of Meat by State
Are you curious to know what the most popular cut of meat is in your …
Ultimate Smoked Beef Jerky in 7 Easy Steps (HUGE FLAVOR)
Looking to make some tasty beef jerky to snack on? You’ve come to the right …
What Part of the Cow Is Brisket? (Beginner’s Guide)
If you want to know what part of the cow brisket comes from, you’re in …
Why is it Called a Hamburger? (The History of the Hamburger)
Hamburgers are one of the most popular American foods, but they don’t contain any ham, …
How to Stop a Propane Tank from Leaking (An Easy Fix!)
If your propane tank is leaking, we’re here to help you learn how to fix …
5 Best Propane Smokers (2023 Review)
Have you decided on a propane smoker and want to make sure you’re buying the …
Best Wood For Smoking Chicken (2023 Review)
When you smoke a chicken, there are two things you want from your wood: I’ve …
Best Wood For Smoking Fish (2023 Review)
When you’re smoking fish you want to use the right wood or you’ll ruin it. …
Best Wood For Smoking Tri Tip (2023 Review)
Looking to smoke a juicy tri-tip and want to find the right wood for it? …
8 Best Grill Gazebos (2023 Review)
Are you looking for a grill gazebo that can withstand the elements without breaking the …
Traeger Grills Ironwood 885 Review (Updated 2023)
This is a review of the Traeger Ironwood 885 – and we will be the …
Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle Grill (In-Depth Review)
Are you considering purchasing a Weber 70th Anniversary Kettle Grill? We’ve tested it, and we …
Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub (In-Depth Review)
Thinking about buying the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub? We’ve tested it out and are …
Z Grills 700D3 Pellet Grill In-Depth Review
Are you considering the 700D3 by ZGrills? We’ve tested it and we’re here to help …
How To Make A Smoker (4 Unique Ways)
Thinking about making a DIY smoker? You’re in the right place! In this TheGrillingDad.com guide, …
Electric Firestarter: What Is It? (And Is It Worth It?)
If you’re tired of finding newspapers for that charcoal chimney and want to avoid lighter …
Deco Chef Outdoor Pizza Oven (In-Depth Review)
Thinking about buying a Deco Chef Outdoor Pizza Oven? You’ve come to the right place! …
How To Smoke Turkey (The Easy Way)
Are you looking for a recipe for smoked turkey? You’re in the right place! In …
How To Smoke Tri-Tip (Quick 5 Step Recipe)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for smoking tri tip? You’re in the right …
How To Smoke Steak (Easy Recipe)
Are you looking for the ultimate guide to smoked steak? You’re in the right place! …
How to Smoke Sausage (5 Easy Steps)
Are you wanting to smoke your own sausage at home? You’re in the right place! …
Brisket: Flat Cut vs Point Cut (Differences Explained)
If you want to know the difference between the brisket flat and the point, you’re …
How To Smoke Pulled Pork (5 Easy Steps)
Are you looking for a simple way to smoke pulled pork? Then you’re in the …
How To Smoke Cheese (5 Easy Steps)
Are you looking for an ultra easy way to smoke your own cheese at home? …
How To Smoke A Whole Chicken (4 Easy Steps)
Ready to impress your friends and family with your smoking skills? Look no further! In …
Best Dry Rubs For Ribs (PreMade and DIY Recipe)
Are you about to smoke some fall-off-the-bone ribs, but you want to make sure you’re …
How To Smoke A Fresh Ham (3 Simple Steps)
Did you buy a fresh ham and looking for a great way to smoke it? …
How To Slice Brisket (5 Quick Steps)
If you just made a juicy brisket and want to make sure you’re slicing it …
5 Best Electric Charcoal Starters (2023 Review)
Ready to use a magic fire stick to light your charcoal? We’re here to help …
5 Best Gas Grills Under $300 (2023 Review)
Have a budget and want to find the best gas grill you can get? Great …
5 Best Korean BBQ Grills (2023 Review)
Are you looking for a Korean BBQ grill for a fun dinner experience? You’re in …
How To Season A Smoker (5 Easy Steps)
Are you looking to season your new smoker? If so, you’re in the right place! …
How to Rest a Brisket (And Why It’s Important)
After several hours in the smoker, I know resting a brisket is the last thing …
How To Remove Rust From Cast Iron Grates (5 Step Guide)
Are you trying to find to remove rust from your cast iron grates? You’re definitely …
How To Reheat Steak (4 Easy Methods)
If you somehow find yourself in the situation of having leftover steak, we both know …
How To Reheat Pulled Pork (Without Drying It Out)
Are you looking for the best way to reheat pulled pork? You’re in the right …
How To Reheat Prime Rib Without Drying It Out (4 Quick Methods)
Looking for the best way to reheat prime rib slices? Well, you’re in the right …
How To Reheat Chicken Wings (Perfectly Crispy)
Are you looking for a quick way to reheat chicken wings without making them chewy? …
How To Put Out A Charcoal Grill (3 Easy Steps)
Are you looking for a quick guide for putting out your charcoal grill? Great! You’re …
How To Make Homemade Bacon (3 Easy To Follow Steps)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for making bacon at home? You’re in the …
How To Grill Chicken Breasts (5 Easy Steps)
Elevate your grilling game with our foolproof guide on how to grill chicken breasts to …
How to Defrost Chicken Quickly (3 Safe Ways)
Are you looking for an easy to follow guide on defrosting chicken? You’re in the …
How To Cook Steak On A Griddle (7 Easy Steps)
Are you wanting to cook the perfect steak on your griddle? Then you’re in the …
How To Cook Ribs On The Grill (5 Easy Steps)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow guide to cooking ribs on the grill? You’re in …
How To Cook Frozen Steak On The Grill (Step by Step)
Are you looking for an easy to follow guide on grilling frozen steak? Then you’re …
How To Clean A Flat Top Grill (4 Easy Steps)
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to clean your flat top grill? …
How To Clean A Charcoal Grill (Easy But Effective!)
It may not be the most fun, but cleaning your charcoal grill is one of …
How Long Will Turkey Last in the Fridge? (And Signs It’s Gone Bad)
If you’re wondering how long your turkey will last in the fridge before going bad, …
How Long to Smoke a Brisket per Pound (Best Results)
If you’re wondering how long it will take to smoke your brisket, you’re in the …
How Long to Grill Chicken (Breasts, Wings, And More!)
It can be a challenge to get the timing just right when grilling chicken. Cook …
How Long Does Shrimp Last in the Fridge? (And Signs They’re Bad)
If you’re wondering how long shrimp will last in the fridge before going bad, you’re …
How Long Does Sausage Last in the Fridge? (And Signs Its Bad)
If you’re wondering how long sausage will last in the fridge before going bad, you’re …
How Long Does Pulled Pork Last in the Fridge? (And Signs It’s Bad)
If you’re wondering how long pulled pork can last in the fridge, you’re in the …
How Long Does Pizza Last in the Fridge? (And Signs It’s Bad)
If you’re wondering how long your leftover pizza can last in the refrigerator, you’re in …
How Long Does Ham Last in the Fridge? (And Signs Its Bad)
If you’re wondering how long ham can stay in the refrigerator before going bad, you’re …
How Long Does Ground Beef Last in the Fridge? (And Signs It’s Bad)
If you’re wondering how long ground beef can last in the fridge before going bad, …
How Long Does Fish Last In The Fridge? (And Signs Its Gone Bad)
If you’re wondering how long fish can last in the fridge before going bad, you’re …
How Long Does Chicken Last in the Fridge? (And Signs It’s Gone Bad)
Is that chicken still good? Whether you’re standing in the light of your refrigerator looking …
How Long Does Bacon Last in the Fridge? (And Signs It’s Bad)
If you’re wondering how long bacon will last in the fridge before going bad, you’re …
How Long Do Ribs Last in the Fridge? (And How To Tell If They’re Bad)
If you’re wondering how long ribs can last in the fridge before going bad, you’re …
How Long Do Hot Dogs Last in the Fridge? (And Signs They’re Bad)
If you’re wondering how long your hot dogs can last in the fridge, you’re in …
How Long Can Leftover Chili Last in the Fridge?
If you’re wondering how long chili can last in the fridge before going bad, you’re …
Hot and Fast Brisket (8 Quick Steps)
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for a hot and fast brisket? You’re in …
5 Best Pellet Grills Under $500 (2023 Review)
Are you wondering if you can get a quality pellet grill for under $500? You’ve …
Easy Smoked Boston Butt Recipe
Are you looking for an easy-to-follow recipe for smoked Boston butt? You’re in the right …
Easy Brisket Tacos (Super Simple Recipe)
Are you looking for an easy to follow recipe for brisket tacos? You’re in the …
Can You Refreeze Chicken? (Yes, but…)
You’ve got a pack of chicken breasts thawing in the fridge, ready to be whipped …
Best BBQ Brisket Burnt Ends Recipe
If you’re thinking about smoking up some BBQ brisket burnt ends…let’s do it! In this …