Fuel, Wood and Care
Best Wood for Smoking Brisket, Ribs and Chicken
Find the best wood for smoking brisket, ribs, chicken and more, with clear flavor pairings, chunk tips and ways to choose a wood that suits your cook.
Fuel, Wood and Care
Charcoal, wood, thermometers, seasoning, cleaning and the gear worth buying first.
Fuel, Wood and CareHow to Clean a Smoker After Every Few Cooks
Learn how to clean a smoker after a few cooks: clear ash and grease, choose a safe grate cleaner, avoid surface damage, and prep for your next cook.
Fuel, Wood and CareHow to Season a New Smoker Before You Cook
Learn how to season a smoker before cooking, from cleaning and coating bare metal to running a hot burn and checking your smoker's manual.
Fuel, Wood and CareHow to Use a Charcoal Smoker for the First Time
Learn how to use a charcoal smoker, choose fuel and wood, set airflow, manage heat, and check food. This beginner guide covers setup, care, and common mistakes.
Fuel, Wood and CareLump Charcoal vs Briquettes for Smoking: Which to Burn?
Compare lump charcoal vs briquettes for smoking by heat, burn control, ash, and flavor, then choose the fuel that suits your smoker and cooking style.
Fuel, Wood and CareSmoker Accessories Worth Buying First
Choose smoker accessories that solve real cooking and care needs, from tracking meat temperature to handling hot food, lighting charcoal, and covering an offset smoker.