Grilling

20 Helpful Cooking Tips

How to Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter
How to Use a Charcoal Chimney Starter
Here are some tips on how to use your charcoal chimney starter.
Published: June 2020
Does Vent Placement on Charcoal Grills Really Matter?
The configuration of the top and bottom vents matters more than you think.
Published: July 2019
Test Kitchen Tips for Grilled Whole Chicken Recipes
Whole birds spend more time on the grill, which means more grill flavor. But all too often you end up with flabby skin, fierce flare-ups, and bland, unevenly co…
Published: June 2014
Preventing and Eliminating Grill Flare-Ups
Grilling chicken pieces without flare-ups as fat drips down into the grill can be a real challenge. Here are a few tips to help combat this problem.
Published: June 2013
Lighting a Charcoal Grill Without a Chimney Starter
If you don’t have a chimney starter, use this easy technique to light the charcoal.
Published: August 2012
The Best Way to Grill Corn
Get great grilled-corn flavor with these test kitchen tips.
Published: August 2012
How to Choose the Best Pork for Grilling
What's the best cut of pork for grilling? What's the difference between thick-cut and thin-cut chops? And is bone-in-or boneless better? Here are the test kitch…
Published: August 2011
Unexpected Grill Seasonings
These spice rack standards add a surprising—and welcome—complexity to spice rubs and sauces.
Published: August 2010
Best Steaks for Grilling
Even a steakhouse can't make a tough, flavorless steak tender and delicious. Starting with a thick steak is key – but which cut? With all of the options at the …
Published: August 2010
Measuring Propane Levels
How do you judge how much gas is left in a propane tank?
Published: August 2010
When to Start Grilling Steak on a Charcoal Grill
When grilling steak, should you wait until the briquettes in the chimney are covered with ash?
Published: June 2010
An Easy Solution for Sticking Skin
Skin that just won’t let go of the grill is an all too common problems when grilling chicken. Here’s why it happens—and how to keep it from happening to you.
Published: June 2009
Grill Safety Primer
Three tips to keep your grilling accident-free.
Published: June 2008
Types of Ribs
What’s the difference between baby back, spareribs and loin back ribs?
Published: August 2007
Smoking Wood
Different types of wood chips will have differing effects on the flavor of your food. Here’s a primer.
Published: June 2007
Fruit and Fire
Grilling caramelizes the sugars in fruits and gives them a complex, smoky flavor. But not all fruit belongs on the grill.
Published: April 2007
A Smoking Gas Grill
How can you use wood chips on a gas grill?
Published: August 2006
Grilling Vegetables 101
Grilling is the best way to cook many summer vegetables. Here's a list of vegetables we like to grill, with preparation information and timing.
Published: August 2006
Grill Brush Substitute
This grill brush alternative is made from an inexpensive kitchen staple.
Published: June 2005
Readying Ribs For the Grill
Preparing ribs for the grill starts with removing the membrane—here’s our easy method.
Published: June 2005