BBQ and Grilling Product Reviews
Proven BBQ and Grilling Products
Everybody is already pushed for time…so who wants to read about a sub par product? That’s why you will never find any questionalble products here! Barbecue News Magazine prides itself on only publishing product reviews for those products that actually pass our tests.
Texas Pepper Jelly: Rib Candy & Bird Bath
Raymond Cato
In the BBQ world the name Craig Sherry and his Texas Pepper Jelly brand of products have been synonymous with creating mouth-watering dishes for years. I have recently had the good fortune of reviewing three great Texas Pepper Jelly products (Mango Lime Habanero Bird Bath, both Pineapple Habanero and Apple N’ Brown Sugar Habanero Rib Candy).
The first one I tried was the Mango Lime Habanero Bird Bath. Naturally I couldn’t have a product called Bird Bath and not use chicken wings for the initial test. After putting a light seasoning of just salt, pepper, and garlic I grilled the wings on the Weber kettle using a vortex. I glazed with the Bird Bath for the last 10-15 minutes and after I pulled the wings I added some more Bird Bath to the pan and tossed the wings around. To go along with the wings I also did some chicken halves, also lightly seasoned with a SPG rub.Immediately the sweetness of the Mango and zestiness of the Lime came through, followed by a hit from the Habanero. Don’t be scared of the Habanero though because the sweetness really balances out the heat creating layers of flavor. The Mango Lime Habanero also pairs excellent with seafood as I found out when I tried it with shrimp and salmon.
Clean Eating Can Be Good Too
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
If you are looking for cleaner BBQ and grilling options, then we have something tailor-made for you. Luvafoodie Company is all about eating well, being well, and staying well without sacrificing. Michelle Mazzara, the CEO, has developed an array of great products that are very tasty without all of the added stuff that some may not want. Her different rubs include Garlic Lovers, Meat Lovers, Seafood Lovers, Sesame Lovers, and Jamaican Lover. She also offers several others that are salt-free, chemical-free, filler-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Only her Umami Spice Blend contains wheat.
Woo Woo Sauce
From Melissa Cookston
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
The winningest woman in BBQ is no rookie at creating flavor makers. Her new Woo Woo Sauce is sure to become a best seller among all the products in her growing line of seasonings and sauces. This sauce is her version of Worcestershire sauce blended with other herbs and seasonings. The extra ingredients definitely puts this flavor generator in a class by itself! Woo Woo Sauce is the perfect marinade, stew/soup maker, or missing ingredient to anything you eat. Without question we think this stuff would make just about anything eatable.
Dirty Dick’s Hot Sauces
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Richard Westhaver, also known as Dirty Dick, is a well-known figure in the BBQ and grilling community. His hot sauce products have been winning awards since 2006, and he began competing in BBQ events in the early 1990s, inspired by an event in Memphis in 1989. Over the years, he has secured more than 15 State Championships with his team, Dirty Dick and the Legless Wonders.
Each of his four hot sauces has earned acclaim. The journey began with the National Barbecue & Grilling Association’s 2006 Awards of Excellence competition, and since then, they’ve garnered over 40 major hot sauce awards, earning them the title of the World’s Greatest Hot Sauce.
Bear and Burton’s Breakfast Sauce
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
My love affair with datil pepper began during summers spent in Saint Augustine, and it’s the very essence of Bear’s and Burton’s Breakfast Sauce that keeps that flame alive. This sauce has turned mundane breakfasts into extraordinary culinary adventures, boasting a delightful fusion of savory and sweet notes that dance on the palate. A luscious tomato base anchors the sauce, introducing a symphony of herbs and spices that add layers of depth and complexity to every mouthful.
What distinguishes Bear’s and Burton’s is its remarkable versatility. While it effortlessly elevates classic breakfast staples like eggs, bacon, and sausages, its allure extends far beyond the morning hours. I’ve uncovered its delectable qualities as a dipping sauce for snacks and a flavorful marinade for grilled meats, showcasing its adaptability. The sauce’s perfect consistency is housed in an easy pour glass bottle, allowing for precision in pouring.
Boyer Grill Brush: Heavy Duty and Safe
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
If you’re serious about the food that comes from your grill or BBQ pits, then you understand the need to clean the grates before you start cooking. In the past I have written about how unsafe the common metal bristle brushes can be as the tiny legs can break off and become trapped inside the food you are preparing. This exact situation caused the invention of the new Boyer Grill Brush.
New MAVERICK Instant Read Thermometer: No Battery or Charging Needed…EVER!
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
The new Maverick DYNT-01 has arrived, and it’s the ultimate BBQ and Grilling tool you must have. This instant-read thermometer is perfectly sized to fit in your pocket and comes with built-in magnets, making it stick effortlessly to any steel grill table or rack. Its large screen readout is a bonus for those with less than perfect vision, and you can easily switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit temperature scales.
What truly sets this unit apart is its ingenious self-powering feature, aptly named Dynamo Temp. Forget about battery changes or charging hassles. This thermometer powers up with a simple rotation of the probe from its fold-down storage position. This innovation ensures that you’ll never be left in the lurch due to forgotten batteries or power failures during a cook. A single probe rotation provides an impressive four minutes of power.
Checkered Pig BBQ Competition Sauce
Raymond Cato
Many of you may remember Tommy Houston (Checkered Pig BBQ) from season 5 of TV’s BBQ Pitmasters. Did you also know that he has been competing since 1980 or that he has two successful restaurants — one in Martinsville and another in Danville, VA? How about the fact that Checkered Pig has a line of sauces and rubs available?
For this review I had the pleasure of sampling the new Competition Sauce. At first glance, it was evident that this sauce was going to be full of flavor. I couldn’t resist the urge to pour some out and taste it by itself straight from the bottle. I immediately realized I had to try this on a slab of ribs and was overly pleased with the results. After the initial rib cook I used the sauce on chicken and pulled pork also resulting in some very delectable dining.
I really enjoyed the sweet, tangy profile followed with just the right amount of spice. If you’re from the South, you know how good it is when I say, “I was literally sopping up the sauce with a piece of bread”. Be on the lookout for this Checkered Pig Competition Sauce to take top honors at some BBQ competitions.
You can get your hands on your own bottle at multiple online BBQ supply sources or the Checkered Pig web page at Checkeredpig.com or you can visit them at either their Martinsville or Danville VA restaurants. I haven’t had the opportunity to try the other sauces or rubs yet but I am really looking forward to doing so soon.
Kendrick BBQ 8 Inch BBQ Knife
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Bennie Kendrick needs no introduction those who are serious about BBQ and Grilling. Bennie is from Santa Maria, CA; famous for its unique style of barbecue that is simply seasoned and cooked on grills over open flames. Bennie’s love of cooking came from barbecuing with his grandfather. His humble, hardworking style turned his passion for great barbecue into a full-time obsession, which is now followed by millions of fans worldwide.
This newly released 8 inch BBQ knife from Messermeister was designed in collaboration with Bennie Kendrick, “The King of Backyard BBQ.” The knife has a deep rocker for effortless prep work. The butcher’s style blade is ideal for cleaving and trimming meats while the 80/20-blade grind is finished with a razor sharp hollow ground edge. These high quality blades are crafted from German X50 stainless steel for knives that are rust resistant and easy to maintain. Solid bolsters and full tang construction give the knives great balance and heft.
We used this knife over the past month on countless cutting tasks and found this knife performed like a much more expensive piece. We found this beast never lost its edge after cutting veggies, proteins, slicing, dicing, or even chopping. We will be putting this one in the knife block for sure. You can find more info about this proven knife at https://bit.ly/KendrickBBQKnife
Heath Riles Rubs & Injection
Raymond Cato
In the world of competition BBQ the name Heath Riles is synonymous with winning. I would venture to say that his products are among some of the most used by BBQ competitors. Not only competition BBQers but home cooks as well have enjoyed using his brand in the creation of many delectable dishes. Having used them myself over the years, with positive results, I can attest to the high quality and intense flavors that come from the Heath Riles family of products. I am honored and grateful to write up a review on 4 of those products ( Authentic Chicken Rub, Authentic Competition Rub, Authentic Cajun Creole Garlic Butter rub, and Authentic Beef Injection).
Smokin’ Pecan Shell Pellets
A 100% sustainable (and tasty) fuel source for all pellet grills
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Think you have seen just about every imaginalbe fuel source for grilling and BBQ? We want to introduce you to a brand new pellet that we think could become a major game changer in the pellet market. Smokin’ Pecan is a family based company from Louisana that has been a part of the pecan growing community since the 1950’s and now with a way to turn their biggest by-product (pecan shells) into a fantastic flavor maker.
Being from South Georgia we are no stranger to seeing or using pecan wood as a source of smoke for our grills. The abundance of pecan here in our region is another major factor as to why we use it constantly. In the past we have burnt the pecan hulls during outdoor oyster roasts as the smoke gives the grilled seafood delights an added flavor kick…and they were always free from the local pecan shelling mill. For years these mills have offered the cracked and broken hulls to be used for everything from mulch in flower beds to art pieces in decorations for homes.
INKBIRD 5G Smart Thermometer
Newly Released Thermometer Proves To Be Beyond Useful
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
The newly released INKBIRD IBT-26S 5G smart thermometer is a winner! Not only is this an “everything you need” thermometer but the stylish looks are a plus too. Bluetooth, 5G, 6 total probe ports (5 reading ports plus an ambient reading port) will keep you in the know about everything you’re cooking and the device it is cooking on. Settings include C or F readings, timer, high and low temps for all probes, alarm on or off, magnet suction or kick plate stand mount, and even has 23 preset temps that are suggested from USDA. You can even personalize your alarm tone so you never react to another thermometer alarm.
LoCo 22 inch SmartTemp Kettle Charcoal Grill
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Looking for a charcoal grill that will allow you to cook and do other things at the same time? Then we have a must have for you. The new LoCo 22inch SmartTemp Kettle Charcoal Grill is one of the easiest charcoal fueled grills we have ever started and ran. I’m thinking we will be gifting a few of these to friends who are currently stuck on pellet cookers because they are scared they might not be able to operate a charcoal grill well enough not to burn everything they try to cook.
This new SmartTemp technology combined with an adjustable deflector heat shield can almost guarantee you will protect your grilled items from open flame, but it also offers the option to cook directly over the bed of coals if wanted. Our surface testing found three different achievable temperature zones on the 22 inch grate and these can be set up all at once. You can also set up the grill to run one single medium heat temperature across the entire grate (see photo examples). You can also run the entire grill at the max heat possible with the heat deflector taken out of the grill. The first set up is a perfect setup for cooking the perfect steak after searing it and using less direct heat to bring the internal temperature to your desired wanting.
The Ice-pron
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
This multi-use barbecue tool has proven to be one of the most useful barbecue and grilling accessories we have ever tested. This thing isway more then just a device to stay clean while cooking outdoors. This very well could be the coolest cooking apron ever made. We can even see this becoming a shop or gardening apron as well.
Pockets for all your tools, detachable micro fiber towel, adjustable neck cooling unit/wind blocker with reusable ice packs, all brass rivets, double stitching throughout, and extra-long waist ties fit 4X-medium sizes. The quality of this unit is going to last a long time as it is built super strong to survive the harsh environment of the BBQ and grilling lifestyle.
This would make the perfect gift for any grill/pit master. You can find more about this amazing product Inferno Phil’s Outpost website at https://infernophil.com/products/ice-pron.
Proven Flavor Makers From James Cruse
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
If the name James Cruse is new to you then you might want to start watching the BBQ competition trail a bit more closely. This fellow has been on fire for the past few years as he has introduced his Louisiana flavors to a ton of different BBQ judges with most of them liking his style a lot!
His team, Bluff City Smokers, has made the finals (placing in the top 3 overall spots) in the rib at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. In 2021 his team actually won the Rib category. That same year James went on to finish up sixth place overall at the World Food Championships in barbecue (first place, pork). In 2022 James was a cast member on the third season of Food Network show “BBQ Brawl.” James told us his biggest accomplishment in BBQ is winning 3 grand champi-onships at Hogs For The Cause in his back yard of New Orleans.
Triple Threat Of Flavor Makers In One Box
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Meat Whiskey Smokers have been working hard over the past several years to find the perfect Memphis style blend of dry seasonings and a single sauce that all work together to form a great BBQ and Grilling flavor profile. After cooking with their Triple Threat gift pack we think they have created something beyond special.
These three different flavor makers are not only fantastic but their combination of products together simplify the process of making a complex flavor profile for any grilled or smoked protein. They have also made a version of their all-purpose or base rub that is hotter for those who like a touch more heat.
Twisted Steel Lima Loca Rub By Marty Plute
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
If you’re looking for something really different and not offensive in any way, then we have found a winner for you. This new creation from Marty Plute is simply afantastic fit for anything you want to grill, smoke, drink, or eat raw!
The presence of lime is there but not in a “slap your face” way. The rub motto is “A crazy twist of flavor” describes this spice mixture perfectly. This is, without a doubt, one of the most unique rubs we have ever tried and are beyond glad for the opportunity. We are betting this homerun will end up in just about every cook trailer in America.
Trauma Hogs SPG And BBQ Rub
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Trauma Hogs is the dream of two ER/Trauma nurses, Jason and Tiffany, and their best friend David Ellison. Their dream began while working at the hospital. Jason started working on his own recipes and competed in BBQ competitions on the side. He would take his leftovers to share with his fellow nurses at the hospital to get feedback. That quickly developed into people asking for him to cook for their event or their child’s birthday parties, etc. Soon enough, Trauma Hogs BBQ came to life! Today this awesome team is wowing crowds by the thousands with their handcrafted goodness.
Spider Grills: Venom
Raymond Cato
Let me first state that there are many people, myself included, who believe that the Weber kettle grill is by far one of the most dependable and foolproof pieces of outdoor cooking equipment there is. There are also people, again including myself who feel that the Weber is perfect as is and doesn’t need any type of modification to produce some great BBQ. Having said that I also know that there are tools and options that make any job easier and more enjoyable. Just as a car doesn’t “NEED” cruise control, power steering or air conditioner but all of those things make driving a vehicle a much more pleasurable experience.
True Taste Of Maine
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
We are not aware of another seasoning blend that we’ve tried that claims they were created from a true miracle. Bub’n Mutha’s story starts with a cooking Mutha (Maine for Mother) who regained her sense of taste after creating these magical flavor makers.
Blending standard rub spices with real Maine ingredients like organic blueberry powder, maple crystals and even Raye’s Mustard (the oldest mus- tard company in America) helps to create the original DownEast Dinnah (pronounced dinn – uh) Dust which is the miracle maker mentioned above. Later, they added honey crystals and chipotle to the mustard and blueberry to create their “Honey ‘n HEAT” flavor.
Dan O’s Seasoning
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
If you’re on the search for a healthier way to bring some serious flavor to you food, then we have found
several options for you. Dan O’s Seasoning has three different blends of flavor makers that will wake up anything you add it to.
Low sodium, no sugar, no MSG, and non GMO make this stuff an automatic for anyone fighting bland food on their current diet. All 3 offerings that we tested are much different from the normal BBQ and grilling seasoning we have ever tried but there is no way to hide just how much flavor these rubs add to virtually anything.
Their vision is to make real seasoning available across the country with a proprietary blend that contains the right amount of real sea salt and 100% herbs and spices. Our tests on chicken, pork steak, and different veggies proved to us that their vision is well on the way to becoming reality.
Our favorite tests came on some grilled asparagus with the origi- nal blend and the spicy blend was perfect on the Super Bowl pop- corn we enjoyed. You can find more about Dan O’s on just about every social media platform made or by searching their internet famous catch phrase “Yum Yum Get Ya Sum. You can find the at https://danosseasoning.com.
Live Fire Cooking Must Have
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
If you’re a fan of live fire cooking then you are likely no stranger to Mr. Al Frugoni. Al has been showing off his live fire cooking skills for years and now is sharing one of his biggest secrets with his Chimi Churri rub mix. I am always amazed at how patient and detail oriented Al is when he is cooking over or beside an open flamed fire. Without a doubt he has a skill set that few others have mastered to his degree.
Pit Punch Cleans Without Unseasoning
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Every great pitmaster understands the need to start with clean tools to ensure every cook is the same. This also has to include their grill or pit of choice. A dirty grill or pit can ruin an excellent recipe by changing to gentle smoke flavor profile to a raw bitterness from creosol build up inside the pit. The best way to guard against this process happening is to totally clean your cooking unit back down to the bear metal, which then means you will need to reseason it before cooking.
Steak Rub That’s Above All Others
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Marty Plute is one of the hottest steak competitors in the country and has released one of his secret weapons called Twisted Steel Steak Appeal. Marty has been a constant in the top 5 points chase with the Steak Cookoff Association in 2022. Marty developed this rub to help improve upon his 2021 final finish of 21st. Without question this new creation is working for him and several others as well.
BBQ Innovation
Raymond Cato
With Barbecue being thousands of years old and the addition of BBQ sauce on meat having been around since at least the 16th century, there hasn’t been too many recent innovations in the sauce world. In fact other than different recipes or ingredient modifications, the most recent big innovation was probably in the 1940s when BBQ sauce was first bottled. This new product may change all that(at least in my opinion).
Smokin X Rubs
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
If you attend and cook much around Texas then you are sure to recognize the Smokin X logo and name of pitmaster John Reeves. John is a champion pitmaster who has dedicated years of sweat equity into his newest creations.
Baby Out Sauce
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
“Necessity is the mother of invention” and in this case, a flavorful, sweet, and spicy barbecue sauce with a great story.
LoCo Portable Grill
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Have you jumped on the griddle train yet? If not, then you are missing out. We have been playing around on different types of griddles for years but hated the fact that nothing we had tried was truly portable.
LoCo has come to our rescue with their new 16” tabletop griddle. This tailgate perfect unit weighs in at 37 pounds and truly made to be moved around the cook site, backyard, or camp. The unit has a single burner and thick cast iron plate that should stand the test of time. The unit also runs off the portable propane bottles but also has the can connect to standard 20-pound cylinders with an adaptor kit.
Dan Pastorini’s Rub Collection scores big
While attending the Players Tailgate for Super Bowl LI, we got to meet and chat with Dan Pastorini, who was not only a childhood football hero but also a hero in our teenage years as an NHRA Top Fuel Champion driver. Little did we know before seeing him that he is also a huge barbecue fan and is actually producing his own line of barbecue rubs.
Guy Fieri told us, “This is the stuff I use every day and use a lot of it.” That’s when we jumped at the chance to give them all a try. Little did we know all the barbecue that we got to eat at the tailgate party had been seasoned with these products…including the whole hogs from the front page!
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Mr. Steak To Introduce New Line Of Portable Grills
Just in time for grilling season, Mr. Steak® has announced a groundbreaking line of portable grills now available nationwide exclusively online and in-store at Bass Pro Shops. Known for their stunning build, ultra-durable construction and technologically advanced infrared temperature control, Mr. Steak is bringing its cutting-edge design to a portable grill – available in one-burner and two-burner models – sure to make any outdoor adventure more delicious.
About Mr. Steak®: Mr. Steak is a line of grilling products created to help elevate the ultimate dining experience at home. Launched in 2016 and invented by longtime grilling enthusiast, Mick Scully, a.k.a. “Mr. Steak,” the company offers a variety of grilling accessories, seasonings, and both Patio and Portable grills which feature infrared technology and the highest quality construction. All products are exclusively available online and in-store at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations across North America. Visit https://mrsteak.com/to learn more.
Grill Rescue Brush
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
No more wire-bristle brushes please! The horror stories about these death traps are real and could happen to anyone. It’s honestly like playing Russian roulette if you use those to cleanyour grill grate.
The Grill Rescue Brush is a perfect grate cleaner for any grill or pit. The brush is used on a hot surface and it uses steam as the main cleaning source. Simply wet the cleaning head in water and swipe over the hot surface to create a steam cleaning that is safe and very effective.
VIEW THE FULL PRODUCT REVIEW HERE!
Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Barrel Charcoal Briquets and Chips
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
We got the opportunity to pick up a sample bag of these new and improved briquets while visiting The Shed SCA steak showdown back at the end of January. The package has not changed much but the product inside the bag certainly has.
These new briquets contain about 15% of the authentic oak barrel that the distillery uses to age their whiskey. The bags also contain a half-pound of the barrel wood chips for those looking to add even more smoke to their cooking process.
We tested the charcoal and chips inside our Weber Kettle grill while cooking sirloin steaks, chicken thighs and even did some mixed veggies over our test coals. There is no question that these improved briquets are indeed flavor makers. We tested several chicken thighs without using the added chips for extra smoke and found a different smoke flavor that we really enjoyed. Our next batch of thighs had a few handfuls of the chips added to the charcoal and those same enjoyable flavors were amplified tenfold.
We fully intend on using these during our next SCA steak event as our favorite results were found while using a simple salt, pepper, and garlic seasoned sir-loin steak with the briquets and chips combined. We have also tested these briquets with our golden ticket winning recipe on ribeye steak and found a new combination that we think is better than any-thing we have cooked before.
You can find the entire line of Jack Daniel’s ® BBQ and grilling products online at https://jdbbqproducts.com.
Tappecue Airprobe 2
Wireless Thermometer That Works and Is Also Safe
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Tappecue is a company that no stranger to this publication. We’ve had the opportunity to test and report on just about every unit the company has released since 2013. Their cloud based invention was a real game changer for the food industry. Their newest products are once again opening doors that have been closed for years.
The latest unit from Tappecue is their newly updated AirProbe2. This small wireless unit measures both grill temperature and also measures internal temperature of what your cooking. The best part of this awesome device is that the unit itself doesn’t contain a battery. Sad reality is we have tested a few competitors that had batteries inside the probes and have actually seen them explode during the cooking process. You won’t have that worry with this unit as there is nothing inside to ruin your food. The specs on the directions for these probe have a max internal temperature of 212 degrees and max ambient temperature of 572 degrees.
“Sunshine State Of Mind” Craft BBQ Rub
Ben Que’n
Product Reviews
Robyn Lindars, aka “Grill Girl,” has released her craft BBQ and grilling rub. If you are a BBQ and grilling fan then there’s a great chance you’ve seen Robyn on social media as she currently has al- most 90,000 followers over several different platforms. Her healthy recipes have certainly contributed to her successful fol- lowing but her constant participation at major competitions has her known as a real deal BBQ gal.
This all-purpose rub is without a doubt one of the brightest com- binations of flavors we have ever tasted in a single seasoning mix- ture. This unique blend of spices contains kaffir lime, grapefruit, granulated honey, himalayan salt, and coriander. If you enjoy tropical taste profiles then this will be your new favorite.
We tested this unique blend on several traditional proteins and found it accented poultry nicely. Our favorite use was sprinkled on an orange or grapefruit. We couldn’t find watermelon to test with it but we are almost willing to bet the farm that would be nothing short of spectacular! Our second favorite use was using the rub on the rim of cocktails.
You can find more info about “Grill Girl” Robyn Lindars and her awesome rub at her website www.GrillGril.com.
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