Blackstone Black Griddle Station Cover

No great grillmaster lets their grill go uncovered when not in use. Even if your Blackstone griddle sits under a grill shelter or lives in a covered patio, investing in a cover, such as this Blackstone Griddle Station Cover, is a good idea.

Constructed of ultra-tough, heavy-duty 600D polyester, this soft cover is available in multiple sizes to fit any Blackstone griddle you have. It also features two under-body buckles to secure the cover. It’s the first Blackstone accessory we recommend if you’re just starting your collection.

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Organic Style Outdoor Sink

This outdoor sink by @ericdubnicka_artist is like a piece of functional art. It includes a firewood holder, cedar backsplash, hose bib, deep well sink and shelving. It’s wrapped with a 1/4-inch plywood skirt and painted with a brush for texture.

“The firewood holder is 1/2-inch copper pipe and the shelving and branches was a fun way to give it an organic feel and add valuable storage,” says Dubnicka.

Pellet grills and smokers are expensive pieces of equipment, and if you treat them right they’ll return the favor! Here are some quick and easy steps you should take to ensure you’ve prepared your equipment for winter or given it the annual tune-up.

Note: You can smoke food on a pellet grill, and you can grill food on a pellet smoker. Here we’ll use the term “grill or smoker” to be inclusive.

Clean Your Pellet Grill or Smoker

Food and grease attract critters during the cold months and dirty equipment can lead to mold growth, even if it’s outside in the cold. Here are the how-to steps for cleaning your pellet grill or smoker:

• Fire up your grill or smoker to its maximum temperature. (Check your owner’s manual or website for the recommended max temp). Leave the grates in during the cleaning process. The grates are very vulnerable to mold and need to be carefully cleaned before you put everything away for the season. Let it go at that temperature for one hour. This will burn up most of the grease and food bits.
• Let everything cool down.
• When cleaning a pellet-powered cooker, you MUST remove all pellets from the hopper, pot and auger. Pellets are compacted wood particles, and if they get wet, which is inevitable, they will expand. At a minimum, this will cause a mess, but it is possible the bloated pellets could cause long-term damage to your equipment. A shop vacuum is a great tool to suck up any missed pellets. Don’t cut corners here, get all those pellets out!
• Brush, wipe off and wipe down the remaining soot. Wire brushes are very popular but it is possible a bristle could come off and get in your food and that can be dangerous. Because of that risk, nylon brushes are becoming more popular and is what I use exclusively now. After brushing the grates, walls and any other exposed area of any remaining chunks of food or grease, wipe off the inside with paper towels to get the small particles of soot the brush didn’t scrape off.
• Use a good spray cleaner multiple times during the year, and especially now that you’re preparing for the off-season. At this point, all that should be left inside your grill or smoker is some fine soot or a little grease. The spray cleaner will take care of that. Spray down any remaining dirty parts, including the grates and wipe them down one more time with paper towels. Citrus cleaning products do a great job cutting through the grease and leave your equipment smelling fresh and clean. Put a Cover on Your Pellet Grill or Smoker

Cover Your Pellet Grill or Smoker

I know this seems obvious but you would be surprised how many people spend hundreds of dollars or more on a nice pellet grill, smoker or pizza oven and then leave it out in the elements. For most outdoor cooking equipment, covers made specifically for each model are available. A quality model-specific cover should be in the $50 range and deluxe covers can cost as much as $100 or more.

I recommend buying a model-specific cover over a generic one because it will fit better. If your model doesn’t offer a cover or you want to keep the cost lower, Amazon has many to choose from in the range of $20 to $40. Measure the dimensions of your pellet grill or smoker and purchase a cover to match. To protect your cover from blowing off, secure it to the grill or smoker with the locking strap. If the cover didn’t come with one, purchase a sturdy strap or two to lock down the cover. Properly securing the cover is important because you won’t be paying much attention to this equipment for a few months, so if your cover blows off you might not even notice.

Unplug Your Pellet Grill or Smoker

Yep, I’ve made this mistake, too. I left my pellet grill plugged in and when I went to use it in the spring the electronic computer part called the control board no longer worked. I called customer service to troubleshoot and they told me leaving it plugged in all winter likely caused the problem. I have a higher-end model, and it cost me $99 to replace the control board. Thankfully that’s all it took to get my pellet grill working again. Even on lower-end models, a replacement control board will cost $40 or more.

Disconnect Everything From Your Pellet Grill or Smoker

If your power cord, meat probes or anything else unplugs, disconnect and store them. Put whatever you disconnected in a sealable plastic bag and leave them on the shelf under your cooker. That way you’ll know right where they are when you need them again in the spring.

Store Your Pellet Grill or Smoker in a Safe Location

The common theme here is that you should keep your equipment dry. Ideally, store the cleaned grill or smoker in a garage or shed to keep it out of the wind and snow. If that’s not an option and you have to leave it outside, store it under the overhang of your roof or somewhere else where rain or melting snow isn’t likely to run down and pool up on the cover or around the legs. If your overhang isn’t large enough to keep the equipment safe from rain, ice and snow, look for another location that can provide overhead protection.

Using Your Grill or Smoker Again in the Spring

When it’s time to fire up your pellet grill or smoker again, it’s a good idea to run it at a high temperature with no food for an hour to be completely sure all parts are food safe. Then you’ll be ready to start grilling and smoking again.

There’s a little more to winterizing your grill than just throwing a cover on it and stowing in the shed for the next four months. If you don’t take the proper steps, you might find yourself buying a new grill. Fortunately, it’s not difficult. Just follow the steps below and your grill will be ready when you need it in the spring.

Shut Off the Gas

Shut off the gas at the LP tank, unfasten the burner and slip the gas tubes off the gas lines. (Check your owner’s manual for how to do this on your model.) Then lift out the unit as a whole.

Clean Your Grill

The first step is deep cleaning your gas grill. It’s essential to get ALL the gunk off it. Germs can live on the dried bits of food, and that charred stuff on your grates can be carcinogenic. Cleaning your grill also helps prevent corrosion.

After scraping it clean and degreasing it, inspect and clean the igniters. If you grill has a catch pan, grease tray, lower cabinet, etc., don’t forget to clean those as well.

For the last step, polish the outside of your grill to give it an extra layer of protection.

Coat the Burners with Cooking Oil

Coat the burners and other metal parts with cooking oil to repel moisture that can build up over the winter. Then wrap the burner unit in a plastic bag to keep spiders and insects from nesting in the gas tubes. This is a common problem that can make for balky starts, uneven flames or even a one-alarm fire the next time you light your grill.

How to Store the Propane Tank

If you’re storing your gas grill outside during the winter, keep the propane tank connected (but shut off) and put a protective cover over the entire grill. (More on this below.)

If you’re storing the grill indoors, don’t bring the tank inside, not even into the garage or a storage shed. A small gas leak can cause a huge explosion if you store the tank in an enclosed space. Instead, disconnect the tank and put it outside in an upright position, away from dryer and furnace vents and children’s play areas.

Take Care of Your Grill’s Small Parts

Tape a plastic bag over the gas line opening to prevent insects from nesting. If your grill has an electric starter, remove the battery for the winter. If you don’t, it can corrode the contacts.

If your grill came with a rotisserie motor, it’s not a bad idea to take that out before storing to keep moisture out of it.

Cover Your Grill

Buy a cover for your grill and put it on before you put it away for the winter. If you’re leaving the grill outside, this step is essential. No matter how well you’ve taken care of your grill, the elements will exact a heavy toll during the cold weather months if you don’t cover it, shortening its life.

If possible, store your covered grill in a garage or other enclosed area. Keeping it out of the snow, ice and cold will protect it. If your garage isn’t an option, consider another covered area for extra protection — say, the overhang on your porch.

If there’s one thing better than a perfectly grilled steak, it’s scoring an unbeatable deal on the grill to make it. That’s right—Black Friday grill sales are here! Retailers are slashing prices to clear their warehouses, so enjoy the spoils and sear up some seasonal favorites.

As a Sales Editor, it’s my job to make sure the lowest prices land in your cart. I searched everywhere from Walmart to Lowe’s to Amazon to uncover the best deals available. Shop these Black Friday grill sales now and have those burgers ready ASAP!

Not sure which grill to buy? There are several of different types, like gas, fire pit and electric grills. We broke the top grill sales into the categories below, so it’s easy to find a good fit.

Best Portable Grill

Solo Stove Grill Ultimate Bundle

For a limited time, Solo Stove’s grill bundle is marked down $300. Included is the grill, a stand, grilling tools and a shelter and carrying case. Pick one up for the ultimate portable grill experience! Void of confusing knobs and settings, grilling is a seamless experience.

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Best Gas Grill

Master Cook Three-Burner Propane Gas Grill

With a quick-start push button and three burners, this powerhouse propane gas grill makes grilling look easy. The temperature gauge built into the lid eliminates guesswork, and two side tables supply room to serve the goods. Get a beginner-friendly grill for 26% off on Amazon.

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Best Charcoal Grill

Kamado Joe Charcoal Grill

Grillers who have outgrown their charcoal grills need to experience the Kamado Joe grill. Kamado grills originated in Asia over 3,000 years ago—and they’re still popular today. This ceramic contraption bakes, grills, smokes and roasts in any weather. Score a Kamado for $200 off on Amazon!

Need some extras for this cold-weather companion? Snag a few Kamado accessories!

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Best Pellet Grill

Compact Hardwood Pellet Grill and Electric Smoker

This grill and smoker combo from Target is petite, but wood pellets arm it with more than enough barbecue power. Ideal for small families, this grill fits three whole chickens, and its smaller stature makes it easier to clean. Set the initial temperature and walk away—this electric smoker grill automatically adds pellets to keep a consistent temperature. Snag this grill and smoker combo for $168 off and pair it with a quality grill brush.

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Best Indoor Grill

Ninja Foodi XL Seven-in-One Indoor Grill

Like an outside grill, the Ninja Foodi XL delivers flavorful results! This seven-in-one gadget grills, dehydrates, air fries and bakes—all right from the countertop. You won’t find more in a grill with such a small footprint, and it’s 40% off on Amazon!

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FAQs

When do grills go on sale?

Grills often get marked down during the springtime, but Black Friday grill deals run in winter! We found the top sales on grills available as the holiday shopping season gears up.

When is the best time to buy a grill?

Many people believe that summer is the best time to purchase a grill, but Black Friday offers tons of excellent deals on grills, too. Enjoy smoky food all year-round, even during winter.

Shop smarter with our expert recommendations for tools, gear and money-saving deals on can’t miss DIY and home products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.

I’ve also become a late-arriving enthusiast to the smoking and outdoor cooking craze. Staying true to my love of sides, I picked up a Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket and a boatload of shrimp and veggies to try my hand at some gourmet creations.

What Is the Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket?

The Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket is a stainless steel container available in a two sizes: 7-1/2-inch square or roughly 11- x 13-in. Both baskets are a hair under 2-1/2-in. deep and can be used with gas, charcoal or pellet grills.

These baskets are ideal for grilling vegetables and small items like shrimp or steak tips. They feature handles that are simple to grasp with oven mitts and tongs. And they’re dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

How We Tested It

I made three dishes with the Weber Deluxe Grill Basket. The first was a pico de gallo where I smoked the ingredients before dicing them in the food processor. Then I tried rosemary grilled potatoes, and finally grilled Cajun shrimp. I paid close attention to how well I could maneuver the items in the basket, and whether it cleaned up easily.

Performance Review

The Weber Deluxe Grilling basket is superb. To ensure compatibility with all my grills — portable, pellet, and standard — I selected the smaller sized basket. It worked well with each.

I smoked the tomatoes, onions and peppers for my pico on the pellet grill. On the 180 degree smoking setting, the pellet grill never got hot enough to burn anything. A quick ride through the dishwasher, and the basket came out looking like new.

I cooked the potatoes and shrimp on a standard propane grill at medium-high heat. Because of the marinade, the shrimp stuck to the basket’s stainless steel surface. That required a brief soak in hot water and a few minutes of hand scrubbing, but it steel cleaned up nicely.

The basket handles are a pleasant addition that make it easy to carry, but be warned — it gets blistering hot in a flash. Stirring the basket, especially when full, can be a challenge.

On the hot propane grill, the bottom layer of food stuck to the basket. This made it nearly impossible to flip the contents with a flick of the wrist. In most cases, I needed a spatula to mix up the ingredients, knocking a shrimp or veggie to its demise. In hindsight, I could have avoided this if I was more punctual with my stirring, or used more indirect heat or oil.

Why You Should Buy This

All the recipes I tried in the grill basket worked out great. It’s an easy and affordable way to cook small and delicate foods without worrying about them sticking or falling through the grill grates.

Pros

• Durable stainless-steel construction;
• Easy-to-carry handles;
• Dishwasher safe;
• Available in two sizes;
• Works on charcoal, pellet or gas grills.

Cons

• Can be hard to stir.

Where to Buy

Both sizes of the Weber Deluxe Grilling Basket are available at Weber.com, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

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Smart grills and wireless meat thermometers eliminate the need to hover over the grill, and reduce the chances of charring an expensive steak or undercooking a pork roast.

Grill purists might frown on these gadgets. But if you’re like me, you just want your food properly cooked and tasting good. I’ll give anything a chance to avoid the humiliation of repeatedly cutting open a steak to check if it’s done, surrounded by hungry guests.

What Is a Smart Grill?

A smart grill connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, providing the information you need to make sure your food is cooking properly. Defining features include:

• Smartphone control: This lets you set, adjust and monitor temperature and timer controls from anywhere. This could come in especially handy if you’re stuck on an ice run, or don’t feel like missing the end of the game on TV.
• Real-time data: Connecting to the grill’s thermometer lets you know if your smart grill is preheating or maintaining the correct temperature. You’ll also receive a notification when your food is done.
• Precision temperature control: Instead of constantly adjusting imprecise knobs or dials, you can set the exact temperature via the app, and be confident it will be maintained. Note this only works with gas grills; charcoal grills require more nuance and manual manipulation.
• Maintenance notifications: Nothing ruins a barbecue like a gas grill propane tank that runs out before the food’s ready. Smart grills let you know how much gas remains in your tank, or when it’s time to refill your pellet grill.
• Recipes and cooking details: Many smart grill apps provide recipes, cooking tips and recommended temperatures for specific foods, so you won’t need to look them up online.

What is a Wireless Meat Thermometer?

A wireless meat thermometer utilizes a probe inserted into a cut of meat to monitor the internal temperature, then transmits the information to a wireless remote or smartphone. Defining features include:

• Real-time temperature: You’ll always know the precise temperature of the meat, and exactly when it’s time to take it off the grill. Most wireless meat thermometers also sound an alarm once you reach the set temperature. This means you’ll never have to worry about overcooked meat, or undercooked items that could make people sick.
• Probe thermometer: A thin probe inserted into the meat and connected via wire to the transmitter. Many, but not all, wireless meat thermometers include several probes, so you can cook multiple items at the same time. This is handy when grilling for a crowd.
• Portable display: Unlike wired thermometers with displays tethered to the grill, wireless thermometers transmit to a small remote display you can carry in your pocket, or your smartphone via an app.
• Versatility: Wireless meat thermometers work any type of grill, including charcoal, as well as your oven. This makes them a cost-effective choice for those who want the technological benefits of a smart grill without buying one.
• No temperature controls: You can only receive information so you can’t adjust the temperature with this device.

Smart Grill vs Wireless Meat Thermometer: Key Differences

If you’re considering purchasing a smart grill or wireless meat thermometer, it’s important to understand the main differences between the two.

Grill control

Smart grills let adjust the temperature with your phone. But because wireless meat thermometers aren’t actually connected to the grill, you have no control over its operation. A smart grill user can be available for other tasks and activities, while a wireless meat thermometer user must remain close to the grill in case the heat gets too high or low.

Internal meat temperature monitoring

A wireless meat thermometer provides the internal temperature of the meat, while a smart grill only tells you the ambient temperature of the grill itself. If your wireless meat thermometer has multiple probes (most do), use one to monitor the grill temperature, giving you a comprehensive reading.

Price

A smart grill is much more expensive than a wireless meat thermometer. Smart grills start at about $800, with higher end models going for several thousand dollars. A quality wireless meat thermometer costs about $50, and even the expensive options aren’t much more than $100.

Display

While some wireless meat thermometers offer a remote display, smart grills can only be used with a smartphone app. I personally prefer a dedicated remote for items like this, and see the benefit of not constantly check my phone while grilling.

With a remote display, there’s no need to set your phone down around the grill, which can be messy and dangerous.

Which is Right For You?

Smart grills and wireless meat thermometers are great options for anyone interested in taking the guesswork out of grilling. Depending on your personal preferences and current grill setup, one might be better suited to you than the other.

A smart grill is for you if you’re a tech-savvy cook with the budget for a new gas or pellet grill. Charcoal grill purist do not buy smart grills.

A wireless meat thermometer is for you if you primarily grill hefty steaks, roasts and chickens that require lengthy cooking time. It’s also for you if you like your current grill or cook with charcoal.

With summer looming, I heard of a new insect repellent that sounded intriguing. So I grabbed a three-pack of Ranger Ready Repellent for a long weekend with my family in lake country.

What is Ranger Ready Repellent?

Ranger Ready Repellent is an insect repellent that uses picaridin, rather than the neurotoxin DEET, as its active ingredient.  Picaridin is a safer yet equally effective alternative to DEET, which originated from the same group of plants that produce black pepper.

Unlike DEET, picaridin can be safely applied directly to the skin. It’s recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for adults (including pregnant women) and children at least one year old.

A single application of Ranger Ready with 20 percent picaridin has been proven effective against a long list of pests including mosquitos, ticks, biting flies, chiggers, gnats and sand flies for up to 12 hours.

Best yet, picaridin is not a plasticizer like DEET. So it won’t break down elastic, leather, rubber, plastic, paint, or vinyl on your clothing or outdoor gear.

How We Tested It

For the last six Memorial Day weekends, our entire extended family has made its way to a couple of cabins in Minnesota’s North Woods. This year, the bug report was really bad. A mild winter and lots of spring moisture contributed to large amounts of mosquitos, gnats and ticks. I packed the car and headed north with plenty of Ranger Ready to test.

There were a few questions I hoped to answer about Ranger Ready Repellent.  Was it as effective as DEET? How did the Ranger Ready feel when applied onto your skin? Does it have a potent or off-putting scent?

Performance Review

When we pulled onto the winding dirt road that leads to the cabin, something felt eerie. At the neighboring cabins, there were few people out and about conversing, playing yard games or fishing from the dock. After parking in the driveway and opening the door of our cabin, I knew why. It was true. The mosquitos were horrendous.

After carrying in the first load, I paused a few times to swing at those bloodsuckers. I cracked open my backpack and tried dousing every square inch of my body with the Ranger Ready Repellent.

On my many remaining trips to the car, I was pleasantly surprised by how effectively this product handled the constant barrage of incoming mosquitos. The bugs found a few spots I inadequately covered, but the remaining five loads netted only three or four solid bites. The first trip alone left me with a dozen or more.

Ranger Ready comes in many scents, and randomly I ended up with the “Ranger Orange.”  It smells pleasant and citrusy, in no way chemically ridden or overpowering.  I appreciate the Ranger Ready bottle has a pump, so there’s no lingering cloud of repellent as you apply.  The Ranger Ready spray also felt soft and dry on my clothes and skin.

Ranger Ready vs. DEET

On the last day of our weekend, my father-in-law and I decided to be brave and play a round of golf.  Before we could even get to the first tee, a course employee warned us about the gnats on the upcoming wooded holes.

I fished the familiar, grass-green DEET-filled aerosol can from my golf bag and decided to test the repellents head-to-head. I covered one arm and leg with that stuff, and the other with Ranger Ready. The gnats stayed away for the most part, and no side of my body seemed better protected than another.

At the end of the day, both sprays proved equally effective. But the Ranger Ready stood out for its feel on my skin, pleasant nontoxic smell, and its overall safer use.

Why You Should Buy This

If you’re looking for an effective bug spray that’s non-toxic and gentle enough for even the smallest members of your family, Ranger Ready Repellent is the one for you!  It comes in different scents, sizes and package designs, so you can easily find one to take wherever your next pest-filled adventure may be.

Where to Buy

Ranger Ready Repellent and other Ranger Ready products are available at Walmart, Target, Amazon and rangerready.com.

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As the only one in my immediate family with a weakness for grilled and smoked meats, I’ve been keeping my eye on the smaller, portable pellet grill category. When I read up on the Z-Grills Cruiser 200A, it seemed like the one. So I made the leap and got one sent my way.

What is the Z-Grills Cruiser 200A?

The Z-Grill Cruiser 200A is a portable wood pellet grill capable of smoking, baking, roasting, searing, braising, barbecuing or char-grilling whatever fare you desire.

The smaller tabletop grill features a foolproof digital temperature controller, automatic auger system and an 8-lb. pellet hopper. The Cruiser’s three handles, lockable chamber and durable powder coated finish make it perfect for lugging around to campgrounds, sporting events or a friend’s backyard get-together.

With the Z-Grills Cruiser, you can cook like a famous pitmaster wherever your busy life takes you.

How We Tested It

I wanted to test how the Z-Grills Cruiser functioned as a grill and a smoker. So over Memorial Day Weekend, I did both.

On Friday afternoon, I grilled some brats and kebobs at a local park with a few co-workers and friends. Then Saturday night, I smoked a pork loin with the family and some guests at our cabin.

Performance Review

Performance

One important note: The Z-Grills Cruiser needs a 110v outlet to operate. We brought a portable power station to our grill-out at the park, and you’ll need a similar plan when heading out into the backcountry.

After following the Cruiser’s christening instructions, I filled the hopper with cherry wood pellets and cranked the temperature control to 375 F. A subtle hum of the auger could be heard as it slowly began to drag the pellets to their fiery demise. Minutes later, the grill was at temperature and the meat spitting away on the grate.

Two hundred square inches sounds like more cooking space than it is. The six-pack of brats and three kabobs filled the bulk of the cooking space, and the Z-Grills had them ready in no time.  The digital temperature control and readout made cooking on the Z-Grills Cruiser even easier than on my old propane monstrosity.

After the cookout in the park, I cleaned and lugged the cruiser back to my vehicle. Though I like that the grill can be buttoned up and carried like a suitcase, it’s awkward and unbalanced. And at almost 50 pounds, it’s not something I’d recommend carrying over any distance.

Saturday saw the same positive results. I set the grill to 225 F and plopped the spice-rubbed pork loin on for a few hours to smoke. I checked the internal temperature every hour or so until it reached the desired temp and pulled it out to rest.

When opening the lid to check the meat, the grill temperature plummeted as expected.  What surprised me was how long it took to reheat back to 225 F.  This added some unexpected time to the smoking process, but the pork turned out juicy and delicious.

Value

The value in a portable pellet grill like the Cruiser comes from its premium features and portability. This grill is packed with features like the digital temperature controller, automatic auger system and sturdy steel construction.

The craftsmanship and appearance of the Z-Grills Cruiser is similar to its counterpart, the Traeger Ranger. The Z-Grills Cruiser is also cheaper and 20 pounds lighter.

Ease of Use

This is where the Cruiser shines. Just fill the pellet hopper and set the digital control to your desired temperature. The Cruiser will do the rest, automatically sustaining a steady temperature while churning out flavorsome smoke.

Reliability and Durability

The hopper and body are made of thick, powder coated steel; the handles and feet are the only parts that aren’t. The sturdy steel wire grate, coated in porcelain, and 14-gauge steel drip pan are built to withstand years of hauling to campsites and backyard barbecues.

Why You Should Buy This

Whether you’re single, have a small family, live in an apartment with limited outdoor space or simply want to bring your love of grilling with you anywhere, the Z-Grills Cruiser is the one for you. It’s ease of use, sturdy construction, high-end features and best-in-class price make this portable pellet grill the one to choose.

Where to Buy

The Z-Grills Cruiser is available at zgrills.com, Amazon and The Home Depot.

Buy Now!

The Hack

Good news: You don’t need a grill brush or any other special grilling tools to clean your charcoal grill. Simply ball up a sheet of sturdy aluminum foil and use it to scrub your grill grates. Once you clean the grates, sweep out any debris in the bottom of the grill. Empty the ash catcher if you have one. (Always check your ash catcher before you grill to make sure it’s not at capacity.) You can use a putty knife to dislodge any stubborn gunk.

Design Your Project the Easy Way

Whether I’m designing a simple jig or an entire kitchen, I always lay my projects out in SketchUp first. This free 3D modeling program is easy to learn and an essential part of my tool kit.

• First, I transferred all my measurements into SketchUp. Next, I created the skeleton of the island. I modeled the steel studs and U-channels, then the frame.
• Next, I created a shell over the frame, representing the cement board, to determine the total square footage of the surface area for the board and tile.

Buying a Grill Cover

Whether you fire up your grill several times a week or just once in a while, you want your grilling equipment to be ready to go  — clean, rust-free and functional. That’s why it pays to protect your grill with a quality grill cover that shields it from rain, cold, intense sunlight, bugs, rodents and debris.

The easiest way to choose a grill cover is to buy one that’s the same brand as your grill. Weber, Traeger and Blackstone all make covers for their grills. You can usually save a little money by buying a generic cover if you know the correct measurements for your grill. Note the grill’s length, depth and height before you shop.

Check out our picks for the 10 best grill covers. Choose one, and you’ll be all set the next time you fire up the grill.

Exterior Products

Tools You’ll Need

• Heavy-duty rubber gloves
• Plastic spray bottle
• Large garbage can
• Flat-end putty knife
• Shop vacuum (optional, but recommended)
• Hand broom and dustpan
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Stainless steel wire brush

Materials You’ll Need

• Dish soap and water
• Grill cleaning spray
• Heavy-duty shop towels
• Stainless steel cleaning wipes, as needed

Degrease the Upper Cookbox

• The first thing to do to clean a gas grill is to disconnect the gas supply from it. Next, put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from grill grease and cleaning products.
• Mix a solution of 20 percent dish soap and 80 percent water in a spray bottle, then open the lid of your grill and spray down the inside of the upper cookbox. Leave the solution to dissolve the grease for a few minutes, then brush it thoroughly with a stainless steel brush.
• Next, carefully remove the cooking grates and balance them on top of an open garbage can lined with a garbage bag, to prep them for cleaning.

There are steps you can take to keep mosquitoes away, like candles that don’t really work all that well, or slathering yourself in bug spray. Still, if you’re like me, the flying pests always seem to find you. So when a friend suggested the Thermacell, I was game to give it a shot.

What Is Thermacell?

Mosquitoes are bad news. They carry diseases like the West Nile Virus, the most common mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. In 2020 there were more than 650 reported cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And while that represents a small percentage of the overall population, it’s not something to take lightly.

Beyond that, mosquito bites can quickly take the fun out of what should be some relaxing time outdoors.

Thermacell products use heat to activate a repellent that keeps mosquitoes away within a 15- to 20-ft. radius, depending on which product you’re using. Two models are battery powered. The rest use butane or, in the case of the Backpacker model, pressurized backpacking stove fuel canisters with a mix of butane and propane.

They’re silent and odorless, so you just turn them on and wait for them to heat up. They take about 10 minutes to reach the maximum coverage area. How long they last depends on which model you’re using.

The battery-powered Radius, which works while it charges, automatically shuts off after two hours to conserve repellent. The butane cartridge that powers the MR450, which we tested, lasts about 12 hours, and the repellent pad gives you four hours of protection.

How We Tested

I took the MR450 on a weekend camping trip with the family along the Conejos River in Colorado’s Rio Grande National Forest in June — prime mosquito season. After a short hike along the river, we returned to our campsite around 5 p.m. to prepare dinner. Mosquitoes were already bothering us, so I fired up the Thermacell.

This was my first time using it, and I probably should have given it a practice run ahead of time. It was easy enough to set up — there was really nothing to it — but it took me a few minutes to figure out how to turn it on.

The push button ignition is simple enough, but there’s no indicator telling you that the device is running; you can vaguely hear it. And it took about 15 minutes to start working. You need a little patience, or at least read the instructions more throughly than I did.

Finally, I quit fiddling with it and left it alone to do its thing. I placed it on the picnic table while we prepared dinner. Fifteen minutes later, we noticed the constant buzzing around our ears had stopped. It stayed that way as we finished dinner and cleaned up, right on through to some intense card games. We stayed up a little later than usual, so I replaced the pad in the Thermacell once before turning in for the night.

The 15-foot zone of protection seemed accurate; I didn’t measure it exactly. From the picnic table, it covered the space where we set up the stove, the coolers and the washing station.

When I left that zone to use the restroom, the mosquitoes quickly found me and hung around until I got back. That’s definitely one drawback to the Thermacell. You can’t carry it with you because the protective cover won’t set up as long as you’re moving. However, there is a belt clip so you can attach it to you while you’re fishing, cutting wood, etc.

The wind can also disrupt protection when you’re using it in a single spot. But the wind also helps keep the flying pests away.

Final Verdict on Thermacell

Spray-on repellents with DEET are still considered to be the most effective way to keep mosquitoes at bay. But a spatial repellent like the Thermacell is an excellent option when you’re outside and relatively stationary, or for those times where covering yourself in bug spray isn’t an option, like a backyard dinner party. Keep both options in your camping kit; the spray gives you protection when you’re on the move.

The Thermacell would also be a great addition for your deck. The battery-powered Radius and E55 models are designed for them.

Where to Buy

You can get them just about anywhere. The company’s products are also available on Amazon. Prices range from $15 to $50.

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Make Shredding Pork Fun

Making pulled pork for the big game or tailgating event? Shredder Claws from Cave Tools will make quick work of meat shredding. And the bear paw shape also makes them handy for picking up and transferring hot foods without dropping them or burning your hands.

Photo: Cave Tools

Start with a Thorough Cleanup

If you don’t set aside time to clean and prep your grill, it can be easy to “forget,” and then your grill won’t be at its best for the barbecue (and may even ruin foods with smells, grease smoke, and other problems). In addition to cleaning your grill, take a walk around your yard and clean up any toys or junk that you’ve been meaning to get rid of — this helps avoid stress on party day. Plus, check out these 12 tips for planning the ultimate backyard barbecue.

Buying Grill Lights

If you’re a serious griller, you’ve experienced that feeling of wishing it stayed light longer so you could keep grilling for friends and family. That’s where grill lights can help.

Designed to illuminate your grill after dark, a good grill light allows comfortable, safe outdoor cooking to continue long after sunset. Grill lights vary in style and features. Which one you choose depends on the size and style of your grill, how much grilling you’ll be doing and how much light you need on the cooking surface. Here are seven of the best grill lights and the features that make these grilling tools stand out.

Digital Meat Thermometer with Wireless Remote

This waterproof digital meat thermometer with wireless remote from Valoin is a high-tech grilling tool you’ll want this season. Monitor your food even when you have to step away. The thermometer can also be used for your oven. One reviewer noted that the thermometer worked flawlessly, adding “It was very easy to program. It took a couple of seconds to reset the temperature settings. It’s extremely accurate.”

Photo: Courtesy of Amazon

Stingray Multi-Purpose BBQ Tool

Different meats require different grill tools—every pit master knows that! The Stingray BBQ Tool can do it all. Use the spatula to flip delicate fish, use the tongs to handle burgers, steaks and chops and the fork for stabbing and handling chicken breasts. It’s the Swiss Army knife of grilling equipment! It combines all three tools, plus a bottle opener.

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Do a Little Cleaning

If your grill has worked hard all summer, it will appreciate a little TLC before winter sets in. Give everything a thorough cleaning, including all the hidden spots that don’t often see the light of day. Our easy-to-follow guide to tuning up your outdoor gas grill will show you everything you need to do to have your grill in tip-top shape for winter grilling.

Many other foods traveled fine in a takeout box, but not fried eggs and hash browns. Those do best fresh from the griddle, delivered with a piping hot cup of coffee. We made a point of sitting down to one of our first post-vaccination restaurant meals at a diner for that very reason.

Now, with a flat top grill in the backyard, I can quickly and easily replicate the diner experience at home — without the wisecracking wait staff.

What Is a Flat Top Grill?

Flat top grills, also known as griddles, are exactly what they sound like: outdoor cooking appliances with a large, flat cooking surface. They’re typically heated from below by gas burners, though some use charcoal or pellets. Because the cooking surface is solid, the food never comes in contact with the flame.

Further, the grease that would typically drip down the open grate of a traditional grill, causing flareups, remains on the surface until you push it away into a grease trap. Just like at the diner.

Types of Flat Top Grills

When you start shopping for a flat top grill, you’ll encounter these types:

• The most common looks much like a traditional gas grill with the top cut off. Most have a hanger for a 20-pound propane tank on one side of the grill cart (some may hook into your the natural gas line) and two or four wheels. Two shelves, one either side of the cooking surface, provide a place to prep foods and set ingredients.
• Compact, tabletop flat top grills with small cooking surfaces are handy for camping or tailgating. These are typically heated with a small propane canister, like one you’d use with a camping stove.
• Some flat top grills resemble the hibachi you might find at a Japanese steakhouse. Of course, any flat top grill will allow you (with practice) to replicate your favorite teppanyaki.
• Instead of buying a flat top grill, you could add a griddle surface to an existing propane or natural gas grill. Some are sold as accessories for specific grill models, while others fit universally atop your existing grill grates.

Flat Top Grill Pros/Cons

Versatility: A flat top grill lets you cook many more types of food than would typically work on a traditional grill, since the solid surface keeps small food items from falling into the flames. Think pancakes, fried rice and eggs.

Grease: A flat top grill holds grease on the cooking surface, where it can build up. Diverting it into a grease cup is part of cooking on a griddle.

Lack of smoke flavor:  Since flames never touch your food, you won’t get the smoky flavor so often desired from outdoor cooking.

How To Choose a Flat Top Grill

If you know you want a flat top grill, consider these things:

• What will you be cooking and in what quantity? Flat top grills are typically rated based on the total cooking surface area, listed in square inches. A larger surface gives you more room to cook, while a smaller surface is better for camping or tailgates.
• What is the BTU number? British Thermal Units (BTU) measure the output of the burners. A higher BTU number means more heat.
• How is the grease managed? You’ll need to clean grease traps often, so it’s important they work well.

How Much Does a Flat Top Grill Cost?

We’ve seen some portable, camping-style griddles available for $150 and $200. One popular model is the Blackstone 1666 22-inch griddle.

Larger backyard models range from $350 to up to $1,000. A popular model is the Camp Chef 600 four-burner.

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Accessories for a Flat Top Grill

Flat top grill cooking tools are often the same as those for your outdoor grill.

• Large, long-handled spatulas and tongs for moving food around.
• A meat thermometer to ensure food safety. You can also use an infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature of the cooking surface.
• A well-fitting cover is a must if you keep a flat-top grill outside to protect it from the elements, animals and bugs.

Flat Top Grill Maintenance

Once you start using a flat top grill, take care of it so it lasts a long time.

• Conditioning (seasoning) your flat-top grill cooking surface is important to keep rust from forming, much like with a cast iron pan. Before the first use, clean the flat top thoroughly, then heat a thin film of oil on the cooking surface, carefully spreading it on the surface with paper towels (and heat-proof gloves or tongs). Then periodically repeat this process to create a non-stick surface. Using the cooking surface frequently helps maintain the non-stick qualities.
• Clean the grease traps frequently to keep them from overflowing. Depending on the type of grease, you might be able to reuse your grease — save your bacon grease for the next time you cook. Whatever you do, don’t flush it or put it down the garbage disposal, because cooking grease can clog your drain lines.

Some accidents result from using the grill improperly, and others from a lack of maintenance and preparation. Let’s take a look at seven grilling safety tips to help you avoid a costly and potentially dangerous grilling accident.

Inspect Before You Grill

Kevin Busch, vice president of operations for Mr. Handyman, reminds grilling aficionados to inspect the grill before using it, especially if it’s been sitting idle for the winter. “The bugs, leaves and leftover food residue that builds up during the off-season are a leading cause of grill fires,” he says. So don’t light that fire before you thoroughly clean the grill.

Check for Leaks

If you’re using a gas grill with a propane tank, “habitually check for leaks and breaks in the gas hose,” says Busch. Tighten the connections between the tank, the gas hose and the grill before you ignite.

If the grill has been out of commission for a while, check the hose for leaks by spraying soapy water on the length of the hose. Then turn on the gas. If bubbles appear on the hose, you’ve got a leak and the hose needs to be replaced.

Maintain Some Distance

Your gas or charcoal grill should always be kept a safe distance from your home, and away from overhanging trees, deck railings and other structures. Ten feet of distance is recommended. When your outdoor space doesn’t allow for that, extra diligence is required.

Busch recalls clients setting their patio grills too close to vinyl siding. The grill didn’t start a fire, but it did get hot enough to melt a big ugly hole in the siding, which meant a costly repair job.

If in Doubt, Go for Charcoal

Gas grills are a fast, convenient way to cook outdoors. But according to the NFPA, they also cause 84 percent of all home fires caused by grills. You may be safer sticking with charcoal, especially if can’t keep the grill a safe distance from structures and trees.

Don’t Add Liquid Fuel to a Fire

The coals are dwindling, the burgers are raw and your family is hungry. No matter how tempting it is, don’t squirt lighter fluid or other liquid fuel onto the fire. It’s dangerous — the fire could flare up into your hands or face. Instead, try giving those sluggish coals a boost with a solid, food-safe fire-starter, and break out potato chips for your hungry kids while they wait for dinner!

Keep the Grill in a Low-Traffic Area

Your backyard grill may be the focal point and natural gathering area of your yard or patio, but it shouldn’t be in anyone’s way. Make sure there’s a clear path for people to come and go past or around the grill, with no one getting too close.

Don’t set the grill close to a swing set or anywhere kids play. And when everyone’s done eating and it’s time for a game of touch football, make sure the grill isn’t in the end zone!

Turn Off the Gas and Let Things Cool Down

Better safe than sorry. Although propane tank explosions are extremely rare, why risk a potentially deadly accident? Turn off the gas at the propane tank when you’re done cooking. Let the grill — and embers, if you’re cooking with wood or charcoal — cool off completely before you clean it. A charcoal grill can take up to two days to cool down.

Now that you’re done building your second home, there are some big decisions to make about how you want the interior and your outdoor space to look. That includes a list of some staples you’ll want to consider no matter what kind of design you end up settling on. Another consideration to make for a second home is storage, everything from food to recreation gear, for the times when you’re not going to be there. To help, we’ve come up with an essential products list to get your personal getaway as comfortable and functional as possible.

Living Room

A comfortable living room is an essential part of any relaxing second home. It’s a spot to unwind after a long day playing on the lake or the place to share cocktails with friends. So you’ll need a few essentials to make this space a cozy part of your own getaway.

• Comfortable seating is a must. The foundation is a good sectional or a couch that can accommodate family and friends, not to mention a great spot to put up your feet for the rare weekend when you’ve got the place to yourself.
• Accent chairs or a recliner, round out the room’s seating options. You’ll want to include the right coffee table and end tables for your living room too, giving you a place for more lighting, storage, or just a place to sit your drinks while you kick back.
• An HD projector is great for movie nights. Or, you can go with a large flat screen television and a TV stand that matches the look and feel of your getaway.
• For those nights where you choose to relax in front of the fire, make sure you have the right fireplace tools and safety equipment in your second home.

Kitchen and Dining Room

Whether it’s your primary residence, second home, or a remote fishing cabin, one thing holds true: you’re going to be spending a lot of time in the kitchen and dining room, so it’s important to make those spaces as functional and inviting as possible. On top of the usual stuff like pots and pans, here are the most important pieces you’ll need to outfit these spaces.

• The dining room table is kind of the command center for the whole place. You’ll want a piece large and beautiful enough for formal dinners with guests, but also durable enough for when the kids are stashing their fishing gear on it. You can look for dining sets or get the chairs separately.
• If there’s a bar in your space, you’ll want to add a few comfortable bar stools since this is the spot where you’ll end up eating a lot of informal meals and swapping fish stories over a cold one.
• A wine cooler isn’t necessarily essential, but if you have the space for one, it makes a great addition to the space.
• Storage considerations are especially important for cabins and second homes, places that may sit vacant for weeks at a time. In addition to the usual items to help with kitchen organization—under-shelf baskets, pots & pans racks, drawer organizers, spice organizer, and others—airtight plastic, glass, or metal containers for food storage in the freezer or pantry while you’re not there.

Bedrooms

A second home exists for relaxing, so you’ll want a cozy space to get a good night’s sleep while you’re there.

• Like any bedroom, it all starts with a good mattress that sits on top of a quality bed. Bunk beds are a nice addition to bedroom for kids or guests, giving the ability to accommodate share your getaway with more people.
• Dressers and closet organization systems are just as nice to have in your second home as they are in your primary residence. There are some things you’ll definitely want to leave in the house —swimsuits, extra bedding, jackets, and more—so you don’t have to constantly lug that stuff back and forth for a weekend retreat.

Outdoor Space

Whether it’s sitting on the deck or gathering around a campfire on the beach, the outdoor space might just be the most important part of your second home.

• You’ll be cooking outside a lot, so a good grill is a must, whether you want a gas, charcoal, pellet, or a smoker. Don’t forget a second set of a grill tools—brush, thermometer, utensils, etc.—because you want to have those on hand at all times. A grill cover is essential; even if you’re keeping it in the garage while you’re gone, it will keep the dust off it.
• You can and should spend hours relaxing around a fire pit. It’s also worth getting a grill rack to cook over the fire too.
• Comfortable outdoor furniture turns your patio into the extra living space it was meant to be. Consider a variety of seating, including loungers and folding chairs. You may also want to consider a picnic table or an outdoor dining set for spending even more time outdoors.
• A weatherproof deck box will give you place to store the cushions and other gear when you’re not there.

Nothing says summer like cooking out on your deck, enjoying the sunny days. The last thing you want, though, is for your deck to be damaged and scarred by spills or sparks from your grill. The Original Grill Pad works to protect your deck surface, preserving the quality of your deck by preventing stains and other damage. Made from lightweight fiber cement, the Grill Pad is durable, flexible and easily cleaned with soap and water and comes in four colors to fully complement the look of your deck. The Original Grill Pad is naturally heat and weather resistant and is available in three shapes and sizes to best fit your grill. Protect your deck this summer with the Original Grill Pad, sold in select stores and online retailers starting at $34.99.

Just because you don’t have a grill brush doesn’t mean you can’t clean your grill. You can clean your grill using aluminum foil, or even cleaning with an onion will do the trick! But did you know that there’s another popular pantry item that can clean your grill fast? Coffee!

That’s right. If you let your grill grate sit in coffee for a bit, the acidity from the coffee will make it easy to wipe off the caked-on gunk from last summer that you just weren’t able to clean off.

How to clean your grill with coffee

Here’s how it works: Make a large pot of hot coffee. Once it’s finished, pour the coffee into a large tub or basin. Take the grates off of the grill and simply place them in. After about an hour, take the grates out and give them a quick scrub. Rinse them off with warm water.

Voila, that’s it! You now have a perfectly clean grill using a simple pot of coffee and a little elbow grease. You’ll be ready to throw some steaks on in no time.

While you’re at it, it may be time to tune up your outdoor gas grill.

Build a Garden Shed

Whether your house is a bit drafty, your vehicles need new plugs or your outdoor power equipment needs a tune-up, Family Handyman has all the tips, techniques and advice to keep out the cold. Our collection of articles and videos will ensure your stuff stays functional and is ready to roar into action come spring.

Want more? Check out these winterization tips for your car.

Winterize Your Home

Winterize Your Lawn and Garden

Winterize Your Equipment

Check Exterior Caulking and Weatherstripping

Cut Parts and Assemble Side Frames

• Cut two front legs (use square mild steel; 17-1/2-in. long each), two back legs (use angle iron; 20-in. long each) and four side pieces (use angle iron; 24-in. long each).
• Cut a 45-degree angle on the back ends of two side pieces.
  • These ends will match a similar angled end you’ll cut on both ends of the back piece.
• Weld one front leg, one back leg and two angle-iron side pieces, taking care to orient the angled ends of the top-most side pieces towards the back. This makes one side frame.
  • Use a carpenter’s square to ensure the front legs, back legs and lower side pieces turn out square in relation to each other.
• Use this first frame as a guide for creating an identical second side frame.
  • Pro Tip: While it’s not absolutely vital that the heights of various side-frame parts match the plans exactly, it’s vital that both frames match each other.