Who would have thought that the secret to great-tasting grilled food was electricity? The Bob Grillson Wood Pellet Grill ($TBA) makes a convincing case, using traditional power to burn up wooden pellets that give your food a signature flavor without the need to build an actual fire. It also sports an oiled bamboo tray for chopping, prepping, and beer-holding, a delightfully modern design, large golf caddy wheels for easy mobility, cast-iron, porcelain enameled grates, an electronic temperature control, and an integrated thermometer. What else would you expect from the only grill that has a first and last name?
We've seen a lot of portable grills, but perhaps none more simple or versatile than the Slat Grill ($110). Able to fit neatly into an included carrying pouch, the grill is made of hard-anodized aluminum and stainless steel, sets up in just minutes, has no moving parts, and thanks to the open design, lets you use any heat source you'd like. Great for camping, tailgating, or hiding away for post-apocalyptic use.
Provide the full gamut of gameday goodness without a whole mess of tools with the Blacktop 360 Grill-Fryer ($250). Obviously designed by hungry — and possibly drunk — humans, the 360 combines a deep fryer, grill, griddle, and warming plate into a single circular gas-powered wonder, letting you grill burgers, cook bacon, fry onion rings and get your buns warmed up all without moving an inch. [Scouted by Dustin]
Proper rotisserie cooking generally requires a large setup — which is a problem when you're wanting some perfectly-cooked skewers at your next tailgate. Enter the Carson Portable Rotisserie Grill ($720). This suitcase-sized setup can hold up to seven rotating skewers — powered by an internal rechargeable battery or plug-in wall adapter — and offering a high-heat porcelain-coated charcoal tray, rugged, lightweight aluminum construction, 4,000 cubic inches of cooking volume, and the ability to turn 10-12 people into best buds with just a couple bites. [Scouted by Carl]
Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.
Smoke it wet, smoke it dry, or don't smoke it at all with the Napoleon Apollo 3-in-1 Smoker ($360). Sporting a unique modular design, the Apollo offers three separate cooking chambers, each with its own 20-inch cooking grate, vents, and temperature eyelets for precise heat control, and a horizontal bar with five meat hooks in the upper lid for hanging fish, ribs or sausages. Of course, you don't have to use all three — remove all but the bottom, and it becomes a humble charcoal grill. It's up to you — so don't come complaining to us if your idea of using old newspaper as fuel leaves your food with an odd inky flavor.
Grills are better on wheels — and we're not talking about those flimsy things on the side of your stack. Brennwagen Grills (€500-€4,400; roughly $725-$6,300) sport thick, sturdy wheels on all four corners, as well as a handle for easy pulling and a host of high-end features like fully isolated drawers for meat and drinks, stainless steel construction, integrated thermometers, drum brakes, and height-adjustable grill units. It's German engineering at its tastiest.
Whether you're a professional tailgater, the designated family reunion chef, or simply have a reason to make unreasonably large quantities of smoked food, you would do well to check out the Rolltisserie ($6,700-$7,300). Made entirely of 304 stainless steel and mounted on dedicated trailers, these mammoth smokers combine a fully automatic, gas-fired, wood-smoking oven with a digital temperature control system and over-sized self-basting rotisserie system to cook nearly 200 pounds of food at once, making for an awful lot of happy diners.
Traditional smokers do a great job of imparting flavor to your food, but if you're not careful, you could end up with a Griswold-dry roast by the end. The Meco Stainless Steel Electric Water Smoker ($195) overcomes this by sitting a pan of liquid — water, seasonings, beer, whatever — between the heat and your meat (not your meat), slowly cooking while dispersing smoke and vapor that helps to keep your food moist. This particular model features a 1500 watt heating element, over 300 square inches of cooking surface, a removable thermostat, and wood handles so you don't inadvertently burn your hands, Darkman-style.
Plan on grilling some meat that's larger than your typical grill prongs can handle? Step up to these Bear Paw Meat Handler Forks ($15). Made from hard plastic, these tools work as an extension of your own hand, letting you easily pick up large cuts of meat, securely hold it when carving, or just use the Paws themselves to shred the meat like a vicious wild animal.
'Tis the season for grilling, which means it's also a great time to start stocking up on grill-related accessories like cookbooks, tools, and wood. Yes, wood, like these Afire Mini Grilling Planks ($12). Sold in packs of four, these hand-selected 6"x7" planks come in black cherry, cedar, golden alder, and sugar maple, letting you choose just the right flavor to complement whatever it is you're cooking.
Save your hands from a summer filled with random burns and scorched hairs with the Pit Mitt ($20). Featuring synthetic aramid fibers, it creates a flexible barrier between you and the heat of the grill or oven — up to 475ºF — and also offers an extra-long cuff for forearm protection and reversible skills to protect righties or southpaws.
Gas grills have the benefit of instant, no-fuss ignition. Charcoal grills impart more flavor. Luckily, you don't have to choose between the two, thanks to the Weber Performer Grill ($330). With Touch-N-Go gas ignition system, the Performer starts up in no-time, and offers a 363 sq. in. cooking surface, a heavy-duty metal cart with built-in charcoal storage container, a lid-mounted thermometer, a plated steel hinged cooking grate to make adding extra briquettes easier, two Char-Basket charcoal fuel holders, and a large thermoset work table to keep your tools, spices, and other necessities within arm's reach.