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  • Which is the Best Type of Smoker?

    Which is the Best Type of Smoker?

    Looking for the best type of smoker to buy? Read our guide to find out the different types of smokers, their pros and cons, and which one will be right for you.

    How do the famous barbeque pit bosses get that perfect juicy smoky flavored meat? They smoke it. Here we investigate the six different types of smokers for meat (and other foods) and their pros and cons. We will also offer our three favorite make and models for each smoker type.

    Types of Smokers

    Below we will explore the different types of smokers. We will investigate the wonders of the stick, gas, electric and charcoal smokers. We will also check out what makes pellet smokers so unique and find out how to use a kettle grill for smoking.

    1. Stick Burner

    The stick burner is the old original authentic style of smoker. It uses wood as its fuel and smoke source. The taste is as good as it gets. There are both direct and offset stick burner smokers. Real pit bosses use an offset smoker.

    How it is used

    A fire is lit in the firebox and wood added until a bed of hot ash and wood coals has formed. More wood is then added during the smoking process. This maintains the temperature and the smoke level. Check out this masterclass from the great Aaron Franklin himself on how to barbeque with a stick burner.

    Some like the KBQ smoker are unusual and use a top-down burn design. You can see how the KBQ BBQ Smoker is used here.

    Pros

    This is the true authentic smoker taste. Nothing beats it. These smokers are also only reliant on having wood to fuel them. There is no running out of gas or pellets halfway through a smoke.

    Cons

    Using wood as a fuel source can be challenging. It is the most variable of fuels and the hardest to control when it comes to temperatures and smoke levels. It takes effort and practice to become proficient in smoking with a stick smoker.

    These smokers also need constant looking after. The wood burns at a fast rate and you need to check it every half an hour or so to maintain temperatures.

    There are more details on offset smokers in our article here.

    2. Gas Smokers

    The gas smoker is probably the easiest smoker for a novice or seasoned pro pit boss to use. A gas burner provides the heat. This enables super easy and almost immediate temperature control.

    The smoke is generated by special wood pellets that are held in a pan above the burner. Most models have an additional water pan above the pellet pan. This to make sure meat stays moist and succulent. These smokers can be set at a certain temperature and left to run for hours unsupervised.

    How it is used

    Follow the instructions to set up the smoker with all the correct racks and pans. Connect the gas bottle, turn on the gas and light the burner.

    Wait until the smoker reaches the desired temperature. Add the wood pellets and the water to the appropriate pans. Position the meat on the racks and close the door.

    Check the progress every thirty minutes. You may need to refill the water or pellet pans a few times during the smoke. Remember to turn off the smoker and disconnect the bottle when not in use.

    Pros

    • Easy to set and maintain the correct temperature.
    • They need little attention once running and produce magnificent consistent smoky flavored food.
    • Gas smokers offer value for money.
    • They are ideal for the amateur pit boss or for the seasoned pro who wants a “fire and forget” type smoker.
    • There are several different flavored pellets available.

    Cons

    • You cannot use charcoal in a gas smoker.
    • They give a distinctly different taste compared to a wood or charcoal-fired smoker.
    • The gas could run out during a smoke, so you need a backup cylinder.
    • Same for the pellets, you need to keep a bag in reserve.
    • They do not look or perform the same as a traditional stick or charcoal smoker.

    3. Charcoal Smokers

    Charcoal smokers come in all shapes and sizes. They are second in taste and authenticity only to the stick smokers. Charcoal is used as a heat source and wood chips or pellets add smoke flavor.

    How it is used

    You fill the grate or “coal chamber” with a good lot of charcoal. You make a hole in the middle of the coals to help light them. BBQ Briquettes are idea for sustaining the long hours needed for smoking. Find out more about charcoal here. You add the hardwood lumps, chips, or pellets to the top of the charcoal.

    The coals are lit by using a little newspaper in a charcoal starter chimney. Wait until the coals are glowing red and are covered in white ash. Drop them into the hole you made in the bed of charcoal. The fire will spread through the bed of coals giving a long-lasting consistent heat.

    With the coals lit, you reassemble the smoker as per instructions. If your smoker has a water pan, then fill it now. Open the vents at the bottom of the firebox holding the coal chamber. Close the smoker door and wait for it to reach the desired temperature.

    You will need to adjust the airflow through the smoker to get a constant temperature. The temperature takes about 15 mins to change and remain constant. Add the meat. Start at the bottom of the smoker and add more grates as needed. You need to check water, smoke, temperature, and charcoal levels about every hour.

    Pros

    • They give a truly authentic tasty smoky flavor.
    • They require less refueling, care and attention than a stick burner.
    • Charcoal briquettes give a slow low consistent heat ideal for smoking.
    • They also give that charcoal-fired taste.
    • The hardwood lumps, chips or pellets give the perfect flavor.
    • A water pan ensures juicy succulence.

    Cons

    • Charcoal smokers require patience and practice to perfect.
    • They can be inherently fiddly to get to maintain temperature.
    • Variables such as weather, charcoal type and even wind direction can affect the burn.

    ​4. Electric Smokers

    Looking like a small fridge, the electric smoker is the easiest smoker to use. It has an electric element as the heat source and uses wood chips or pellets as a source of smoke flavor.

    Most of the newer models have a glass door so you can easily monitor progress. Temperature is controlled easily with a thermostat. A timer can be set to turn the smoker off at the desired time.

    How it is used

    These smokers are simple to use. You plug the unit in, turn it on and let it heat up. Preheating can take up to one hour as the electric heating elements do not get excessively hot.

    Wood chips or pellets are added. No need to soak the pellets in water as the electric element does not get hot enough to burn them properly if they are wet. The pellets are added into a feed tube that is pushed into the feed tube slot. The smoker automatically adds the pellets or chips to the heating element.

    A water pan can be added to the bottom tray of the smoker to increase succulence and juiciness of the meat. A drip tray should be added above the water bath to collect fat and make cleaning the unit out easier.

    You then shut the door and let the heat and smoke build-up and then add the meat, fish, and vegetables. The timer is set to turn the smoker off at the right time. You need to check the pellet or chip-level, make sure the water is topped up and check the temperature every hour or so.

    Pros

    • Electric smokers are easy to use.
    • They are almost as simple as a normal oven.
    • Once set up you can switch them on, preheat, add the pellets and water, slam in the food and almost fire and forget it.
    • They are super easy for the novice or

    Cons

    • Electric smokers are not overly smoky.
    • The electric element sometimes struggles to heat up enough to generate a lot of smoke.
    • They also take a long time to heat up.
    • The capacity is not as large as some of the charcoal and stick burners.
    • You also do not get the full authentic taste as you would with a stick or charcoal smoker.

    ​You can find out even more about electric smokers here.

    5. Kettle Grills

    Hang on, surely this should be in the barbeque grill section? Surprisingly, your normal kettle grill can be used as a remarkably proficient smoker. But it does take some practice.

    How it is used

    Your grill does need to be of sufficient size and to have a snug-fitting lid. You fire the grill in the normal way by creating a bed of charcoal. When the dome is up to temperature, you rake the coals over to one side, so you have a less direct heat in the cooking area.

    Add the wood pellets or chips you want to use to give smoke and flavor. Place the meat or veg over to the opposite side of the grill and close the lid. You can also add a water bath next to the charcoal bed to increase the succulence if needed. You will want to check the temperature, add more charcoal, or wood and maybe refill the water every thirty minutes or so.

    Pros

    • You may already have a suitable grill. If you do not, then check out our post on the best grills here.
    • You will save space by using the same appliance for two different jobs.

    Cons

    • Grills are not designed to be used as a smoker.
    • The heat inside can be difficult to maintain over many hours.
    • You need to check the fuel and wood pellets regularly.
    • The lids on some grills are not sealed very well and you lose smoke and heat.
    • You cannot smoke and grill at the same time.
    • Most people who try smoking on a grill end up buying a real smoker after one or two attempts.
    • They keep the grill for grilling.

    6. Pellet Smokers

    Pellet smokers are a newer idea and form the latest generation of smoking. All the previous smokers are different due to the source of heat.

    These smokers are defined by the source of the smoke. They use many different heat sources, but all use compressed wood pellets as a source of the smoke.

    How it is used

    Operation of these smokers varies from type to type depending on the heat source. The pellets are usually fed to the coal chamber or heating element by either gravity or a worm screw.

    Pros

    • The pellets are uniform in size and ensure an even burn rate and smoke density.
    • Pellets are easier to use than wood chips or lumps.
    • There are many more flavors available.
    • They are conveniently packaged to allow them to be delivered by mail order over the internet.
    • Pellet smokers normally have built-in thermostat and an automatic pellet feed system. This makes them easy to use.

    Cons

    • Wood pellets are expensive compared to wood chips or lumps.
    • Pellet smokers can only be used with pellets.
    • Wood chips or lumps cannot be used.
    • It is important to use the correct pellet size otherwise the pellet feed system may block or jam.

    Which is the Best Type of Smoker?

    We can see there are many different types and designs of smokers. There is no one best model or design. Each type has its place depending on the desired use and skill level of the user. The pro pit boss is likely to go for the charcoal or stick burner to get that true authentic smoker flavor. The less frequent user or beginner may be better choosing an electric or gas smoker.

    Personally, I would love to have the time to spend perfecting the art of using a stick smoker. Realistically I am normally a little rushed so compromise with a gas smoker and some great tasting wood pellets.

    Which one are you going for?

  • Cold Smoking Vs Hot Smoking – What is the Difference?

    Cold Smoking Vs Hot Smoking – What is the Difference?

    Cold smoking vs hot smoking: what is the difference between these two smoking options? When should you use each of the options? Read on to find out.

    Smoking food is back in fashion! This ancient method of preserving food has been around since cavemen learned to make fire. In this article we look at the differences between cold smoking and hot smoking.

    The main difference is obvious. Its all about heat. Hot smoking uses temperatures of between 170 to 240 degrees Fahrenheit. Food is hot smoked for 4 to 20 hours. Heat is used to cook the meat and the smoke adds delicious BBQ flavor and aroma. Cold smoking requires low temperatures around 85 degrees Fahrenheit. It takes between one and thirty days. Cold smoking preserves food but does not cook it.

    Both methods need the food to be cured. Normally this is by salting or pickling in a brine solution. Hot smoked food does not need to be fully cured as the cooking also helps preserve it. The food does need to be fully cured before it is cold smoked. Cold smoking is more difficult that hot smoking. It requires more skill and expertise.

    Both hot and cold smoking are easy to master at home. There is a plethora of equipment available. We will explore some of this equipment and different methods of smoking below.

    How to Cold Smoke Food

    Cold smoking requires low temperatures and number of days. Firstly, the food should be fully cured. This is normally by dry curing it with salt or wet curing with a brine solution. The food is then hung or placed on racks in the smokehouse or smoking chamber. Smoke is then fed into the chamber and allowed to flow around the food. The smoke should not be hot. Often the smoke is made in a separate smoke box or fire chamber. The source of the smoke is wood lumps, chips, or pellets. The heat used to create the smoke is wood lump fire, charcoal, gas, wood pellets or electric element. Maintaining a good density of smoke and a low temperature is vital.

    Pros

    The first main advantage to cold smoking is the wider variety of food types that can be smoked. The most common cold smoked foods include:

    • Salmon
    • Kippers (salted and smoked herring from England)
    • Smoked Bacon
    • Dry cured smoked salami
    • Cheese
    • Eggs
    • Nuts
    • Salt

    The idea of cold smoking is to preserve food. The smoke forms an anti-bacterial layer on the food.

    Cons

    It takes a long time. You need to maintain a small fire and source of smoke consistently for several days. It is not uncommon to take the meat out of the smokehouse or chamber and refrigerate it overnight. The process is then restarted the following day. The food remains raw and is either eaten raw (like smoked salmon) or is cooked (like smoked bacon). Once smoked the food still needs to be stored carefully. For example, smoked kippers are now normally vacuum packed. They used to be hung in covered racks somewhere cold.

    Cold smoking is an advanced method of food preservation. The budding enthusiast should first master hot smoking before advancing to cold smoking. The US National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends that cold smoking meat is not done at home. This is due to the risk of food poisoning. This still leaves all the other smoked foods like cheese, fish, nuts, and eggs etc.

    What equipment do you need?

    You need a source of smoke. The smoke comes from burning wood lumps, chips, or pellets. Charcoal, gas, or electricity may be used to help burn the wood. You need a large amount of the wood and fuel to last the duration of the smoking.

    You also need something to hold the smoke close to the food. This could be a massive Alaskan style smokehouse or a tabletop dome chamber like those supplied with a home smoking kit.

    Check out some of our recommended items for home cold smoking below.

    1. Pellet Smoker Tube

    Pellet Smoker Tube

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    This is a simple device you fill with wood chips or pellets.

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    You light the end with a brulee or blow torch and let it burn for a few minutes.

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    Blow out the flames and place it in the smoke chamber with the food. Leave it for four or five hours to work its smoky magic. If the wood chips or pellets are the right size, they will slowly smolder. They provide a thin smoke that is ideal for cold smoking. A kettle grill or similar metal container can be used as a smoking chamber. Some people have even used an old cardboard box!

    2. Smoke Generator

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    A smoke generator burns wood in a fire chamber so you can feed it into your smoke chamber. This version by Smoke Daddy is ingenious. It uses a small electric pump to blow the smoke from the top of the vertical fire chamber into a tube. You connect the tube to your smoke chamber. One filling of the Smoke Daddy’s fire chamber gives about two and a half hours of smoke. You can use your kettle barbeque or other suitable metal contain for the smoke chamber.

    3. Cold Smoking Kit for your electric hot smoker

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    If you have an electric hot smoker you may be able to find an add on to turn it into a cold smoker. These kits remove the heat source from the smoking chamber. They create the smoke in a separate firebox. The smoke is then piped into the smoke chamber of your existing smoker.

    How to Hot Smoke Food

    Hot smoking food uses a heat source to slowly cook the food. It also uses burning wood to provide a fantastic smoky flavor. It is considerably quicker than cold smoking. The temperature is hot enough to cook the food. It takes significantly less time to smoke food at these temperatures. After smoking the food is ready to eat and needs no other cooking. Hot smoked food can be reheated to serve later but it is best served fresh out of the smoker.

    The heat is created by either burning wood, charcoal, wood pellets, or gas. Some smokers use electric elements. The smoke is produced by burning wood lumps, chips, pellets, or sawdust.

    First the food is partially or fully cured. This is to add salt to the food and draw out some moisture and intensify the flavors. Curing is by marinating, dry salting, or brining.

    The smoker is lit or turned on and bought up to temperature. The wood is added to create smoke. If the smoker has a water pan, then this is also filled.

    The food is then added to the smoker and the smoker is sealed. Smoking takes several hours depending on the recipe. During this time, the smoker needs to be watched to ensure the heat and smoke levels remain constant. You may need to add more fuel and wood. Any water pan may need refilling.

    Once the food is smoked, it is removed from the smoker and can be served immediately.

    Pros

    Hot smoking is ideal for the tougher cuts of meat like brisket and pork shoulder. It gives meat an amazing flavor and cooks it perfectly. Modern gas and electric smokers have thermostats and timers. They need much less looking after than the older charcoal and wood smokers. Hot smoking is much faster than cold smoking. The food comes out of the smoker cooked and ready to eat.

    Cons

    Even though hot smoking is faster than cold smoking, it still can take a long time. Several hours are needed to produce a great low and slow smoked brisket. It takes a day to smoke a whole turkey.

    Hot smoking is not suitable for certain food like cheese or bacon. These need to be cold smoked so they are not also cooked at the same time.

    What equipment do you need?

    To successfully hot smoke you need a dedicated smoker. You also need fuel (wood, charcoal, pellets, gas, or electricity) and a source of smoke (wood lumps, chips, sawdust, or pellets).

    The smoker may be a simple kettle grill that doubles as a smoker or a behemoth of a cylinder offset stick burner. It may cost less than $100 or more than $2000. As with anything in life, you get what you pay for. You can find out more about the different types of hot smoker here.

    Let us have a look at some of the items available for the budding home hot smoker.

    1. Masterbuilt Analog Electric Smoker

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    This is the ideal entry level smoker for the budding beginner. It is easy to use and maintain. It uses electricity for heat and wood pellets to make the smoke. The pellets are automatically fed from a cylinder hopper. Temperature and smoking time can be set and controlled automatically. You can load the smoker up, switch it on, kick back and open a bottle of wine. Just remember to check the pellets every hour or so.

    2. Pit Boss Gas Smoker

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    The Pit Boss Gas Smoker gives the same convenience as the electric smoker. It also does not need to be plugged into the mains electricity. The Pit Boss uses two liquid propane burners. One produces the heat for the smoking, the other is used to burn the wood chips to make smoke. It is easily controlled with one simple dial. It is lit by a built-in igniter.

    3. Royal Gourmet Charcoal Grill with Offset Smoker

    AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

    This model is really upping the game. It doubles up as a grill and smoker giving more utility and flexibility. It uses charcoal as the heat source and any form of wood for the smoke. It has a massive smoking chamber allowing lots of meat to be smoked. The separate “offset” fire box allows you to add more fuel and wood. You do not lose the heat and smoke from the smoking chamber. It takes more looking after than the electric or gas smokers.

    Should You Cold Smoke or Hot Smoke?

    And the answer is… Both. Both kinds of smoking have their unique uses. You cannot hot smoke bacon or cheese. You cannot cold smoke beef brisket or a whole turkey. You need to be aware of the pros and the cons of both types of smoking. Hopefully, this article has built your knowledge and will help you make the right decisions.

    Personally, I love low and slow hot smoked chunks of delicious meat served straight from the smoker. Being somewhat old school, I would go for the offset charcoal smoker any day of the week. I simply do not have the patience for days and days of cold smoking.

    Which one are you going for?

  • Weber Spirit vs Genesis: Which One Should You Choose?

    Weber Spirit vs Genesis: Which One Should You Choose?

    Weber Sprit vs Genesis: Which is the better grill? Which one will be right for you? Read on to find out.

    Weber is a very well-known and trusted brand in the world of grilling, and they have a number of different series of grills to choose from.

    If you’ve ever looked around for a grill of your own before, we wouldn’t be surprised if either the Weber Spirit or Genesis names popped up.

    These are two of Weber’s most popular series of grills, each of which have been enjoyed by thousands of people for many years, with the Genesis series being released in 1985.

    Don’t worry, though, as each series has undergone changes and improvements over the years.

    Both of these series have proven so popular over the years that Weber has even released the Spirit II and Genesis II series. Due to this, we’ll be looking at the second generation of both the series to ensure you’re getting the most up to date information. The original series are both still available to buy from, but we fear that they might be a little outdated by now.

    As both Spirit and Genesis are series from Weber, we’ll be looking at a few of the most popular grills from the two series and seeing how they hold up against each other. We’ll discuss both the similarities and differences between them, ending with a comparison.

    If you’ve been wanting to get yourself a Weber grill but find the large selection a little overpowering and daunting, never fear. We’ve created this article to hopefully help you with your decision and make it a lot easier for you.

    What is Weber?

    Weber is a very popular brand that specializes in barbecue grills, accessories, and even barbecue courses. It offers a number of series of grills for you to choose from, including gas, charcoal, and electric models.

    Weber was founded in 1952 and has only kept growing throughout the years, in both size and popularity. One of its main goals is to keep innovating and exploring new possibilities in the grill market. This can be seen by the fact of how they invented the kettle barbecue out of a simple marine buoy.

    Today, Weber is truly one of the market leaders in the world of barbecues and it leads the way for a number of smaller companies. Its experience is what has kept Weber so current and popular over the years, and it is now situated in over 40 countries around the world.

    The Spirit and Genesis series remain to be the most highly rated products from Weber, which is why we’ve chosen to compare them together. If you’re wanting to try out a Weber barbecue for yourself, you cannot go wrong with choosing from either of these groups.

    Best Weber Spirit Grill

    There are three barbecues in the original Spirit series, and five more in the Spirit II series. This series is full of gas grills with two to three burners and side tables attached. You can use these high powered grills for anything, from searing to barbecuing.

    Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

    CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

    Our favorite Weber Spirit grill has to be the E-210, and many customers would agree with us. It uses liquid propane as fuel and features two burners, but you can also get the same grill that’s fuelled by natural gas. This compact grill is ideal for small gatherings and family meals. Don’t worry though, this grill is small but mighty when it comes to its features.

    There is an open cart that allows you to easily reach your tools without having to open any doors, and two side tables for extra preparation space. One of these folds down for better space-saving, and they both have hooks for all of your grilling tools.

    The ignition is easy and very safe, the fuel is distributed evenly to ensure that all your food is cooked at simultaneously, and the flavorizer bars will make you never want to try another barbecue brand again! Finally, the grease management system is very beneficial to prevent you from having to suffer through a grueling cleanup.

    CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

    Best Genesis Grill

    The original Genesis series has actually been revamped and added to, to create the Genesis II series. That is why there are 15 barbecue grills in this series altogether, as some are older than others.

    Grills in the Genesis series are slightly larger than in the Spirit series, and so they can accommodate more food for bigger families and parties. Now we’ll look at the most highly regarded grill that can be found in the Genesis II series.

    Weber 62016001 Genesis II E-435 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill

    CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

    We’ve found that the Genesis II E-435 is the most favored grill out of this series, with four main burners, one side burner, and a separate sear station. As you can see, you’ll be able to cook up a whole feast with this grill, so it’s great for parties and larger gatherings. This model is powered by liquid propane, but you can also choose to receive the same grill that works with natural gas.

    This grill comes with cabinets where you can store your tools when you’re not using them, and a warming rack above the cooking plate where you can keep already cooked foods warmer for longer. Having said that, with the lid down, this grill is excellent at retaining heat by itself.

    The instructions that come with the grill are interactive and 3D, so the setup could not be easier. You can sear, saute, or simmer foods with the E-435, so be prepared for a long cooking session. Once you get on this grill, you won’t want to turn it off!

    CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

    Weber Spirit vs Genesis – Comparison Table

    Image Product Our Rating Buy
    Weber 44010001 Spirit II E-210 2-Burner Liquid Propane Grill CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
    Weber 62016001 Genesis II E-435 4-Burner Liquid Propane Grill CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

    Similarities

    Weber has taken the phrase – if it’s not broken, why fix it? – with these two series, meaning that there are quite a few similarities between the Spirit and Genesis series. Rightly so, as all of these similarities are the great factors that make Weber grills so impressive and special.

    The Ignition

    Weber has described their ignition mechanism as an infinite ignition. This is because the easy to use ignition works almost 100 percent of the time, and it can light the grill in any situation, no matter what the weather is.

    You can find this useful ignition on all of the grills in both the Genesis and Spirit series, simply because it’s such a useful mechanism to have on your barbecue.

    Flavorizer Bars

    The flavorizer bars are both the same on all of the grills in both of these series by Weber. They are triangularly shaped and are positioned between the cooking area and the fire. Flavorizer bars keep the flames from licking up and causing an accidental fire, as well as preventing grease from falling into the fire.

    Fallen grease in the flames could cause them to get out of control quickly, so these bars are a very useful safety device.

    Now you may be wondering why they’re called flavorizer bars if they’re used for this purpose, but they have another job as well. The second reason that they’re used is to keep the flavor in the food. When the grease falls onto the hot bars, it burns and the smoke rises back up into the food that you’re cooking.

    This gives you a smokey taste and makes your barbecue even more flavorful than it would’ve been prior. This is one feature that has proven very popular among Weber customers.

    Grilling System and Technology

    The G45 Grilling System is one that has been developed over the years by Weber. The brand has repeatedly changed its grilling system to make it the best that it can be for the users, and loyal customers have come to be simultaneously excited and nervous about any change to the grilling system.

    This is because they do not want anything to ruin the amazing current system, but they’re also intrigued by the new changes. Luckily, the grilling system that both the Genesis and Spirit series comes equipped with a great grilling system that proves difficult to find flaws in.

     What’s more is that all of these grills offer you the ability to use iGrill 3 technology. This means that you can monitor different features of your grill from your smartphone or tablet, as there is a little tracker embedded in the grill that sends all the information to an app.

    This technology is so smart that it recognizes the internal temperatures of the food that you’re cooking, and the actual temperature of the grill plate. Gone are the days of having to cut into the meat to see if it was cooked, or using that old questionable thermometer that’s been in your family for generations.

    Grease Management

    If the flavorizer bars let some grease slip past them, the grease collection tray is ready to step up to the job. This management system allows all the grease to collect in one place so that you don’t need to clean the whole barbecue after every use.

    The tray is super easy to clean and makes your clean up time much easier and quicker after your grilling session. All of the barbecues in the two series come with this grease management system, so you don’t have to worry about cleaning tough grease off of any of them.

    High-Quality Burners

    All of the burners featured in both of the Spirit and Genesis series have been upgraded and therefore make for a better overall cooking experience. The burners allow for a better, more consistent cooking process with even temperatures across the board.

    After one use of these high-quality burners, you’ll wonder how you ever grilled without them. Trust us, this is one factor that you did not want to be different between the grills in the two series.

    Warranty

    Weber offers a 10-year warranty for all of their grills, including the ones in the Spirit and Genesis series. The process is also very simple, all you have to do is fill out a form and attach some evidence of the problem.

    Brands that offer generous warranties, such as Weber, are often a good indication of a manufacturer who believes in their product. This gives the customer the confidence to invest in an expensive product as they know that their money is somewhat protected.

    Personally, we’d definitely recommend buying a grill with a decent warranty. Weber also offers great customer service to help you with any problems that you may encounter with your Spirit or Genesis barbecue.

    Color Options

    The two main color options that you can choose from are black and stainless steel, however, some grills also offer different color options. The majority of the grills in the Genesis series only come in the two main swatches that we mentioned above, however, some also come in a Smoke color, which is grey.

    The Spirit II does feature some color options, however, on the Weber website, there are four black grills and one stainless steel option. The original Spirit series only features three grills, all of which are black. Amazon offers a few more colors to choose from.

    Differences

    Having looked at all of the similarities between the Spirit and Genesis series, now let’s discuss the differences. Of course, there are a reasonable amount of differences to make sure that Weber caters to all types of grillers.

    The differences that we’re going to be looking at below may determine which grill will be better for you, so this might prove helpful in determining which series you should buy your new barbecue from.

    Size and Power

    You’ll find more burners on a Genesis grill compared to a Spirit grill, meaning that you can make more food for a larger number of people in less time. Moreover, the BTU output will also be increased on a Genesis barbecue.

    Looking into the different series, the Spirit offers grills that come equipped with either two or more burners. On the other hand, the grills in the Genesis series offer more burners. The smallest barbecue in this series offers the user three burners to use.

    Larger doesn’t always equate to better, so you don’t need to choose a grill from the Genesis series just because you want a bigger model. You’ll be spending more money on your gas consumption with a bigger grill, so if you’re not going to use it to its maximum effectiveness, you may find that you’re actually wasting money.

    The Genesis series is best for bigger gatherings or families, whereas the Spirit series is more than suitable for smaller families or intimate get-togethers.

    Additional Features

    The grills in the Genesis II series generally offer more additional features than those in the Spirit series. Genesis grills often come equipped with additional burners, stations designated for searing meats, food carts, and other helpful features.

    Don’t let this deter you from the Spirit series, however, as they also come with some additional features such as lift up trays to store plates. That being said, the Genesis series comes with more features that are often more helpful, impressive, and desirable.

    Which series you choose may depend on how many additional features you want and think that you’re actually going to use. There is no use paying for all of these features that you’re going to forget that they’re there, right?

    Price

    Looking at the two main differences that we mentioned above, it should come as no surprise that the Spirit grills are less expensive than the Genesis alternatives. Having said that, even if you compare two similarly sized grills from both of these series, you’ll still find that the Spirit option is cheaper.

    Another difference is the gas consumption, in which Genesis grills would take the cake. This means that you’ll be spending more money on gas for a Genesis grill thanks to its size, so that might be something worth thinking about before making your decision.

    Customer Reviews

    From our research, we’ve seen that there are many more customer ratings and reviews when it comes to the Spirit series from Weber. While the Genesis line does hold a respectable amount of reviews from happy customers, it is clear to see that Spirit grills have been around longer and well-received by many more people.

    While this may not mean that they’re superior to Genesis grills, we think it’s an interesting factor to consider. More people have used the Spirit barbecues and thought of them highly enough to rate them a high score. This might mean that there is a larger community of people for you to compare notes with.

    If you’re someone who likes to trust other buyers and often chooses the highest rated product, you may want to consider this as a large difference. Bear in mind that this might be more to do with the lower price than the actual performance of the grill.

    Final Verdict

    The main difference between the two lines of grills is how many features you receive and the size of the grill itself. Both of these series are respectable and impressive in their own right, and are covered by Weber’s 10-year warranty.

    We’d suggest determining whether you really need a big grill, or if a smaller model would suffice. There are benefits and drawbacks to both Spirit and Genesis series, but you don’t want to be paying more money if you don’t need a more powerful barbecue.

  • Best Grill Mats for the Money

    Best Grill Mats for the Money

    Which is the best grill mat to buy this year? Read on to find out.

    Grill mats provide a non-stick cooking surface making grilling easier, cleaner, and ultimately much more enjoyable. For those who are regular grillers, you understand the frustration of dropping the food in between the grates and the struggles that you are faced with when it comes to cooking tender and soft foods.

    Investing in a grill mat is an ideal solution to this problem.

    We have reviewed our top five picks for the best grill mats on the market along with a useful buyer’s guide, with all of our top tips for choosing the best grill mat to suit your cooking needs. 

    If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to continue reading, we have selected our top pick for you below.

    Best Grill Mat (Winner)

    Chef Caron BBQ Grill Mat

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    Best Grill Mats Comparison Table

    Image Product Features Buy
    Chef Caron BBQ Grill Mat CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
    Kona Best BBQ Grill Mat CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
    RENOOK Grill Mat CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
    Grillaholics Grill Mat CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON
    Chef Remi Grill Mat – Set of 2 Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Mats CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON

    Best Grill Mats Reviews

    #1. Chef Caron BBQ Grill Mat (Overall Top Pick)

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    For our top pick, we have selected the Chef Caron BBQ Grill mat. Working to protect your grill they can be used with a variety of foods including eggs, pancakes, fish, hash browns, bacon, vegetables, and much more.

     Measuring 17″ x 13″, this mat is intended for professional use, however, it can be cut to size to suit the shape of your grill or cooking surface. With a thickness of 0.25mm, these mats are the ideal recommended size that are going to heat up effectively ensuring that your food is cooked evenly.

    Constructed from a fiberglass cloth, coated with a few coatings of polytetrafluoroethylene, this is a durable mat of excellent quality that is easy to clean after use.

     These grill mats are a great choice for camping trips too, as they are much more convenient to carry around than a non-stick pan. They provide you with a large cooking surface whilst remaining lightweight and easy to fold up after use. 

    Pros

    • These grill mats come in a pack of two, so you have another available if needed to cover multiple surfaces.
    • This grill mat comes with a money back guarantee should you find yourself dissatisfied or experiencing any issues in regards to the quality of the mat.
    • The material can easily be cut to suit the size of your grill or cooking surface.
    • It retails at an affordable price.
    • Due to their larger size, they are great for covering bigger grills without leaving any spaces for food to potentially fall through.

    Cons

    • Food can sometimes be a little prone to getting stuck on the grill.
    • The grill mats are a little susceptible to melting after a few uses so may not last as long as you would like.

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    #2. Kona Best BBQ Grill Mat (Runner Up)

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    The Kona BBQ grill mat is our next choice for you. At 0.39mm thick they are likely to be the thickest mats that you will come across when browsing the market.

    Free of any PFOA, these grill mats will stop heating when they reach their maximum temperature of 600 degrees Fahrenheit, and will see you through many uses on each side before requiring replacement.

    Compatible with the majority of grills, they will keep them looking as good as new, whilst also ensuring that you aren’t confronted with lots of mess after using your grill. Also, you can cook a variety of food including steaks, chicken, and vegetables on these grill mats.

    Conveniently these mats are easy to clean after use. They can be popped into the dishwasher or hand washed if you prefer. In regards to storing the mats, they can either be kept flat or rolled up which prevents them from getting damaged. 

    Pros

    • The maximum temperature of the grill mat cannot exceed 600 degrees Fahrenheit so when they reach this point they won’t continue to heat further.
    • They are likely to be the thickest grill mats that you will come across when browsing.
    • This product comes with a 7-year guarantee and covers accidental overheating too, so you are covered if you should experience any issues.
    • They can be used many times on each side before needing to be replaced.
    • They have excellent non-stick properties and are relatively easy to clean after use.

    Cons

    • As these mats are 0.39mm thick they are likely to take longer to heat up than the others that we have mentioned.

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    #3. RENOOK GrillMat (Runner Up)

     

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    Our next choice is the RENOOK Grill Mats. These heavy-duty mats come in a set of six which is great if you have a larger surface to cover and you require multiple grill mats.

    These grill mats aren’t particularly thick, they are thin enough to leave grill marks on your food whilst keeping the flavor intact too. They also provided ultimate heat whilst remaining resistant and durable.

    They are a reasonable size at 15.75 X 13 inches but they can be cut down to a smaller size, if needed, to suit your grill or cooking surface.

    As non-stick grill mats, they are going to withhold their quality, even when used on multiple occasions. They aren’t going to deteriorate and require replacement regularly even after a lot of exposure to greases on the grill.

    Made from 100% PFOA-Free materials and premium PTFE-Fiberglass coating, no PFOA, silicone, or other dangerous chemicals, these are reliable mats that ensure that the temperature cannot exceed a certain level when used in specific time frames. When the use time exceeds 30 minutes, the maximum temperature of the grill mat cannot exceed 260 F, and when used for a short time the temperature cannot exceed 400 F. This is ideal as you don’t have to worry about the mats overheating resulting in issues surrounding safety.

    These grill mats are very versatile as both sides can be used many times and once used they can be cleaned easily, they simply need to be popped into the top shelf of your dishwasher. 

    Pros

    • These grill mats double as a baking sheet.
    • Coming in a pack of six you have plenty of mats available so you won’t have to make regular purchases and you have plenty for covering multiple cooking surfaces.
    • They retail at a very affordable price.
    • You will receive a 100% refund if you are unhappy with your product.
    • The mats work effectively at preventing the occurrence of any flare-ups.

    Cons

    • These grill mats are prone to melting after a few uses.

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    #4. Grillaholics Grill Mat (Runner Up)

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    For our next choice, we have selected the Grillaholics grill mat. Whilst they aren’t necessarily the thickest mats, they are thin enough to leave grill marks on your food, leaving it packed with flavor, but thick enough to provide heat resistance and durability.

    Coming in a set of 2 with a lifetime replacement guarantee, you have all the mats that you are ever going to need.

    As a multipurpose grill mat, they can be used with any kind of barbeque grill regardless of the brand, and usefully these mats can be cut down to fit any size grill, although they measure 15.75 x 13 inches when left at their current size.

    These grill mats work to prevent any flare-ups whilst ensuring that you aren’t faced with a lot of mess during the cooking process. They work to prevent your food from falling or sticking to the grates and are reusable too. As they are safe for the dishwasher this also makes the cleanup process much easier. 

    Pros

    • These grill mats come with a lifetime replacement guarantee so you never have to find yourself without a grill mat.
    • They are a decent size but if needed they can be cut down to suit smaller cooking surfaces.
    • These grill mats can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit without burning.
    • These mats transfer grill marks onto your food effectively.
    • These mats work well at preventing the occurrence of any flare-ups.

    Cons

    • The grill mats are prone to holding the juice from the food that is cooking, meaning that you have to wipe the mats free of grease during cooking which can be a messy task.
    • Food can be a little prone to sticking to these grill mats.

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    #5. Chef Remi Grill Mat – Set of 2 Heavy Duty BBQ Grilling Mats (Runner Up)

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    For our final choice, we have selected the Chef Remi Grill mat that comes in a set of two. As heavy-duty grill mats, they are great for those who enjoy BBQs allowing you to cook food that is full of flavor, leaving perfect grill marks without any risk of your food falling through the grill plates.

    Constructed out of Heat resistant technology and commercially advanced materials which are PFOA free they are going to work well, even maintaining their quality after repeated use.

    Cleaning up is much easier. Regardless of the cooking surface that they are used on, they simply need to be wiped over with a damp cloth before being placed in the dishwasher.

    They are 0.2mm thick and measure 16 x13 inches. These are decent sized grill mats that can be cut to any size if needed.

    Using these grill mats you can cook a variety of foods including pizza, eggs, bacon, pancakes, and vegetables, along with any other food that you chose to cook on your BBQ. 

    Pros

    • As heavy-duty mats they are ideal for cooking food on the BBQ, keeping the flavor whilst preventing any food falling in between the grates.
    • They are constructed out of heat resistant technology.
    • These grill mats can easily be cut to suit the size of your grill or cooking surface.
    • They are very good value for money retailing at an affordable price.
    • These grills mats come in a package of two which is ideal if you have a larger surface to cover and you require more than one mat.

    Cons

    • The mats have a sticky residue which results in the food becoming stuck so they can be a little difficult to clean after use.

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    Best Grill Mats Buyer’s Guide

    Before investing in a grill mat there are several features that you will want to consider to ensure that you select the right one to cater to your cooking needs. We have listed some criteria below that we would recommend you consider to ensure that you purchase a good quality grill mat.

    Size

    The size of your grill mat is important as you will need to purchase one that is going to fit your grill correctly. We would recommend measuring your grill beforehand so that you choose the product that fits the dimensions.

     Selecting a grill mat that is of an insufficient fit is going to result in the juices of the food hitting the flames and the possibility of food items falling in between the grill plates. It is better to opt for a grill mat that is on the larger side rather than the smaller side. A mat that is too small is going to result in the issues previously mentioned, whereas, a larger mat can typically be cut down to suit the size of your grill if it is too big.

    However, you are going to save money if you invest in a mat that is as close to the size of your grill as possible. If you have a circular grill you do not need to spend your time getting creative by cutting a circle out of a rectangular shape, as you will find circular ones available on the market.

    Thickness

    Grill mats are available in varying sizes. Whilst it isn’t always easy to measure this thickness by simply looking at it, this should be determined when you feel it.

    Preferably you should avoid grill mats that are on the thinner side because they are more likely to heat up faster and burn through. Ultimately this is going to result in a faster deterioration in the quality of the mat.

    On the other hand, a mat that is too thick isn’t going to heat evenly, meaning that your food isn’t going to be cooked evenly as a result.

    A solution to this issue is to opt for a grill mat with a thickness of around 0.25mm. However, anything within a few mm’s of this will be just fine. A mat of this thickness is going to heat up evenly, without compromising safety but maintaining those grill marks. It is also likely to last much longer too.

    Double Coated PTFE

    This is another very important factor and possibly the most expensive part of a grill mat. Although a double coated grill mat is going to result in an increased price, it is going to be beneficial in the sense that it increases the effectiveness and life expectancy of the mat. Double coated PTFE has good chemical and abrasion resistance.

    Temperature Capacity

    Before choosing your grill mat take note of the maximum temperature capacity. Although this isn’t going to vary a lot between the majority of mats we would recommend choosing one with a rating of 500°F. Although one with a higher rating is going to be less likely to break in the event of an accident, a mat with a rating above this is unsafe in regards to PTFE grill mats. Anything with a lower rating is likely to be a subordinate product. Considering grill mats don’t tend to come with hefty price tags, it is worth investing in the best quality product for safety and quality.

    Easy to Clean

    The best grill mat should ideally be easy to clean. After catching all of the excess fat and grease from your food it is highly likely that your grill mat is going to be looking a little worse for wear post cooking. One that cleans easily is going to make the cleanup process much easier. Even better, is a grill mat that is suitable for the dishwasher.

    The Cost

    As mentioned previously, grill mats tend to retail at affordable prices, therefore it is worth investing in the best quality grill mat as this is going to guarantee safety and quality too.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need a grill mat?

    Aside from making soft and delicate foods easier to cook by stopping them from slipping between the grates, a grill mat can also impact the safety around a grill. They don’t produce any flare-ups or spitting coals which can often be the result of grilling on a BBQ with grates.

    How many times can you use a grill mat?

    Almost all grill mats are washable and reusable. Simply heat your grill and use a grill mat every time that it is in use or when it is going to be the most useful. Then place your meat on the grilling surface and you are ready to go. After use, your mat simply needs to be washed ready for the next time. They tend to be durable and long lasting so are very likely to see you through many uses before needing to be replaced.

    Are BBQ Grill mats worth it?

    A BBQ grill mat is worth it if you often find yourself cooking food such as burgers which can be prone to sliding or sagging between the grates of the BBQ. They also prevent the occurrence of flare-ups below the chicken.

  • 5 Fabulous Fire Pit Bowls for Heat

    5 Fabulous Fire Pit Bowls for Heat

    Which is the best fire bowl for heat? Read on to find the top 5 best selling fire bowl pits you can order today online.

    We are going to explore the wonderful world of fire pits and fire bowls! In this article, we will look at the best fire pits and bowls available today. We will then also explore the differences between a fire pit and a fire bowl and look at the pros and cons of each.

    There is something about fire that appeals to our primeval genetic makeup. In history, a fire has meant warmth and security. It has protected us from wild beasts and cold nights. It bought light to the dark and dispelled evil spirits. Even today, light a fire and people naturally gather around it. Even if the weather is scorching hot, a fire makes people group together and chat. It becomes the focal hub of any social gathering.

    There are two main options when looking to build a fire into our modern outside living space. You can choose either a fire bowl or a fire pit.

    A fire pit is a metal, brick or stone enclosure that is used to burn wood. A fire bowl is similar but uses natural or propane gas. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. We will investigate further later in the article. But first, let us look at the top five fire bowls and fire pits available today. We have tried to make a list that has something for everyone. The models selected here are the best of the best products from across the whole range available.

    Best Fire Bowls for Heat – Review

    We have reviewed each of these models and listed a brief description and discuss their pros and cons.

    #1. Elementi Lunar Bowl Cast Concrete Propane Fire Table (Our Overall Top Pick)

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    This amazing fire bowl also doubles up as a table! The wide edge to the large sturdy bowl lets you rest that plate or glass. The propane-fueled fire in the center of the table gives you light, warmth, and comfort on a chilly night. It lets you enjoy alfresco living all year round. The lava rocks in the middle heat up and glow gently. The bowl comes with a 10 ft long hose and regulator. The burner is a high end 304 stainless steel unit complete with burn pan. It produces up to 45,000 BTU so will keep you warm on the chilly nights. You can even toast marshmallows on the lava rock!

    Pros

    • Easy to install and set up
    • Stylish sleek and elegant design
    • Lights very easily
    • No need to store logs or other fuel and no ash to dispose
    • Instant heat and light
    • Easy to turn off
    • Looks great and stays clean
    • No need to store logs or other fuel

    Cons

    • It is pricey (but you are paying for quality, convenience, and style)
    • It uses a lot of gas if the flame is turned up high

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    #2. Esschert Design FF90 Fire Bowl, X-Large

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    This traditional design fire pit is bombproof! It is a simple but effective design. The low-profile fire pit is large enough to load it up with lots of logs. The low profile lets the heat radiate and light spill out easily. The actual bowl is made from cast iron. It absorbs the initial heat and helps radiate it in all directions. The hot iron helps added fuel catch and burn easily. This thing is sturdy! Several customers have reported having one for years with no problems. The fire pit is lifted off the ground by an iron base.

    Pros

    • Classic fire pit design
    • Elegant low-profile design
    • Sturdy construction
    • Simple to use
    • Lasts years as it has no moving parts and is very well built
    • Authentic wood fire look, smell, and warmth

    Cons

    • Ash needs to be cleaned out
    • Needs the skill to light it

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    #3. Red Ember Realistic Stone-like Outdoor Patio Fire Bowl 

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    This is a little different! It is a pedestal fire bowl. This bowl cleverly incorporates the gas bottle enclosure in the pedestal. The steel frame base is cased with fire retardant magnesium composite. This gives a solid and realistic finish. The bowl has stainless steel 30,000 BTU burners covered with a whole heap of lava rock for that realistic look. The weather-sensitive igniter and thermostat are safely enclosed in the base. The increased height of this bowl means it is ideal for people to stand around and chat!

    Pros

    • Clean gas burning fire bowl
    • Pedestal design is great for standing around
    • Great looking strong design
    • Built-in igniter
    • Comes with lava rock

    Cons

    • May not be great for sitting around
    • May use a lot of gas if turned up full

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    #4. GARTIO 28″ Propane Gas Fire Pit Table, 50,000 BTU Square Fire Bowl

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    We all love a multipurpose appliance. This fire bowl also doubles as a table. You can serve a delicious barbeque feast then afterwards light the fire bowl. The 50,000 BTU burner and lava stones produce great heat and light leaving you to chat well into the night. The dark textured finish gives an elegant and timeless look that fits any patio, garden, or veranda.

    Pros

    • Multipurpose uses
    • Elegant sturdy design
    • Versatile – Great for both small and large spaces
    • Huge heat output
    • Built in ignition system
    • Gas bottle is hidden in the base

    Cons

    • Uses a lot of gas if turned up high
    • Table height bowl does not warm legs

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    #5.Cedar Creek Sculptures Death Star Fire Pit

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    We had to include this fantastic masterpiece. Imagine your friends walking into the party only to find the Star Wars Death Star glowing red in the center of the garden. What a talking point! Aside from being unique in design, this is an extraordinarily well-made fire pit. Handcrafted to order; it is made from ¼ inch steel plate.

    Pros

    • Unique design – handcrafted and looks magnificent
    • Solid construction
    • Traditional wood-burning fire pit
    • Made in the USA

    Cons

    • Ash needs to be cleaned out
    • You need to be a Star Wars fan to totally appreciate it (but then who doesn’t like Star Wars huh?)

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    You can see there are lots of different ideas and concepts for fire pits and bowl. But which one is for you? Let us look at the main differences.

    Fire Bowl vs Fire Pit

    A fire pit is the original upgrade to the campfire. Whilst campfires are fun, it is not practical to have one the middle of a beautiful lawn or patio. They tend to leave a great big black fire scar. The fire pit is the natural evolution of the stone circle campfire. The fire pit lifts the fire off the ground and contains the fire and ash. It also gives a better base to build the fire on. The pit itself also retains and radiates heat spreading the warmth more evenly. The fire pit lifts the fire off the ground. The light and warmth from the fire spread out further. This creates a comforting warm light envelope around the people sitting around it. Fire pits do need cleaning out afterwards. They also need to be regularly fed with fuel. The fuel needs to be stored. It is surprising how much timber a well-fed fire pit can burn in just one night. You need storage space for that fuel. The fuel needs to be dry and well-seasoned. It also needs to be the right type of wood. The wrong wood or wet wood causes pos, spits and sparks. These are fire hazards, dangerous to people and cause a mess around the pit. Fire pits also need lighting. This needs dry kindling, fuel, and a little practice. It also takes time to get the fire going properly. They are not so good for that impromptu party. Fire bowls perform the same function but at greater convenience. There is no need to store fuel. Lighting is dead easy. Most bowls have a built-in igniter. The gas is easy to come by and relatively inexpensive. You can turn the bowl on in an instant and have great heat and light. The fire bowls are easily controllable. If you want more heat and light just turn the dial. Extinguishing the bowl is easy by just turning the dial to the off position and letting it cool down. There is also no ash to clean out and no smoke or smell to annoy neighbors. The fire bowls are also safer as they do not spit hot sparks. They can be safely positioned on wooden decks. You will need to follow manufactures instructions. Some may need a heat shield under them. You can connect some of the bowls to a natural gas supply. This means you do not need to change gas bottles. The disadvantages of the gas bowl include the additional expense. Most bowls are more expensive than a fire pit. But as with anything, you get what you pay for. You are paying for safety, convenience, and style. The fire bowl also detracts slightly from the campfire experience. Sometimes nothing beats the feeling of poking a fire with a stick, drinking a beer with your buddies, singing a song, toasting a marshmallow, and staring into the flames. Personally, I love a good fire pit. I guess it’s a man’s thing. I totally get the pros of the fire bowl. I would love to have one build into the center of our patio area. But then I wouldn’t have the excuse to sit on the old log seat next to the real wood fire, occasionally chuck another log on and prod the fire with a stick.