Category Archives: Cooking and Recipes

Kamado Joe Accessories – 10 Best Accessories for your Kamado Joe!

August 6, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

Are you a Kamado Joe owner like me? Whether you’re a long-time owner of a KJ or a newbie, this article can help. We’ll discuss which accessories are the best to buy for your Kamado Joe and why. You’ll find reviews, tips, and recommendations for over 200 Kamado Joe accessories that will take your cooks to the next level.

Kamado Joe Accessories – Top 10 List

There are 200+ recommended accessories for your Kamado Joe on this page, but if you don’t have time to read all the reviews, watch the vids, and fully engage with this page, then here’s a quick ‘Top 10’ List to get your started.

1-Kamado specific Cookbook

Don’t overlook this item if you are new to kamado cooking – there is a learning curve with your KJ and these two books are great ‘user manuals’ that will help you learn the craft faster.

Seriously if you only get 1 item from this entire page, get one of these books and read the section about ‘how to use a kamado’ so you can overcome the learning curve faster. The tips in these books are invaluable and I wish I would have read them when I first started.

Here are 3 great kamado cookbooks to get you started:

2-Hand Protection

Your kamado will get HOT. You need hand protection!

This could be welding gloves or high heat rubber-style gloves. Here are a few to consider…

Shop our store to see more glove options.

3 – The JoeTisserie

Accept no substitute for the most awesome kamado rotisserie unit for your Kamado Joe – The JoeTisserie!

It add so much flexibility to your cooking repertoire – check out this video to learn more…

4- Kamado Pizza Accessories

Because you know you want to make pizzas in your KJ, right? Try one of these pizza stones or get the new Kamado Joe DoJoe to get a real wood-fired pizza oven experience!

Check out this vid to see the Kamado Joe DoJoe in action…

Here are some more pizza accessories to consider for your Kamado Joe…

5-Cast-iron Cookware.

Cast-iron + Kamado Joe = perfect match.

The Kamado Joe cast iron inserts for your Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System are a great start. Other options are a dutch oven (with a wire handle for easier lifting) or highly functional plancha pan.

Learn more about cast-iron under Cooking Surfaces below.

You’ll want to add these to your list…

6-Good Remote Thermometer

As fun as it is to cook on the Kamado Joe nobody wants to sit by the fire all day. You want be with friends, drink a few brews, and relax without always wondering about the temps of your meats. Having a good remote thermometer allows you to do that. The top two brands (in my opinion) ThermoPro or Maverick.

Ones I personally own are the ThermoPro TP20 and the Maverick ET732.

7-Electric Charcoal Lighter

Stop with the blow torches and the tumbleweed, just get an electric charcoal lighter – it’s easier. End of story. You’ll thank me for this one. Kamado Joe makes a good electric lighter and so does Grill Dome:

8-Ash Basket

Why do you want an ash basket for your kamado?

Because it will increase your airflow and get more from your lump. The classic option is the Kick Ash Basket but Kamado Joe now has their own version too.

9-Quality Lump Charcoal & Smoking Wood Chunks

No matter what accessories you buy for your Kamado Joe or how well you manage your fire, if you don’t have quality lump charcoal and/or quality smoking wood chunks to cook with, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. There’s nothing like doing everything right and then having the food taste bad because the lump charcoal you used was made with poor quality wood or too much of a particularly strong wood (like hickory). I’d recommend you buy good quality lump charcoal that has a mix of hardwoods that work with all types of foods for your basic cooks and then buy smoking wood chunks for particular flavor profiles you want to add in later (such as hickory for chicken, fruit woods for fish, etc).

Lump Charcoal brands I like:

Smoking Wood Chunks to consider include:

Cameron’s Wood Chunks
Weber’s Wood Chunks
Oklahoma Joe’s Wood Chunks
Western Premium Wood Chunks
Smoak also offers wood chunks in a larger supply (25-30 lbs boxes)

10- Quality Grilling Basket

Do you need it?

I think so. Particularly when you get a grilling basket with a removable handle it allows you to turn fish, veggies, and delicate items easily – saving time, hassle, AND protecting your food. Here are a few I like…

Wolfwise Grilling Basket with removable handle
Weber Grill Basket
Here are more 4+ star rated grilling baskets to consider

Obviously you’re gonna need some quality meat and plenty of friends and family to enjoy your KJ cooks with, but for now these 10 “Must Have” accessories are the basics that will get you fast-tracked for success with your Kamado Joe. Once you have these in your arsenal, then move on to the full list below.

THE FULL LIST – 200+ Best Accessories for your Kamado Joe

I. Cooking Surfaces

Before we get started on discussing the best cooking surfaces for Kamado Joe we’d be remiss if we didn’t pay homage to the fact that even though Kamado Joe wasn’t the first kamado to the party, KJ has revolutionized the kamado industry – not just with the quality of the Kamado Joe in general but with their continued commitment to INNOVATION. There is perhaps no greater example of this than Kamado Joe’s world-famous “Divide and Conquer” Flexible Cooking System. Since many of the cooking surfaces we’re about to recommend utilize the amazing Divide and Conquer system, let’s just make sure you understand the advantages it offers you…

A picture tells a 1,000 words in this case right?

You can use the Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System in your Kamado Joe to…

Cook High
Cook Low
Cook both Direct AND Indirect at the same time
And gain a world of flexibility.

And best of all the Divide and Conquer Flexible Cooking System comes standard in your new Kamado Joe!

Now that we understand what the Divide and Conquer system is, let’s look at some great cooking surfaces that you can use in it…

Must Have Surface – Kamado Joe Cast Iron GRIDDLE

Why you need the Cast Iron Griddle.

The Kamado Joe Cast Iron Griddle is the #1 “Must Have” Cooking Surface according to most KJ Owners I’ve talked to and I would agree – it’s just so versatile.

Check out my full review to learn more about the Kamado Joe Cast Iron Griddle. Meanwhile doesn’t this vid look good?

If for some reason you want a stainless steel griddle, you do have an option – Little Griddle makes a nice half-moon griddle specifically for the Kamado. It’s super easy to clean and has a convenient grease trough.

Regardless of what griddle you get, you’ll definitely want some griddle tools – Blackstone is the brand you want there and the Blackstone Signature Griddle tools are a great value.

Nice to Have Surface – Kamado Joe Cast-Iron GRATES

Although the cast-iron griddle is very versatile and I believe should be your first ‘cast iron’ choice, the grates are also useful – you’ll allow more flames thru the grates vs the griddle and you’ll also get those beautiful grill marks too. For the money, the Kamado Joe Cast Iron grates are a good value. Here’s the latest Amazon pricing…

Chef’s Surface – Kamado Joe Soapstone Surface

Although I think it’s a nice to have item, others disagree. In fact, this is a bit of a controversial choice because many KJ owners on Facebook consider the Kamado Joe Soapstone cooking surface even more of a must-have than the cast iron griddle.

The Kamado Joe Soapstone is great for cooking more delicate items like fish and veggies that you don’t want to use on a cedar plank or in a basket and Chef Eric Gephart with Kamado Joe the alleged master of cooking with surface.

Let’s see the Kamado Joe Soapstone in action…

Must-HAVE – The JoeTisserie

We already talked about the Kamado Joe JoeTisserie as one of your Top 10 Must Have items.

Remember, the JoeTisserie will turn your kamado into a rotisserie-style cooker and take your Kamado Joe to the next level.

But the JoeTisserie is not just for cooking chicken, you can also use it for some great Brazilian-style steak, pork, and more.

Big Green Egg Owner? Have no fear, the JoeTisserie will work for you too!

Check out the versatility of the JoeTisserie…

Add a grilling basket to the JoeTisserie

Why? Because if you combo a quality grilling basket onto your JoeTisserie then you can cook chicken wings, veggies, and expand your game even further!

Here are a few rotisserie grilling basket attachments to consider…

II – Making wood-fired PIZZA on your Kamado Joe

One of my family and friends’ favorite things to make in our Kamado Joe is wood-fired pizzas. They’re fun to make, taste great, and easy to do. See for yourself…

So now that you’re ready to make some pies on your KJ, what are the best pizza accessories? Here’s a few to add to your shopping list:

Kamado Joe DoJoe (we talked about this one in the Top 10 List above – it will turn your KJ into a real wood-fired pizza making machine!)
Kamado Joe Pizza Stone
Kamado Joe Deep Dish Chicago Style Pizza Pan
Kamado Joe Pizza Peel
Kamado Joe Pizza Cutter (wide grip, it’s awesome)

And I highly recommend the cookbook “The Elements of Pizza” if you really want to learn how to make a great pie.

III. Don’t Overlook these Helpful Items

A Good Dutch Oven for Your Kamado

Do you need it?

Definitely! With a Dutch Oven you can expand your recipe list extensively. BAKE and FRY to your heart’s content with a Dutch Oven in your Kamado.

Yes I said FRY! You can do it safely if you follow the directions of Eric Mitchell in the Smoke it Like a Pro cookbook.

There’s two dutch ovens I like best…

Both have the wire grip handle that makes it easier to manage on your KJ (in my opinion).

A WOK for your Kamado?

Imagine being able to do stir-fry’s and other wok-style cooking on your KJ!

You can do that with the Kamado Joe Wok – it’s big, heavy, and quality construction!

Doesn’t this cook look good?

Kamado Joe Chicken Stand

If you like making ‘beer can’ chicken, this may be fore you.

FYI, lots of KJ Owners on FB don’t like this item and many do NOT think this is even a nice-to-have, but I really do like mine and thinks it’s a convenient way to cook beer can chicken.

Click here to see the Kamado Joe Chicken Stand on Amazon.

Cedar Plank Cooking

You can’t go wrong with cooking fish on cedar plank in your Kamado Joe – but cedar can be used for veggies and meats too.

You’ll find a wide variety of 4-star rated cedar planks on this page.

Cooking and Drip Pans

An assortment of useful cooking pans that sit on the grates and/or fit into the Kamado Joe Accessory Rack. Item #1 (The Plancha) is super popular and highly useful.

IV. Kamado Joe Accessories – BOOKS

There’s no denying that there IS a learning curve when it comes to kamado grill cooking. Do yourself a favor and don’t try to figure it all out on your own – you’ll just end up burning a lot of food and getting frustrated. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are a number of good books out there that can help you master kamado cooking and speed up your learning curve. Here are two of my favorites books – they provide some awesome kamado grill recipes as well as MANY helpful tips.

As I said above, the top two books you must get are…

Hot Coals by Jareon Hazebroek
Smoke it Like a Pro by Eric Mitchell

Hot Coals and Smoke It Like a Pro are basically ‘user manuals’ for your kamado grill and that alone would be reason to purchase them. But on top of that, both of these books also have some great kamado recipes I use all the time. Can you say “Bonus!”

These two titles are truly must-have books for all new kamado owners so be sure to pick them up.

Here are a few more kamado and smoking meat cookbooks – these are from the biggest names in the industry…

Big Bob Gibson’s BBQ Cookbook
Franklin BBQ Smoking Meat Manifesto
Meathead – The Science of BBQ & Grilling
Project Smoke by Steve Raichlen

V. All about ASH BASKETS

What is an Ash Basket and why might you want one for your kamado?

An Ash Basket lets you simply lift out used charcoal and ash before every cook and it is reported to increase air flow around your lump charcoal.

When you use an ash basket you can dispose of ashes and be ready for your next cook in seconds—no muss, no fuss. Just lift the ash basket out and give it a few shakes in your grill or over a trash can (make sure the fire is completely out!), then set the ash basket back in place, add some fresh charcoal, and you’re ready to go in seconds.

Spaces between the ash basket’s rings allow the small particles to fall through when you shake the ashes out. You can start each cook with an ideal fuel load, whether you’re searing steaks or going low and slow. You get easier starts and more even burning for ultimate temperature control.

The most popular choices for ash baskets are the Kick Ash Basket and the new Kamado Joe Ash Basket.

The Kick Ash Basket

The most popular Kamado Joe accessory that is not a cooking surface that’s recommended by Kamado Joe owners on Facebook is the Kick Ash Basket.

The Kick Ash Basket’s wire construction also allows much freer airflow than the stock grate. Open up the vents and you can achieve high temperatures faster than you’ve been able to reach them before. Create perfectly-seared steaks and chops, incredible “brick oven” pizza, and more. You can use the Kick Ash Basket with or without your lower charcoal grate underneath it. If you travel with your grill for tailgating, competition or just showing off for Thanksgiving, it takes a long time for your cooker to cool down and prevents you from loading up the Kamado in your vehicle right away. The Kick Ash Basket lets you lift out the hot remaining charcoal and dispose of it properly.

Kamado Joe Ash Basket

Did you know Kamado Joe now makes it’s own stainless steel ash basket?

It’s pretty sweet and even has a divider in the middle AND it also hooks onto your Divide and Conquer Cooking System. Check it out…

Check out these pics of this new item courtesy of KJ Facebooker Brian Richardson…

VI. Temperature Controls, Thermometers, & Remote Temp Probes

The Kamado Joe iKamand Temperature Controller

The Kamado Joe iKamand is now available on our website LordoftheGrills and on Amazon.

A Remote Thermometer.

Grab a beer, watch the game, and relax – you can do all of that and more with a good remote thermometer – another must have accessory for kamado grills in my book.

Here are the two most popular choices are the ThermoPro TP20 and the Maverick ET732.

More Helpful Thermometers…

You’ll need a quality instant thermometer as well as a “Candy” thermometer if you want to monitor frying oils, etc. And don’t overlook the Temperature “Gun” for checking surfacetemps accurately on your grill cooking surfaces and so much more (I use it all the time).

VII. Tips for Charcoal, Fire Starters, Gloves, and more…

An Electric Charcoal Lighter

C’mon man, it’s just easier! Who wants to waste time and money trying to light your Kamado Joe? Not me, that’s why I consider an electric charcoal lighter to be a must-have kamado grill accessory. You have LOTS of other things to worry about – getting the fire started with your lump should not be one of them!

Quality Lump Charcoal

Personally I use the KJ-Char. Now I know there are a lot of charcoal options out there when it comes to kamado grilling and there’s even a list of quality options on the Naked Whiz Database, but for my money, I believe in the Kamado Joe Lump Charcoal brand – specifically the Big Block XL version. Why? Because not only is the bag filled with really big lumps of charcoal, but even more importantly, the type of wood used is a combination of various hardwoods so you get a great flavor but not an overpowering flavor. (If you’ve ever used lump charcoal that is primarily made with hickory then you know what I mean). The KJ-Char is great for kamado grill cooking because you can use it for all types of food – from pizza, to chicken, to beefs, to pork, and fish. It works for all of it and it compliments it all well. Using KJ-Char as your base also gives you the flexibility to then add your own wood chips to add additional specific flavors (cherry, pecan, apple, etc) depending on what you’re cooking.

Here are some options to consider…

Grilling GLOVES

Three good choices…

Shop our store to see more glove options.

VIII. What about a Custom Table?

Now if you’ve already put your Kamado Joe into a permanent place in your outdoor kitchen then just skip this part.

Sadly when I built my outdoor kitchen I didn’t take the builder’s advice and put in a kamado — then again he recommended a Big Green Egg so perhaps it’s good I waited?

Instead I put in a sink that I rarely use – boo hoo.

And a side-burner that I never use – boo hoo hoo!

But thankfully I did put in a fridge, it’s stocked with beer, and I use that ALL the time – whew!

So alas, my outdoor kitchen lacks a Kamado Joe station, but don’t feel too bad for me, I like to think my setup is still pretty sweet (anytime you can watch TV from the pool AND be grilling I call that a win)…

So….

Assuming you don’t have the option to put in an outdoor kitchen (or you already built one like I did WITHOUT a KJ and you don’t want to modify it), AND assuming you don’t just want to keep your Kamado Joe in a nest, then there IS probably one more thing you’re gonna want pretty soon after you get your KJ.

Now if you are a handy man, there are lots of plans on the internet about how to make your own custom kamado grill table. Unfortunately I’m not crafty so I purchased my table online.

Here’s an article I wrote about the Best Kamado Grill Tables>>>

Don’t Forget the COVER…

BTW, if you want a COVER that will fit over BOTH the kamado grill AND the table, I found one of those too on Amazon:

Classic Accessories Ceramic Grill and Kamado Table Cover

(BTW if you shop around, you’ll see this is a great price for a heavy duty cover that is BIG ENOUGH to cover the table AND the KJ).

For more kamado covers check out this page on LordoftheGrills.

Best Accessories for Kamado Joe – What do YOU Recommend?

Ok, friends, that’s my Top 10 List of Must-Have Accessories (and a few more) for your Kamado Joe, but what do YOU recommend? I’d be curious to know – is there anything I am overlooking? Drop you comments below and let me know. I’m always looking to up my game and appreciate the advice.
Here are some examples from my friends on Facebook in the Kamado Joe Grilling Group
Kamado Joe Accessories Courtesy of Lew Jansen kamado grill accessories Courtesy of BobandMilissa Keel

Wait, You Don’t Have a Kamado Joe Yet?

What are you waiting for, dude? If you are still not sure about the KJ, ready my article “Why I Chose the Kamado Joe” and then pick up the model that works best for you.

There’s never been a better time to buy a Kamado Joe – the release of the new Kamado Joe III that features the new SloRoller smoke chamber is a game changer. Buy yours today!

Kamado Joe III

This size is ideal for most people in my opinion, it also has the most accessories for best price.

Kamado Joe Big Joe III

If you entertain for large groups or have a big family the Big Joe is for you. But keep in mind that the accessories are 25-50% more in cost.

What to Read Next?

Recipes, Traeger Grills

3 Best Prime Rib Recipes for your Traeger Grill

July 12, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

Looking for some great prime rib recipes to cook on your Traeger Grill? Check out these delicious ideas to cook your next Rib Roasts on a Traeger Grill: Smoke Prime Rib Recipe, Roasted Herb Crusted Prime Rib Recipe, and Roasted Prime Rib with Garlic and Coffee Rub. Best of all, these 3 recipes are from the Official Traeger Store on Amazon so you know they’re tried and true tips that will work great!

[lwptoc]

Recipe: Smoked Prime Rib with Traeger Prime Rib Rub

Tip: Click the pics if you want to enlarge the recipe

What you’ll need: (click links to see the item on Amazon)

Stock up on what you need:

amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “grill-site-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B071LCB15G”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “bc550f074a1c11678f83815989b266c6”; //z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “grill-site-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B0011BPMUK”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “aaff3a372f77a1728d118c4c0626257d”; //z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US

You can also shop for Prime Rib on Amazon now too!

Recipe: Roasted Herb Crusted Prime Rib

What you need: (click links to shop the item on Amazon)

8-10 lb Bone-in Rib-Eye Roast
2 Garlic Cloves, minced
1 T Thyme, chopped
1 T Rosemary, chopped
1 T Parsley, chopped
2 T Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1/2 tsp Black Pepper

Save time: shop for Prime Rib on Amazon and have it sent directly to your door.

Recipe: Roasted Prime Rib with Garlic and Traeger Coffee Rub

What you need: (click links to shop the item on Amazon)

8-10 lb Bone-in Rib-Eye Roast
1 Bulb of Garlic (note full bulb not just one clove!)
Kosher Salt
1/2 T Olive Oil
Traeger Coffee Rub

Stock up on what you need:

amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “thathelpfulda-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B071HRP789”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “cc51674cf05a81bb2dd096201e935a65”; //z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “grill-site-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B0011BPMUK”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “aaff3a372f77a1728d118c4c0626257d”; //z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US

Save time: shop for Prime Rib on Amazon and have it sent directly to your door.

Looking for Your First/Next Traeger?

If you need advice on buying your first Traeger Grill or upgrading to a new Traeger Grill model, we can help.

Click the pic to read the article “What’s the Best Traeger Grill?”

What to Read Next

Are these the best Prime Rib recipes for your Traeger Grill? Give them a try, let us know what you think.

If you have a different idea you want us to feature on this site, contact us today.

If you’re looking for more ‘official’ Traeger Grill Recipes, find them here.

Meanwhile, check out these other articles from The Traegerhood.

Product Reviews, Traeger Grills

What’s the Best Traeger Grill?

July 9, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

So you’ve decided you want to buy a wood-fired pellet grill and more specifically you want that pellet grill to be a TRAEGER Grill, but you’re still not sure which model is the best for you? If that sounds like you, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll help you learn more about the various Traeger Grill models and narrow down your choice to which model is the Best Traeger Grill for YOU.

[lwptoc]

Why Buy a Traeger?

If you’re reading this article, I probably don’t need to ‘sell’ you on why the Traeger Brand is the best choice when it comes to a wood-fired pellet grill. After all Traeger was the ‘original’ pellet grill and their history dates back to 1986.

As you probably know by now Traeger makes it easy to grill however you like best – no matter which grill you go with, Traeger’s 6-in-1 ability means you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ your way to pure, hardwood flavor. A fast learning curve, simple to use grilling technology, the ability to get consistent temperature control, AND great value for the money has made the Traeger Grill brand one of the most popular in the US today.

BTW – If you want to know more about Traeger’s history and why Traegers are so popular be sure to read this article: “What is a Traeger Grill and Why are Traeger Grills so popular.” For now though, let’s get to finding the best Traeger Grill for you.

Understanding the Different Models of Traeger Grill

Because there are so many Traeger Models with different names, it can be intimidating to shop for a Traeger Grill in the beginning. But have no fear, we can help you understand the differences between the Traeger Grill models.

At the time of this article, Traeger currently make 4 models of pellet grills. They are:

Traeger Portables – the most portable options of Traegers – including the Scout, Ranger, and Tailgator models. The Scout and Ranger are super mini versions, while the Tailgator looks more like a traditional Traeger but has folding legs.
Traeger Pro – The most popular options for Traeger Grills. With a mid-range price points, the Pro Series are what most people will start their Traeger journey with. What’s great about the Pro line is that you can still enjoy Traeger’s WiFire technology (wifi connectivity) so you can control your Traeger Grill with the Traeger app on your mobile device – that means you can have a beer and watch the ball game inside while your Traeger is cooking outside!
Traeger Ironwood Series – If you want to enjoy more features than the Pro offers, the Ironwood Traegers may be for you. Here you’ll find larger cooking space and more technology (TRU convection, Super Smoke Mode, DownDraft Exhaust, and more).
Traeger Timberline series – Looking for a top-of-the-line Traeger? Then The Timberline is for you – these are the biggest, macked-out Traeger’s you can buy, with up to 1300 sq inches to grill on and all the tech Traeger has to offer.
Other Models: Traeger also has models & model combinations under the names Bronson, Renegade, Texas & Lil’ Tex, Junior Elite, XL, and Commercial. Some are sold at Big Box Stores like Costco or online.

What do the NUMBERS mean on the Traeger Grill Models?

As of 2019, the number that you see on the Traeger Grill Models means how large the COOKING SURFACE is. So, for example, the Traeger Pro Series 780 Pellet Grill will have 780 square inches of cooking space. And just like that the mystery is gone!

Best Traeger Grills

It’s now time to look at the best Traeger Grills, we’re going to give you one model from each of the four model lines. That means the best Portable Traeger Grill, the best Traeger Pro Series Grill, the Best Traeger Ironwood Grill, and the Best Traeger Timberline Grill. Knowing what’s the best from each line should help you narrow down your choice and make the best buying decision for your family. Let’s get to it…

Best Traeger Portable Grill

Traeger Tailgater 20 — Traeger Tailgator 20

Winner: Traeger Tailgator 20

Unless space is severely limited and/or you just must have a tabletop unit, if you want a true Traeger Grill experience in a portable model, do yourself a favor and choose the Traeger Tailgater 20 Grill. There’s nothing wrong with the Traeger Scout and Ranger models, but they don’t compare to the experience of the Traeger Tailgater 20.

Traeger Tailgator 20

Why is the Traeger Tailgater 20 the best Traeger Portable Grill?

From game days to getaways, bring wood-fired flavor everywhere with the new Tailgater 20. Featuring a compact, portable design, it’s prime for balconies, tailgating or anywhere else you want to take 6-in-1 versatility and superior taste. And now it comes armed with Traeger’s Digital Arc controller for more precise, consistent temperatures and a Keep Warm Mode that keeps food fresh until chow time.

That means that with the Traeger Tailgater 20 you can enjoy all the benefits of that true wood-pellet grilling experience AND take it with you! With foldable legs and a total weight around 60 lbs, the Traeger Tailgator 20 is easy to transport. But don’t let it’s light weight fool you, this is a real Traeger grill that uses a hopper for wood pellets and the hopper is big enough to hold 8 lbs of wood pellets so you can still cook for 5-6 hours without refilling.

Traeger Tailgator 20 Features

The Traeger Tailgator 20 is also big enough to cook a nice meal on. The grilling space is 20 x 15 inches which is 300 square inches. That’s the right size to cook multiple rib racks, a couple chickens, a boat load of burgers, and more.

Other features of the Traeger Tailgater 20 include:

Digital Arc Controller allows you to set the temperature in 5-degree increments
Keep Warm Mode ensures food is “hot-off-the-grill” no matter when you eat
Advanced Grilling Logic for precise temperature performance
Meat Probe to check temps without lifting the lid
300 sq. in. (20″ x 15″) Grilling Area
EZ-Fold Legs

Traeger Tailgater 20 Grilling Capacity

Here’s what you can fit on a Traeger Tailgator 20…

Traeger Tailgator 20 Video Review

Here’s a very thorough video review of the Traeger Tailgator 20 from Jus’ Piddlin BBQ…

Traeger Tailgater 20 – Current Prices

Ready to buy a Traeger Tailgater 20? Check the latest price here…

Best Traeger Pro Series Grill

Winner: Traeger Pro 780 Grill

The Pro Series line of Traeger Grills is the most popular and it offers you the most model choices – by far. Check out this chart and see just SOME of the models in the Traeger Pro series lineup.

Which Traeger Grill Pro Series Model is right for you?

From the list I showed you in the pic above, you’re best bets are going to be either the Traeger Pro 780 or the Pro 575.

The other Pro Series models you see only have the basic digital controller, but the Traeger Pro 780 and Pro 575 both have Traeger’s new WiFire Controller (which will give you the option of controlling temps from your mobile device) along with other newer features not always available in older Pro models.

How do you decide between the Traeger Pro 780 vs 575?

We recommend the Traeger Pro 780 over the Traeger Pro 575?

The most popular Traeger Grill Pro Series model (especially for newbies) is the Traeger Pro 575 however we are recommending you strongly consider the Traeger Pro 780.

Check Current Prices of the Traeger 575 & 780

You really can’t go wrong with either model, but you can go RIGHTER (if that’s a word?) with the Traeger Pro 780 because time and again on forums and Facebook groups you’ll hear people who have the 575 say “I wished they would have bought the 780 instead.”

Why do people like the Traeger 780 vs the 575? It really comes down to grilling SPACE. Remember, the Traeger Pro 575 has 575 square inches of grilling space, while the Traeger Pro 780 has 780 square inches. That’s a pretty big difference.

The fact is that you will LOVE whichever Traeger model you get and you will WANT to cook on it all the time. That means you’ll be cooking for more and more people and trying new and different things – the Traeger Pro 780 will give you the space you need to experiment on it to your heart’s delight.

If you want a Traeger Pro Series Grilll and you have the budget, then get the Traeger Pro 780 over the Pro 575.

Traeger Pro 780 Features

The Traeger Pro Series is the best-selling pellet grill in the world and the all-new Traeger Pro 780 grill just got better with an enhanced controller that uses WiFIRE® technology. WiFIRE® allows you to monitor and adjust your grill anytime, anywhere from the Traeger app on your smartphone. Here’s a quick intro to WiFire tech on a Traeger…

The Traeger Pro 780 has a LOT more than just WiFire. It also includes all the following features too…

Pro D2 controller – as easy as using an oven. Just turn the dial to the desired temp, hit Ignite, and you’re Trailering.
Wifire technology – allows you to monitor and adjust your grill anywhere.
Pro D2 direct drive – Improves searing and let’s you cook Low and slow or hot and fast.
Turbotemp – Lightning fast start Up times and quicker recovery.

Check out all these great features of the Traeger Pro 780 Grill in this picture essay…

What’s all this add up to?

The Traeger Pro 780 Series wifi pellet grills now starts quicker, heats up faster, and puts out better smoke quality giving you consistent results infused with wood-fired flavor every time!

How much can you cook on a Traeger Pro 780 at one time?

The Traeger Pro 780 has enough capacity to cook the following at the same time: 6 rib racks, or 6 full chickens, or even 34 burgers!

What about the Traeger Pro Series 34 vs Traeger Pro 780?

The Traeger Pro Series 34 is an awesome “1st Generation” Traeger and it’s actually BIGGER than the Traeger pro 780 that I’m recommending. The Traeger Pro Series 34 has 884 square inches of grilling space vs 780 square inches on the Traeger Pro 780. The additional grilling space on the Traeger Pro Series 34 will let you cook another rack of ribs (7 vs 6), 2 more chickens (8 vs 6), or 6 more burgers (40 vs 34).

The Traeger Pro Series 34 is consistently highly rated on Amazon and other sites and if you need the biggest Pro series grill, then the Traeger Pro Series 34 could be for you, BUT you’ll be giving up all the new tech that comes standard on the Traeger Pro 780 – that includes the WiFire technology and more. If the tech doesn’t matter and you just want SPACE, then the Traeger Pro Series 34 is a great buy, just know what you’re giving up so you can make an informed decision.

Learn more about the Traeger Pro Series 34.

Traeger Pro 780 Grill – Current Prices

Ready to buy the Traeger Pro 780 Grill? Check the latest price here…

Best Traeger Ironwood Grill

Winner: Traeger Ironwood 885

The Traeger Ironwood Series Grills currently come in two sizes The Ironwood 650 and Ironwood 885. As with the Pro 575 and 780 the only difference is grilling space. As with the Pro recommendation, (if you have the budget) we’re suggesting you go with the Ironwood 885 so you don’t regret the lack of space later.

Traeger Ironwood 885

Traeger Ironwood vs Traeger Pro Series

The Traeger Ironwood series is a newer line than the Traeger Pro line and the Ironwood models offer a couple more features that may or may not be important to you. Here’s a video comparison of the Traeger Ironwood 650 and Ironwood 885 vs Traeger Pro 575 and Pro 780…

Traeger Ironwood vs Traeger Pro

The quick summary is the Traeger Ironwood has all the best features of the Treager Pro AND also includes double side-walled insulation, a free side-shelf, an adjustable lower grill grate, a slightly larger hopper, Traeger’s Downdraft Exhaust System, and the Tru Convection option.

Traeger threads on Reddit and other forums about the Ironwood vs the Pro are somewhat mixed, however the majority of people who have actually purchased the Traeger Ironwood seem to be really happy with it – especially as the Downdraft Exhaust and Tru Convection seem to provide more smoke in the chamber longer for more smoke flavor.

Traeger Ironwood Video

Ironwood 650 vs Ironwood 885 Cooking Capacity

Here’s what you can cook on the Traeger Ironwood 650 vs 885 models…

Traeger Ironwood 650 & 885 Current Prices

amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “thathelpfulda-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B07WTMYSR6”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “25ef51842ac46609de9b031413b59c76”; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = “grill-site-20”; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = “manual”; amzn_assoc_ad_type = “smart”; amzn_assoc_marketplace = “amazon”; amzn_assoc_region = “US”; amzn_assoc_design = “enhanced_links”; amzn_assoc_asins = “B07WRLLB94”; amzn_assoc_placement = “adunit”; amzn_assoc_linkid = “40e848df8faeafd5449521f8591112bc”;

Best Traeger Timberline Grill

Winner: Traeger Timberline 1300 “The Beast”

The Traeger Timberline Series Grills is not for the faint of heart – these are the mack daddy Traeger Grills for home cooks with only the Commercial Line offering larger sizes. There are currently two Timberline sizes: Traeger Timberline 850 and Traeger Timberline 1300. Again the only difference is the grilling space: 850 square inches or 1300 square inches. You’re going to be approaching $2000 for the Timberline but if you’re reading this and considering a Timberline, I’m assuming budget is not really an issue for you and therefore I’m assuming you’ll want the best of the best – that’s the Timberline 1300.

Traeger Timberline Video

Traeger Timberline Features

The Traeger Timberline grills are Traeger’s premier outdoor cooking solution. You’ll get all the best features of the Pro Series AND all of the following too…

Timberline D2® Controller
WiFIRE® Technology
Timberline D2® Direct Drive
TurboTemp®
GrillGuide®
Three tiers of stainless steel grates
Double-wall stainless steel interior
Pellet Sensor
Magnetic Bamboo Cutting Board
Concealed Grease Management System

Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline Grills

Here’s a great video review by Embers Outdoor Living on the differences between the Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline Grills…

Here’s a quick summary of the differences between the Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline grills…

Cooking Space: Timberline offer 885 or 1300 square inches of grilling space vs the 650 or 885 square inches on the Ironwood
# of Racks: Timberline has 3 vertical cooking racks vs Ironwood single rack + warming shelf
Grill Grate Materials: Timberline features solid 304 stainless steel cooking grates vs the Ironwood ironwood porcelain coated grates.
Grill Hood: Timberline has a full doubled lined hood (not just side walls) and a gasket all the way around the grill that is commercial grade (which could help with keeping cooking temps consistent in colder weather).
Hopper Sensor – Timberline’s hopper sensor alerts you when your wood pellets are getting low.
Bamboo Cutting Board – standard with the Timberline.

Traeger Timberline 850 and 1300 Grilling Capacity

Here’s a look at what you can cook on the Traeger Timberline grills.

Traeger Timberline 850 & 1300 Current Prices

The Traeger Timberline series is harder to find online and are often sold out even on Traeger’s site.

If you want a Traeger Timberline, you’re best best is to use Traeger’s Find a Dealer Tool.

You’ll likely see prices for the Traeger Timberline 850 around $1800 and the Traeger Timberline 1300 around $2000.

What’s the Best Traeger Grill? Final Verdict

Like I said early on, the Best Traeger Grill is the one that’s right for YOU. We’ve given you four great options to choose from and hopefully helped you narrow down your choice to 1 or 2 best Traeger models that you’ll be happy with. That said, we’re not going to totally cop out on you without giving you are Best “Overall” Traeger Grill choice – or in this case choices…

Best Traeger Grill At/Under $1000

Traeger Pro 780

If your budget is really tight go with the Traeger Pro 575, but if you can get closer to $1000 go with the Traeger Pro 780 and don’t look back.

Best Traeger Grill Overall

Traeger Ironwood 885

While the Traeger Timberline is very cool (if you can find it), we’re not completely sure that the extra features are worth it compared to the Ironwood Series.

Personally we believe the Ironwood Series is the sweet spot of Traegerhood.

In the case of the Ironwood, we DO believe the value for the money is there with the extra features you’ll enjoy with the Ironwood over the pro line: for a bit more money you’re getting a lot, including double side-walled insulation, a free side-shelf, an adjustable lower grill grate, a slightly larger hopper, Traeger’s Downdraft Exhaust System, and the Tru Convection option – as I noted earlier, actual Traeger Ironwood users in online forums say time and again they are happy with their purchase decision.

The Ironwood 650 is a wonderful Traeger Grill and the Traeger Ironwood 885 is our Best Traeger Grill Overall Winner.

Best Traeger Grill Combo Buy for Under $1500

But wait, there’s more. If you find yourself traveling a lot and wishing you had a Traeger Grill with you, you may want to consider going with the COMBO of the Traeger Pro 780 and the Traeger Tailgeter 20. You should be able to get both for under $1500 (which is the likely price you’ll pay for the Ironwood 885 and less than either of the Timberline models). You would only do this if you cook often away from the house and in this case you’ll be sacrificing some technology in favor of portability but it’s a great way to stretch your dollar farther.

Traeger Pro 780 + Traeger Tailgater 20

Best Traeger Grill – Conclusion

Well there you have it, our choice for the Best Traeger Grill. Do you agree with these recommendations? Do you have a different opinion. Are you a Traeger owner? If so, what model do you have and what tips do you have to share?

What to Read Next?

Product Reviews, Traeger Grills

What is a Traeger Grill? Traeger Grill FAQ’s

July 7, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

Traeger Grills are all the rage of the BBQ Grilling world at this time. Remember the “It Girl” from your high school days? That’s a Traeger Grill. The question is WHY are Traeger Grills so ‘hot’ right now? In this article, we aim to tell you the answer to that question and many others so you can decide if a Traeger Grill is right for you.

If you love grilling, you’ll love our new website LordoftheGrills.com where this article was originally published.

What Makes Traeger Grills so Popular?

Traeger makes it easy to grill however you like best. we’re all about bringing wood-fired flavor right to the table – no matter which grill you go with, Traeger’s 6-in-1 ability means you can grill, smoke, bake, roast, braise and BBQ your way to pure, hardwood flavor.

A fast learning curve, simple to use grilling technology, the ability to get consistent temperature control, AND great value for the money has made the Traeger Grill brand one of the most popular in the US today.

Wanna see a Traeger in action? Check out this vid and get ready to join the Traegerhood…

The Original Traeger Grill – a Traeger History Lesson

Who invented the Traeger Grill?

The legend goes that a man named Joe Traeger and his buddy Jerry Whitfield experimented with various wood pellet stoves back in the early 1980’s. The theory for using wood pellets apparently came to Joe by the growing popularity of people using wood pellet stoves for home heating after the late 1970’s oil crisis. Joe ran a heating company and came up with the idea to use the wood pellet technology for an outdoor grill – the idea being that an electric motor spins an auger to feed wood pellets into a burn chamber and the stove’s thermostats can then control the heat – this is what allows pellet grill to be especially good at smoking meat at steady temperatures.

Traeger Grill Inventor Joe Traeger — Pellet Grill Founder, Joe Traeger

When was the first Traeger Grill made?

By 1985 Joe invented the original Traeger pellet smoker and patented his ‘invention’ the following year. Joe’s grill was a simple pellet smoker that offer the ability to control the grills temperature by low, medium, or high heat. For twenty years, Traeger was the only pellet grill on the market but it wasn’t widely known about and Traeger remained a small family business.

Fast Forward to 2006 – when Joe’s patent expired. The Traeger family tried fiercely defending its intellectual property and won various protections, however other companies found a way to break into the pellet grill market without violating Traeger’s patents and therefore we now have a number of pellet grills to choose from. This ended up being a good thing for consumers because new entrants forced all the pellet grill makers to up their game and make better pellet grills.

Why has Traeger become so popular recently?

If you’re wondering why Traeger Grills seem to be everywhere these days it’s because they had a leadership change in 2014 – that’s when a new dynamic young CEO took over named Jeremy Andrus. With an MBA from Harvard Business school and a successful backround in entrepreneurship, Jeremy helped the Traeger brand’s growth explode.

Under his watch, Traeger has gone from under $70 million in annual sales to over $400 million in annual revenue – much of that coming from the continued focus on new models and features that have been developed during Jeremy’s time.

Traeger = Grilling Art?

As the market leader in pellet grills and a solid history of building grills that produce wonders in the world of smoking meats, BBQ gurus and home cooks alike love cooking on their Traeger grills because they can make outstanding creations that are just as good as what you’ll find at the best known BBQ joint.

And now that Traeger Grills come in so many sizes, there is a Traeger Grill for everyone: whether you wanna cook for a crowd, or your family, or take one tailgating, you’ll find a Traeger Grill perfect for your needs.

What’s the Difference Between the Traeger Grill Models?

Because there are so many Traeger Models with different names, it can be intimidating to shop for a Traeger Grill in the beginning. For example, this is just one example of the many model options WITHIN just one model type (in this case the “Pro” Series”)…

Traeger Grill Pro Series — Traeger Pro Series Options

But have no fear, we can help you understand the differences between the Traeger Grill models.

At the time of this article, Traeger currently make 4 models of pellet grills. They are:

Traeger Portables – the most portable options of Traegers – including the Scout, Ranger, and Tailgator models. The Scout and Ranger are super mini versions, while the Tailgator looks more like a traditional Traeger but has folding legs.
Traeger Pro – The most popular options for Traeger Grills. With a mid-range price points, the Pro Series are what most people will start their Traeger journey with.
Traeger Ironwood Series – If you want to enjoy more features than the Pro offers, the Ironwood Traegers may be for you. Here you’ll find larger cooking space and more technology (TRU convection, Super Smoke Mode, DownDraft Exhaust, and more).
Traeger Timberline series – Looking for a top-of-the-line Traeger? Then The Timberline is for you – these are the biggest, macked-out Traeger’s you can buy, with up to 1300 sq inches to grill on and all the tech Traeger has to offer.
Other Models: Traeger also has models & model combinations under the names Bronson, Renegade, Texas & Lil’ Tex, Junior Elite, XL, and Commercial. Some are sold at Big Box Stores like Costco or online.

Here’s a look at the four main model types – from the ultra portable Traeger Scout to massive Traeger Timberline.

What do the NUMBERS mean on the Traeger Grill Models?

How to Decide between Traeger Pro 575 vs Pro 780

We recommend the Traeger Pro 780 over the Traeger Pro 575?

The most popular Traeger Grill Pro Series model (especially for newbies) is the Traeger Pro 575 however we are recommending you strongly consider the Traeger Pro 780.

Check Current Prices of the Traeger 575 & 780

How to Decide between Traeger Pro Series 34 vs Traeger Pro 780?

How to Decide between Traeger Ironwood vs Pro

How to Decide between Traeger Timberline vs Ironwood

Here’s a quick summary of the differences between the Traeger Ironwood vs Timberline grills…

Cooking Space: Timberline offer 885 or 1300 square inches of grilling space vs the 650 or 885 square inches on the Ironwood
# of Racks: Timberline has 3 vertical cooking racks vs Ironwood single rack + warming shelf
Grill Grate Materials: Timberline features solid 304 stainless steel cooking grates vs the Ironwood ironwood porcelain coated grates.
Grill Hood: Timberline has a full doubled lined hood (not just side walls) and a gasket all the way around the grill that is commercial grade (which could help with keeping cooking temps consistent in colder weather).
Hopper Sensor – Timberline’s hopper sensor alerts you when your wood pellets are getting low.
Bamboo Cutting Board – standard with the Timberline.

How to Shop for a Traeger Grill

If you’re in the market for a Traeger Grill, you’d be wise to think the about the following…

How big of a Traeger Grill do you need?

As noted already, Traeger has a lot of models – so whether you want to just grill for two people or whether you want to cook for a crowd, you’ll find a Traeger perfect for you.

Traeger also makes it easy for you to shop for the right grill size because you’ll often see helpful hints in their product descriptions. For example, the Traeger Grills TFB38TOD Renegade Pro Pellet Grill says the following “Perfect size for the at-home cook: 380 sq. in. cooking capacity that can accommodate 2 chickens, 3 racks of ribs or 12 burgers.” You can use this info to compare the models and pick what’s best for you.

Do you want a Portable Trager Grill?

If you want to be able to take your Traeger Grill with you while camping, tailgating, or to other social events, then you’ll want to look at the the Scout, Ranger, and Tailgator models. The Scout and Ranger are super mini tabletop versions with no carts or legs, while the Tailgator looks more like a traditional Traeger but has folding legs.

What kind of Technology Features do you want?

Do you want Wifi to be able to monitor your Traeger Grill from another room? Do you want your grill to be Amazon Alexa enabled? Do you need a Pro Controller? What about TurboTemp, TRU convection, Super Smoke Mode, or DownDraft Exhaust?

Traeger’s Pro Line have features suitable for most beginners, while the Ironwood and Timberline offer the most technology.

Do you plan on doing lots of LONG cooks?

If you want to cook for hours in your Traeger and make things like pulled pork, brisket, and more, then you’ll want to pay attention to the Hopper capacity.

What is a Traeger Hopper?

The hopper is the part of the Traeger Grill that holds the wood pellets you cook with. Traeger hoppers range in capacity – from 5 to 24 pounds. The benefit of having a larger hopper is that you don’t need to keep refilling it with more wood pellets.

What kind of Temperature Control do you want?

Traeger Grills boast the benefit of “Set it and Forget It” grilling as you can see in this pic…

One of the primary ways to use the Set it and Forget it cooking method is via the type of Temperature Controller you choose. Here are your 3 Traeger Grill Controller Options:

Digital Elite: The basic controller for Traeger’s has an easy-to-read digital display, however this options does NOT include meat probes to help you monitor internal temperatures of what you’re cooking.
Digital Pro: The display of the Digital Pro controller is the same as the Digital Elite but (depending on the model) you’ll also get 1 or 2 meat probes that can show meat’s internal temperature on the controller display so you can then adjust the grilling temperature if need be.
WiFIRE: Traeger’s newest controller features wifi trademarked wireless digital control that allows you to connect to a mobile device and then remotely control your grilling temperatures anywhere within your WiFi range.

How much do you want to spend?

You can pick up a portable Traeger Grill for under $300. Plan on spending at least $500 for the Pro line. The Ironwood entry point is over $1000 and the Timberline series will set you back closer to $2000.

What are the Best Accessories for Traeger Grills?

Keep in mind that in addition to the Traeger Grill itself, you’ll likely want some accessories too so be sure to budget for them too. Whether you want to add more shelves for storage, popular cooking surfaces, magnetic hooks, and more, there are a lot of cool accessories you can get for your Traeger Grill.

Click here to shop for Traeger Accessories (or) check out these articles to learn more about the best Trager Grill accessories:

Shop the Traeger Store on Amazon

Now that you know more about Traeger Grills, check out all the models on the official Traeger Grill Amazon Store…

Cooking and Recipes

What is the Correct Chicken Temperature for Juicy Meat?

June 30, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

What is the correct temperature for cooking chicken and why does it matter? Nobody wants to eat dry chicken and the good news is that you don’t have to. You’ll get juicy, yummy, give-me-more chicken if you cook your chicken to the following temperatures:

The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165° Fahrenheit (75° Celsius) for white meat and 165-175° for dark meat.

Best way to measure Chicken Cooking Temperature.

Using a meat thermometer or an instant-read meat thermometer is the best way to know for sure what the temperature of your chicken is and this is especially true if you are cooking a whole chicken.

If you don’t have an accurate thermometer, check out these recommendations…

//z-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/onejs?MarketPlace=US&adInstanceId=313f5f1b-bd82-4ccd-b3f8-e5367273887a

How to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of chicken

For boneless cuts: Insert your thermometer into the thickest part of meat. 165 degrees Fahrenheit is the safe internal temperature for both the white meat and dark meat.

For the whole chicken: Insert your thermometer into the thickest part of meat the thigh but not touching bone. 165 degrees Fahrenheit is the safe internal temperature for both the white meat and dark meat.

How do you check the temperature of chicken without a thermometer?

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can use visual clues — stick a fork into the meat and look to see that the juices are clear and not pink.

Is it unhealthy to eat chicken that’s undercooked?

Foodsafety.gov notes that there IS a minimum safe internal temperature for food safety for the temperature of your chicken.

If you eat chicken that doesn’t reach the minimum recommended temperature [165° Fahrenheit (75° Celsius)] then you may also be consuming harmful bacteria like salmonella or E. coli. That’s not good for your tummy and could lead to some rather unpleasant time on the potty (or in the hospital!) for you later.

Why does Chicken Dark Meat Require a Higher Cooking Temperature?

Chicken thighs and all chicken dark meat should be cooked to a higher temperature (175° Fahrenheit) because dark meat has a higher amount of connective tissue. If you undercook dark meat it will be chewy and rubbery (yuck) but if you cook it to 175° Fahrenheit it will be tender and juicy because the collagen of that connective tissue will melt.

How to Cook Roasted Chicken in a Kamado

If you want to roast a chicken in a kamado grill like a Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, or similar ceramic grill, and you want to make sure it comes out tender and juicy, use this recipe and properly cook it to the right temperature.

Preheat the kamado to 350 F for INDIRECT cooking.
Season the bird to your preference.
Place the chicken directly on the grate or in a roasting pan depending on if you are cooking the bird alone or with veggies.
Use a remote meat thermometer and insert one temperature prong into the breast and another into a leg (both prongs pushed into the deepest part of the meat without hitting any bone). Set the remote thermometer to alert you when the meat hits 155 F on the breast and/or 1655 F on the leg.
Close the kamado lid and let your chicken cook in the magic of the kamado.
Depending on the size of the bird, it will take from 45-90 minutes for the alarm on the thermometer to beep.
Remove the chicken from the kamado and let it rest for at least 15 minutes minutes, leaving the temp probes in the meat. This is important because the meat will continue cooking while the chicken is resting and the probes will tell you when the meat reaches the correct safe cooking temp.
After 15-30 minutes, carve the bird and enjoy!

Correct Chicken Cooking Temperature References

Don’t just rely on our word, instead check out these other trusted sources for more info on the correct temperature for cooking chicken.

FoodNetwork.com: This Is the Right Internal Temperature for Cooked Chicken
FoodSafety.Gov: Safe Minimum Cooking Temps for Meat
TheKitchn.com: The Right Internal Temperature for Cooked Chicken
MasterClass.com: What Is the Perfect Cooking Temperature for Chicken and Why Cooking Chicken Fully Matters

What to read next?

Cooking and Recipes, Product Reviews

2 Best Stainless Steel Cookware & 1 Brand I Do NOT Recommend

June 30, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

If you’re in the market for a stainless steel cookware set but find yourself confused by all the options, then this article can help you. I’ll give you my Top 2 Picks for the Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets AND I’ll also give you a tip on one brand I am NOT currently recommending.

Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets Summary

If you’re in a hurry and just want to know my top picks, they are as follows:

Best Overall Stainless Steel Cookware Set (Any Price): All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless 10-Piece Set
Best Overall Stainless Steel Cookware Set (Under $500): Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set
Brand I am NOT Recommending: Tramontina

Why Listen to Me?

Hi, I’m Mike, That Helpful Dad. As noted in my Trust Guarantee, when you see a product mentioned on my site, please know that these are products that I personally use and enjoy (many of them are ones I use every single day). I’m sharing them with you because they make a positive difference in my life and I’m hoping they will help YOU live a better life too!

[lwptoc]

Is Stainless Steel the Best Cookware Surface?

It depends. Stainless Steel may not be the best option for everything you do in your kitchen, but Stainless Steel is often considered the best overall cookware surface because of it’s versatility. Consider the following…

The Benefits of Stainless Steel Cookware

Stainless Steel cookware is…

Long-lasting
Durable
Relatively easy to care for
Does NOT react with foods.
Beloved by chefs because it provides rapid, uniform heating.
Dishwasher-safe
Broiler-safe (depending on handle)
Doesn’t rust or scratch (unless you buy a mirror-finish)
Induction Ready – just be sure the type you buy is specifically magnetic so that it’s compatible with induction cooktops.
In short, stainless steel cookware is the workhorse of your kitchen.

That said, on this site, I always try to give you the pros AND cons of the topic at hand. When it comes to stainless steel cookware, you should be aware of the following cons:

food can stick to it if you don’t use butter, oil, or a similar fat;
it can be tougher to clean if you don’t know how to.

As you can see, the pros of cooking with stainless steel far outweigh the cons. So, if you are like me and want to cook with stainless steel, then let’s find the best stainless steel cookware sets and get busy cooking (and eating!) and not continue wasting time on idle chatter.

Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set Any Price

There’s a reason why people buy All-Clad Cookware: it’s American-made stainless steel cookware that offers a superior-quality and lasts a lifetime.

While certainly more expensive than most stainless steel cookware, it’s actually not the highest priced cookware on the market and in our opinion the price of All-Clad cookware does indeed match the quality.

Time and again, trusted review sites recommend All-Clad Stainless Steel cookware because it’s durable, heats evenly, are comfortable to hold, and clean up easier than other brands.

Recommended Set: All-Clad Brushed D5 Stainless 10-Piece Set

Why Buy the All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Set?

The All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Set is your “buy-it-for-life” cookware set. When you buy this set you’ll get a consistently highly-rated, top-of-the-line set that offers some of the most realiable even heat distribution, is extremely durable, and fun to cook with. You’ll feel like a chef cooking with these pans!

What Pots & Pans are in the All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Set?

This set includes 8-inch and 10-inch fry pans, 1.5-quart and 3-quart sauce pans with lids, a 3-quart sauce pan with a lid, and an 8-quart stock pot with a lid. Each piece has flared edges for drip-free pouring and is crafted with quality materials, including the stainless-steel core, to hold and distribute heat evenly throughout the pan, so only medium heat is required for your searing, braising, sautéing and simmering needs.

Features & Benefits of the All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Set

TIMELESS PROFESSIONAL APPEAL: Beyond the attractive brushed exterior, this set is a high-performance, durable kitchenware set, trusted by cooks of all levels for decades.
5-LAYER PERFORMANCE: The Brushed D5 Stainless collection features five alternating layers of American-made stainless-steel and aluminum, bonded together all the way to the rim. The classic stainless-steel handles are uniquely designed for balance and control, stay cool on the stovetop, and are permanently secured with stainless-steel rivets.
CONVENIENT AND LOW MAINTENANCE: All items included are dishwasher safe. For anything stuck on, use a mixture of white vinegar and water, or a stainless-steel powder cleanser, such as Bar Keepers Friend.
Induction Ready? Broiler Ready? Each All-Clad piece is compatible with all cooktops, including induction, is oven and broiler safe up to 600 degrees Fahrenheit.

What’s the difference between the All-Clad D3 & D5 Stainless Steel Sets?

The difference between the All-Clad D3 and D5 Stainless Steel cookware is the construction. The D3 uses 3 layers (stainless steel interior, aluminum, stainless steel exterior). The D5 uses 5 layers (stainless steel interior, aluminum, stainless steel core, aluminum, and stainless steel exterior).

The both the D3 and the D5 All-Clad Stainless Steel Sets are good and you really can’t go wrong with either. I have a D3 All-Clad Saute Pan and love it. People say the D5 takes longer to heat up but holds the heat better longer. For an Average Joe like me, I can’t really tell the difference and therefore I recommend BOTH the D3 and the D5 depending on what the best deal is for you and your budget.

Where are All-Clad Stainless Steel Sets Made?

ALL-CLAD IS MADE IN THE USA TO LAST A LIFETIME: All-Clad D5 Stainless cookware pieces are crafted in our factory in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. All-Clad products are rigorously tested to ensure that every item with the All-Clad logo offers a lifetime of beauty and performance.

What is the Warranty on All-Clad Stainless Steel Sets?

ALL-CLAD OFFERS A LIFETIME WARRANTY: To learn more, click here.

All-Clad D5 Stainless Steel Cookware Demo Video

Other All-Clad Stainless Steel Sets to Consider

If you don’t want the All-Clad D5 Set and want to look at other All-Clad options, consider these…

All-Clad D5 5-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: a smaller version that offers you a great way to start to build your collection with essentials like 10-Inch Fry Pan, 3-Quart Sauce Pan with lid, and a 3-Quart Saute Pan with lid
All-Clad D3 10-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set: the 3-ply alternative to the D5, this set includes: 8-Inch and 10-Inch fry pans, a 2-Quart covered sauce pan, a 3-Quart covered casserole, a 3-Quart covered sauté pan and an 8-Quart covered stockpot.

Shop the All-Clad Store on Amazon

Click this pic to shop the everything All-Clad Store on Amazon…

Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set < $500

If All-Clad isn’t in the budget, that’s no problem. There are still other very good stainless steel cookware sets you can buy. In fact, we believe we’ve found a great set that is well below the $500 price point.

Best Overall Stainless Steel Cookware Set (Under $500): Cuisinart MCP-12N Multiclad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

Why Buy the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Set?

Despite it’s lower price tag, the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Set is consistently highly rated by review sites and it earns our recommendation as well.

Like the All-Clad D3 Stainless Steel line, the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Set triple-ply construction: an aluminum core between stainless steel interior/exterior. This ensures for heat retention and even heating.

What Pots & Pans are in the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-piece set.

The set consists of: 1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans; 8- and 10-inch open skillets; 3-1/2-quart covered saute pan; 8-quart covered stockpot; steamer insert with lid.

Features & Benefits of the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel 12-piece set

Polished cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors.
Cookware also features cool grip handles secured with stainless steel rivets and self-basting, tight fitting lids.
Triple-Ply construction includes the unsurpassed heat conductivity of a pure aluminum core. It insures maximum heat retention and even heat distribution, eliminating hot spots
Oven safe up to 550F, Rims are tapered for drip-free pouring.
Dishwasher safe and Covers are dishwasher-safe
Professional Triple Ply Construction features a core of pure aluminum and a brushed stainless exterior
Suitable for use with induction cook tops

Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Stainless Steel Set – Demo Vid

Shop the Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Store on Amazon.

Click here to Shop Amazon’s Cuisinart MultiClad Pro Store

Tramontina Brand – Why I Don’t Recommend It.

If you are a regular reader of my site you know I not only give you tips for products I recommend, but also for products/brands I don’t.

The short answer for Tramontina is that I am not recommending it because I feel that the brand makes it difficult to find out where the products are made – specifically there is simply too much confusion on whether the products are made in China, Brazil, the US or elsewhere. When I see that level of confusion, misinformation, and consumer frustration, I just can’t recommend a brand.

The Tramontina brand of stainless steel cookware may well be great – I’ll admit I have not used it myself. But the horror stories of consumers who have used this brand are enough to scare me off.

Consider the following average ratings on Amazon…

All-Clad D5 Pans: 85% 5 star ratings, only 8% 1 or 2 star
Cuisinart Multiclad Pro Set: 89% 4 & 5 star ratings; only 9% 1 or 2 star
Tramontina Stainless Steel Sets: around 70% 5-star and 15% 1 or 2 stars with the #1 complaint being difficulty of manufacter location.

I am NOT saying that stainless steel sets made in China are necessarily bad. In fact the Cuisinart Multiclad Pro line is made there and numerous high end sets are also made in China. (But remember All-Clad is made in the USA if that matters to you).

But I am saying that Tramontina seems to make it difficult to find out where there products are made and to myself and many other consumers this raises a red flag enough that I don’t want to deal with the brand.

If you feel otherwise, let me know in the comments.

What Do Other Review Sites Say?

As always, I never claim to know everything, here are some other trusted review sites I recommend you check out if you want to further explore the topic of Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets…

ConsumerReports.org: Best Cookware Sets
GoodHousekeeping.com: 7 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets to Buy According to Kitchen Experts
Helpful Chef – Everything you need to know about Pots and Pans
TheDaringKitchen.com: Best Stainless Steel Cookware
TheSpruceEats.com: The 6 Best Stainless Steel Cookware Sets
TheWireCutter.com: Best Stainless Steel Cookware Set

What To Read Next?

If you enjoyed this article, check out these tips too…

Cooking and Recipes, Health and Fitness, Kamado Joe, Online Streaming TV Tips, Product Reviews, Recipes

Gifts for Dad – 10 Great Gifts Ideas for Men for Fathers Day, Christmas, Birthdays, and more

June 14, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad 2 Comments

Gifts for Dad – Article Summary

Here’s a quick article to help you get some great ideas if you are looking for gifts to men. Whether it be Father’s day gifts, Christmas present ideas for men, or gift ideas for valentines, birthdays, or anniversaries – these will all work.

If you have Dad in your life and you want to get him a great gift he will actually use, then this page is for you.

I’ll recommend gifts for men that are great for all of the following Dad Themes…

[lwptoc]

How do I know these are great gift ideas for dads?

Because I’m a dad myself and I can honestly tell you that I personally use every single one of the gift ideas for men on this page and can personally vouch for them – as I do with every product I recommend.

Gifts for Dad – Coffee Lover Gift Ideas

1-The Aeropress

If your dad is a coffee lover, delight him with an Aeropress.

The Aeropress is a simple tool, inexpensive device but trust me when I tell you that will change his coffee life forever.

Not only will Dad enjoy a great cup of coffee, but he can treat himself to it anytime, anywhere.

Bonus Coffee Gifts He May Also Like

This is the coffee grinder I use for grinding fresh beans. Sure there are $300+ dollar machines that may offer a finer cut but for the Epica Grinder is an inexpensive grinder that will work just fine for all the but most snobby coffee connoisseur men.

Speaking of a fine grind. You’ll find no better ceramic burr grinder for the price than the JavaPresse. It produces grains as fine as some of the most expensive grinders – the only problem is that it’s a manual device. If Dad doesn’t mind grinding his own beans by hand, then the JavaPress is the grinder for him.

If Dad is going to use the Aeropress then he’s going to need a way to boil water quickly and consistently AND he’ll likely want to be able to control the temperature to get his perfect cup of coffee. For that I use the Epica Tea Kettle. In fact I use it multiple times every day — for coffee, tea, or any time I want hot water. The ability to easily control the temperature of my water AND the great price make this a must-have gift for Aeropress Dads.

A great all around blend of coffee beans that most men will enjoy.

One of the most popular coffee options on Amazon now.

If your Dad likes to camp or do outdoor sports but still wants to use his Aeropress, then consider the JetBoil. It’s a convenient way to boil water on the go.

Gifts for Men – Fitness and Meditation Gift Ideas

2-SPOONK Accupressure Mat

Does your dad deal with a lot of stress. Get him the single best thing I use to bust through my stress – an acupressure mat!

I use this ‘bed of nails’ every day and it works awesome. There are many to choose from and if you search for ‘accupressure mat’ on Amazon you’ll be able to browse quite a few.

The one I use the one is called Spoonk and I swear by it.

Get the Spoonk!

3. Bowflex Fitness Products

Is your dad into fitness and looking for ways to build his home gym? You can’t go wrong with Bowflex fitness products.

The Bowflex brand has been around for years, they make quality products, and I’ve personally always had a great experience with them.

Here are a few choices that could work well as gifts for Dads.

First option – Get him the Bowflex SelectTech Bench. It’s affordable and made of good quality materials.

I have multiple reviews of the Bowflex SelecTech Bench because I’ve been using it for YEARS…

VIDEO REVIEW

If he already has the bench, check out the BOWFLEX ADJUSTABLE DUMBBELLS instead – these are the exact same ones as I use.

Video Review

https://youtu.be/o0tTDUxy51Y Bowflex SelectTech 552 Adjustable Dumbbells (Pair)

In the 552 Series, each dumbbell goes from 5 to 52.5 lbs. Perfect for the majority of men who do home workouts.

Here are some variations on the Bowflex theme…

For heavy lifters, the 1090 Series goes up to 9o lbs for each dumbell – that’s a lot of weight per dumbell.

If you want both the 552 DB’s I use and the workout bench I have, this is a great combo deal.

This bundle gives you the DB’s I use and the official stand to hold them.

Gift Ideas for Men who like to Cook and Outdoor Grill

4-The Little Griddle

Don’t overlook this one. If you have a dad who likes to grill then this is the #1 Must-Have grilling appliance to get him. Dad’s will LOVE this gift.

I use mine pretty much every week, multiple times a week. It is the #1 way I grill now.

See the Little Griddle on Amazon

Little Griddle GQ230 Professional Series Griddle

5-Grilling Cookbooks

If your Dad is always looking to up his grilling game so he can rule the neighborhood like me, then get him one of these cookbooks. Any one of them is sure to make a great gift for dad.

This one is great if Dad likes to smoke or do slow cooking. It’s also one of the best manuals for BBQ SAUCE RECIPES!

An all-time classic and a must-own for any Dad serious about grilling.

Here’s a cookbook specific to the Franklin Barbeque – a hot spot in Austin, Tx that you often see on tv.

BONUS SECTION – does your dad have a Big Green Egg, Kamado Joe, or other ceramic style cooker? If so, this section is for you…

First off, if Dad is in the market for a kamado style cooker help him save time.

Recommend he read my article about Why I chose the Kamado Joe.
Buy him a Kamado Joe and put a GIANT SMILE on his face.

Big Spender Alert – if you have the funds and you want to get him his first Kamado Joe, this is the one you want. It’s the latest model, the most popular one with the most accessories, and the one I personally have!

NOTE – this is the “Joe JUNIOR” – this is great for Dad’s who already have a Big Green Egg or Kamado Joe but want a SMALL TRAVEL VERSION. This one is perfect for camping, tailgating, and other dads who grill on the go!

6- GRILLING ACCESSORIES

If your dad already has the gril he wants but you want to get him some great ACCESSORIES, then check out my other article…

Gifts for Men who Like to Read

7 – Books by Tim Ferriss

You may not know who Tim Ferrris is, but I’ll bet your Dad does.

Tim Ferriss is this generation’s Tony Robbins.

His books are wildly popular – and with good reason – they make people’s live easier and more productive and more fun.

Here are 3 of his most popular books. Any one of these would make a great gift for Dad.

If I could only recommend ONE book for your dad to read this year and guarantee you he will love it (because it will make his life easier) it’s Tim Ferriss’ Tools of Titans book.

If he doesn’t already have a Tim Ferriss book, this is the classic that started the Tim Ferriss revolution.

This is Tim Ferriss’ latest book. It’s a follow-up to The Tools of Titans.

Gifts for Men who like to read – Must Have Gear

There are LOTS of different versions of the Kindle Reader. Thee reason you want the PAPERWHITE edition is because Dad can take it anywhere with him – even to the beach or outside and the ‘paper’ appearance of the device makes it readable even under bright light conditions where other e-readers and tablets wouldn’t work.

Gift Ideas for Dads who like Tech Products

8- WiFi Mesh System

If Dad is always complaining that the WiFi signal in your house is never strong enough – especially in areas farther way from your internet router – then get him a wifi mesh system.

These are super easy to set up and they make a BIG difference!

Ever since we got the Google Wifi System we’ve never had connection problems – no matter how many devices and tv’s we are streaming video on.

9- Cord Cutting Tools

Is your Dad always complaining about the cost of cable tv? Does he want to cut the cord and ditch cable forever? Then get him one of these cord cutting items…

This is a FREE Step-by Step Guide that will help your dad understand how to cut the cord in no time. It’s a 35-page ebook that you can download immediately when you visit my home page. This is one of the many free gifts I give away to my readers – enjoy.

The simplest device Dad can use to cut the cord.

The uber-popular echo series speakers.

Gifts for Men who Like Tools

10-TOOLS

Let’s face it, every dad loves tools right? Here are a few unique tools he may not have yet that will make him happy and yet won’t break the bank for you.

Finally a TOOL for your dad’s tool box. This little gizmo is called the Eteckcity LaserGrip Thermometer and while it looks and sounds kooky for under $20 you can get your dad a tool that he’ll use over and over again for so many different things.

This magnetic stud finder is under $10 and yet it’s incredibly useful when Dad is trying to hang up pictures or tv mounts or anything he has to drill into the wall for.

Super popular and with good reason – this laser distance measure is like having a tape measure that goes up to 65 feet!

What’s on YOUR list of Must Have Gifts for Men?

If you have any ideas, please share them with me in the comments below.

Never Miss a Tip from That Helpful Dad

What to Read Next?

Cooking and Recipes, Product Reviews

Best Cooking Product DALSTRONG KNIVES | 2020 Editor’s Choice Award

June 12, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

It’s time for our next edition of That Helpful Dad’s Editor’s Choice Awards! Today’s category is Best Cooking Product and the winner is DALSTRONG KNIVES. In this article I’ll tell you why I chose Dalstrong Knives and tell you who my runner-up products were as well.

About the Editor: Hi, I’m Mike, That Helpful Dad. As noted in my Trust Guarantee, when you see a product mentioned on my site, please know that these are products that I personally use and enjoy (many of them are ones I use every single day). I’m sharing them with you because they make a positive difference in my life and I’m hoping they will help YOU live a better life too! Additionally, Editor’s Choice Award winners are not necessarily newly released products, however they are on our list today because we firmly believe these particular products are the BEST products in their class and so long as they remain the best we will continue to recognize them for their efforts.

Best Cooking Product 2020 – Dalstrong Knives

Why did it win?

I’ve been in the market for some good knives for years but could never pull the trigger (mostly because the sets I always liked are so darn expensive). My friends and I have been watching the Dalstrong knives for a few years and after some research (and a great sale from Dalstrong), I decided to pull the trigger – buying the Dalstrong Knife Block Set u see in the pic along with a couple other knives (see below).

First impressions?

Wow – Dalstrong Knives are incredible – sharp, durable, high quality, and great in appearance.

Although I always tell my readers I’m just an Average Joe, I sure do feel like a chef when I’m using a Dalstrong knife!

Dalstrong Knives – What to Buy First

Dalstrong makes A LOT of knives – if you shop on Amazon, you will quickly discover that they may well make most knives on the planet! They seem to have a knife and style for every taste.

If you’re just a regular guy like me and not a pro chef, and you just want a good set of knives, then I highly recommend the Dalstrong Knife Block Set because it pretty much has everything you need from a kitchen knife perspective. That includes a set of SIX Steak Knives that have a great weight/feel in your hand and include granton edges for smooth slicing through any meat on your plate. On top of that the knife block itself is a work of art and looks fantastic in your kitchen!

If you don’t need a full set, you can get any of the knives individually or pick up a just a set of streak knives (they really are amazing!)

Other Dalstrong knives I recommend include:

The 6″ Shogun Filet Knife,
The incredibly useful 3″ Bird’s Beak Paring Knife,
The 4.5″ Mini Cleaver (great for cheese tray party displays),
The 6″ Shogun Chef’s Knife (my #1 favorite all-time knife!),
And if you wanna be like Salt Bae pick up a 10″ Butcher’s Breaking Cimitar!

Another quick tip: go for the German Steel Gladiator Series for your everyday kitchen use since they are more durable. Save the out of this world appearance Japanese Versions (Shogun, Phantom, and Omega) for your special occasion knives like this DALSTRONG Carving Knife & Fork Set.

Dalstrong makes more than just knives…

Other useful cooking tools that Dalstrong makes and which I love are…

The teakwood cutting board is a work of art;
I love their Chef’s aprons too – my Dalstrong Camo apron is my go-to apron when cooking outdoors.
If you travel a bit, check out their handy knife rolls.

Whatever you choose from Dalstrong, I’m betting you’ll love it – I know my friends and I have all been very satisfied.

Best Cooking Products 2020 – Runner Up’s

Runner Up: AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

I’ve written about the Aeropress many times before but the fact is that I still use this little gadget every day to make myself the best cup of coffee in the universe – it’s the best because, with the Aeropress I control the intensity of the flavor. I usually like it pretty bold and Aeropress allows me to do just that. Read more about Aeropress here or Shop Aeropress on Amazon – it’s the best value you’ll ever get in a coffee maker!

Quick Tip: if you do get an Aeropress, be sure to pick up an electric tea kettle (I recommend this inexpensive but high quality model from Epica) as well as a coffee grinder (although you could go with a popular hand grinder like the JavaPress, I like to keep it simple and use the inexpensive but high quality Epica Coffee & Spice Grinder).

Honorable Mention: Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat Cookbook

If you read my blog, you know how much I love Samin Nosrat’s SFAH cookbook. You will learn so much as a home cook by reading this book. Here’s a list of her recommended kitchen essentials too.

What to Read Next?

Cooking and Recipes, How To and What Is, practical solutions, Recipes

Buffalo Chicken Wing Recipe – How to Make Crispy, Juicy Hot Wings Full of Flavor!

April 27, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

This weekend I made my dad’s world-famous Buffalo Chicken Wing Recipe again – and man was it good! If you like Buffalo Wings that are crispy, juicy, and full of flavor, you’ll want to try this Buffalo Wing recipe for yourself – it’s got a secret ingredient that adds so much flavor you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of using it before.

I’m cooked my Buffalo wings in an Ooni Pizza Oven for a wood-fired effect but u can make this buffalo chicken wing recipe on any grill or oven. Best of all this Buffalo Chicken Wing Recipe is EASY to make, easy to customize to your tastes, and so much fun to eat!

Give it a try & let me know what tips YOU have to share.

Buffalo Chicken Wing Recipe – The Video

SKIP AHEAD in the video with these timestamps:

00:38 Kamado & Ooni Pizza Oven views
01:10 Fuel Source (lump charcoal + cooking wood)
01:20 Wings in Marinade
01:50 Getting the Ooni Oven up to temp (watch the temp gauge climb!) 02:20 FIRE – it’s a beautiful thing!
02:35 Wings are ready to cook WITHOUT sauce
03:30 Buffalo Sauce Recipe Ingredients. Discussion on Hot Sauce to Butter Ratio
06:40 Buffalo Sauce Mixed (see below for recipe itself)
07:10 Wings at 10 Minutes
07:30 Wings at 20 Minutes
07:38 Wings IN SAUCE
07:55 Sauced Wings ready to CRISP
08:09: Wings back in oven to CRISP
08:37 Wings DONE
09:00 Let’s Eat!
10:00 Bonus: The Drippins!
Share this vid: https://youtu.be/N1mR_M31MB8

Buffalo Chicken Wing Recipe – Step by Step

I have the full text version of the Buffalo Chicken Wing Recipe – including a step-by-step – on my grilling website called LordoftheGrills.com. Here’s a link you can use to go to that page…

About the Products used:

Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, chicken wings are in short supply so I could only find I Costco Party wings – normally I’d cook the whole wing with all 3 sections (drumstick, wing, and tips).

Here are the other products I cooked with if you are interested…

Franks Red Hot ORIGINAL Sauce: https://amzn.to/2zwpKQ3
Butter of your choice
Good Seasons Italian Dressing Mix: https://amzn.to/2VDxkRG
Maldon Smoke Sea Salt: https://amzn.to/356yVCu
Ooni Pro: https://amzn.to/2QV3hBW
Lump Charcoal: https://amzn.to/33RJGbg
Weber Wood Chunks: https://amzn.to/39tyOBB
Smoak Cooking Wood: https://amzn.to/2xxOdDw
Hand Protection: https://amzn.to/2QWf96L
Lodge Cast Iron Serving Pan: https://amzn.to/2xB0yqp

Did You Know?

If you enjoy reading That Helpful Dad’s articles, you may also like…

That Helpful Dad’s YouTube Channel
Pinterest Boards
Facebook Page
Twitter: @ThatHelpfulDad
New BBQ Grilling Website: LordoftheGrills.com

What to Read Next…

Cooking and Recipes, Pizza Ovens, Recipes

Best Buffalo Wing Recipe | How to make CRISPY Hot Wings

April 26, 2020 ThatHelpfulDad Leave a comment

Why is this the BEST Buffalo Wing Recipe? Because I’ll show you how to make CRISPY hot wings that are FULL of flavor – using my Dad’s secret ingredient! I’ll share my Buffalo Sauce Recipe & also discuss the RATIO of Hot Sauce to Butter (it’s a ‘hot’ topic!).

[lwptoc]

Cook this Buffalo Wing Recipe on Any Grill or Oven

Today I’m cooking Buffalo wings in an Ooni Pizza Oven for a wood-fired effect but u can make this buffalo chicken wing recipe on any grill or oven. Best of all this Buffalo Wing Recipe is EASY to make, easy to customize to your tastes, and so much fun to eat!

Give it a try & let me know what tips YOU have to share.

Best Buffalo Wing Recipe – The Video

Buffalo Wing Recipe Video

SKIP AHEAD in the video with these timestamps:

00:38 Kamado & Ooni Pizza Oven views
01:10 Fuel Source (lump charcoal + cooking wood)
01:20 Wings in Marinade
01:50 Getting the Ooni Oven up to temp (watch the temp gauge climb!) 02:20 FIRE – it’s a beautiful thing!
02:35 Wings are ready to cook WITHOUT sauce
03:30 Buffalo Sauce Recipe Ingredients. Discussion on Hot Sauce to Butter Ratio
06:40 Buffalo Sauce Mixed (see below for recipe itself)
07:10 Wings at 10 Minutes
07:30 Wings at 20 Minutes
07:38 Wings IN SAUCE
07:55 Sauced Wings ready to CRISP
08:09: Wings back in oven to CRISP
08:37 Wings DONE
09:00 Let’s Eat!
10:00 Bonus: The Drippins!
Share this vid: https://youtu.be/N1mR_M31MB8

Best Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe

Before we get into the recipe for the Buffalo Wing Sauce, let me give you a few notes:

This recipe is so freaking easy I didn’t show the actual melting of butter or mixing of ingredients in the video because I figured you are smart enough to know how to do that.
IMPORTANT:we do NOT cook the wings with the sauce on to start. Instead we cook the wings WITHOUT sauce first.
U can make the Buffalo Sauce Recipe after you get the wings started cooking. See Step 4 in the Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe below for more on how & when to sauce the wings.

Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipe Step-by-Step

Step 1: Marinate the Wings (OPTIONAL)

Put defrosted wings into zip lock bag with a combo of rub of your choice (I used Paul Prudhomme’s Red Magic which is great on chicken too) + 1 TB of EVOO + 1 TB of Kosher Salt.
Mix the wings around in the bag with the marinade ingredients so wings are well coated
Marinate the wings for up to 24 hours.
I did 12 hours for the vid, but you can do it in as little as 1 hour if you don’t have time.
Although u can skip this step, if you do it, you’ll get an extra ‘depth’ of flavor beneath the buffalo sauce so do the marinade if you can.

Step 2: Gather Ingredients for Buffalo Sauce

Best Buffalo Wing Recipe — Buffalo Wing Sauce Ingredients

Franks Red Hot Sauce (ORIGINAL not the “Buffalo” version)
Butter
Good Season’s Italian Dressing Dry Mix (1 Packet) – the SECRET Ingredient!
My vid only used 3 basic ingredients in the sauce itself (salt was added later), but you can experiment next time with a little Lemon Juice, Fresh Basil, Worcester Sauce, Smoke Paprika, other Rubs, or whatever you like

Step 3: Decide YOUR Ratio of Hot Sauce to Butter

The ratio of hot sauce to butter that produces the best Buffalo Wing Recipe it a ‘HOT’ Topic and one that’s full of controversy. But the answer is really quite simple – the correct ratio of Franks Red Hot Sauce to Butter depends on YOUR preference.

What’s the “Official” ratio of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce to Butter?

On the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce website you’ll find this answer…

The Official ratio is 3 parts butter to 2 parts hot sauce

But that’s NOT my preference.

Instead I like to use a ratio of hot sauce to butter that’s MY preferred ratio is the opposite…

3 parts hot sauce to 2 parts butter.

In my opinion, this will give you a nice MEDIUM heat buffalo wing that looks like this when sauced…(BUT do NOT sauce the wings yet – we’ll do that later in the recipe AFTER the wings cook). This pic is must a little preview 🙂

But that’s my preference. YOURS may be different so change the hot sauce to butter ratio depending on what you like.

What’s the Math on 3: 2 hot sauce to butter like in my vid?

For 2 tablespoons of butter, use 3 tablespoons of Hot Sauce.
In this vid I used 1/4 cup melted butter (4 TB) to 1/3 cup hot sauce (6 TB).

HOT OFF THE PRESSES – My “Buffalo Insider” says here are the TRUE ratios from hoods of his town…

MILD Wings: 3 parts butter to 2 parts hot sauce
MEDIUM Wings: 4 parts hot sauce to 2 parts butter
HOT Wings: Only Frank’s, no butter (and find the Frank’s Xtra Hot version if you can)
NUCLEAR Wings: 1 Cup of Frank’s Xtra Hot to 2 TB of Habanero Mash (but be careful – it’ll put hair on your chest for sure!)

How much sauce do you need?

In my vid, I had enough sauce for 12 wings + extra to dip in. If you are making more wings, make more sauce.

Step 4: Mix Buffalo Sauce Ingredients:

Melt Butter
Add ingredients to a medium size mixing bowl and mix
Do NOT put the wings in the mix until AFTER you cook them to temp (165F)

It will look something like this…

Step 5: AFTER wings are cooked at or near temp (165 F), THEN…

At this point YOU have a decision to make. Do you want your Buffalo wings WET or DRY? I.E. do you want the Buffalo sauce dripping on the wings or do you like the Buffalo Sauce cooked onto the wings?

The answer to that question will determine if you are done cooking or not. If you like WET Buffalo Wings then sauce them & either serve them immediately. If you like DRY Buffalo Wings then you’ll put them back in the oven. In BOTH cases you’ll put cooked wings in sauce for this step…

It’s YOUR CHOICE:

If you like WET wings, sauce wings AFTER they are cooked & serve immediately.
If you like CRISPY wings, sauce wings AFTER initial cook to temp & then put them back in oven for 5 mins with sauce ON so wings will crisp up with sauce on them.

If you do like CRISPY Buffalo Wings like me, then here’s what they’ll look like if you cook the sauce onto them.

Step 6: EAT & ENJOY

Congratulations, you’ve just made the best Buffalo Wing Recipe on the planet. Now grab a beer (if you don’t already have one) and enjoy eating your awesome Buffalo Wings.

I’m guessing when you’re done, it will look something like this…

These wings are AWESOME. They are the Best Buffalo Wings you will ever have because they are easy to make and have the perfect combo of FLAVOR + HEAT AND the wings are CRISPY.

It’s time for YOU to try this recipe. Give it a shot and let me know what you like or what you might do different.