Category Archives: Featured Reviews

Hands on Review: Kingsford Charcoal Kaddy – Charcoal and Wood Pellet Storage – includes Capacity & Weather Resistance Trials

This is a hands on look at the 32 quart Kingsford branded charcoal kaddy.  I picked this up for wood pellet storage.

Hands on Review Kingsford Charcoal Kaddy:

A look at the bottom. There is a lip on each end to raise the containers a bit, giving them some airflow.  This reads Made in the USA and Buddeez. This is a Kingsford branded container that’s manufactured by Buddeez.

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First Looks: ThermoPro TempSpike!

The ThermoPro TempSpike is a completely wireless thermometer… no wires! That allows you to wirelessly monitor your cook with compatible smart phone apps. It’s a available in a single probe version and and a dual probe version.

This is a look at the single probe TempSpike. Stay tuned to this post which will turn into a comprehensive hands on review as I become more experienced with this wireless thermometer.

Front of the box

Back of the box

The case and probe in the box

What came with my TempSpike – The probe, case, manual, charging cord and a couple additional pamphlets. Note that a USB charging block is not included, but it will work with any standard USB charger.

Side of the case. The storage case serves multiple purposes – storing the probe, charging the probe and it operates as a signal booster. This is a picture of the side of the case that shows you the USB charging port.

A closeup of the case

The probe comes with this sticker reminding you to always insert the probe past the marked notch to avoid damage.

A look at just the case

The TempSpike probe

Notch indicating minimum insertion to avoid probe damage

The case along with a section of the manual that describes each component

The section of the manual that walks you through getting started with the TempSpike

Case with included charging cable plugged in

Charging cable plugged in to this USB charging box from Anker. Note that a USB charging block is not included, but it will work with any standard USB charger.

Stay tuned for more on the TempSpike. I’m planning to use it on my next cook and will have more info then.

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Thermapen ONE Review:

My BBQ Rub Recipe

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Also: Our Fuel Deals Roundup!

hardwood pellet and charcoal deals

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. top:tempspike tag:tpr

Hands on Review: GRILLART Grill Brush & Scraper

GRILLART makes grilling accessories including several grill brush and scraper models.

This is a hands on look at their 18″ bristle free stainless steel grate scraper and brush.

Hands on Review GRILLART Scraper and Brush

A look at the stainless steel scraper blade. It features notches on each side to clean individual grate wires.

A closer look at the galvanized twisted wire. Note: I purchased this in June of 2020. It’s been outside, in the elements, constantly since that point. The galvanized twisted wire remains visibly rust free over two years later.

Hanging from my Weber grill. This brush is about 18″ in total length.

A look at the handle

The end of the handle features a loop for hanging

Hey, look, it’s hanging.

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Hands on Review: Rubbermaid Commercial Products Bus Box! – NSF Rated for Food Contact

I’m a big fan of Rubbermaid’s Commercial’s utility tubs. I literally have a stack of these, in different sizes, for different things around the house, including homebrewing.

I use the 4.625 gallon size to thaw meat, trim, apply rub, carry around cook day tools and more. These are NSF rated and big enough to hold larger cuts of meat. They catch excess rub and drips and make clean up easier. With handles on every side, they’re easy to carry and move. You can also spin it around as you’re trimming or applying rub for easy access.

Hands on Review Rubbermaid Commercial Utility Tubs

A look at the 4.6 gallon tub. These measure approximately 20.4″ x” 15.6″ x 5″

The bottom

A look at the imprints on the bottom

Close up of the Rubbermaid Commercial Products logo

NSF certified logo imprint on the bottom

These are generally available in two sizes (and multiple colors). The 4.6 gallon is on the left the 7 gallon is on the right. I’ve found the 4.6 gallon size to be right sized for BBQ-ing and grilling. The 7 gallon works too, but it’s a bit oversized for BBQ, when it comes to my needs. If you’re doing huge quantities of food, the 7 gallon is worth a look.

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Larger 7.125 Gallon Size: Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100GRAY Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Gray – Note that multiple variations of these products may be available, as such a different version may appear at the link

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Hands on Review: ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE!

Thermapen ONE Brisket

The Thermapen is a thermocouple thermometer produced by ETI, Ltd and sold by ThermoWorks. It’s used by restaurants, home cooks, homebrewers, grillers, bbq-ers and more.

Here’s an in depth hands on look at the latest iteration, the Thermapen ONE starting with a history of the Thermapen, accuracy and response time tests and lots more.

Limited Time DEAL

Black Friday Sale on ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE!

History of the Thermapen

The Thermapen was introduced in 1992. The original invention of the Thermapen was by Electronic Temperature Instruments Limited (ETI, Ltd.) of Worthing, England. Each subsequent version of the product has been engineered and manufactured by ETI, Ltd.

Thermapen was the first thermocouple thermometer designed for commercial and home kitchens. Prior to that time all other thermocouple thermometers were designed for science and industry; and were much larger, handheld devices with separate probes. These were generally priced at about $200 or more (after purchasing a probe).  Keep in mind that’s in pre-1992 dollars.

thermapen historyFrom left to right – Original Thermapen, Thermapen MK2, Super Fast Thermapen (now sold as Thermapen Classic), MK4, Thermapen ONE

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Hands On Review: Roto Molded Igloo 55 Quart Sportsman Cooler

Here’s a look at Igloo Products 00044921 Sportsman Cooler.  I purchased the white, 55 quart size.  It’s also available in tan and in other capacities.  According to the description it is “Virtually indestructible rotational molded construction”.  Features a heavy-duty “3-point grab” handle with comfort grip with durable, rubberized T-Grip lid latches and anti skid feet.  It also includes an oversized insulated and tethered drain plug.

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A Look At: Lodge’s 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Here’s a look at Lodge’s 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven Model L8DO3.

Front of the Box Reads: Lodge Cast Iron, American Made Since 1896.  5 Quart/4.7 Liter.  Cast Iron Dutch Oven with Bail Handle.

Side of the Box Reads: Brutally tough for decades of cooking.  Seasoned for natural, easy-release finish that improves with use.  Easy: Hand wash, dry, rub with cooking oil

Made is the USA

The Dutch Oven

Underside of the lid

Lid on

Underside

We’ve used this in both our oven and our our smoker.  It fits really nicely on my 22 1/2″ Weber Smokey Mountain Cooker.  One Smoke gave the handle a nice hue.

I’ve owned this since October of 2013.  As of this most recent update in August of 2017, it continue to function.  In my opinion, Lodge makes extremely well built items.  The box reads “Brutally tough for decades of cooking”.  I don’t think that’s an overstatement.  This is a great Dutch oven that has served us well for years.  I fully expect it to serve us well for decades.

Lodge L8DO3 Cast Iron Dutch Oven, Pre-Seasoned, 5-Quart – via Amazon

More: Recent Outdoor Cooking

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Hands on Review: Pelican Elite Cooler

pelican elite cooler review

Pelican Elite Coolers by Pelican.  30 quart capacity.  Extreme ice retention: 2 inch of polyurethane insulation with a 360 degree freezer-grade gasket that delivers extreme ice retention for up to 10 days.  Features: molded handles and tie-down slots, 3 inch locking latches, reinforced lockable hasp, stainless steel bottle opener, anti-shear hinge system, leakproof drain plug, 4 self draining cup holders, integrated measuring board on lid in centimeters and inches, non-skid rubber feet.

Made in the USA: includes pelican’s legendary lifetime guarantee – you break it, they will replace it…Forever.

A top down look at the cooler.  The label reads Pelican – 30 – Made in the USA.  You can see the fish scale on the top both in inches and centimeters.  The top also has four cup holders that are designed to let condensation runoff the side, instead of pooling.

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